Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Norma Whitetail 8x57mm JS Mauser ammo loads a 196 grain jacketed soft point over clean-burning powder in boxer-primed brass. This is classic 8mm Mauser hunting ammunition — a rimless bottleneck cartridge adopted by Germany in 1888, chambered in Mauser 98 platforms and surplus rifles worldwide. The .323-inch diameter bullet launches at 2525 feet per second, delivering 2775 foot-pounds of muzzle energy for whitetail, hogs, and medium game inside 200 yards. Each 20-round box ships from Norma ready for the field, with brass cases you can reload after your hunt.
Built for the Box
Norma engineers the Whitetail line around a flat-base soft point with an exposed lead tip. On impact, the lead core expands quickly while the jacket controls penetration through vitals. You get reliable mushrooming in tissue, fast energy transfer, and deep wound channels. The 196 grain weight stabilizes in standard 1-in-9.4-inch rifling, common to Mauser 98 barrels and Yugoslav M48 imports. Brass cases carry the boxer primer pocket — punch, resize, and reload when you’re back from the stand.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 8x57mm JS Mauser (8mm Mauser) (323 Diameter) |
| Bullet weight | 196 grains |
| Bullet type | Jacketed Soft Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 2525 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2775 ft-lbs |
| Rounds/box | 20 |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Norma |
Zero at 100 yards and you’ll hold center-mass on vitals out to 175 yards before significant drop. For more hunting loads in this caliber, browse our full 8mm Mauser ammo inventory.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four rules of firearm safety on every range trip.
- Verify your rifle is chambered for 8x57mm JS (.323-inch) — older J-bore rifles use .318-inch bullets and must not fire JS ammunition.
- This product contains lead. California Proposition 65 requires notification of potential exposure. Store out of reach of children.
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