Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

ajjohns · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 11, 2009 Posts: 6

I've aquired a 95' Steyr, 8x56R and was wondering if I'd be off abit trying 48 gr. of Varget with the Hornady 205gr. bullet. I see that 48grs. is used often in the 8x57 and it's somewhat on the mild side. Would this idea be ok or should I start lower? The gun is new to me and in fine shape. Any suggestions? Thanks Aaron.

Vince · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:01 am Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

Welcome to HuntingNut Aaron. Grab a beer, pull up a stump and sit awhile mate.

I am not familiar with that particular calibre, but I am assuming that you have current up to date reloading manuals...check them out, as well as any data the boolit maker provides and start there mate.

Cheers, Vince

ajjohns · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 11, 2009 Posts: 6

Well hopefully Lee (the dies I'm waiting for) has some info. there are no loads in any manuals I have for a 70 some year old obsolete cartridge. I've read some other posts from time past but was kind of wondering about the Varget powder since it's one I'm fond of. I have many different ones to try but some of the velocities seem low to milspec. Or the darn thing kicks using fast burning powder.Thanks for the greating Vince, this Northern Minnesota boy likes to tinker with guns and reloading. Fun, fun.

whittling · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 9:10 am Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

Sound like you got a hard to find round .Do you have any milsurp gunshops or a gunshow where you can scrounge up brass or rounds .

ajjohns · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 11, 2009 Posts: 6

I've got graf and sons brass, rescent manufacture Hornady .329 205gr. bullets. Just waiting on Lee dies. I know they have some info. that comes with the dies, just wondering if anyone knew off hand if I'd be close or not with the weight of that powder. The gun is the carbine configuration and seems to be a good "extra" for me (among all the other ones I have) for the deer woods in the fall. Or just keeping me company in the pickup. You fellas have a good weekend, I think we're finally gonna get some descent weather up here and there's too much to get done outside. Aaron.

K.W. · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 9:59 am Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

I know only IMR 3031- and of course all VihtaVuori powders.
IMR 3031 max 45grs 206 Ball .329" Mil. bullet. (because it is rimmed case) Laughing

Vince · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 10:05 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

There is some interesting banter on this Forum AJ...

Gun and Game

It has a few links, or guidance to links that may well be of assistance to you. I note that one guys says to use 30/40 Krag data as a start point...

ADI Reloading Data 30/40 Krag

When using the ADI Load Data...AR2208 is Varget (same powder), although they don't list AR2208/Varget for the 30/40 Krag.

Powder Equivalents

This list should help you find a suitable powder mate.

Cheers, Vince

Gil Martin · Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:42 am Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

I agree with K.W. about IMR3031 and 45 grains and the 206 grain bullet. This maximum load comes from "Cartridges of the World, 7th Edition" page 278. The book also lists a 198 grain bullet and a maximum load of 46 grains IMR3031. I would not use load data for the 8X57mm Mauser. All the best...
Gil

ajjohns · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 11, 2009 Posts: 6

Thanks a bunch guys, I currently load the 30/40 so that will help. I'll try something out with 3031. See how it goes then cook up a recipe with the Varget and see how that works. When I get the dies I'll get to it in a hurry. I'll keep you guys posted, I think my paper targets are starting to get a little nervous.

ajjohns · Rookie Member Joined: Jun 11, 2009 Posts: 6

Well, received the Lee dies last week. Got to pump out five rounds on the reloading table and right now settled on 54 grs. of 4350. The group was good but about five and a half inches high at 50yds. This would be a great woods rifle but gotta get a higher front sight on this gun to hit where I'm aiming. Fun so far!

fnuser · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:27 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

That doesn't sound bad at all I've made some front sites out of keystock you get at the hardware store it shapes, finishes and cold blues real nice.

terry264 · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:18 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

ammoguide.com/?catid=564

Hope this works.

terry264 · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:37 pm Post subject: Re: Reloading the 8x56R. Steyr

more:

Bullet Make
& Wt. (gr) Powder Type
Charge (gr) MuzzleVel. (fps) K. E.(ft-lbs)
Barrel Len. (in)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

200 Speer IMR-4350
50.0
2200
2150
19.0
View

200 Hornady IMR-4350
50.0
2200
2150
19.0
View

205 Lee mold IMR-3031
40.0
2100
2008
19.0
View

205 Hornady IMR-3031
44.0
2270
2346
19.0
View

220 Lee mold IMR-4350
45.0
2050
2053
19.0
View

supersuspenders · Rookie Member Joined: Jul 21, 2009 Posts: 1

Just a quick question on this topic. 8X56R Steyr and 8X56R Mannlicher Shoenheir(sp) are one and the same. Right? I have seen them used interchangably. I have one and am planning to load cast 205gr. boolits. Thanks
Jeff

fnuser · Last edited by fnuser on Tue Jul 21, 2009 4:52 pm; edited 1 time in total

NO! I own a 1908 Mannlicher Schoenauer and load starting 8x57 mauser loads for it. The 8x56R Steyr are a rimmed cardridge Similiar in design to a shortened .303 British with a .329 bullet not a .323 cast would be .330. Which one do you have? Read the next one too.