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Shooting & Reloading - Mausers, Big Bores and others >> Rifles
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pinotguy
.275 member


Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 57
Loc: CO
8x68S RWS inquiry.
      #70775 - 04/02/07 07:50 AM

I have been intriguied by the 8x68S RWS for some time now. My hope is that the membership here will be able to shed some additional light on it for me. I do not know all that much about it but it seems like an extremely potent and efficient loading. To the best of my knowledge, RWS and Hirtenberger still load factory ammunition and I have seen brass offered by Huntington's and Buffalo Arms. It is .323 only but that shouldn't pose too many problems as there is a good selection of 8mm bullets available. Has anyone here ever used this caliber? If so, what were your experiences?

Thanks in advance for any information. (This is a great site!)

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AdamTayler
.375 member


Reged: 22/03/04
Posts: 688
Loc: B.C.
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: pinotguy]
      #70782 - 04/02/07 11:12 AM

I believe NitroX used one on his safari last year.

--------------------
It's the journey, not the destination.

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Kalunga
.333 member


Reged: 16/06/06
Posts: 328
Loc: Germany
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: AdamTayler]
      #70808 - 05/02/07 06:38 AM

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

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blackberry9
.224 member


Reged: 28/07/06
Posts: 23
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Kalunga]
      #70813 - 05/02/07 09:57 AM

Hallo pinotguy:

Here in Germany the 8x68S is very popular by hunters which have to shoot on long distances.
The Cartridge was developed in 1938/39 by RWS in Nürnberg. The aim of the development was to become a cartridge which fits in the standart Mauser M98-reciever and shoots flater than the used 8x64 and 8x75.
For the high pressure they made the case-brass very thick. The older powders wasn´t so progressiv, so that the case needs a long and flat shoulder (like the .300H&H Mag.).
Standard-loads have 180-225gr buillets. The ballistic facts are between the .300 and .340 Weathertby Mag., but the cartridge needs lesser powder, than the Weatherbys.
A good choise for the high velocity would be the Swift A-Frame or the Nosler Partition. With softer, but very precisious buillets like the Nosler Ballistic-tip don´t shoot games nearer than 150yds.
Very long buillets, like the modern sollids can make length-problems in standart M98-Mausers.

regards
Manolito

Edited by blackberry9 (05/02/07 09:59 AM)

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DarylS
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Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26994
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: pinotguy]
      #70871 - 06/02/07 06:18 AM

My hunting buddy here in B.C. has been using an 8x68S custom rifle since I met him in 1979. It is his preferred carry-rifle. He has .338's, .375's and most other calibres as well, prefers the 8x68 for his serious hunting. I think his rifle is on it's 3rd barrel now. He also shoots a couple 6.5x68's. I built the 6.5x68 some years ago, as well as a .375 on the 8x68 RWS brass. There is no better brass on the planet for a big game rifle, than RWS 8x68 brass.
: My friend preferred the 196 gr. Norma yelow plastic tipped bullet in the past, but believe he has a whack of others now as well as the Euro 181gr. bullets which he says work well on our big game here.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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Safarischorsch
.275 member


Reged: 28/02/04
Posts: 98
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: pinotguy]
      #71276 - 12/02/07 05:54 AM

My prefered huntingcartridge.

Powerfull and without an ugly belt.

Shot a lot of boars with 196gr CDP most of them dropped in the tracks.

Oryx do not like the 8x68S kudus too...

The qualitiy of the RWS 8x68S brass is excellent.

Premium bullets such as a-Frame, CDP or TSX are a must for closer shots and heyvy game cause of the speed...

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pinotguy
.275 member


Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 57
Loc: CO
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Safarischorsch]
      #71294 - 12/02/07 08:59 AM

Sincere thanks to everyone who's responded so far - I appreciate the input. The more I learn about this cartridge, the more I become a fan of it. Everyone that I've talked to (at least those who have heard of it) seems to agree that it is a tremendous hunting round - very powerful, flat-shooting, and a well-designed case. The only negative thing I've encountered is the total lack of ammunition available here in the U.S. I do not reload currently, which seems like an absolute must for this round (I plan on getting into reloading at some point), and I will need some ammo for test firing. Where would I find some ammunition domestically? I know that RWS and Blaser produce factory ammo but I am having difficulty finding the RWS and (supposedly) Blaser Ammo is not imported into the country. The only other lead I've come across is Safari Arms, who supposedly will make it on a custom basis.

Thanks again.

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Collath_500BPE
.300 member


Reged: 30/08/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Europe, Austria
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: pinotguy]
      #71332 - 13/02/07 12:26 AM

Hi pinotguy,
I use 8x68S since 40 years in an original M.Sch.with best results at distances over 250 yards in flat hunting areas.It is a very wind resistant cartridge.
kind regards Johann from Austria




Edited by NitroX (17/08/10 03:34 AM)

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Collath_500BPE
.300 member


Reged: 30/08/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Europe, Austria
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Collath_500BPE]
      #71333 - 13/02/07 12:29 AM




Edited by NitroX (17/08/10 03:36 AM)

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Ndumo
.300 member


Reged: 21/12/03
Posts: 230
Loc: Namibia
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Collath_500BPE]
      #71361 - 13/02/07 08:19 AM

Here is a link to an article I have written for the Magnum Magazine on my 8x68S.
http://www.huntingsafaris.net/pdf/germanysgreateight.pdf
Nitrox used it last year to hunt some oryx, springbok warthog and a red hartebeest with it in Namibia. Maybe he can add some of his comments. So far, I have been very pleased with the performance of the caliber, mostly using 220gr Swift A-Frames. (Although some Swifts did fail. {I am contemplating moving to a stronger bullet like the Barmnes TSX.} These failures (3 in total) all occured from the last batch/ box of 50 bullets, and even after going through the considerable expense to send some of the recovered bullets and unfired ones to Swift, I still am without any explanation.) Notwithstanding, I can wholeheartedly reccomend the cartridge.

--------------------
Karl Stumpfe
Ndumo Hunting Safaris (Pty) Ltd.
karl@huntingsafaris.net
www.huntingsafaris.net
+264 811 285 416

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500Boswell
.400 member


Reged: 21/07/06
Posts: 1276
Loc: Queensland
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Ndumo]
      #71406 - 13/02/07 04:26 PM

Collath ,are Schoenaurs hard to find there in Europe in 8x68 ? i have never seen one in 8x68 before ! that is one rifle in that calibre which i want to get hold of !

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Collath_500BPE
.300 member


Reged: 30/08/06
Posts: 123
Loc: Europe, Austria
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: 500Boswell]
      #71408 - 13/02/07 05:07 PM

Hi 500Boswell,
I think it isn`t a great problem to find a M.Sch.in 8x68S in
Austria.
regards Johann



Edited by NitroX (17/08/10 03:35 AM)

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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39881
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Collath_500BPE]
      #71429 - 14/02/07 01:33 AM

A lovely rifle in a great calibre.

Are the Mannlicher Schoenauer's a back locking or front locking action?

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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Marrakai
.416 member


Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 3591
Loc: Darwin, Top End of Australia
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: NitroX]
      #71476 - 14/02/07 02:45 PM

Two opposing lugs up front, just like a Mauser.

--------------------
Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
www.marrakai-adventure.com.au

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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
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Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Marrakai]
      #71613 - 16/02/07 04:22 AM

As Karl Stumpfe mentioned, he generously loaned me his Mauser 98 in 8x68S for much of my plains game safari in Namibia last year. I have lusted over a good rifle in this calibre for many years and jumped at the chance to try one out.

It certainly performed well. With properly placed shots it certainly hit hard enough. I think the projectiles were 220 (or 200 ?) grain A-Squares (Karl please correct if needed).

Recoil and muzzle blast didn't bother me at all. It seemed plenty flat shooting enough.

I feel a good flat shooting rifle in .30, 8mm or .338 is about the ideal range for most non-dangerous game hunting, including the bigger beasts and the 8x68S fits the bill pretty well. I would love to have one with interchangable barrels in 6.5x68 and 9.3x64.

One of those Mannlicher-Schoenauers in 8x68S would be an absolute dream however.

A question. I have seen references to takedowns in Mannlicher-Schoenauers. What are these? Are they Holland & Holland type "takedowns", ie where they have been modified to easily allow the action to be removed from the stock for travel? Or the type where the barrel can be removed from the action? Or ???

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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Ndumo
.300 member


Reged: 21/12/03
Posts: 230
Loc: Namibia
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: NitroX]
      #71650 - 16/02/07 06:57 AM

Quote:

It certainly performed well. With properly placed shots it certainly hit hard enough. I think the projectiles were 220 (or 200 ?) grain A-Squares (Karl please correct if needed).



Yes John, they where 220gr Swift A-Frames.

--------------------
Karl Stumpfe
Ndumo Hunting Safaris (Pty) Ltd.
karl@huntingsafaris.net
www.huntingsafaris.net
+264 811 285 416

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gunbug
.275 member


Reged: 14/01/05
Posts: 91
Loc: british columbia
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Ndumo]
      #72906 - 02/03/07 11:51 AM

Hello: I had an 8x68S and sold it when I needed money. Great cartridge. Regards Dan

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Safarischorsch
.275 member


Reged: 28/02/04
Posts: 98
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Ndumo]
      #72953 - 03/03/07 07:10 AM

The 220gr A-Frames failed?

Wow! did not know that they can fail

They go out with 2900 f/s and up to now they did not fail on oryx, warthog and boar.

But i have KJG(3465 fps) and 200gr A-Frame loads in storage...

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Ndumo
.300 member


Reged: 21/12/03
Posts: 230
Loc: Namibia
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Safarischorsch]
      #73339 - 07/03/07 09:07 PM

Yes, hard to believe, but I had a total of 3 failures from what I believe was from 2 boxes brought with by a US neurosurgeon about 4 years back. If you are interested in some of the details/ pics, I will start a new threat, as I do not want to hijack this one.

--------------------
Karl Stumpfe
Ndumo Hunting Safaris (Pty) Ltd.
karl@huntingsafaris.net
www.huntingsafaris.net
+264 811 285 416

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Savuti_One_Shot
.300 member


Reged: 24/01/07
Posts: 139
Loc: Florida
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Ndumo]
      #73348 - 08/03/07 01:00 AM

Nitrox,
The M-S takedowns came from the factory with knurled pins which could be pulled by hand to release the barrel and action from the stock. There's no provision for detaching the barrel from action.

A couple of weeks ago I posted a couple of pics of 2 such rifles under a thread titled something like 6.5 Mannlicher on the Rifles forum.

SOS

--------------------
"I've this damned cannon." - Robert Wilson

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500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: Ndumo]
      #73356 - 08/03/07 02:48 AM

Quote:

Here is a link to an article I have written for the Magnum Magazine on my 8x68S.
http://www.huntingsafaris.net/pdf/germanysgreateight.pdf
Nitrox used it last year to hunt some oryx, springbok warthog and a red hartebeest with it in Namibia. Maybe he can add some of his comments. So far, I have been very pleased with the performance of the caliber, mostly using 220gr Swift A-Frames. (Although some Swifts did fail. {I am contemplating moving to a stronger bullet like the Barmnes TSX.} These failures (3 in total) all occured from the last batch/ box of 50 bullets.



Ndumo

What do you mean by failed ?

Can you explain further - do you have any photos ?

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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39881
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Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: 500Nitro]
      #386928 - 24/09/24 03:14 AM

Revisiting.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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NitroXAdministrator
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Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39881
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Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: NitroX]
      #386931 - 26/09/24 02:36 PM

I'm interested in how the SAquares failed as well. I'm guessing weight retention was insufficient.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"

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eagle27
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Reged: 24/01/09
Posts: 1165
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Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: NitroX]
      #386945 - 27/09/24 07:21 AM

One of my German friends used an 8x68S on one of his several hunts out here in NZ. One particular hunt he used a chopper to drop him into mountain huts, staying one or two nights in each and day hunting alone in each locality. He shot 10 chamois, a bull tahr and a red stag on that trip, and we spent a day in my backyard cleaning up all the skulls ready for him to take back to Germany.

From memory his rifle was a single shot but can't recall the make although he did have guns custom made in Ferlach so could have been something on those lines. I do know his ammo as he left behind a bunch with me on his return to Germany, they were the RWS ammo with copper capped H-Mantle bullets as seen in some of the images posted by others here. I ended up selling the ammo to a guy advertising for 6.5x68 brass.

My friend seemed to have good success with his 8x68S and I think it was the gun he also used in Hungary hunting red stag and boar. His wife who also hunted with him in Hungary used a 9.3x62.

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DarylS
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Reged: 10/08/05
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Re: 8x68S RWS inquiry. [Re: eagle27]
      #386946 - 27/09/24 09:09 AM

The A-Square failure has me interested as well.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V

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