Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7x64 Brenneke

Anyone loading this cartridge?
I think I am starting with .280 Rem loads and some slower bulkier powders, maybe RL-19.

Also, most of these rifles have a faster twist than the .280s, so I am thinking 150-175-gr bullets will do better, but I would be interested to see if it shoots the 120-gr Nosler BT and the 140-gr bullets well.

Without accounting for faster twist...the load data I've seen is very close to the .280Rem, but I've never loaded for one

Again, haven't loaded for one...but the 7x64 actually has slightly more case capacity than the .280Rem. Soooo, in theory, in a modern firearm...it might be closer to a .280AI...but I've never seen data near that velocity range. The load data I see varies greatly with the 7x64, and I can't find any SAAMI pressure specs for it. It is a cartridge with some cool factor to it though.

Lee24,

Norma has data in their manual for Norma 204 and MRP, so think Re 19 & 22 burning rates respectively (and 203B for the lighter bullets). They commented that best accuracy was with bullets over 150 grains which they attributed to the relatively long throat in their rifle.

I always wanted one of these, but built a .280 for practicality.

jim

I have two and both shoot TSX 120's and 140's very well. I would start with H4350. Case capacity is actually a bit less than the .280. Start with 52.0 grs.

I just made a deal on a BRNO 21H in 7x64. Expect delivery next week. Anyone have some light to shed on that particular combination? One curious thing I've found in some European publications is that the bore diameter is slightly larger than US 7mm diameters, .285 vs .284 Does that make any sense? Or any practical difference?

Yeah, I've seen the same thing written. I've also seen some data that noted some Euro 7mm's went up to .287-.288. (IIRC, I don't believe the 7x64 was one of these.) This is why Hawk, GS Custom, and Woodleigh make some bullets in these odd diameters. I doubt that .285 would be that big a deal but any more and accuracy might suffer using .284 bullets. If convenient, you may want to slug the bore so you'll know for sure.

I agree with .280rem - the coolness factor for the 7x64 is off the charts. Will have to add it to the list of "someday" projects.

Foul. We need a pic of that 21H! You can't post before receiving the rifle. Double foul

I am going to try all weights, from 120 to 175.
Since mine has a 1:9.25 twist and is a Mannlicher-stocked Mauser carbine, I suspect it was designed to shoot heavier bullets, because that is all that existed in those days.

I know it makes no logistic sense, when you already have a 7mm-08, to go with kooky metrics, but the rifle is totally German, a 7x64 or 8x60 seems appropriate.

Here's the "soon to be mine" Brno 21H:

FWIW, my 7x57 has decided it LOVES 120gr TSX's despite the fast twisted original mauser barrel.

GE

Looks great!

Castandblast,
You'll love that scope - very classic. What kind of mounts are those?
I will post a picture of mine when I get home.

I finally got some new factory ammo. I am waiting on some Norma, but if the wind is calm, I plan to shoot several different loads this weekend, hopefully through a chronograph.

Sweet!!!!

7X64 Benneke case capacity 65 gr H2O.
280 Rem case capacity 68 gr H20.

Basically ballistic twins.

Your seating depth or case brand can have more variation. Use 280 load information starting in the midrange of the powder you choose for the bullet weight.

'Njoy

Yes, I have a lot of loads from European and African sources, mostly with IMR and VV powders. If these factory loads (140, 150, 160, and 175 grain bullets) shoot well, I will try to duplicate them for starters, and work up 120-gr loads, mild and full power, using the Nosler BT I have for my 7mm-08.

Since my rifle is a 20-inch full-stocked Mauser, I am going to give up some velocity to a 24-inch rifle, but all I need is one really accurate load in each of a few weights. I figure if the heavy bullets only move at around 2,500 fps, they will probably be used on closer shots at wild boar or bear, anyway.

I am going to try forming brass from .30-06 brass to see how that works, too.

I have formed 7X64 from 30-06 brass. It is a bit of a chore, as the 7X64 base is somewhat smaller.

Use RCBS dies and STP as the case lube, the brass sizes down in a single pass through the die.

Ted

Well, I promised to post a photo of my 7x64.



And the full view:

Here's my Sauer 202 with bbls. in 7x64 and .30-06 + my son-in-law's Mauser 66S in 7x64 :