I use ecctools for this shit.

./md 8 / 3
Result: 55555555555555555555555555555554e8e4f44ce51835693ff0ca2ef01215c3

./md 2 / 3
Result: 55555555555555555555555555555554e8e4f44ce51835693ff0ca2ef01215c1


then you bruteforce in range from

55555555555555555555555555555554e8e4f44ce51835693ff0ca2ef01215c1

to

55555555555555555555555555555554e8e4f44ce51835693ff0ca2ef01215c3

you need only 2 step to get

55555555555555555555555555555554e8e4f44ce51835693ff0ca2ef01215c3 = then brute you get  .... c1, ...c2,... c3

only 2 3 step instaed of 8

this is one of most used ideas of this shit. Shit this is real shit what is too hard or imposible use in real cracking / bruting world.