Does anybody have experience with Sellier & Bellot 8mm Mauser 196 grain soft point ammo?

Question

I have a sporterized K98 8mm Mauser that I would like to take out into the woods this deer season. I was wondering if anyone has hunted with this brand of ammo and what animals have you taken with it? Thanks.

Answer 1

I do believe you may have upset the military weapon worshipers.

But as to the Deer hunting, I have a friend that uses the Sellier & Bellot 8mm Mauser ammo and likes it, so I would say it should do fine.

I do hope you know you cant use the military surplus ammo for deer hunting, as advised by some one else, it’s illegal in most states if not all.

Now it my turn to upset the military weapon worshipers.
I have 3 Sporterized 98 Mauser Oberndorf in 25-06 bull barrel, 308, 30-06 and the only thing saved was the action and bolt, all drilled and taped for Leupold bases with Timney Triggers and custom stocks, the old parts I did not use, went to the trash.
When I got done they looked just like the Ruger M77 Mark II
Except for the Mauser Oberndorf name that is still on them and the crest.

T long you can have all the Sporterized 98 Mauser you wont, and if others complain piss on them.
It’s your weapon, you can do with it as you wish.
You should try a Timney Trigger on that 98, it makes it Sweet.


D58


Hunting with Rifle, Pistol, Muzzle loader and Bow for over 3 decades.
Reloading Rifle, Pistol and shotgun for over 3 decades.

Answer 2

I have several rifles built on 98 actions, both Gew 98 and K98, and one is still in 8mm with the original German barrel shortened and crowned.

While I try and discourage folks from cutting an intact historic military rifle, I respect others property rights enough to know it's their rifle and they can do with it whatever pleases them.

There are also many, many incomplete and damaged examples to be had, so having a Mauser sporter don't mean you cut up a good complete gun.

I have used S&B ammo softpoint and found it to be very good, clean and consistent . If my memory is right, I have only used it for coyote and the damage was extensive.

I have used the 8mm for both mule deer and oryx, which run about 300-375 pounds. This was Federal soft points. I have always used Federal with good result and just kind of stick with it.

Good luck and take some pics to show us how you did.

Answer 3

Super ammo. I have more Mauser rifles than any mortal should have but that is beside the point. My favorite for hunting is a BRNO 98/29 Persian Mauser in 8mm with a 29"+ barrel. I bought two of them with the thought in mind of having one drilled and tapped and scoped; but realized it would be sacrilegious and a crime against humanity to mutilate such a holy object. If I want to use a scoped rifle I just use the old eenie, meeni, mini, moe and pick one off the racks; I am going to have a run of the mill K scoped however, just because I can. The 8mm is one of the best all around hunting calibers ever made; and with over one hundred million mauser rifles manufactured there should never be a shortage of thundersticks to use.

Answer 4

For my hunting rounds, i use winchester only. But everybody has their own preference. I was a little worried there for a while because i thought they wouldn't be able to get insurance to continue. Then my next choice would be Federal ammunition. Want the best however in my opinion, go with Hornandy. It's pricey though, but damn good.

Damn D58, i wish i knew where you lived, i would send you a snickers.;) I only got into reloading here about 5 yrs ago. I must say i enjoy it.

You can't use FMJ's for hunting.

Answer 5

If you're used to shooting surplus thru your mauser you'll find the S&B SP shoots about 6 inches low at 100 yards, at least it does in my rifle. As for expansion, the lead head flattens and mushrooms nicely without ruining too much meat.

Answer 6

if your gun likes them it should do OK

D58 darn toot-in sporterize all you want those military gun worshipers should be thanking us the value of their collection is going up

Tlong you should try a timmney D58 is right they are sweet

I presently don't any k98's but have several M1917 that have been un militerized all but 1 is wearing a timmney trigger

Answer 7

.... that poor rifle... "Sporterized".... more like bubbad or sissified. Just get some Yugoslavian surplus, it is accurate enough and won't cost 5 bucks a round.