8 x 58 R Load Data

The 8 x 58 R cartridge, sometimes referred to as the 8mm Danish Krag, is a historic centerfire rifle cartridge that originated in Denmark during the late 19th century. First introduced in 1889, this rimmed, bottlenecked cartridge was initially designed for use in the Danish military's newly adopted Krag–Jørgensen bolt-action rifles, replacing the older black powder rifles in Danish service. Its adoption paralleled a period of significant technological advancement, with militaries across Europe and the world shifting from large-caliber black powder rounds to smaller, higher-velocity, smokeless powder cartridges. Although it emerged primarily for Danish forces, the 8 x 58 R also saw service in neighboring Norway and Sweden, albeit sometimes with local modifications. While the cartridge gradually fell out of regular military use in the early to mid-20th century, it left a legacy of reliability and was a critical step in the evolution of Scandinavian military firearms development.

Today, the 8 x 58 R has found a dedicated, if niche, following among hunters, historical firearms enthusiasts, and particularly among ammunition reloaders. Its continued popularity lies in the combination of military surplus rifles chambered for the round, the historical interest in Scandinavian and European firearms, and the adaptability of the cartridge for a variety of applications. Many reloading hobbyists seek out rifles chambered in 8 x 58 R for restoration and shooting, appreciating both the unique challenge and the payoff of reviving older rifles. Hunters in regions where the cartridge was historically used may still pursue game with these rifles, relishing the connection to tradition and the dependable ballistics offered by the 8 x 58 R.

In terms of hunting application, the 8 x 58 R is suitable for medium to large game, a testament to its original design intention as a military round with significant stopping power. Historically, Scandinavian hunters have used this cartridge for hunting deer, wild boar, moose, and similar-sized game. Its performance characteristics—adequate velocity and energy, as well as good penetration when paired with appropriate bullets—make it a versatile choice for a variety of hunting scenarios. While not as common as more modern cartridges, the 8 x 58 R remains a viable option for ethical hunting within its performance envelope, particularly in countries where hunting traditions intersect with the continued use of vintage Krag–Jørgensen rifles.

Typical bullet weights for the 8 x 58 R range from 196 to 227 grains (approximately 12.7 to 14.7 grams), with bullets in the 200-220 grain category being the most commonly encountered. Factory ammunition is now rare, so reloaders often use reformed brass (sometimes from 8 x 57 mm Mauser or other close relatives) and appropriate soft-point or full metal jacket projectiles sized for the cartridge’s .323-inch (8.2 mm) bullet diameter. The case itself is relatively long at 58 mm, with a pronounced rim that facilitates extraction in bolt-action and single-shot rifles. Rimmed design aids in reliable operation, especially in older military actions. Muzzle velocities typically range from 2,000 to 2,200 feet per second, depending on bullet weight and charge, offering sufficient energy for ethical hunting with careful shot placement. For reloaders, the 8 x 58 R offers the satisfaction of keeping historical firearms in active use and tailoring loads for both accuracy and terminal performance. Given the scarcity of commercial ammunition, reloading becomes not just a hobby but a necessity for any shooter intent on experiencing this classic Scandinavian cartridge.