Mando,
BTW, doesn't Norma load excellent hunting rounds for the 8x57 that achieve its full potential?
According to their web site, Norma loads their 196 gr bullets to a factory ammo velocity spec of 2526 fps. That's a little slower than the RWS and S&B ammo.
Back in 2004 when I got my Rem 700 in 8x57, I complied a listing of the ballistics of the various European ammunition. I wanted to get an idea of what velocities the 8x57 was capable of, in factory ammo, to use as a guideline for working up my handloads. Here's the table I compiled:
Note: I think Hirtenberger no longer loads sporting ammo.
The RWS and S&B ammo seem to have the highest velocities listed with the various bullet weights.
However, it does seem to require handloads to reach its potential.
I agree, especially if comparing to the underloaded American ammo. The RWS and S&B ammo seems to be loaded to the cartridge's full potential, though. HOWEVER, most of the European ammo is probably hard to find here in the States. (Except for the S&B ammo, I haven't tried to locate any of the other European ammo here.) Plus, if a hunter wants to take advantage of some of our excellent American bullets, then handloading is probably the only way go, at least here in North America.
As the .30-06 is so well established and available, there really isn't any compelling reason to buy an 8x57 instead of a .30-06 from the standpoint of practicality, IMHO. But, having something a little different can be fun. Here in the States the 8x57 will most likely be a handloaders cartridge in order to get the most out of it.
I'm also a big fan of the .30-06 (I own three) but the 8x57 can certainly stand on its own merits when compared to the .308 Winchester and the .30-06 Springfield. I think the 8x57 is a very well balanced cartridge that develops some very respectable ballistics. The Germans certainly knew what they were doing when they designed it. The 8x57 has become one of my favorite cartridges.
Cheers!
-Bob F.