The 8mm Remington Magnum is based on a full (.375 H&H) length magnum case. This means it is restricted to use in single shot rifles, double rifles, and bolt action rifles with "magnum" length actions.

The current Remington Premier factory load drives the 200 grain Swift A-Frame PSP bullet (SD .274) at a MV of 2,900 fps with a ME of 3,734 ft. lbs. The figures for 200 yards are 2,361 fps and 2,476 ft. lbs.

Some specifications of interest to reloaders include a rim diameter of .532", a shoulder angle of 25 degrees, a case length of 2.850", and a COL of 3.60". The 8mm Rem. Magnum uses the same .323" diameter bullets as the 8x68S.

Handloaders have a reasonable variety of bullet weights from which to choose. Companies like Barnes, Hornady, Nosler, Sierra, and Speer all offer 8mm bullets for big game hunting. Commonly available are bullets of 150, 170, 200, and 220 grains.

According to Speer Reloading Manual No. 13 the 150 grain spitzer bullet can be driven to a MV of 3194 fps by 80.0 grains of IMR 4831 powder, and 3436 fps by 86.0 grains of IMR 4831. The 170 grain semi-spitzer can be driven at a MV of 2896 fps on top of 74.0 grains of IMR 4831, and 3114 over 80.0 grains of IMR 4831. The sleek 200 grain spitzer bullet can be driven at a MV of 2763 fps by 72.0 grains of IMR 4831, and to a MV of 2996 fps by 78.0 grains of IMR 4831.

While it would be accurate to say that the 8mm Rem. Mag. does nothing that cannot be done by one of the .300 Magnums, it is also fair to say that the popular .300 Magnums do nothing that cannot be done by the 8mm Magnum. Bear in mind, however, that .32 caliber (8mm) does not a medium bore make. The .338 Winchester Magnum and .340 Weatherby Magnum, which are a true "mediums," are superior to the smaller bores for use on very heavy game.

Note: A full length article about the 8x68S can be found on the Rifle Cartridge Page.