The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Here I sit with a tray full of prepped, primed cases, and some conflicting info. I want to load 150 grain bullets over IMR 4064. Lee say start with 31.7 grains and NEVER exceed 36 grains. The IMR, Hodgdon, Win info I have, suggests 44.6 as a starting load and 49.5 as a max. These loads will be going in a Czech 98/22, so I don't really worry about the rifle's strength. It has had a steady diet of HOT Turk with no problems, but the spread of info I am getting is a bit worrisome to me. What are you guys using in your 8x57 ?

I don't reload for 8x57(yet) but each powder will be different and start with the min load and work your way up.

I went to Hogdon's web site and checked their recommendations. using a 150 grain Hornady SP, the recommended charge of IMR 4064 starts at 42.0 grains and the max is 49.5 grains. Cartridge overall Length is 2.950

Ironnewt wrote:I went to Hogdon's web site and checked their recommendations. using a 150 grain Hornady SP, the recommended charge of IMR 4064 starts at 42.0 grains and the max is 49.5 grains. Cartridge overall Length is 2.950

That jives with my Hodgdon manual as well. What makes me wonder is the Lee data, that is a lot less. Hogdgon's start exceeds Lee's max.

Is Lee concerned with issues concerning their use of powder scoops?

Ironnewt wrote:Is Lee concerned with issues concerning their use of powder scoops?

Could be, but they give data by the scoop, and by the weight in grains. I have a scale, so I use the grains info.

My "Second edition Lee Manual" for 8x57 Mauser with 150gr Jacketed Bullet using IMR4064 says: 42.0-49.5(max... and would be compressed) oal: 2.950

Different edition maybe?

*Edit: grabbed my other 3 manuals for the hell of it, but at least you'll have a solid starting point for reference*

Sierra: 45.1-51.1
Hornady: 43.4-51.1
Nosler only shows a 180gr bullet @ 43.0-47.0 (3.030 oal)

Thanks Thib. The lee data I had was on the sheet that came with the die set. I thought it sounded awfully low.