8×56mmR Mannlicher Ammo

8×56R Mannlicher Ammo for Sale

Steinel currently offers three 8×56R Mannlicher loads:

– 208gr FMJ -suited to range shooting, practice, and general rifle use.
– 200gr Jacketed Soft Point – intended for hunting applications where an expanding bullet is appropriate.
– 220gr RNFP Hard Cast with Gas Check – a heavier hard-cast option for applications where deep penetration is desired.

8 x 56R Mannlicher 220gr RNFP Hard Cast w/GC

Choosing the Right 8×56mmR Load

The intended application should be the starting point when selecting a load.

For general range use, the 208gr FMJ provides a traditional full-metal-jacket configuration. For hunting, the 200gr JSP provides a hunting-oriented projectile designed for expansion. The 220gr hard-cast load offers a heavier bullet option when penetration is an important consideration.

The rifle itself is equally important. Many 8×56mmR firearms are historic military rifles, so chambering, condition, and the rifle’s specific configuration should be verified before selecting ammunition.

8×56R Mannlicher Ballistics

Steinel’s current loads provide different bullet weights and constructions for different applications:

Note: Actual performance may vary depending on barrel length, rifle condition, and environmental factors.

8×50R vs 8×56R Mannlicher

The names are similar, but 8×50R and 8×56R are not the same cartridge.

The 8×50R was the original service cartridge used in the earlier Mannlicher M95 rifles. Many rifles were subsequently rechambered or rebarreled for 8×56R, which was adopted by Austria and Hungary in the 1930s.

Before purchasing ammunition, confirm which cartridge your rifle is chambered for.

Why Purchase 8×56R Mannlicher Ammo from Steinel?

Steinel Ammunition Co. produces ammunition for a range of historic and less common cartridges that can be difficult to find from mainstream ammunition manufacturers.

Our 8×56R selection gives shooters different bullet constructions for range and hunting applications, including FMJ, jacketed soft point, and hard-cast loads.

Each product page provides the relevant bullet weight, construction, and available specifications so you can select ammunition based on the intended use of your rifle.

Applications of 8×56mmR Mannlicher Ammo

Range Shooting and Practice-
The 208gr FMJ is well suited to general range use and practice with compatible rifles. It can be used for familiarizing yourself with the rifle, working on fundamentals, and evaluating how the rifle performs with a particular load.

Deer and Medium-Game Hunting-
The 200gr Jacketed Soft Point is the Steinel load intended for hunting applications. Its expanding bullet construction makes it more appropriate for hunting than an FMJ configuration when expansion is required.

The 8×56mmR has sufficient cartridge capacity for traditional medium-game applications when appropriate ammunition, shot placement, and hunting practices are used. Hunters should always follow local regulations regarding approved ammunition and game species.

Heavy-Bullet Hunting Applications-
The 220gr RNFP Hard Cast with Gas Check provides a heavier projectile option for shooters who prefer hard-cast ammunition.

The heavier bullet and hard-cast construction make this load particularly relevant where penetration is prioritized. As with any hunting ammunition, the appropriate application depends on the firearm, game, conditions, and applicable regulations.

Historic Military Rifle Shooting-
The 8×56mmR remains closely associated with historic Mannlicher military rifles. Collectors and enthusiasts can use modern ammunition to continue shooting compatible rifles while maintaining the connection to the cartridge’s original military role.

This is particularly relevant for shooters who own M95 rifles that have been properly converted to 8×56mmR.

Compatible Firearms

The following models are associated with 8×56R chambering or documented conversions:

– Steyr M1895 / M95
– Steyr M95/30
– Steyr M95/34
– Hungarian 31M
– Hungarian 35M

Always verify the cartridge marking on the individual rifle before using ammunition. An original 8×50R Mannlicher rifle should not be assumed to be chambered for 8×56R simply because it is an M95.

The M95 family was originally chambered in 8×50R, with many rifles later converted to 8×56R. The Hungarian 35M was designed around the newer 8×56R cartridge.

Austro-Hungarian Stormtroopers armed with Mannlicher M95 Stutzens at the Isonzo front in 1917 (colorized).
Source-Wikipedia

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is 8×56mmR Mannlicher used for?
A: It is commonly used for vintage rifle shooting, hunting medium game, and maintaining historical firearm collections.

Q2. Is it suitable for deer or hog hunting?
A: With proper bullet selection, particularly JSP or hard-cast loads, it delivers effective terminal performance for medium-sized game.

Q3. Can modern rifles use this ammunition?
A: If the rifle is properly chambered for 8×56mmR, it should function safely. Always confirm manufacturer specifications before use.

Q4. How does it compare to .30-30 Winchester?
A: Both are effective for similar hunting roles, but the 8×56mmR offers greater historical significance and is tailored for classic military rifles, whereas the .30-30 is more common in modern lever-action platforms.