Author Topic: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|  (Read 3394 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline lgm270

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1862
8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« on: February 04, 2010, 04:02:52 PM »
Has anyone tried the 250 grain woodleigh bullet in the 8x57 or any other 8mm?

Offline Ultra25-06

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 153
  • Gender: Male
  • Wish I was Hunting, getting closer. Spring bear.
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2010, 06:22:09 AM »
I would also like to heard from any that have tried it. What caliber?
What did you do today...for Freedom?
Today, at the front, he died...Today, what did you do? Next time you see a list of dead and wounded, ask yourself: "What have I done for freedom? What can I do tomorrow that will save the lives of men like this and help them win the war?"
Taken from WWII poster, still applies today.
USAF
Proud NRA member.

Offline lgm270

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1862
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2010, 07:56:54 AM »
I would also like to heard from any that have tried it. What caliber?

.323"   8mm

Offline Ultra25-06

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 153
  • Gender: Male
  • Wish I was Hunting, getting closer. Spring bear.
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2010, 08:33:37 AM »
I would also like to heard from any that have tried it. What caliber?

.323"   8mm

I should be more specific, I would like to know what cartridge has anyone loaded this in?
What did you do today...for Freedom?
Today, at the front, he died...Today, what did you do? Next time you see a list of dead and wounded, ask yourself: "What have I done for freedom? What can I do tomorrow that will save the lives of men like this and help them win the war?"
Taken from WWII poster, still applies today.
USAF
Proud NRA member.

Offline mauser98us

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (40)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1565
  • Gender: Male
  • 10 mm junkie and Whelan wacko
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2010, 03:19:01 PM »
Probably tailor made for the 8X68s. A magnum round by any other name. Designed in 1939 I beleive.

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2010, 01:33:09 AM »
Got me a couple of boxes.
The perks of living in Oz.
Here's pics of one with a Sierra 175gr SP for reference:





They're designed for 8x57 too.
Woodleigh says they can be driven to 2200fps and are appropriate for big game at that speed.
Certainly they'd be good medecine for elk, moose or bear when hunting at fairly close range.
Here in Oz I'd certainly use them on big sambar deer, camels, wild donkeys, brumbies (feral horses) and even scrub bull (feral cattle) and water buffalo at a pinch.
Some of you may doubt the effectiveness of that MV but a fellow who culls a lot of buffalo here sticks with heavy for calibre bullets at between 2000fps and 2200fps because the bullets don't over expand and the recoil means a shooter can hunt all day, not just shoot a few rounds in the morning and need a big rest.
Granted he used 9.3x62, 375 H&H and 450 N.E. but he discourages clients from using 225gr loads in their 338 Win Mags, instead recommending moderate 300gr loads.
Plus the long nature of the bullet and the exposed RN means they still expand reliably.
Since they are that long they have a BC of .389 which is pretty good for a RN and launched at 2200fps they have a max PBR of almost 220yds.
Now, Woodleigh put a recommended impact velocity of between 1900fps and 2700fps and that really limits your range to 150yds but of all the guys I know who hunt with Woodleighs they found they expand well below their recommended impact velocity.
But if you're hunting serious heavy game with a bullet like this you want to get in close anyway.
I haven't actually laid anything down with this bullet yet but I'll work up a load and try a chest shot on a big male roo when I next have tags to fill.
While they're soft skinned they have a very muscular torso and are a good test.
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline wsjones

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 154
  • Gender: Male
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2010, 05:04:05 PM »
Midway (USA) had 250 gr. Woodleigh Weldcore RN's clearanced not long ago and I bought a box to load for an 8mm Rem. Mag.  Goodness knows what I need that load for but it's gonna look pretty cool.  I emailed Woodleigh for load suggestions and they got back to me promptly with suggestions and also said they'd recommend keeping impact velocities less than or equal to 2700 fps for that bullet.

Wish I lived in OZ and could thump something suitable with it! :)  -WSJ

Offline wsjones

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 154
  • Gender: Male
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #7 on: March 24, 2010, 05:23:10 PM »
Update:  Midway STILL has the 8mm Woodleigh's for $36.49 + shipping, which is quite reasonable.

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #8 on: March 24, 2010, 10:51:42 PM »
That is ok if you ask me.
The Barnes Triple Shock is $39.99 and the Nosler Partition is $38.99 and both are only 200gr pills.
Remember, the Woodleighs are a controlled expansion bonded core premium bullet and have an excellent reputation in Africa, not that Barnes and Nosler don't also.
But in terms of price the Woodleighs are pretty hard to beat.
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline Drilling Man

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3636
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #9 on: March 25, 2010, 05:42:26 AM »
That is ok if you ask me.
The Barnes Triple Shock is $39.99 and the Nosler Partition is $38.99 and both are only 200gr pills.
Remember, the Woodleighs are a controlled expansion bonded core premium bullet and have an excellent reputation in Africa, not that Barnes and Nosler don't also.
But in terms of price the Woodleighs are pretty hard to beat.

  I guess that's good "if" i were going to hunt Africa with my 8x57 and needed MAX penetration...  BUT i'm not, so i'll take the bullet that that has the BEST spread of velocities that it will work "properly", of all others...  Nosler partitions...

  DM

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2010, 06:57:17 AM »
OK, DM, exactly what and at what distance do you generally hunt, just so I know exactly what you're loading for.
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline Drilling Man

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3636
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #11 on: March 25, 2010, 01:27:56 PM »
OK, DM, exactly what and at what distance do you generally hunt, just so I know exactly what you're loading for.

  Zero to 300 yards.  Coyotes, fox and javolina on the small end, to moose on the big end.

  DM

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #12 on: March 25, 2010, 11:03:49 PM »
And you use the same load for everything?
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline Drilling Man

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3636
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #13 on: March 26, 2010, 04:36:24 AM »
And you use the same load for everything?

  Absolutely... I worked up the load in the early 80's, and it's the only load/bullet that gets hunted with, and it works perfectly.  There's no need to change a thing, and i don't have to keep learning/remembering new trajectories from one load/bullet to another like i would if i carried different ammo for different animals...

  Here's how it shoots,  (200NP @ 2,550fps)



  And it works on everything from small animals like coyotes or this Javolina,



  On up to big non dangerous game, like moose,



  The nose expands fast, to give a good wound, and the rest of the bullet stays together at the partition and drives deep, almost always going on through.  That's what i call perfect when it comnes to an "expanding" bullet.

  DM

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #14 on: March 26, 2010, 05:03:10 AM »
Fine. You win.....using you gun.
For the rest of us interested in messing about with an interesting bullet it does offer a rather unique opportunity at a price less than your "best" bullet.
Variety is the spice of life.
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline Drilling Man

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3636
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #15 on: March 26, 2010, 05:51:27 AM »
Fine. You win.....using you gun.
For the rest of us interested in messing about with an interesting bullet it does offer a rather unique opportunity at a price less than your "best" bullet.
Variety is the spice of life.

  This isn't about "winning", it's about ME being the best big game hunter i could be.  That's why i don't shoot into the next county at animals, it's also why i learn one load combo, and learn how and what it does.  It has made me a much better big game "hunter" and a better big game shot.

  I've always done the same thing with my other rifles too, learn the load, and be the best hunter/rifle shot i could be.  Anyway, it works for me, so i keep on, keeping on...  lol

  DM

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #16 on: March 26, 2010, 06:24:28 AM »
Actually, I think the fact you've found a single load you're content to use for all hunting with that rifle means you have won.
Now the easy part......shooting stuff.  ;D
Truly, it was no slur on you.
I just like to mess about with cool bullets and the Woodleigh is a lot of messing about.  ;)
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline 454Puma

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 539
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #17 on: April 22, 2010, 05:07:07 PM »
Not using the Woodleigh's but I just got a mold form NEI 205 gr RN cast that actually comes out to 233grs!
Should make for a big thumper on game! Plan on putting flat nose on them so they expand some. Ain't no doupt these will penertrate!  I'll run them at 1800-2000 fps !  ;D
One shot , One Kill

Offline Sweetwater

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (17)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1286
  • Gender: Male
  • When it ceases to be fun, I shall cease to do it.
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #18 on: April 22, 2010, 08:09:29 PM »
DM - though I don't always follow the practice, I do have to agree that the one gun/load combo is THE way to go - no muss, no fuss!

However, like Kombi, I enjoy playing as much as I do hunting as I don't live in Wyoming any more, so I experiment with various bullet/powder combinations and generally find several that will work so if components become scarce. like they do sometimes, I have a backup plan. Truthfully, I've got enough bullets and brass on hand to teach Triggernometry to a fair sized group - doubt I run short the rest of my natural shooting life, except maybe for primers - can't get enough.
Regards,
Sweetwater

Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway - John Wayne

The proof is in the freezer - Sweetwater

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #19 on: April 22, 2010, 09:40:37 PM »
Primers are increasingly becoming a problem.
Ya reckon Obama and his mates might have something to do with that......??
Powder here in Oz has also skyrocketted and the high price of copper does not help.
Still, it could be worse.
We could live in China. ;)
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline Drilling Man

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3636
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #20 on: April 23, 2010, 03:41:29 AM »
Primers are increasingly becoming a problem.
Ya reckon Obama and his mates might have something to do with that......??
Powder here in Oz has also skyrocketted and the high price of copper does not help.
Still, it could be worse.
We could live in China. ;)

  There are lots of primers and powder available around here now, and have been for a while...  It's just that i haven't bought any in a long time, and i'm having sticker shock!  Primers are up to $29/thou now...  :o

  DM

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #21 on: April 23, 2010, 04:29:42 AM »
I'm paying as much as US$7.50 per 100 here in Oz.
Do the maths.  :'(
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline skit

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 30
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #22 on: August 14, 2010, 03:23:06 PM »
well, my buddy gave me 21 250 woodlieghs about a month ago. i couldn't find any reloding info so i emailed woodliegh down under and told him that i wanted to use re15. he recomended 48 grains as a starting load. so i tried it in my husqvarna 1950 commercial 98 mauser. this a hot load. 2400 fps. there was no real pressure sign other than the primer pockets were not quite as tight as before, but still usable. bolt lift was easy and the brass didn't strech unduly. the best part was the group. less than 3/4 inch at 100 meter. it also ploughed a field out beyond the target. my thoughts are that this 250 grain woodliegh bonded bullet out of the 8mm mauser is smack in the realm of the 35 whelan or the 338-06 without the recoil. i'm not sure everyone needs a load like this but it sure should be usefull if you do.

Offline Casull

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4695
  • Gender: Male
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #23 on: August 14, 2010, 06:23:05 PM »
Quote
my thoughts are that this 250 grain woodliegh bonded bullet out of the 8mm mauser is smack in the realm of the 35 whelan or the 338-06 without the recoil.


And, why exactly would it not have the recoil?  Three or four grains different on the powder is not going to make a noticeable difference.  Hard to get around them pesky laws of physics.
Aim small, miss small!!!

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #24 on: August 14, 2010, 09:39:02 PM »
well, my buddy gave me 21 250 woodlieghs about a month ago. i couldn't find any reloding info so i emailed woodliegh down under and told him that i wanted to use re15. he recomended 48 grains as a starting load. so i tried it in my husqvarna 1950 commercial 98 mauser. this a hot load. 2400 fps.
2400FPS from an 8x57!!  :o
Geoff McDonald of Woodleigh reckoned they were good for 2200fps out of an 8x57.


there was no real pressure sign other than the primer pockets were not quite as tight as before, but still usable. bolt lift was easy and the brass didn't strech unduly.
Well, that's a relief!
Not great for case life though.

the best part was the group. less than 3/4 inch at 100 meter. it also ploughed a field out beyond the target.
That group is good and the plouging effect is no surprise either.

my thoughts are that this 250 grain woodliegh bonded bullet out of the 8mm mauser is smack in the realm of the 35 whelan or the 338-06 without the recoil. i'm not sure everyone needs a load like this but it sure should be usefull if you do.
I'm a little mystified by the motivation behind this particular bullet too.
It may be that McDonald had sambar deer and elk hunters in mind when he designed this.
Or perhaps it was an original Kynoch or European design which had been loaded in the past for 8x57, 8x60, 8x64 Brenneke and 8x68.
It isn't, as far as I know, very suitable for 8mm Rem Mag.
Not strong enough really.
Whatever the case it would drop anything including a buffalo with the right placement although it probably isn't ideal for that purpose.
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline 454Puma

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 539
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #25 on: August 15, 2010, 10:32:13 AM »
skit
 Wow nothing like being 4 grs over the max load for a 200gr bullet!!! :o   Pushing a 8x57mm 220 gr to 2400fps I could see if you can get 2200 fps for the 240gr I'd say your doing good!  But hey it's your gun and your face have at it! ::) I run my cast at 1850 ish! As thats where they are accurate! Still makes them a very good hunter out to 200 yards! 
One shot , One Kill

Offline Drilling Man

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3636
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #26 on: August 16, 2010, 04:03:42 AM »
skit
 Wow nothing like being 4 grs over the max load for a 200gr bullet!!! :o   Pushing a 8x57mm 220 gr to 2400fps I could see if you can get 2200 fps for the 240gr I'd say your doing good!  But hey it's your gun and your face have at it! ::) I run my cast at 1850 ish! As thats where they are accurate! Still makes them a very good hunter out to 200 yards! 

  Gee, i wonder why those primer pockets are getting loose???   :o

  DM

Offline kombi1976

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1390
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #27 on: August 16, 2010, 04:56:31 AM »
If you're that far over max for a 200gr pill and you're putting it behind a 250gr bullet I'd be backing off. :-\
The whole of idea of a heavy long bullet like that is that you don't NEED massive velocity for penetration or shock.
They aren't a long range bullet.
They perform best out to about 200yds and since Woodleigh recommends the minimum impact velocity is about 1900fps it's a good distance.
I reckon they're a great choice for close to medium distance hunting in heavy cover.
Try stopping that thing with a leaf!
And you'll certainly find it easier to do follow ups if those pills are doing 200fps less.
8)

Cheers & God Bless

.22lr ~ 22 Hornet ~ 25-20 ~ 303/25 ~ 7mm-08 ~ 303 British ~ 310 Cadet ~ 9.3x62 ~ 450/400 NE 3"

Offline nomosendero

  • Moderator
  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5760
  • Gender: Male
Re: 8mm 250 Grain bullet|
« Reply #28 on: August 17, 2010, 03:23:07 AM »
And you use the same load for everything?

  Absolutely... I worked up the load in the early 80's, and it's the only load/bullet that gets hunted with, and it works perfectly.  There's no need to change a thing, and i don't have to keep learning/remembering new trajectories from one load/bullet to another like i would if i carried different ammo for different animals...

  Here's how it shoots,  (200NP @ 2,550fps)



  And it works on everything from small animals like coyotes or this Javolina,



  On up to big non dangerous game, like moose,



  The nose expands fast, to give a good wound, and the rest of the bullet stays together at the partition and drives deep, almost always going on through.  That's what i call perfect when it comnes to an "expanding" bullet.

  DM

Yes with that kind of accuracy & with the legendary performance of a Nos. Part, why play with other loads? Outstanding!!
You will not make peace with the Bluecoats, you are free to go.