Hello Zkk93,
Khomas Highland Hunting Safaris of Namibia, welcomes you to the greatest forum on earth.
The 7x57 MM is a favorite caliber of many forum members here.
I have a converted military Venezuelan Modelo ‘98 Mauser that, is now transformed into a cute little stalking rifle, via my favorite local Gunsmith.
Since you already hunt with a 7x57, I do not need to describe the virtues of this cartridge.
My following thoughts here are for those reading along, who have not tried the 7x57 for hunting.
It is one of the very finest / versatile hunting cartridges the world has ever known.
It’s only real limitation is that, despite the once famous elephant hunter, Walter “Karamojo” Bell’s claim to the contrary, the 7x57 is not well suited to truly heavy, dangerous game.
It’s beauty is due to its ability to use various types of ammunition and its low recoil.
It has a low trajectory with light, fast bullets for longer shots against thin skinned animals.
When conditions such as open grasslands and cross canyon shots are called for, a 140 grain spitzer works very well.
And yet, it also can use heavy for caliber bullets, when hunting things like boar and stag in thick forest and bush.
A blunt shaped 175 grain bullet works well for such bushveld conditions.
No doubt, since you are a hand loader you already know these things and so, I am “preaching to the choir” LoL.
Best Regards,
Velo Dog.
