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Thanks VC. Looking forward to it.

I first learned of the 8x68S from an Aussie magazine "Sporting Shooter". Many of us grew up reading Nick Harvey, it's Technical Editor, who wrote an review on his new rifle a Mauser M66, with swappable barrels in 6.5x68 and 8x68S.

I fell in love with the idea of it.

The 8x68S is in the same class as the .300 magnums. But SHOULD be able to take heavier bullets. The 250 grains would be ideal. It's hampered by bullets being designed for the 8x57 class, 150 grs to 200 it 220 grs. By contrast the .300 magnums have a great range of suitable bullets. The 200 and 220 gr Swift A-frames make good choices.

I loved the idea of the 6.5x68. A 93 gr SP at 4,000 fps. A 125 to 140 gr projectile of good construction would make a good flat shooter on medium game.

But while I liked the Mauser 66 it was so heavy at 4.5 kgs. Not ideal at all for carrying in the mountains.

I think our Ahmed577/Colin was influenced as well. He has av6.5x68 and 8x68S Mauser 66.

I acquired a Mauser M03 in 8x68S. Alas Mauser refused to admit they used to make a 6.5x68 barrel. I acquired the more sedate 6.5x65. Now they don't admit ever supplying that as well.

That barrel still needs to be used. I still have the ambition of a 6.5x68. Maybe some custom barrel from some unknown custom barrel maker. But it must be 650 mm long. And suitable twist.

The Mauser M03 is a bit lighter. A barrel in .404 Jeffery makes it well rounded. And a ,222 Rem for the small stuff. A second M03 rifle makes it a versatile two rifle, four barrel setup.

One day I'll get the second Mauser M03 restocked with a classically styled walnut stock. Currently it has a Schnabel Germanic stock. The first has an all weather synthetic stock. Will be useful for wet climate hunting and the "second" rifle on hunts.

Nick Harvey took his 8x68S to India. Hunted red stags with it. Sometimes the same rifles andvsamevstags seemed to be in more hunt article with other hunters.

BTW Nick Harvey died this year, well into his 90s. He used to write aboutbhisvhunts with shots of extraordinary ranges. 450 metres plus on the Beach Plains of New Guinea. And elsewhere. We joked his "old" .270 was on its seventh barrel and third action. Still as good as the day he bought it!

Interest in guns,nriflex, cartridges and hopefully hunts with them provide interest and flavour for a lot of us.

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John aka NitroX

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