Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 7-08 vs 7x57

Hi guys,
Is there any decernable difference between these two rounds?

If my goal is to push a 120 gr bullet at 2800-2900 fps and a 139gr bullet at 2700-2800 fps out a 20" barrel , would it make a difference which round I used?

I know the 7x57 needs a little bit longer action and cant handle as much pressure as the 7-08 but will both rounds meet my goal?

Cajun

If you reload, no. If you don't yes. I'd say that on average a 7mm-08 will likely be a bit more accurate, only because many 7x57 are throated for "longer" bullets (175 gr).

I'd say 2750 with 139 gr Hornady's is doable with a 20" toob. Try H414, W760 in the 7mm-08. If you're shooting in the swamps of LA I'd go with the heavier bullet, although Nosler is supposed to be making a 120 gr TSX that would probably be all you need.

Good luck.

If you put the 7x57 in a rifle made of modern steels, such as the Rugers, Rems and the Model 70 I believe it will out run the 7-08 with out much problem if you handload.
Using factory loads only the 7-08 is probably the best of the 2 on account of the 7-08 is loaded by the factories to quite a bit higher pressures.

Thanks.
If I go with a 7x57 it would be a Mauser action. and it would be an all handload proposition.BUT I'm leaning tward a commercial action 7-08 for my project. I just threw the question out there to see what yall think

Thanks

Cajun

You answered your own question. The 7-08 is a short action 7x57. The x57 has a slight advantage with 160 and heavier bullets.

cajun, if you get the 708, my favorite, try RE15 first with the 139Hornady or 150s also, H414 and it's twin 760 might give you a bit more velocity, but RE15 will give you great accuracy and about 2800fps witha max load. I use H4895 with the 120grainers. Jay

The performance difference between the 7-08 and the 7x57 is small, indeed. As has been noted, only when you shoot 160's and 175's does the 7x57 show a bit of superiority, velocity wise. With the lighter bullets in a modern action, they are very similar, if you reload. Factory loads for the 7x57, like the 8x57 and 257 Roberts, tend to be on the "soft" side, and can be improved on considerably. Regards, Eagleye.

Actually, I've been able to get almost 2600 with 175's from a 22" 7mm-08, using published data. It's a myth that long bullets don't work in shorter cartridges.

There are also some better factory loads for the 7x57 on the market these days. Hornady's Light Magnum 139-grain load gets what's advertised, over 2800 fps. I used it quite a bit when it featured the Interlock, but not since they switched to the SST, which is slightly softer. But it still would do for most deer hunting. If you can find them, Norma's 7x57 loads are great.

In reality, even using the oridinary American 7x57 load featuring the 140 at 2700 or so, you'll never see a difference in field results. But the more practical choice in North America is undoubtedly the 7mm-08. Ammo can be found almost anywhere, and even the factory rifles really shoot.

MD

I found the 7X57 Hornady Light Mags (new SST version) a little soft. Half a box through my Ruger MKII with 22 inch barrel spanned 2629 to 2682 fps, measured at about 10 ft.

Aldeer

Define almost anywhere. I can buy ammo for mine at TWO places without special ordering it or driving over 30 minutes. Wal-Mart (only 1 of the 4 local stores) had 2 boxes of Win 140gr PP (fortunately my rifle likes it). The other place had Fed TBBC on close out for $30, Ballistic Tips, Corelocts and the Win PP. Not more than 3 boxes of any type. OTOH, 7x57 is fairly common (as in all the gun shops carry it).

Hi Guys,
I just got back from talking to the gunsmith who will be helping me build the scout rifle. He'll look for a Rem action but if nothing shows up between now and the time I return from my deployment, we'll build up a mauser. If we go remmington it will be a 7-08 if not we will use a 7x57.

Thanks everyone for your inputs

Cajun

Well Mule Deer you gone and done it now. I looked high and low for a BLR 708. Finally found one, it had a simmons scope on it , but that could be fixed easy, looking on down the barrel someone had had it magnaported, strike 1, front sight had been replaced with a S&W pistol sight , strike 2. Well I couldn't really get the velocity from it with heavy bullets for elk any way, Strike 3.
Now here you go spouting off about 2600 with a 175, and the whining and looking is about to start again. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[quote]Actually, I've been able to get almost 2600 with 175's from a 22" 7mm-08, using published data. It's a myth that long bullets don't work in shorter cartridges.

Mule Deer,

What 175 grain bullets are you favoring these days?

Steve

Aldeer--

Thanks for the info on the SST Light Mag load. I have heard the SST's are softer than the Inerlocks--and the reports are reliable enough I haven't used them on game.

The old Interlock load got over 2900 from one of my custom 7x57's with a 24" barrel, and little tiny groups too. Wish they'd kept it!

MD

Grimel--

Dang! 7mm-08 is real common out here in Montana, where a lot of folks start their kids out with one, as it does fine on elk with little recoil. Of course, I have to drive 30 minutes to buy about anything, but even in my tiny town you can buy 7mm-08's down at the fishing tackle shop. 7x57's are also found, but not as often.

MD

Steve--

Generally the Nosler Partition. Have also used the Speer Grand Slam to good effect. It fits a little better in 7mm-08 magazines, which has no effect on velocity, but can on whether the ogive ends up inside the neck. But the Nosler is built to expand very well even at low velocity, while driving deeply.

Once saw a buddy shoot a zebra in the butt (unintentionally), with a 175 Partition from a 7x57, and the bullet ended up in the opposite shoulder. Not bad for an "antique" cartridge and bullet!

MD

I am just outside Knoxville Tn. The gunshop that stocks 7-08 stocks 7-30 Waters, 8x57, 303, and a few other old/odd-balls.

243, 308, 30-06, 7mm RemMag, 270, 30-30, 7.62x39, and the WSM's are the only things available "anywhere".

Sounds like Montana has it together on ammo. It's a great little round. I'll have to oder dies for mine (if I keep it) - $15 a box is just a tad bit more than I want to pay. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />