Looks like a great cartridge and I want to try building a rifle for it and loading it.

BUT... where can you get RWS brass (or Hirtenberger) for it in the USA? Anyone have a source?

Dies I got. RCBS has them as Group D.

Anyone have any experience with the cartridge?

Thanks,
Brad

www.huntingtons.com/CasesRWS.html

They do have brass along with a lot of other places. A buddy of mine had a couple when I was stationed in Germany but nothing to gain from it that an 8mm rem mag can not do except expensive brass and a little difficult to find a lot of loads for. Let me know if you need more data.

Thank you, Pop. I did find Huntington's, but they seem to have the highest price available. Natchez had them for about $4 less per bx (20), but are out indefinitely. I guess if they are the only game in town I'll have to pay the freight

Off the top of your head, can you think of any others?

My interest in the 8x68 is that I believe I can build it on a standard length commercial FN 98 (my action of choice these days). While an 8mm Rem Mag would be simpler logistically, I don't think you could ever squeeze one in to a standard length action. Also, the 8x68 has NO BELT (hurray!) and isn't tubby like the WSMs so it is more magazine friendly.

thanks,
B

PS:

I'm loading data rich on it. There is data in Hornady's, A-Square, Cartridges of the World, and Nick Harvey. And best of all, they all agree.

All I need is brass.

B

Welcome to the site, I'll scrounge around and see if I can assist in finding some sources for you. Kick back a while and join in, you are always welcome.

Thank you, Flint. I appreciate it.

Today Natchez told me that RWS was discontinuing the 8x68 and there would be no more.

Panicked and called Huntington's. They said they hadn't heard that, although Hirtenberger has gone under. They still have the 8x68. They are starting to look like the only supplier in the western hemisphere.

Both places also said I was the second person calling today for 8x68 so I guess it isn't dead yet.

Be looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

Thanks again,
Brad

The case is very similar to the belted mags without the belt from my understanding. It is also the basis for a few wildcat rounds used in long range benchrest like the .30 Boo Boo & the 6.5 x68s. There is a bit of a following. You could also check out some of the Benchrest Forums in your search.

Do a google search and see what they come up with. Also e-bay!

Actually, it's sort of like a big 30-06, which, as I understand, makes it quite user friendly as far as building and reloading go.

I googled and yahooed and tried every kind of other off-the-wall search I could think of. Nuttin'.

Gave up and went with Huntington's. At least they are really nice and helpful there. Better than getting some snip on the phone who compensates for their lack of knowledge with sarcasm.

Also, Natchez does still have the 6.5x68 and it's on sale, if anyone is considering such a thing. Has anyone ever messed with that one? It must be a real barrel burner!!

Brad

YUP PLAYED WITH THAT ONE AGAIN WHILE STATIONED IN GERMANY. We loaded FMJ's at ungodly speeds for the Forest Meister (Ranger I guess or Game and fish official) for Roe deer population control on Sembach AFB and others. BTW :

Do not get mad about the FMJ's They were legal for the FM to use. These German Shepherd sized deer fell at the shot and no meat damage at all----very important when donating this meat to orphanages!

Just an update. Orderded my brass form Huntinton's. They were nice, smart and had my stuff to me in a couple days. Can't remember better service.

If you need weird stuff, or much of anything else, I can't recommend a better dealer. Definitely worth a few extra bucks.

Brad

Can you believe it???

Today, I got an email from Natchez telling me that the now (according to them) discontinued RWS 8x68 they told me about last week is now in stock!!!

Too bad I don't need it anymore....

Item # RW2145030 - $24.70 per box or 20 ($3.00 off list) if anyone needs it.

Brad

I'm new here I too thought I'd build a 8x68s on a fn because I came across an 8x68s ackley reamer and am a huge fan of 8mm's. I own a 1908 in 8x56 m.s. and have a couple nice 8x57's I ended up building a 8x280ackley to simplify everything. I have 50 brass manufactured locally by turning belts off 300 win.mag brass and forming I measured the rim and its still a little big. If you turn them down a little they would be real nice. so if your desperate I'd send them to you if you pay shipping. Oh yeah and if anyone else has seen my topic 8-280ackley please read and chime in.