Hi pinotguy and welcome to the forum ! I never owned a 8x68S but can tell You from what I have heard from hunting comrades that this is a pretty fast long-range cartridge for big game hunting, easily matching the .300 Weatherby. It was developed in the late 1930s by RWS as a high-performance cartridge, using a then new stronger and bigger case which was also used in the splendid 6,5x68. For this reason, a rather strong reloading press is recommended. Since You are from CO, I see plenty of opportunity for the 8x68S, it should be perfect for the mountains. Maybe You should think about taking some kind of hearing-protection with You, the muzzle blast is absolutely Weatherby-like !

Kalunga

Wicked good hunting