7.62x54 vs. 8mm Mauser (8x57)

ajbblues

September 17, 2002 14:06

I would like to hear everyone's thoughts on a comparison between these two cartridges.

Please discuss any aspect your are familiar with. (i.e. ballistics, availability, price). I want to start shooting a lager rifle load, and am considering these two rounds.

Thanks

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  allen griggs

  September 17, 2002 14:25

  Ballistically similar. The 7.62 is slightly smaller diameter so would do a little better on a long range shot. In factory loaded ammo, both run around 2500 ft. lbs. Lots of ammo available for both. There is Turkish milsurp available in 8mm where you can get 1400 rds. for 80 bucks or something ridiculous like that. The Mosin Nagant likewise there is all kinds of milsurp out there, military spam cans of 440 rds for $45 or so. All this is corrosive. Probably more 8mm in factory hunting ammo than the 7.62, however Sellier and Bellot now makes hunting ammo for the Mosin that is pretty easy to get, I bought some for $15 for 20 shots at an expensive gun store. If you go with the Mosin Nagant take a look at the Finnish M39. One of the great bolt action rifles, not expensive, accurate.
  ps As to long range shots: Here in Ga a long shot on a deer is 150 yards. At that range the two are ballistically indistinguishable. If you are shooting at 3-400 yards the Mosin would do a little better, although I'm sure the 8mm could make 300 yd shots on deer.
  
  
  
  Edited by - allen griggs on 09/17/2002 18:51:14

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  Der Gebirgsjager

  September 17, 2002 22:05

  Here's a different angle from which to look at your question. Design-wise, the 8x57mm is a far superior cartridge. Being of the rimless type, it lends itself to more reliable feeding and extraction. The '98 Mauser is a superior design to the '91 Mosin-Nagant largely because of the cartridge which it was designed around. Go with the 8mm.

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  allen griggs

  September 18, 2002 04:43

  I have the Mauser and I have the M39. Gebirgsjager is right, the Mauser action is smoother. Sometimes I incur feeding problems with the M39. But the M39 is still a great rifle. I like the sight picture better than the Mauser, plus sights are adjustable by a screw for windage, not available on military Mausers. The M39 barrels were made in Finland in WW2 by SAKO and Valmet and others, top quality. A very accurate long range rifle.

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