Hello to the Mauser info database,

I was wondering about ammo for the 8x60S. Apparently, only RWS loads ammo for it and the price is what you might expect: a bit dear, as one might say it.
All calibers in this post are supposed to fire the S bullet of .323" diameter bullets.

Having read about the history of the cartridge I have a couple of questions:
1) It was made from the 8x57. How? Since the 60mm case is longer, this does not seem quite logical.
2) Since it is based on the 8x60, can 8x57 ammo be safely fired in a 8x60 chambered gun?
3) From which caliber brass is it most convenient to make 8x60 brass? I think that .30-06, 9,3x62 (I'm in Europe) and 7x64 would all probably be suitable.
4) Load data: can 8x57 load data be safely used?
5) Re-chambering for bigger: since the guns will have been made on the long action, is re-chambering for 8x64 a no-brainer, i.e. just a matter of reaming the chamber? How about reaming to the 68mm cartridge (which also requires opening the bolt face)? I'd expect the 68 to give some problems with too short a magazine in the 60 although the OAL is only 83,60mm v. 87mm i.e. but 3,4mm difference.
6) Firing shorter rounds in a longer chamber: can 60mm ammo be fired in a gun chambered for the 64mm cartridge? How about the 57mm cartridge in a 64mm chamber?

I have spotted a couple of Sako Mausers in 8x60S and I was wondering if the caliber is actually in practice useful or will these be more collector's items/wallhangers.

- Lars/Finland