Rifle · CIP
8x68mm S
Powerful German magnum cartridge.
- Caliber
- 0.3236″ · 8.22 mm
- Introduced
- 1939
- Case
- Belted
- Primary use
- Hunting
- Status
- Active
- Introduced
- 1939
- Type
- Rifle
- Origin
- Germany
- Inventor
- RWS
- Manufacturer
- RWS
- Standard
- CIP
- Status
- Active
- Availability
- Limited
- Case capacity
- 85 gr H₂O
- Twist (typical)
- 1:10
- Primer
- Large Rifle Magnum
- Case type
- Belted
- Max pressure
- 63,817 psi
- Eff. range
- 400 yd
- Max range
- 4500 yd
- Recoil
- 14–18 ft·lb
Introduced by RWS
Ballistics
Published velocity/energy data isn't available for 8x68mm S.
Performance
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds
Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.
CIP TDCC · verified| Measure | mm | in | ✓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet ⌀ | 8.22 | 0.324 | ✓ |
| Neck ⌀ | 9.14 | 0.360 | ✓ |
| Shoulder ⌀ | 12.15 | 0.478 | ✓ |
| Shoulder angle | 14.5° | — | ✓ |
| Base ⌀ | 13.30 | 0.524 | ✓ |
| Rim ⌀ | 13.00 | 0.512 | ✓ |
| Belt ⌀ | — | — | |
| Rim thickness | 1.40 | 0.055 | ✓ |
| Neck length | 8.50 | 0.335 | ≈ |
| Case length | 67.50 | 2.657 | ✓ |
| Overall length | 87.00 | 3.425 | ✓ |
Size vs familiar rounds
Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 8x68mm S is highlighted below.
Factory loads
Being verified
Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.
Suitable powders
12 reloading powders listed for 8x68mm S, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory
Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.
Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.
Firearms chambered in 8x68mm S
2 models in the database chamber 8x68mm S. Browse all →
Lineage
Connected reference
History
Developed by RWS in 1939 as a magnum hunting cartridge. Based on .375 H&H case shortened and rebated rim. The 'S' (schweres) designation distinguishes it from older 8x68mm that used .318 bore. Never achieved wide popularity outside Germany but remains respected for its power and flat trajectory.
FAQs
- What twist rate does 8x68mm S use?
- 8x68mm S typically uses a 1:10 twist rate.
- What bullet diameter is 8x68mm S?
- 8x68mm S uses a 0.3236″ (8.22 mm) diameter bullet.
- Is 8x68mm S still in production?
- 8x68mm S is active; typical availability is limited.
- What is 8x68mm S used for?
- 8x68mm S is primarily used for hunting.
- What are the best powders for 8x68mm S?
- Reloading powders commonly listed for 8x68mm S include N135, N550, 203-B, Vihtavuori N140, among 12 suitable options.
Sources & provenance
- Standard C.I.P. — C.I.P. TDCC — Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers
- Standard C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente) — C.I.P. TDCC TAB. I — 8 x 68 S (rev. 06-09-19) · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer RWS Ammunition — RWS 8x68 S HIT 10,4g · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer Norma Ammunition — Norma TIPSTRIKE 8x68 S 180gr · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer RWS Ammunition — RWS 8x68 S SPEED TIP PRO 11,7g · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer RWS Ammunition — RWS 8x68 S KS 11,7g · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
- Manufacturer RWS Ammunition — RWS 8x68 S EVO 13,0g · grain_ballistics, representative_gun archived
Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 22 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →