7x57 (7mm mauser)

[buckmeister2]

I have a couple questions about this cartridge. I've never used it, but picked up a really nice m98 sporter in this caliber with a cut-down barrel and beautiful custom stock--got it really cheap. Several ammo dealers/reloaders have told me it recoils less than a .270, has nearly identical trajectory in factory loads (exluding light magnums), and delivers more punch. The ballistics numbers don't bear this out, but it does have a heavier bullet weight and larger diameter going for it. Any experience with this round on deer or elk would be appreciated. Also, any ideas on handloading for this round, please.

Jim

[Shadow]

The 7X57 is a great round. It is not very popular in the US mostly due to the fact that it won't fit a true short action, and our military adopted the .30-06. It is more well known in Europe. Factory loads for this round are pretty whimpy. This is due to the fact that there are so many old, surplus military rifles in this caliber. Ammo companies are scared of law suits from hot ammo in worn out actions. If your action is solid, it can be loaded up to almost .270 ballistics. The .270 will probably be a bit faster and flatter, but not enough to notice. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on an elk hunt. My office partner has a custom gun built on a Mauser action in 7x57. He may have some of his dad's recipes for hot loads. He likes his rifle a lot. Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I will ask him about it.

[ December 20, 2001: Message edited by: Alan Shadow ]

[BigBadBooDooDady]

I have never used it myself but all I know is that it serves the purpose on deer.

A guy I know shot 2 deer about 5 minutes apart from each other with one. Both were at about 80 yards, one of them went all the way through and one stuck in the hide on the other side of it. I think he was using 140gr. bullets, and it was in West Virginia so the deer were small.