Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Factory 140 gr Load in .275 Rigby

COTW lists the original factory load for the 140 gr. Solid or LT Capped SN-SP at 3000 fps, about what could be expected in a .280 or .284. My question is: Can this load be duplicated in a 7x57 at some sane pressure level? Most reloading manuals I have seen max out at about 2800 fps.

Pardon my ignorance but who is COTW?

Cartridges of The World.

No and don't bother trying.

Bandukwallah,

I have a reproduction of the 1924 Rigby catalog where the 3000 fps for the 140-grain load is listed. Perhaps they really got that velocity from a 30" test barrel, but I can guarantee they did't from the 23-1/2" barrels listed for most of the .275 Rigby rifles in the catalog--or the 21" barreled Model No. 3 Light Weight, "particularly suitable for a lady or youth."

If you really want 3000 fps with a 140 from a 7x57 I'd suggest using a 26-28" barrel. On a falling-block single-shot action this wouldn't be too unwieldy.

My interest is really more academic in nature. I seem to recall O'Connor writing that the old 139 gr Western loads were advertised as achieving 2900 fps or so. He also stated that they later were trimmed back to 2800 or so. So when I saw the listing in COTW, I was a bit intrigued.

Could someone pleases splain to me what a 140 at 3000 will do that a 140 at 2800 won't do? I've never felt under gunned with any 7x57 140, 150, 160 or 175 load.

200 fps faster.

Have been working a bit with 7x57, 280 Rem, etc. lately and think that Mule Deer nailed it fairly close - relative case capacity is one issue. I seem to recall that, 45 years ago, most ammo mfrs were not loading up to potential for the 7X57 due to "concerns" about strength of the plethotra of older 7mm military rifles being used as sporters.

This grand old cartridge needs a forum category all to itself!

I have a 7X57 and have been able to exceed 2900 fps with both obsolete H-205 and H414 powders. The H-205 load was used for years with no signs of excessive pressure and the brass lasted for 10 or more loadings without problems.

Just recently tried Ramshot Big Game with 140 grain bullets and was stunned at the speeds shown on the chronograph .

The rifle showed no evidence of high pressure (e.g. stiff bolt lift) - which has happened before with other loads in that rifle. I stopped shooting and pulled the loads with higher charges.

I was close to the maximum charges given in manuals for the 7mm-08; but my rifle is a 7X57 with a long throat. Consequently, I did not think I was pushing the envelope at all except for the figures on the chronograph. (other rifles on the same day were showing typical velocities so the chronograph is not suspected.)

I'm waiting for the opportunity to do more shooting before giving the results.

Only from you would I get that kind of answer. Ya I know speed kills.

Yeah, and it would have at least one additional benefit !!!

Some of us could quit stumbling into the droolings of old men about how much better it was----than it is.

Well, since you are stumbling into droolings anyway, stumble on out here to our place - be our guest, love to meet ya' - and we can shoot a couple of them well-loaded. Some good things just don'r seem to diminish or die - despite gun writer and industry hype of new stuff.

I have duplicated the 51.5gr of RL19 and a 140gr BT in a 24in barrel for 2950fps. powdr

The 7x57 is a fine cartridge.

But I always figured if I wanted a 140 gr 7mm bullet at 3000 fps+ I would simply get a 280 Remington instead.

Or for that matter....a 270.

CCCC -

Just in case you missed it or didn't understand it....



meant, I jest or it's TnC (Tongue in Cheek)

I don't have any problem about whatever others like or prefer.

Altho, 3 of my favorite cartridges are 270 W, 7mm RM, and 300 WM. Yep, I like FAST bullets and their benefits.

At 64 y.o. I'm not a spring chicken but I learned a long time ago that I like/prefer higher velocity. There are at least 3 benefits as long as you use bullets designed for it.

I 'assume' y'all know what those benefits are so I'll not waste the time and space.

Thanks for the invite and I always enjoy talking guns and smack in good humor.

Again, I was joking.

I'm a whole decade behind you, but still enjoy the drooling of old men over a grand old cartridge. Here's tonight's proof in the pudding.

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I believe if I wanted a 3,000 fps 140 grain 7mm, I would have Melvin Forbes build me a 22 inch .284.

Hey jwall - thanks - but I knew you were foolin' and do get a kick out of such stuff. The invite is good if ever you are way out here - I enjoy the same stuff.