MB, The 154 gr Hornady InterLock SP is my all time favorite in this rifle and used it with success on Moose, deer, elk and Mountain goat. In addition to O'Connor, Harvey Donaldson wrote favorably about the 7x57 Mauser and it struck a chord with me.
As you have found, you need not be askeered of the long throat In fact, the Ruger is very accurate with the 120 grain NBT and Hornady HP even though the bullet is a long way from the lands.
