This is work done on the 7mm Mauser. it will give a close to potential performance on the 7/08.. the difference is that the 7/08 holds 2 grains less powder for what is the max potential..
the 7/08 is limited to 22 grains max and the 7 x 57 is limited to 24 grains...
however a load of say 18 grains of Blue Dot in one should yield the same velocity in the other, with the same bullet weight...
it is important to work up.. as with any powder...don't start at the max... don't exceed the data I have listed... and it proved safe in my rifles is all I can vouche for...
when loading, charge and then seat a bullet before going onto the next one.. this will eliminate the chance of an accidental double charge...
you can easily go down to 10 grains of powder, but this info is for what I consider the useful hunting velocities...
Blue Dot Range Report: 7 x 57 Mauser
Bullet: 100 grain Sierra Hollow Point
Case: Remington, New
Primer: CCI Large Rifle
OAL: 76.25 mm
Max Capacity: 40.5 grains of Blue Dot
40%: 16.2 grains
60%: 24.3 grains
Tested: 16 to 24 grains
Rifle Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2, 22 inch factory barrel, Sporter Weight
Velocity Results:
16 grains: 2057 fps
17 grains: 2190 fps
18 grains: 2263 fps
19 grains: 2310 fps
20 grains: 2390 fps
21 grains: 2468 fps
22 grains: 2530 fps
23 grains: 2574 fps
24 grains: 2687 fps
Notes:
1. All cases extracted very easily
2. 24 grains was fine, representing the 60% mark. Increases can be made, but I recommend stopping there.
3. The rifle is long throated so the bullets were seated out to take advantage of that fact. If your rifle is not long throated work up to that point.
4. After 10 shots, in short succession, the barrel heat was minimal.
5. This load was tested at the request of someone who was looking to use this load for a Ground Hog load.
Blue Dot Range Report: 7 x 57
Bullet: 120 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, Sectional Density: .213
Primer: Winchester Large Pistol
Case: Remington, 7 x 57, second time used.
OAL: 79.30 mm
Rifle Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2, 22 inch barrel.
Results:
16 grs: 1884 fps
17 grs: 2029 fps
18 grs: NO Reading, sorry
19 grs: 2187 fps
20 grs: 2275 fps
21 grs: 2327 fps
22 grs: 2406 fps
23 grs: 2466 fps
24 grs: 2529 fps
Notes:
1. 16 grain load was like the recoil of my 223 with Blue Dot loads. According to the Nosler reload manual�s trajectory chart, this would make a decent 150 yd deer load.
2. With the 20 grain load, you get into a 200 yd load for deer. 3.5 inches high at 100 yds will be dead on at 200 yds.
3. The 22 thru 24 grain loads, are definitely good deer medicine. 3.5 inches high at 100 yds, should make it a decent 250 yd load.
4. Nosler Ballistic Tip. I just like this bullet for this type of application, as it does a good job opening up and penetrating at the lower velocities.
5. All cases extracted easily, and overall, had no powder residue around the necks at all, like with some the 100 grain Sierra Hollow Point loads. ( exception was the 16 grain load).
I really liked this bullet and caliber combo for deer. I wouldn�t hesitate to use it on some of the bigger Upper Midwest Whitetails I use to hunt in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Blue Dot Range Report
Caliber: 7 x 57
Rifle Used: Ruger 77 Mk 2, 22 inch barrel
Case: Remington, 3rd time used
Primer: Winchester Large Pistol
Bullet: 140 grain Remington SP
O.A.L.: 77.50 mm
Case Max Capacity: 40.5 grains of Blue Dot
Date: May 1, 2004
Tested; 40 to 60 % of max capacity
Results:
16 grs: 1731 fps
17 grs: 1856 fps
18 grs: 1912 fps
19 grs: 1958 fps
20 grs: 2051 fps
21 grs: 2146 fps
22 grs: 2194 fps
23 grs: 2256 fps
24 grs: 2335 fps.
Notes:
1.All cases extracted with ease.
2. NO excess pressure signs on primers
3. Recoil was very mild and tolerable for youths or women.
4. From 20 grains to 24 grains would be a good deer load in my opinion
5. 20 grains would indicate a 150 to 175 yd point blank range for deer
6. 23 to 24 grains would be indicated with a point blank range of 200 yds to 240 yds , in my opinion.
7.Nosler Ballistic Tip, Hornady 139 grain SP, and Remington 140 SP would all make very effective deer bullets in the ranges listed here.
