7x57 Mauser Performance

[GWN]

Hi everyone, every once in a while a thread regarding the 7x57 Mauser pops up and the comments are generally quite favorable.

This is a round that has always piqued my interest but I don't know anyone who has one. Those of you who have one and have used it what you think of it? Is it a cartridge you would be comfortable carrying and using as an all-around Alberta cartridge? What do you see as its strengths and limitations?

I have an older Ruger long action rifle that I am thinking of rebarrelling and this is a cartridge I have in mind for it.

Thanks for your comments and opinions

[rottie]

In performence very close to the 7-08.
It has low recoil,which is great for a recoil sensitive or new shooter.
Place your bullets right and it will be fine for anything we have in Alberta, I have had several over the years and the gun rack feels odd without one. ( not that it occurs too often )
My current is a old Rem 700 mountain rifle, a great gun to pack and shoot.
With it I dont feel undergunned at all
Get one and play, you will enjoy it

[Faststeel]

With a modern action you can get the most out of this cartridge. i have a custon rifle in x57 and with a Shillen barrel and mine is a superb shooter with 140gr Barnes TSX and reloder 19 powder. my first buck was taken at 280 yards and the next at about 25, both real dead. FS

[Bushleague]

My grandfather used an old BRNO rifle in 7x57 exclusively for most of his life. From what I remember he didn't hunt deer very much. Just moose, elk, and caribou... if that rifle hadn't gone to an uncle who doesn't hunt and wont part with it I would likely be using it as an all around rifle to this day.

[dgradinaru]

The 7x57 mauser is capable of killing most north American game, If you reload its actually abit stronger than a 7-08, leaning towards a 270 win- or 280 rem in power. With proper shot placement and a good quality bullet you should be able to harvest anything in Alberta. Ive used the 7mm before and its a good cartridge, my friend has used it on moose with good success.

[Dick284]

I've got a Ruger #1 RSI in 7x57.

In load development I got some impressive velocities with H414, and 139gr. Hornady's, on the order of 2800-2850fps, out of its 20" bbl.
Accuracy unfortunately wasn't there at those velocities.
I've settled on a mid weight load of H4350, with both 139's and 154's, sight the 139's, 3" high at 100, and the 154's are dead on.

[303carbine]

Originally Posted by rottie

In performence very close to the 7-08.
It has low recoil,which is great for a recoil sensitive or new shooter.
Place your bullets right and it will be fine for anything we have in Alberta, I have had several over the years and the gun rack feels odd without one. ( not that it occurs too often )
My current is a old Rem 700 mountain rifle, a great gun to pack and shoot.
With it I dont feel undergunned at all
Get one and play, you will enjoy it

I also have an older Remington 700 in 7x57, 140 grain Nosler Partitions get 2830 fps.
The 7x57 handles the heavier bullets better than the 7-08 as it is usually chambered in a long action allowing bullets to be set out further increasing powder capacity.
There is nothing that can't be done with a 7x57 compared to 270, 280 etc.

[Steelhorse Cowboy]

Have Pappy's old 7x57 Brno...double set triggers & light as a fly...139 Nosler Partitions...dead elk every time it gets pointed.

[rottie]

Originally Posted by 303carbine

I also have an older Remington 700 in 7x57, 140 grain Nosler Partitions get 2830 fps.
The 7x57 handles the heavier bullets better than the 7-08 as it is usually chambered in a long action allowing bullets to be set out further increasing powder capacity.
There is nothing that can't be done with a 7x57 compared to 270, 280 etc.

I know each rifle has its own preference, but do you mind me asking your load data. I am still in the working out a load stage for this one and wouldnt mind some input.
I have had good luck with the Hornady 139 before with my other rifles, but would like to try the 140 part
Thxs

[lclund1946]

Originally Posted by rottie

I know each rifle has its own preference, but do you mind me asking your load data. I am still in the working out a load stage for this one and wouldnt mind some input.
I have had good luck with the Hornady 139 before with my other rifles, but would like to try the 140 part
Thxs

Here is a link to Nosler's Load Data for the 7X57.
http://www.nosler.com/7x57-mauser

[303carbine]

Originally Posted by rottie

I know each rifle has its own preference, but do you mind me asking your load data. I am still in the working out a load stage for this one and wouldnt mind some input.
I have had good luck with the Hornady 139 before with my other rifles, but would like to try the 140 part
Thxs

I get the speeds I listed by using IMR 4350 under 139 Hornady and 140 Partition's.
I found what my rifle will handle safely then go for accuracy. I could give you the data, but my loading data may not be safe in your rifle.
I start with the manual and work up slowly, some rifles get to the limit faster than others.
I look for the standard pressure signs, flattened primers etc. A sticky bolt lift may show up before any other signs and is usually the one I base loads on whether I get flat primers or not.

[Golf Fiver]

How long does it take to be able to write on the timeline I have been waiting a week for approval just says pending

[rottie]

Originally Posted by 303carbine

I get the speeds I listed by using IMR 4350 under 139 Hornady and 140 Partition's.
I found what my rifle will handle safely then go for accuracy. I could give you the data, but my loading data may not be safe in your rifle.
I start with the manual and work up slowly, some rifles get to the limit faster than others.
I look for the standard pressure signs, flattened primers etc. A sticky bolt lift may show up before any other signs and is usually the one I base loads on whether I get flat primers or not.

Sounds fair, thanks. This is one of the fun aspects of shooting / reloading/ The working of a new load in a new for me rifle
Thxs again

[303carbine]

Originally Posted by rottie

Sounds fair, thanks. This is one of the fun aspects of shooting / reloading/ The working of a new load in a new for me rifle
Thxs again

A good chronograph is a valuable addition to your load development, if you are getting a lot more velocity than 3 or 4 manuals, then you are likely into high pressures.
If you get a sticky bolt lift or one of your primers falls out of the pocket, then you are definitely over the limit for your rifle.
If that happens,I would squash that brass and put it in the scrap bucket.