It could be that the 7x57 was whistled out and that is why it was re-chambered but I suspect. That it was actually a case of " magnumitis" !
And again , owner of the rifle obviously paid got it so wanted it regardless of what we would want several decades later .
Could be he was having a hard time sourcing ammo for it as well.
Cat


scopes are cool, but slings 'n' irons RULE!