8x57 v 300win

[JD3006]

Just thinking about getting another caliber.. just after people’s thoughts on a 8x57 over a 300 win.

I know there are long range performance differences

But in a hunting situation, what have people thought..

Reason for thinking about a 8x57 is it’s a little different to the norm

[sav338]

Personal preference but it all depends on availability of either bullets if you don’t load and if you do the available of the bullet parts. Here in Aus I would stick to the 300 win

[9.3x64]

Depends what you call “normal hunting ranges”, to me that is out to 300m, with most shots under 200m.
In these situations I would rather the 8x57 Mauser any day .
Think of it like this... would you prefer a 30-06 or 300 mag, because it’s basically the same question.
A 30-06 or 8x57 Mauser will cover 90% of hunting large game situations, without the muzzle blast, recoil, etc...
But, if you want to shoot further then definitely go the 300 WM.
The 8x57 Mauser is a simple reloading proposition , and cases are not hard to find.
I have a set of brand new RCBS dies, and 100 once fired Norma cases you can have cheap if your interested ($100).
But that’s not why I am recommending the 8x57 Mauser.

[Rod]

Nothing wrong with the 8 x 57 , anything it will do the 30/06 will do just as well. But components for the 30/06 and the 300 win mag will be easier sourced than the 8 x 57. I'd go the 300 win mag over the 8x 57.

Off topic I guess but seeing that you already have a 308 win.... which will handle just about any hunting situation in Oz & NZ. How about a 223 ? easy and affordable to feed which will allow more trigger time.

And then buy a 30/06 barrel and then a 300 Win Mag barrel and then ...just for something different an 8 x 68 !

cheers
Rod

[6.5x55]

I personally prefer Euro calibre than the US equivalent. Also not a fan of the belted cartridge (although I do like the 375HH).

If you already have a 308, then the 8x57 will give you larger projectile at the same hunting ranges as the 308, bit not really much of a step up. If you are looking for calibre for extended hunting range then the 300wm is a better option, but if it was me, I'd go the 8x68s.

[dchamp]

If the majority of your shots are under 400 then I would go with the 8x57. It will be easier on the shoulder and still get good velocity with a shorter barrel. It also gets good case life. If your shots will be more than 400 consider the 8x68s, it is a delightful caliber too. I primarily use the 160gn TTSX in my 8x57 and 180 TSX or 220gn SGK in the 8x68s. You can reach 2800-2850fps fairly easy in the 8x57. Powders I use for 8x57 are IMR3031, H4895 & CFE223 and powders for the 8x68s are RL16 and Alliants 4000MR

[Vaughan]

the 8x68S is an interesting one. I really like mine. Doesn't do much the 300wm won't do just as well but it's as cool as manure

[JD3006]

Thanks for the advice.. I’ll keep thinking. I just saw a 8x57 barrel come up for sale pretty cheap and it got me thinking.

[MD Driver]

I have both, and can echo what’s been written above. The two rounds are apples/oranges, so narrowing your criteria might be helpful. Since we’re mostly collectors and hunters, I’m not sure a micro analysis of BCs, sectional densities, drops, etc would be overriding. But if you consider those, I think you’ll find the .308 cal generally performing better than the .323 cal. Yeah, lots to unpack there, so it’s a broad statement.

[jamesc]

the real question is why not just get the 9.3x62 and be done with it

[Vaughan]

the real question is why not just get the 9.3x62 and be done with it

Don't you mean "get the 9.3x62 as well"?