8X57mmJS Surplus Ammo Velocity Info

All ammo was tested in a 29inch barrel Turkish Type 38 Long Rifle in good condition. These results apply ONLY to the ammo tested... your ammo may have different performance levels due to powder lot differences, storage differences, etc.  Subjective observations of apparent pressure levels are included, however, you must  make your own observations and determine whether the ammo is safe in your rifle.  These results are not a recommendation to use this ammo, just the results of testing a few batches of available ammo. Many thanks to MHB on the Turkish Mauser Forum for allowing the use of this data....Thanks Mike!

1938 TURK BALL 2 CLIPS

2974 fps   3007 fps

2948         2945

2963         2980

2966         2972

2957         2949

26 fps extreme spread  62fps extreme spread

2961 fps average velocity   2976 average velocity

No mis-fires, no cracked necks or other failures.  Pressure signs

high-normal with primers showing little or no cratering and not

flattened.

1940 TURK BALL

4 CLIPS

Clip 1: high 3020fps low 2954

Clip 2: high 3047fps low 3011

Clip 3: high 3019fps low 2993

Clip 4: high 3033fps low 2984

No signs of excessive pressures, cracked necks, pierced primers or

misfires.

Turkish Ball, 1941, 155gr                       Turkish Ball, 1942, 155gr

3135fps                                                     2984fps
3150                                                          2984
3161                                                          2975
3132                                                          2980
3180                                                          2972

48fps Extreme Spread                                12fps Extreme Spread
3156fps Average Velocity                           2978fps Average Velocity

Fired cases exhibited signs                          Fired cases exhibited signs
of high pressures                                         of high pressures

Turkish Ball, 1944, 155gr                       Turkish Ball, 1945, 155gr

2826fps                                                     3020fps
2805                                                          3042
2802                                                          2984
2849                                                          3033
2814                                                          2984

47fps Extreme Spread                                58fps Extreme Spread
2825fps Average Velocity                           3003fps Average Velocity

Fired cases exhibited signs                          Fired cases exhibited signs
of normal to  high pressures                       of high pressures

1946 TURK BALL

Clip 1: high 3024  low 3010

Clip 2:  high 3024  low 3002

4 cracked necks, primers quite flat and showed extrusion into the

firing pin hole.  Bolt lift was noticeably sticky.  Case heads showed rub marks

at the pressure ring due to case head expansion.  Recommend avoiding this

year of production.

1950 TURK BALL

2 Clips

3019     3015

3037     3008

3010     3015

3002     3011

3011     3009

35 fps extreme spread 7 fps extreme spread

3020 fps average velocity   3012 fps average velocity

4 cracked necks.  Pressure signs were notably higher than the 1938

with all primers showing considerable flattening and all more or less cratered.

Turkish Ball, 1951, 155gr                       Yugo Ball, 1954, 199gr

3048fps                                                     2491fps
3060                                                          2498
3046                                                          2499
3061                                                          2504
3070                                                          2501

24fps Extreme Spread                                13fps Extreme Spread
3058fps Average Velocity                           2498fps Average Velocity

Fired cases exhibited signs                          Fired cases exhibited signs
of high pressures                                         of  normal pressures...
                                                                   Some leaky primers

Many shooters are using the Turkish ammo on a regular basis, with no reported "blow-ups" or damaged rifles that I am aware of. I caution you to only use the Turk ammo in sound, well headspaced type 98 rifles...I would strongly advise against using it in the Turkish type 93 rifles...or any other pre-98 type action.  Shoot Safe!  wiseguy