Gentlemen,

thank you very much for your thoughts an information about the rifle/cartridge!

One purpose for which I regard this rifle as ideal is varminting, the long range (200m plus) shot at young summmer foxes in long fields from a "hochsitz" or crows from a blind

I will try 55grs bullets (according to the books max for the 1:14" twist) like
- Sierra 55grs SPBT Gameking as a cheap test bullet
- 55grs Ballistic Tip, V-Max and maybe Berger HP Varmint Flat Base for best accuracy and for varmints

Powder will be Kemira N140.

If the reloadings bring sub-moa accuracy (I hope for less than 20mm for 4 shots at 100m) I will go hunting in June for foxes and assess the kind of damage this combination will do on these 5-8kg animals.
After some experience I will assess the "need" for a AI improved version and the related costs and hassles.

This cartridge in either version seems not sensible for roe deer, I expect much meat damage on short distances and lack of penetration on medium ranges, even not with these varmint bullets.

Again, thank you very much and have a nice day!

best regards
Rolf

@John: Did you have any experiences (or hopefully success?) with the 8mm and 9,5mm Mannlicher Schönauers?