7x57 Owners....educate me

[Wheels]

Pretty clever Cliffy!

Wasn't there a very famos old time ivory hunter that almost exclusively used a 7X57 for elephant? His name doesn't ring a bell with me right now

 

[Poucher]

The 7 x 57 receives it well earned fame based on the penetration they got in game from those long ogives, If you are planing to hunt big plains game, you have to go for premium bullets in 160 gr.

 

[sestoppelman]

A classic round and very capable. I have owned a few over the years and currently have a Ruger No 1-A in it. I really however prefer the .280 Rem/7x64's a little better. You get a fair amount more power with not much increase in recoil and of course like any larger round, it can be downloaded if needed, a bit more flexible. Like comparing the '06 to the .308Win. My current 7x64 is a Steyr M Professional and it really shoots!

 

[Code4]

OP. The gist of your first post was that you were unimpressed with the ballistics you saw in reloading manuals.

If you need impressive ballistics, this is not the cartridge for you. You need a cartridge that has been recently and aggressively marketed.

I have had my 7x57 custom Mauser 98 for five years now and hunted everything from Hare to Camels, including Red Deer etc. from short to long (300yards) range. I have hunted these animals with mild to moderate muzzle velocities loaded with premium and conventional projectiles. I have seen a lot of velocities posted on the web for the 7x57 that are quite frankly, utter BS.. I sold my 9.3x62 because it did not give me more penetration or accuracy than my 7x57.

There are very good reasons for owning a 7x57 and they can't be found written on paper, on the web or at the rifle range shooting over a chronograph.

 

[damundsen87]

I thoroughly agree with the above post you have to have had one before you can appreciate how pleasing it is to hunt with this fine old cartridge. This little cartridge shines not on paper but out in the field. I have shot a custom FN Mauser for several years now and have never been disappointed in the cartridge. Its right there in my top 4 with the 300H&H, 6.5x55, and the 222 Remington

 

[Bos en Dal SAFARIS]

I thoroughly agree with the above post you have to have had one before you can appreciate how pleasing it is to hunt with this fine old cartridge. This little cartridge shines not on paper but out in the field.

+ 1 there is a competition in the SAHGA where shooters shoot with factory loaded ammo on 100m. This past weekend there was a guy shooting a 6.1mm group with 3 shots!!!

I load 140g Barnes TTSX infront of 43g S355 songem propelant. Bullet traveling at 2630ft/s and i shoot from springbok to kudu with this little guy

Great rifle

 

[PHOENIX PHIL]

Note that I did in fact buy a M70 Featherweight several months ago in 7x57. I wasn't unimpressed with the ballistics as much as what I was reading seemed to be exceptionally lightly loaded rounds. I'm working a 140gr North Fork load right now that showed immediate promise with IMR 4350. I have no idea what the velocity is but it should be in the 2700 fps range.

I also know this, I had my 11 year old shoot some midrange 140gr Ballistic Tips the last time we were out.....nothing but smiles on his face. I'm sure this one will be a keeper.

 

[tahoe2]

I have two 1893 Spanish mausers in 7x57 and keep my loads down around 40,000-44,000 CUP (original pressures for that round)
But in a modern action like an M-70 or Ruger 77, that can be pushed to 45,000-55,000 those bullets will sizzle pretty good,
approaching 280 Remington status, still not 7mm Rem Mag but plenty for American Mule Deer and Elk (Kudu sized).
I'm a mauser freak, so those old cartridges 7x57, 7.65x53, 8x57, float my boat. I still need a 9.3x62. Good luck !

 

[enysse]

I have two 1893 Spanish mausers in 7x57 and keep my loads down around 40,000-44,000 CUP (original pressures for that round)
But in a modern action like an M-70 or Ruger 77, that can be pushed to 45,000-55,000 those bullets will sizzle pretty good,
approaching 280 Remington status, still not 7mm Rem Mag but plenty for American Mule Deer and Elk (Kudu sized).
I'm a mauser freak, so those old cartridges 7x57, 7.65x53, 8x57, float my boat. I still need a 9.3x62. Good luck !

Yes, you definitely need a 9.3x62! Great gun!