8.5 x 63 R Load Data

The 8.5 x 63 R cartridge is a distinctive rimmed rifle round with roots tracing back to continental Europe. While it does not enjoy the global fame of classics like the 8x57 Mauser or .30-06 Springfield, this caliber holds a niche yet respected position among big game hunters and ammunition enthusiasts, particularly in Italy and Austria. Developed in the early twentieth century, the 8.5 x 63 R was intended to fill the gap between medium and large bore cartridges, especially for deer and boar hunting in long rifle format break-action and combination hunting firearms. Its rimmed design was favored because it was well-suited to use in single shot and break-action rifles typical of European hunting traditions. The cartridge’s comparably long case ensures robust powder capacity, facilitating favorable ballistic performance across a range of classic hunting scenarios.

For ammunition reloaders, the 8.5 x 63 R offers appealing flexibility in load development and application. Its design makes it a popular choice for customized loads tailored to specialized hunting requirements. The cartridge’s reliable extraction properties, thanks to its rimmed configuration, contribute to its popularity in double rifles and kipplauf (break-open) single shots, where flawless function and classic aesthetics are highly valued. Hunters and shooters seeking high performance for traditional hunting rifles often find the cartridge’s trajectory and energy ideal for hunting in mixed forests, rolling hills, and plains. European reloading tables list the 8.5 x 63 R as a capable and adaptable option, able to push bullets with sufficient energy and stability required for ethical hunting at typical ranges for medium to large game.

Target species for the 8.5 x 63 R are primarily medium to large European game. It is particularly well regarded for hunting deer species such as the red deer, roe deer, and fallow deer. Boar hunting is also a traditional application, as the caliber delivers the penetration and terminal performance required to humanely dispatch these robust animals. In mountainous regions of Europe, hunters pursuing chamois, mouflon, or even bear have found the 8.5 x 63 R to be an effective companion, its performance placing it firmly among cartridges recommended for heavier shooting tasks without excessive recoil.

Bullet weights for the 8.5 x 63 R commonly range from 180 grains (about 11.7 grams) up to 230 grains (approximately 15 grams), depending on the intended use and specific bullet construction. Soft point and modern bonded-core bullets are frequently used to maximize energy transfer and ensure reliable expansion. The typical bullet diameter is around 8.6 mm (0.338 inches), offering a good blend of sectional density and frontal area for deep penetration and controlled expansion. The cartridge produces moderate recoil in traditional hunting rifles while maintaining a relatively flat trajectory out to typical hunting ranges. Standard case length is 63mm with a rimmed base, ensuring compatibility with classic European rifle actions popular among reloaders and hunting enthusiasts. For those interested in a historic yet highly functional caliber that bridges tradition and ballistics, the 8.5 x 63 R offers a compelling choice well worth consideration.