Two cartridges that don’t often get much attention are the 8mm Remington Magnum and the 8mm Mauser. Both of these rounds shoot the same bullet and have the potential to be among the most versatile rounds out there. So in this article, we will compare the two rounds to see which is better and see just what each of these cartridges can do.
Here is the short answer:
The 8mm Remington Magnum is a high-velocity cartridge that offers excellent long-range performance, while the 8mm Mauser is a slower cartridge that is better suited for close range hunting.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in-depth.
In-depth look at the 8mm Remington Magnum
The 8mm Remington Magnum was introduced in 1978 and is a high-velocity cartridge that is designed for long-range shooting and hunting. The cartridge is based on the 375 H&H Magnum case and has a slightly tapered body with a sharp shoulder angle to allow for more powder capacity.
The cartridge typically fires a 200-220 grain bullet at a velocity of well above 3,000 feet per second, which produces excellent energy transfer and penetration on large game. However, this round does have a lot of recoil and it can be difficult to shoot accurately at long ranges.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 8mm Rem Mag with a 200-grain Swift A-Frame:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2900 | 3734 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2769 | 3404 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2642 | 3099 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 2 | 2518 | 2815 |
| 200 | -3.5 | 3.6 | 2397 | 2552 |
| 250 | -7.4 | 5.8 | 2280 | 2309 |
| 300 | -13.1 | 8.7 | 2166 | 2084 |
| 350 | -20.5 | 12.1 | 2056 | 1876 |
| 400 | -30 | 16.1 | 1948 | 1685 |
| 450 | -41.7 | 20.8 | 1844 | 1510 |
| 500 | -56.3 | 26.6 | 1745 | 1351 |
In-depth look at the 8mm Mauser
The 8mm Mauser, also known as the 7.92×57mm Mauser, is an older cartridge first introduced in 1888. Various countries, including Germany, Turkey, and Spain, widely used it during World War I and World War II. The cartridge is known for its accuracy and reliability, and it is still used today, limitedly, for hunting and target shooting.
The cartridge typically fires a 170-200 grain bullet at a velocity of around 2,000-2,500 feet per second, which produces moderate recoil and is better suited for medium-range hunting on game like deer. The downside to the 8mm Mauser is that it is not a super popular cartridge and can be hard to find at a reasonable price or even at all.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 8mm Mauser with a 180-grain spitzer bullet:
| RANGE (YD) | DROP (IN) | WIND DRIFT (IN) | VELOCITY (FPS) | ENERGY (FT-LB) |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2552 | 2603 |
| 50 | 0 | 0.2 | 2450 | 2399 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2351 | 2209 |
| 150 | -1.6 | 2 | 2254 | 2030 |
| 200 | -4.9 | 3.6 | 2159 | 1863 |
| 250 | -10 | 5.8 | 2066 | 1707 |
| 300 | -17.1 | 8.5 | 1976 | 1561 |
| 350 | -26.4 | 11.6 | 1888 | 1424 |
| 400 | -38.2 | 15.7 | 1803 | 1299 |
| 450 | -52.9 | 20.4 | 1721 | 1183 |
| 500 | -70.5 | 25.9 | 1642 | 1077 |
In-depth comparison
The 8mm Remington Magnum and the 8mm Mauser are two cartridges with distinct differences in terms of design, velocity, and performance.
The 8mm Remington Magnum typically fires a heavier bullet at a higher velocity than the 8mm Mauser, which results in better long-range performance and more energy transfer on large game. However, the high velocity of the cartridge can make it difficult to shoot accurately at long ranges and can produce a significant amount of recoil.
The 8mm Mauser, on the other hand, is a slower cartridge that is better suited for medium-range hunting. The lower velocity of the cartridge results in less recoil and makes it easier to shoot accurately at medium ranges. However, the cartridge may not provide the same level of long-range performance as the 8mm Remington Magnum.
Another thing to consider is that the 8mm Mauser is a more common cartridge than the 8mm Rem Mag. Additionally, the 8mm Rem Mag is a more expensive round to shoot due to the fact that it uses more powder and has a larger case.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing between the 8mm Rem Mag and the 8mm Mauser, it ultimately depends on the intended use. The Rem Mag is a powerful modern cartridge designed for long-range hunting of larger game, while the Mauser is a versatile cartridge with a reputation for accuracy and reliability within 500 yards.