8 x 60 Load Data

The 8x60mm cartridge is an interesting and historically significant round that traces its origins back to early 20th-century Germany. Developed around 1912 in response to post-World War I regulations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, the 8x60mm was created to circumvent restrictions against military calibers like the 7.92x57mm Mauser (commonly known as 8mm Mauser). German civilians and hunters were prohibited from owning or using standard military ammunition, so Mauser reengineered the classic 8mm Mauser casing by lengthening it to 60mm. This alteration effectively made the new 8x60mm cartridge non-military compliant while still utilizing many of the same rifles and components originally designed for the 8x57mm. As a result, thousands of surplus rifles were rechambered for civilian use, ensuring the 8x60mm’s widespread adoption in Central Europe.

Over the years, the 8x60mm has found its primary applications in hunting rather than military service, thanks to its effective ballistics and adaptability in various firearm platforms. Most commonly, European hunters employed rifles rechambered to 8x60mm for hunting medium to large game. While it never gained significant traction outside of Europe, the caliber maintained a loyal following among German and Austrian sportsmen, especially those with access to surplus Mauser rifles. For handloaders, the cartridge offers a unique blend of historical appeal and practical performance, as it bridges the gap between classic hunting rounds and modern magnum calibers. Its robust case design and availability of quality 8mm bullets make it a flexible option for reloaders seeking authenticity and reliable performance in the field.

When it comes to target species, the 8x60mm is well-suited for taking down a variety of European game animals, including wild boar, red deer, and roe deer. Its velocity and bullet energy deliver enough stopping power for ethical hunting of medium and even larger game at reasonable distances. With proper bullet selection, it is effective for both woodland stalks and open-country hunts, offering a similar terminal performance to its military predecessor, the 8x57mm Mauser, but with the added benefit of legal civilian use in former restriction zones. Some hunters have even successfully used the 8x60mm on African plains game, although its mainstay remains European forests and fields.

Typical bullet weights for the 8x60mm range from 150 to 200 grains, with the 170- to 196-grain bullets being particularly popular for hunting applications. These projectiles offer a good balance of sectional density and ballistic coefficient, providing consistent trajectory and penetration. The 8mm bore offers reloaders a variety of bullet designs, from soft points for expansion to solid constructions for deeper penetration. Case capacity is slightly larger than the 8x57mm, allowing for modestly increased powder charges, but overall pressure and performance metrics remain in a similar class. The 8x60mm remains an attractive choice for reloaders interested in both heritage and hard-hitting hunting performance, with an ample supply of components and period-correct rifles still available on the secondary market.