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- The first version of the German 8mm Mauser
- cartridge was introduced for use in the Model
- 1888 Commission rifle and was officially dubbed
- the 8x57mmJ. A 1903 variant was called the
- 8x57mmJS and the two were NOT interchangeable,
- but appear to be. The development of the two
- types of the "same" ammunition has cause much
- confusion about the 8mm Mauser, particluarly in
- the U.S.
-
- The primary problem is that the two
- cartridges use different size bullets! The
- earlier cartridge uses bullets of .318-inch
- diameter, while the later employs .323-inch
- diameter bullets, a full five-thousanths of an
- inch larger!
-
- Use of the smaller bullets in a barrel made
- for the larger results in poor accuracy.
- Reversing the mismatch, that is, using larger
- bullets in the smaller bore can result in
- excessive chamber pressures and possible damage
- to firearm and/or shooter.
-
- American ammunition makers have dealt with
- this issue by intentionally UNDER-loaded their
- 8mm ammo. European makers cut no such corners,
- and provide both types of ammo in full-power
- flavors. It does not seem to be a problem for
- the Europeans. Before shooting an unfamiliar
- 8mm, it is a good idea to have the firearm
- checked by a gunsmith as to type.
-