Dan,
there is more to the world than the US of A.
obsolete means - "out of use"
The 7x57 never was "in use" in the US. So it can not be called obsolete, especially when, in the countries, where it has been used from the beginning, it is going strong. No end in sight.
As for the system length question -
COAL .30-06 3.340"
COAL 7 x 57 3.074"
Difference .266". I rest my case.
Just my two cents.
All the best.
I agree. There is more to the world than the US. I would guess that world wide, there are still far more popular cartridges than the 7x57. I still love the cartridge though.
And .266 is plenty to argue and banter about! That's a whole 6mm! Think about all of the people who argue about the 270 and 280. The difference is only .007 there. Just playing. I see your point.
Where in Germany are you located? My grandfather did a great deal of hunting in Germany. He had twin rifles built in 6.5x57 and 8x57 while in Germany. Both on K98 actions. The barrel on the 8x57 is a turned-down MG42 barrel. Both rifles wear Pecar scopes in claw mounts. My grandfather took a nice moose in Alaska with that 8mm.
