Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Who likes the 7 x 57?

My wife's 7x57 cz 550 is in the process of a major facelift and is down to 7 lbs., 3 ounces so far. Perhaps someone would post pics for me?

7x57 max length 3.065. 280 3.33 ok the difference isn't worth making another action. the good news is which ever you choose will work well.

can't lose!

Even the old cobbled-together ones can still shoot.

I bought this M1909 a couple of years ago to use as a rough weather rifle, since it was in a B&C Carbelite stock, but the barrel was way too big (almost had a target profile), so I sent everything off to a fellow who had the action hardened and turned down the barrel using a Rigby profile with the old step (you can see it in the closeup), finished at .540 inches at the muzzle (24 inches). It took almost a pound off the entire rifle, bringing it to 7lbs, 2oz on the scale. I put an old 3-9 VXII on it, mounted in old-fashioned Weaver tip-off rings and Weaver base. The entire outfit comes in us right at 8lbs, and the balance is perfect. Not bad for an old, heavy military action.

I plan to use this rifle on pigs, so loaded up some 175-gr Hornady Interlocks (RN) that I got a while back from Rocky Mountain Reloading. I loaded six three-shot groups, starting at 41.0 grains of IMR4350 up 43.5 grains, a half-grain at a time. Brass was Prvi, primers were WLR, and the CBTO was 2.635 inches, .010 off the lands. I didn't chronograph them at the range today but estimate that the first load was running at about 2400 fps and the last was about 2500. The first three-shot group measured just over 1.5 inches and the last was .416. I suppose I could tweak powder charge and seating depth of the last one a bit, but I'm not consistent enough off the bench for it to make any difference whatsoever. This load will be perfect for anything under 200 yards, and since just about everything I shoot is way inside of that (closer to inside 75) I think this will do.

Sorry for the crappy smartphone pictures. I ought to learn to use my wife's camera.

That should do nicely, Rev.

RevMike, that is a fine example of a campfire rifle right there.

I just got an Edge stock in for my 1981 M70 fwt 7x57. Tuned trigger, Meopta 6x42 #4 in Conetrol rings. Shooting 140gr TTSXs nicely right around 2,800fps and zeroed at 200yds.

I played a little bit with the 120 and 140 gr. TSX bullets but never got good accuracy from then in three different rifles. I got sidetracked when I scored a large pile of 150 gr. Partitions and never got back to the TSX bullets. I'll probably play wit them sometime but for now I'll stick with what's working for me. It just could be my rifles just don't like those bullets. YMMV.

Paul B.

Anyone have experience reloading for small ring 1895 mausers?

im planning on using lead free because of cal laws, will most likely be using a lighter weight Barnes ttsx. Just not sure where to start, guessing I should stay away from the max loads that Barnes has posted in their site.

This Barnes data is listed at 51K psi. Good to go for your 95. https://www.barnesbullets.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/7X57mmMauserWeb.pdf

I like that! What's it weigh?

Been trying to resist this one.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/871454851

Resistance is futile. Jump on it!

To echo many of these posts, some cartridges have a magic earned by longevity, classic rifles, and solid performance for hunting. 7 x 57, 30-06, .270 Win, .30-30, .300 Savage, and many more. It's the history, dripping from every box of cartridges and every rifle owned by our ancestors and others from a different time when hunters bought one or two good rifles and used them for a lifetime.

I've seen that one as well. Wonder what it weighs.

You need that one Mike!

I have a Boddington edition - same rifle only with a 22" barrel. I'm gonna leave this one for you.

My first and only (to date) shoot-for-group Fed 140 with my new/used Win70XTR. Full length re-bedded from recoil lug forward. I pulled #9 and knew it. If this wasn't just luck, I may come to like it!

Have yet to try the 175s that came with it.

My M70 XTR Featherweight shoots like that all the time. At least when I do my part.
Paul B.

The 24 inch is skookum! balances the rifle out perfectly...


just sayin....

I REALLY want to like the Ruger #1, but each and every one I've bought hasn't stayed around long enough to justify the purchase.

That walnut though.....

It has some nice streaks, for sure. I think Ingwe should pick it up to match his 24” Hawkeye African. What’s $1600?

I’m holding out for something else - not sure what yet, but I’ll either know it when I see it or have it made. Or I’ll just shoot more.

There is a 7x57 on a small ring Kurz on GI. I’m sure you’ve seen it.