I own 2 7x57s. A Mark X Mauser action with a laminated Mannlicher stock, 20" bbl and Leupold 2x7 compact. The other is a 700 Mtn. rifle, wood-blue with a 3x9 Leupold. In both of these, for Missouri whitetails, 139gr. Hornandys have did all I could ask of them. Finding myself in middle-age, having put on a few pounds, I will reach for the Mtn rifle more and more, but IMO what else could you ask for really.