Reload or hope factory ammo is safe? (8x57)

[CJ_BG]

Getting the final touch ups done on an original action and barrel 1931 k29 mauser in 7.92x57 (8x57 JS), and plan on hunting with it. Is there any factory ammo with a 150-170gr bullet that's loaded to milder pressures, or would it be better to make up some mild handloads? I don't currently have dies, brass, or bullets for an 8 JS.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Never hear of the JS. I shoot 8mm Mauser and I have seen IS and IRS. My Mauser shoots Remington Core-Lokt just fine.

 

[CJ_BG]

Never hear of the JS. I shoot 8mm Mauser and I have seen IS and IRS. My Mauser shoots Remington Core-Lokt just fine.

JS and IS are the same, I think it's a regional or translational thing.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I should point out my Remington supply is getting very low. It is hard to find if it is even made anymore. I was able to purchase some PRVi Partisan recently but have yet to shoot any of it.

 

[Eleven]

What are your thoughts on this? Why do you think factory ammo would not be safe?

 

[CJ_BG]

What are your thoughts on this? Why do you think factory ammo would not be safe?the gun

If it's a loading for the modern European guns that's in the 55-60k psi range I worry that with the action and barrel being in the condition they are it may cause issues. The barrel and chamber are pretty heavily pitted and a higher pressure load may cause issues with extraction if the case fills those pits. I also am not entirely familiar with the strength of the wz29 actions

 

[Eleven]

The k29 is a ‘modern’ Mauser 98 action. Personally I wouldn’t be worried about its strength. And, In my experience, American made ammo for the 8x57 is pretty weak loaded.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

The k29 is a ‘modern’ Mauser 98 action. Personally I wouldn’t be worried about its strength. And, In my experience, American made ammo for the 8x57 is pretty weak loaded.

American factory 8x57 is garbage. They turn it into a .30-30 (170-grain RN bullet at 2430 FPS).

 

[Q_Sertorius]

If it's a loading for the modern European guns that's in the 55-60k psi range I worry that with the action and barrel being in the condition they are it may cause issues. The barrel and chamber are pretty heavily pitted and a higher pressure load may cause issues with extraction if the case fills those pits. I also am not entirely familiar with the strength of the wz29 actions

The original rifles were well made. Whether yours is in a condition that cannot handle decent 8x57 Mauser loads (like the standard 196- or 198-grain spitzer at 2600-2700 FPS) is something that can really only be answered by a good gunsmith.