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Posted By: AZ Southpaw The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/09/09
Looking for some info and real world experience please. I have a Ruger #1RSI in 7x57 (20" barrel). I was looking for a RSI in .243 for javelina. The wood on the 7x57 was too good to pass up so I bought it. Now I'm finding that the little 7mm is calling out to be used for much more. Especially for hunts where I get to creep through the pines - that means deer and elk too. But here in AZ, even a hunt in the pines can mean a 250-300 yard shot on occasion.

So...what would do it all - break an elk shoulder up close if need be, but still do what it needs to at 300 yards? And here's the kicker, what would do that all economically. Many say even the most expensive bullet in the world is the cheapest part of the hunt. I agree, but let's face it. These are some tough times. An extra $30 for bullets has to go a lot longer than it used to - for me anyway. I need the most bang for the buck (yeah...I suppose that pun was intentional).

So far I've settled on two choices - the 154gr Hornady Interlock, and the 160gr Speer Mag Tip. With 4350, IMR4831 and RL19, I can get close to 2500fps with the Hornady, and actually a little more with the Speer - about 2550fps. I can do much better with the Hornady and W760, but the only time I've blown a primer I was using W760. My theory is that my load was safe in January, but over the edge in the heat of July. Jutified or not, it left a bad taste for that powder.

What does the group think of those two? Or, I'm open for suggestions. Since 2550fps might be about it for me, I'm actually looking at the 175gr Speer Mag Tip as well. The books say I may be able to get close to 2550fps with that bullet, even in my 20" barrel. If that were the case, I'm guessing the trajectory between the heavier and lighter bullets would be negligible. Thanks.
Posted By: BobinNH Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/09/09
AZ: I can't speak to your choices as I've never seen the Hornady's used on elk(at least not the 154's).But I've used and seen used, the 140-160 gr 7mm Nosler Partitions on a wide range of game from the 7x57 to the 7 Rem Mag. I have precious few of these weights and styles that I've recovered simply because they pass through so frequently.

No need to spend a fortune on either one as you could work up loads with cheaper Sierra's(say),and substitute the Partitions for hunting.IME with the 7x57(22" barrel)you should be able to get about 2750-2800 with the 140,maybe 2600 with the 160(?).I'm guessing here because I never worjked with a 20" barrel.

There's a lot of historic precedent for these loads,as O'Connors wife, Eleanor used 160 gr Speers and Partitions from a 7x57 to kill a pile of African and North American stuff. Should do what you want, I think smile
Posted By: rickt300 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/09/09
I really like the 7x57. My first load used on everything was the 160 grain Speer Hotcor on top of a max loding of AA 4350. Excellent load and very accurate. I never shoot to break the shoulder bone on the side I am shooting at with anything. My loads for it now are 48.0 grains of H414 under either a 150 grain Ballistic Tip or 140 grain Nosler Partition. My barrel is only 19 inches long and I have no idea how fast my bullets are going but I have gotten perfect performance from this load on deer and hogs that weighed as much as 400 pounds. I would not hesitate to use either bullet on elk out to 300 yards. I do use the 150 gr. BT's for most of my extraneous shooting and the Partitions for hunting game heavier than deer most of the time. My rifle performed best using AA4350 under the 175 grain bullets. The Mag Tip and the Interlok in 175 grain weights are fine bullets that will do it all. The Mag Tip being the tougher bullet.
Posted By: Ron_T Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/09/09
My Ruger#1 RSI (single shot riflewith full Mannlicher-style stock) in 7x57 really "likes" H4350 at ANY load-level. It is very accurate loaded behind a 140 grain Sierra ProHunter, flat-based bullet in Remington cases sparked by standard Winchester primers.

My "accuracy load" is the above components using 47.2 grains of H4350 which has yielded 3-shot groups as small as .176 inches. However, even a maximum load consisting of 50.0 grains of H4350 shoots .404 inch, 3-shot groups, but recoil and sound level were both considerably higher than with only slightly lighter loads.

Try H4350... I believe you'll like what it does for your rifle. smile


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.
Posted By: pick Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/09/09
AZ,

I have a 7x57mm with a 22 inch barrel. For what you are asking any of the three you mentioned should do fine at the velocity you are sending them down range.

As for which one to chose I would say that depends on which one you and your rifle shoot the best under hunting conditions. Lets face the fact that where the bullet lands is the most important part of the process. I would start with the one that is lowest cost for a box of bullets. Work up an accurate load from the bench position. Then I would shoot a bunch from field positions. If I can hit my targets from field positions out to where I want when I want I would call it good. If you find your shooting is not what you want then go to the next bullet and see if it improves.

What is going to matter when hunting is being able to put the bullet in the right place when you have to. No matter how great a bullet is, if it hits in the wrong place it will not accomplish what you desire. Now even an ordinary bullet in the correct place will anchor the critter. So being able to shoot it well while hunting is the MOST important point.

As to the 175 vs either the 154 or 160 you are correct if the velocity is almost the same there is no real difference in bullet flight inside 300 yrds.

Go with what you shoot best and do not worry about it. They are all good time proven bullets.
Posted By: AZ Southpaw Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/11/09
Thanks for the info!
Posted By: 8mmwapiti Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/11/09
I have taken many elk with a 154 Hornady out of a 7mm mag . It would do the job fine out of a 7x57 as would the Speer. I originally picked the 154 because I could not decide on a 150 or a 160 so I split the difference and never had a problem with the Interlock. In fact I developed a respect for their performance.


8mmwapiti
Posted By: ingwe Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/11/09
the 7x57 is my favorite by far. Ive used it extensively here in the states and on a pile of African game.As pick said above, trajectory wise inside 300 yds. there isnt enough difference between 154, 160 or 175. Using mine as much as I did here in Mt. on deer and elk, plus the elk+ sized African stuff, I shot a lot of 175 gr. Noslers.Just Plain Worked Good.
Then my buddy Mule Deer got me started on Barnes 160 TSX.with a max load of 4831. Shoots a tad better than the 175s, and like the Noslers, it will go through anything....I am one of those who likes maximum leakage out of two holes, and maximum amount of air being let in...
Ingwe
Posted By: super T Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/11/09
I had a .280 that loved the 150gr. Nosler Partition. I just finished working on a friends 7x55mm and it too liked the 150gr. Nosler Part. I used H4350 and H414 both did well. It has been my observation that the 150gr.NP gets over looked some, don't know why because it just plain works.
Posted By: mathman Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/11/09
Quote
So far I've settled on two choices - the 154gr Hornady Interlock, and the 160gr Speer Mag Tip. With 4350, IMR4831 and RL19, I can get close to 2500fps with the Hornady, and actually a little more with the Speer - about 2550fps.


Are you limiting out capacity or pressure wise? I ask because (while I know it's not a 7x57) it's easy breezy to get 2600 with 168s and 2550 with 178s with a 20" barreled 308.
Posted By: denton Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/12/09
In a modern action, it is not necessary to use such anemic loads in the 7x57. Loaded to its potential, it is an exceptional round. At equal pressure, the 7x57 will always slightly best the 7-08 because it has a larger case capacity.

In my instrumented 7x57, at conservative pressure, I can get 2750 FPS out of a 160 grain bullet from a 24" tube. I doubt that any animal would notice the difference between that and a 165 at 2850 out of a 30-06.

Glad to share the load, but I'm away from home and don't have access to my data.

Once you decide that you are not going to have a bullet impact at a speed greater than 2800 FPS, the need for a premium bullet is greatly reduced. I would happily shoot Hornadys or garden variety Speers at the speeds I've mentioned.

At the moment Shooter's Pro Shop (Nosler's factory outlet) has 140 grain 7mm AccuBonds for $16.70 per 50. That's a good deal, if you like that weight of bullet.
Posted By: bigwhoop Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/12/09
Denton, yes give us that load when you get back home. I am a convert to the 7x57 so I enjoy hearing people tell their stories.
Surprised Mule Deer or AussieGunwriter haven't chimed in yet.
Posted By: AZ Southpaw Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/12/09
I'm not sure if my loads are anemic or not, but I've tried to stick with the loading manuals. Here's where I've topped out so far - most hovering around 1" groups:

160gr Mag Tip
- 49.0gr RL 19 - 2520fps
- 46.0gr H414 - 2550fps
- 48.0gr IMR4831 - 2560fps (but accuracy was not good)
- 46.0gr H4350 - 2560fps

154gr Hornady SP
- 47.0gr H4350 - 2550fps
- 49.0 gr W760 - this is a published load in one of my old books. I got 2780fps out of this which kinda scared me. As mentioned in my initial post, this powder sure seems to have two different personalities here in AZ. When things heat up, so do my velocities. Darn thing shot 3/4" though.
- The rest of my notes were pre-chronograph days, but my notes also say the groups I achieved with other powders were not to my liking anyway. I love 3/4" groups, but will settle on 1 1/2".

As I side note, I did splurge a while back for something in the middle - 150gr Partitions. I only tried it with 4350 and my rifle didn't care for it.

Thanks for the info. Good to hear these "economy" bullets do good things.
Posted By: Seafire Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/12/09
An accurate load for one that won't usually shoot, is 40 grains of IMR 3031... with any bullet weight from 139 grains to 175 grains...

MV should be about 2650 fps across the board.. just pressures will vary, but the 175 grainers are safe with it...

I have seen a bunch of bad shooters go from 4 inch groups down to half inch groups with this charge of 3031...

don't ask me why, it just works...

with the different bullet weights inpact points don't charge much


the 154 grainer, either SP or RN are both a pair of my favorites, along with the 160 grain Speer Mag Tip...

there isn't a lot of bad choices in bullets for the 7 mm rounds..especially at 7/08 or 7 x 57 velocities...
Posted By: ingwe Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/12/09
Roger on that. My 160 gr. TSX load is clocking 2650 on the button.(win.m70 Fwt.) Not too anemic, and to confirm another post, the animals seem to detect no difference between that and a 165gr. '06
Ingwe
Posted By: CascadeJinx Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/13/17
I phoned Federal today about the Federal Premium 160 grain Nosler Accubond at 2900 fps listing and the representative said, "We have a screw up on our web site." He didn't provide any more detail other than that! So 7x57 lovers, the dream load isn't sold commercially yet in the USA manufacturers ammunition.

CJ
Posted By: Dirtfarmer Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/13/17
Old thread.

I love to read BobinNH posts. Really miss him.

Df
Posted By: PJGunner Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/13/17
" 49.0 gr W760 - this is a published load in one of my old books. I got 2780fps out of this which kinda scared me."

Yeah I do think you're pushing it with that one. I ran 49,0 gr. of W760 with the 140 gr. Ballistic Tips for 2800 FPS and fantastic groups in a Winchester M70 Featherweight. A half grain more and bolt lift started getting sticky. Guess maybe it was 105 degrees that day. That load also works OK in a Ruger #1A but has proved to be way too hot for my custom based on an FM Mauser.
I have a load work up with the 160 gr. Grand Slams to do if my damn knees ever heal up enough that I can set up a target. I'm hoping they work out OK in the Mauser and I want to try it out on a cow elk hunt I have booked in New Mexico.
I've tried the Nosler ABLR's in all three 7x57s and a .280 Remington but so far they shoot like chit.
Frankly, as much as I like the 7x57, it has so far been a bad luck cartridge for me. I've only lost two deer in over 60 years of hunting and both times I was carrying a 7x57. The first time was in 1973 and the last one was almost 16 years ago. First deer was hit with a 175 gr. Federal factory load and I'm guessing it just penciled on through. Blood trail disappears almost instantly. Shot the deer at 0800 and quit looking when the sun went down. Found what the coyotes left the next morning. Second one was an east 100 yards at the most. the deer left the herd which ran uphill while he went down into a gully. Heading up the hill so I could look into the gully my right foot rolled on so loose rock and bye bye right knee. My son in law and his son carried me off the hill but refused to go look for the deer. Can't blame the gun on that one but just bad luck.
Blew my left knee put about a month ago and still trying to heal after the surgery. Not having fun as I'm still trying to figure out how in hell does one limp on both legs?
Paul B.
Posted By: ned Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/13/17
Here are some target velocities for hand loading that JB posted at some point in the past.

120's: 3150
140's: 2900
150's: 2800
160's: 2700
175's: 2600


I've had no concerns, obvious pressure signs, getting close to them in mine.

The latest Nosler manual has data that is very close to this. The Hornady manual is anemic, in fact between two recent versions the 7x57 lost a couple hundred fps.
Posted By: Prwlr Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
[quote=PJGunner] I'm still trying to figure out how in hell does one limp on both legs.
Paul B. /quote]

Try alternating sides - ask me how I know.
wink
Hi,

Agree with what ned posted about JB and the 7x57! And what denton wrote in his 2009 answer to this post. It matches what my Mauser 7x57 do with very easy pressures, taking advantadges of the long magazine plus the original CIP leade in the barrel chamber.

Good luck!

PH
Posted By: tzone Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
I'll get flamed for this but I loaded up some 120gr NBT's and Varget in mine last night. grin We'll see Sunday what they do.
Posted By: tomk Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
tzone,
if they shoot well, that bullet's construction and the velocity out of the 7x57 case will give the 130g 270 load a run for its money...
Posted By: kk alaska Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
Any one try RL 26 in the 7 X 57 or is it to slow?
Posted By: PJGunner Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
Originally Posted by Prwlr
[quote=PJGunner] I'm still trying to figure out how in hell does one limp on both legs.
Paul B. /quote]

Try alternating sides - ask me how I know.
wink


I hear that. Sometimes though it just doesn't work that way.
Paul B.
Posted By: ned Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
Originally Posted by tzone
I'll get flamed for this but I loaded up some 120gr NBT's and Varget in mine last night. grin We'll see Sunday what they do.


The folks at Nosler say, based on their testing, Varget gave them the best accuracy with the 120s. FWIW - H4350 worked better for me


click here
Posted By: tzone Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
That is the load data I used. smile
Posted By: denton Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/14/17
Back in '09, I promised to post my load. I see that I have been remiss for a long time. Here is some info from my rifle. Yours will undoubtedly be different:

CCI 200 primer, Rem brass, 48.5 grains H4350, 162 grain Horn BTSP, 3.190" COL, 2732 FPS at 54KPSI.

CCI 200 primer, Rem brass, 51 grains RL19, 162 grain Horn BTSP, 3.190" COL, 2762 FPS at 56.1 KPSI.

CCI 200 primer, Rem brass, 50.5 grains H4350, 150 grain NosBT, 3.230" COL, 2864 FPS, 56.6 KPSI.

Granddaughter's elk load:
CCI 200 primer, Rem brass, 48.3 grains H4350, 139 grain Horn Interlock, 3.018" COL, 2800 FPS.
Posted By: tomk Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/15/17
Always appreciated, Denton
Originally Posted by bigwhoop
Denton, yes give us that load when you get back home. I am a convert to the 7x57 so I enjoy hearing people tell their stories.
Surprised Mule Deer or AussieGunwriter haven't chimed in yet.


JB and I have posted a lot over the years on this cartridge and the variances stated are real enough that every rifle owner needs to learn his own rifle. Coming from different hemispheres, John recommended walking away from some powder that recorded more temperature variation where that was never an issue for me where Winter is 40-60 degrees and with no hunting seasons or bag limits, we hunted and killed game until it got either too hot or there was too many snakes.

My latest 7x57 has the tightest chamber and shortest throat of the rifles I have owned or tested and also has a slower twist being a BACO Super Grade Model 70.

Although I have maybe a dozen or more different 7mm bullets on my shelves, the best 3 loads for this rifle uses:

175gn Partition over 46gn of Rel 17 for 2640fps. Several groups are slightly under or around half inch.
175gn Accubond over 48gn of Rel 22 generates slightly larger groups and 2645fps average velocity.
The 150gn Nosler BT is hugely underestimated in the 7x57 case where I have shot as tight as .194" groups with extreme spreads as little as 9fps. My best load todate uses 50gn of H 4350 for 2755fps.

The same 50 grains with the 150 grain Parition opens the groups slightly and still around MOA for 2765fps velocity averages.

In my Rigby .275, that rifle liked the 140gn Barnes X and TSX bullets but this new BACO, shoots best groups using 46gn of VARGET and 2820fps. This is a heavy charge for Varget but the rifle likes it.
The last recommendation I would offer is the 120gn TTSX which shoots very well in the BACO using 53gn of H 414 which was always the best performing powder in all my 7x57's over the last 35 years or so.

I used Winchester 120 Primer through the 80's and 90's, Federal 210's from the 90's until now and tried some CCI 200's recently, but my current rifle doesn't like them and opens the groups so I am staring with the Federals.

Because of the variations in these rifles, travel your own road and start a couple of grains down with any recommendation.

John
Posted By: DLALLDER Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/24/17
The wifes Rem Mountain Rifle in 7x57 loves 50 gr of RL19 and 150 Nosler Partitions. Have not put them across a chronograph but QL says ,2700 fps. When shooter does their part consistent less than 1 inch group at 100 yds.
Posted By: CGPAUL Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/25/17
Mine is 48gn of RL-17, 140gn Nos BT at 2880. Going to Mt. for deer is a few weeks.
Shoots under an inch at 200.
Posted By: BigBullet Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/07/17
Here's one I have been shooting for a few years and have taken to Africa for plains game with my Ruger 77. Then i picked up an RSI in 7x57 and low and behold it shoots great in that rifle as well. 42.0 grains of Reloader 15 and 160 grain Nosler Accubond. I seat the bullet to an OAL of 3.100" and get 0.5" three shot groups. In my 77 I get 2600 fps, never chronographed this load out of the RSI. I have taken bushbuck to kudu with this combo and performance was excellent. Great blood trails, no bullets recovered.
Tag
Posted By: Dantheman Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/24/20
I called Hornaday over 25 years ago to find their factory recipe for the 154 grain bullet. I was a new reloader and Hornady had stopped making that factory round. It was accurate in my 19" barreled 7x57.

It is 46.5 grains of H414 behind the 154 grain Interlock. That was safe then but current load books have that load a couple of grains over max now.

I've killed a bunch of whitetails with that load out just a little farther than 300 yds. It's been very safe in my 98 Oberndorf action and I'm sure a Ruger Number One could handle it with ease.

Dan
Posted By: PJGunner Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/24/20
WOW! Another thread proving there is life after death. This one started in 2/9/09. I wonder if AZ Southpaw ever found the sweet spot for his rifle?
Paul B.
Posted By: rickt300 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/24/20
I am still shooting the same 7x57 though not nearly as much. I drag it out when the weather is wet and nasty.
Posted By: AZ Southpaw Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/25/20
Originally Posted by PJGunner
WOW! Another thread proving there is life after death. This one started in 2/9/09. I wonder if AZ Southpaw ever found the sweet spot for his rifle?
Paul B.



Wow...forgot I even started this post, and (I type with a little tear in my eye) that beautiful 7x57 is now being drooled upon by another owner. But to answer PJGunner's question - YES! I found the sweet spot.

Seems everyone gravitates to 140's or 160's in 7mm and ignores something like the 150gr. And, those that try them all including the 150gr tend to forget Speer makes a 145gr in between all that. That's what did it for me - H4350 and the 145gr Speer Hot Cor shot the group below at 100 yards, and with a little 1-4x scope too. Runner-up to that load was the combination of W760 and the 154gr Hornady.




Attached picture 145 Speer-3.JPG
Posted By: Seafire Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/27/20
24 grains of Blue Dot will do that also....

but for my couple of 7 x 57s.... the best hunting load, involves bullet weights from 139 to 175 grains... but they all are fueled by 40 grains of 3031....

My Model 70 will shoot anything you feed it... the Ruger 77, will only shoot the 40 grains of 3031.. regardless of bullet weight..

those Ruger 7 x 57s in the 77 Mk 2, had to be one of the most finickly guns out there for that caliber...

I had two of them and both gave ya 5 inch groups at 100 yds with Anything but the 40 grains of 3031... and that gave you a half inch group... didn't question it... just smiled and went ahead and used it...
Posted By: Utahunter Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/28/20
47.0 grain of H4350 in R-P brass, WLR primer and a 160 grain Partition is THE load in my push feed Model 70 Featherweight 7X57. It shoots lights out and kills stuff cleanly.
Posted By: Elvis Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/29/20
It would be hard to beat a 140gn Partition and H4350 at 2 800fps in the old 7mm Mauser. I loaded that for quite a few years in my Number 1 but ran out of Partitions last year. I was going to buy some more but thought I'd better use the bullets on the shelf first so have loaded 140gn Woodleigh PPs. I can't see any difference in performance.
Posted By: SuperCub Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/29/20
Originally Posted by Utahunter
47.0 grain of H4350 in R-P brass, WLR primer and a 160 grain Partition is THE load in my push feed Model 70 Featherweight 7X57. It shoots lights out and kills stuff cleanly.


I will use that same load (47.5gr) in my 275R for moose hunting this year. I did not have any luck whatsoever with 760 or IMR 4350 in this rifle and did not want to use the H4350 saving it for another rifle but in the end had to.
I knew 'twas an old thread, but I still HAD to click on it.

BobinNH AND Ron_T: I sure miss those guys.


I've never felt the need to look further than 154 SP Hornady's over 48.3 grains of H4350 in Hornady brass with CCI200 primers. They'll fetch just a hair under 2,700 fps in a l-o-n-g throated 700 MR, and stay inside the kill zone of any non-varmint mammal I'm aiming at. Such velocity is well within the performance envelope of that bullet to 300 yards, which is as far as I have any business shooting.

"Perfect"... for me, anyway.

And yes, if the hypothetical, "divest down to 1 rifle" scenario ever came, I can't think of any other rifle in the safe that would do any better for me.

FC
Posted By: DLALLDER Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 11/09/20
Anyone got an accurate load using 120 gr Nos. BTs? I have several possible powders. Really looking for something for the wife, she dislikes heavy recoil and I am getting old enough I feel the same way. Load will be used for WT's & hogs. Thanks Daniel
Posted By: castnblast Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 11/10/20
"160gr Speer Mag Tip. With 4350" That's my favourite 7x57 load, using enough H4350 to get that bullet to 2600 fps. Accurate and deadly. Works just as well with the Grand Slam.
Posted By: Fuelman Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 11/10/20
I am using the 120 NBT in two different 7x57s using RL15, that combo is providing sub 1" , 100yd groups. Haven't killed anything with the 7x57 yet, but my sons 7/08 puts whitetails down with authority using 120 NBT.
Posted By: Bugger Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 11/10/20
I have used IMR4350, and have been happy with that powder. I’ll probably switch to IMR4451 or H4350. I have all three on the shelf. But I liked IMR4350 so much on several different cartridges that I bought a couple 8 pounders when the President between the Bushes was about to take office. I still have quite a bit of the IMR4350.
As far as bullets go I pretty much stay with Hornady Interlocks and Nosler Partitions, though I had a bunch of Remington CL’s and I also shot a box or two of Speer HC’s.
Posted By: rickt300 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 11/10/20
H414, Win 760, I 4350 or H4350 and any good cup and core 160. Partitions, Hotcors and Gamekings all worked perfectly for me out of my 7x57.
Posted By: DLALLDER Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 11/11/20
Originally Posted by Fuelman
I am using the 120 NBT in two different 7x57s using RL15, that combo is providing sub 1" , 100yd groups. Haven't killed anything with the 7x57 yet, but my sons 7/08 puts whitetails down with authority using 120 NBT.

Thanks Fuelman. I will be putting some rounds together tomorrow or Friday. Should have the bullets by then. Daniel
Posted By: bigswede358 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/25/22
Anybody using 6.5 Staball with a 150 Accubond?

Great old thread.
Posted By: wswolf Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/26/22
[quote=bigswede358]Anybody using 6.5 Staball with a 150 Accubond?/quote]

With 150 Ballistic Tips:
52gn StaBall - 2825fps - 1.5"
54gn Reloder 26 - 2838fps - .87"
49gn 4451 - 2754fps - .81"

With 145 LRX:
51gn StaBall - 2938fps - .8"

4-shot groups at 100yd
Hornady cases and 210 primers
Win Mod 70 Super Grade LW ca. 2014

Worked up to published velocities for 7mm-08

Cheers,
Walt
Just for everyone's information I was reading through the the Handloader's Digest 7th edition (1975) and came across "Maximum Load Tables" by Ken Waters. Under 7x57 Mauser was the following info:
139-145gr. bullet = 2900fps with 51.0gr. 4350 (back when there was only one 4350, the IMR version)
150-154gr. bullet = 2824fps with 50.5gr. 4350
160-165gr. bulle t= 2780fps with 49.0gr. 4350
Posted By: 7mm_Loco Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/26/22
I have that same book... I find it more useful than my modern reloading manuals to find the best powder to start with... If only someone would redo it using all the currently available powders...
Posted By: bigswede358 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/26/22
Great information fellas, much appreciated. Now just to wait until my rifle is finished.
Posted By: bigswede358 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/26/22
Wswolf

How long is your barrel?
Posted By: DLALLDER Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/27/22
Originally Posted by DLALLDER
Originally Posted by Fuelman
I am using the 120 NBT in two different 7x57s using RL15, that combo is providing sub 1" , 100yd groups. Haven't killed anything with the 7x57 yet, but my sons 7/08 puts whitetails down with authority using 120 NBT.

Thanks Fuelman. I will be putting some rounds together tomorrow or Friday. Should have the bullets by then. Daniel


I finally got back to this post. I worked up sone loads for the wife's 7x57 using H-380 and 120 gr Nosler bal. tips. The loads shoots 3/4 inch groups and MV is approx. 2750. Out WT season is over this coming Monday and If I get to fill the last tag we have, we will have taken almost 25 deer this year and the wife has killed more than I have. She took 2 last week at 190 yds, one DRT, 2nd ran maybe 20 yds. The Nosler 7 mm 120 Ballstic tip is a deer killing machine. Daniel
Posted By: 84Mtn_EER Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/27/22
Originally Posted by DLALLDER
Originally Posted by DLALLDER
Originally Posted by Fuelman
I am using the 120 NBT in two different 7x57s using RL15, that combo is providing sub 1" , 100yd groups. Haven't killed anything with the 7x57 yet, but my sons 7/08 puts whitetails down with authority using 120 NBT.

Thanks Fuelman. I will be putting some rounds together tomorrow or Friday. Should have the bullets by then. Daniel


I finally got back to this post. I worked up sone loads for the wife's 7x57 using H-380 and 120 gr Nosler bal. tips. The loads shoots 3/4 inch groups and MV is approx. 2750. Out WT season is over this coming Monday and If I get to fill the last tag we have, we will have taken almost 25 deer this year and the wife has killed more than I have. She took 2 last week at 190 yds, one DRT, 2nd ran maybe 20 yds. The Nosler 7 mm 120 Ballstic tip is a deer killing machine. Daniel


I know you already worked up a load for the 120BT, but it never hurts to have another powder to choose from. I personally love the 120BT in my Mod 70 Fthwt with 45grs of VARGET. I also tried that same bullet with H414 / 760 and IMR 4350 and all of them performed good, although the VARGET edged them out slightly. FWIW, Winchester StaBALL6.5 has been another great powder for my 7x57 as I worked up a load this past summer with the 110 Barnes TTSX and it clocked at 3009fps.
Winchester M70 FWT 22” barrel
Winchester brass
CCI 200 primer
140gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
51gr RL19
2750 fps

Same stuff but:
160gr Nosler Partition
49gr RL19
2625fps
Posted By: wswolf Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/27/22
Originally Posted by bigswede358
Wswolf

How long is your barrel?


22"
Posted By: Seafire Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 02/28/22
If ya got a 7 x 57 whose accuracy is all over the map?

40 grains of 3031 with bullet weights from 139 to 175 grains...

in my Ruger 77 and Model 70 featherweight...40 grains of 3031, 175 grain bullet, 2650 fps out of a 22 inch barrel..

load from an older Hornady Manual...

accurate as hell.... same with other bullet weights from 139 grains to a 180 grain....
Posted By: Bugger Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/04/22
Tag
Bugger
Posted By: Seafire Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/07/22
40 grains of 3031.... pick a bullet from 130 to 175 grains....

most accurate in my Ruger 77 Mk 2, in 7mm Mauser....
Posted By: SuperCub Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/07/22
I use 120gr NBTs with Varget in mine for a deer load.

[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]
Posted By: arkypete Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/07/22
My suggestion for the best load for your 7X57 would be the load that shoots best in your rifle,
Posted By: unahunt Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/07/22
from experience, 140 gr Nosler partition, 48grs Re 19, deadly.
Posted By: Bugger Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/07/22
I've owned a 7x57 Classic 700 since they were introduced. I pulled that rifle out of the safe and pulled the loads off the shelf:

7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 120 grain Sierra, WLR, 48 grains IMR4320 - I think I loaded these for coyotes???
7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 175 grain Cast w/GC, WLR, 25 grains H4895 - I cast these bullets
7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 139 Hornady Interlock, WLR, 50.9 grains, IMR4350 -

I loaded these a long time ago and alas have lost any documentation on these loads. I used the 139 grain interlocks on pronghorn, and they worked very well. The only note I have is "Accurate" on the side of the box with the 139 grain load.

According to the manuals the 139 grain load may be a grain over(???), but the primers were rounded and I had not written a notation such as "warm" or "hot". I believe I'll take these out to the range and document. I will load some Big Game powder, WW cases, 9 1/2 primers and 140 grain partitions, before I go to the range.

If those partitions shoot well, I suspect that that may likely be the "best" load for the 7x57. But there's no hair on those 139 grain Interlocks for deer. They may work well on elk or moose, IDK. But I'd prefer partitions for bigger animals.
Posted By: Bugger Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/07/22
The partition shot 1/2 MOA then 1 1/2MOA after the barrel was hot at 2,908 fps - the load was 48.5 grains Hunter, 9 1/2 primers & 140 grain partitions.
The interlock 2,829 FPS and clearly there was something wrong as the group was about 3.5” or more. I’m thinking that the bullets and brass may have fused somewhat. I’ll bump the bullets and try later. These loads were loaded when the 7x57 Classic was introduced.

The cast bullets were also loaded back then. Another disappointment. Some bullet holes were touching and some holes were oblong and 6” away - this at 30 yards.
Posted By: roundoak Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/07/22
Originally Posted by Bugger
I've owned a 7x57 Classic 700 since they were introduced. I pulled that rifle out of the safe and pulled the loads off the shelf:

7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 120 grain Sierra, WLR, 48 grains IMR4320 - I think I loaded these for coyotes???
7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 175 grain Cast w/GC, WLR, 25 grains H4895 - I cast these bullets
7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 139 Hornady Interlock, WLR, 50.9 grains, IMR4350 -

I loaded these a long time ago and alas have lost any documentation on these loads. I used the 139 grain interlocks on pronghorn, and they worked very well. The only note I have is "Accurate" on the side of the box with the 139 grain load.

According to the manuals the 139 grain load may be a grain over(???), but the primers were rounded and I had not written a notation such as "warm" or "hot". I believe I'll take these out to the range and document. I will load some Big Game powder, WW cases, 9 1/2 primers and 140 grain partitions, before I go to the range.

If those partitions shoot well, I suspect that that may likely be the "best" load for the 7x57. But there's no hair on those 139 grain Interlocks for deer. They may work well on elk or moose, IDK. But I'd prefer partitions for bigger animals.
50.9 grs IMR4350 is about a grain over in what manuals? Thanks.
Posted By: Bugger Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/08/22
Originally Posted by roundoak
50.9 grs IMR4350 is about a grain over in what manuals? Thanks.

They were no thot in my Classsic.
Posted By: richj Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/08/22
I tried H-414, I4350, and a few more powders with 139 BTSP. Then I tried 3031, thought it was too fast, but it works in 4 rifles.

I load lighter in the 2 mil. mausers 37gr. The Doug barreled Argy and the M70 FW like it too.










Originally Posted by Seafire
40 grains of 3031.... pick a bullet from 130 to 175 grains....

most accurate in my Ruger 77 Mk 2, in 7mm Mauser....
Originally Posted by unahunt
from experience, 140 gr Nosler partition, 48grs Re 19, deadly.

That same load works well in my WW XTR M-70 Featherweight with either 140 Partitions or 140 Ballistic Tips. And both work well on deer & hogs.
Posted By: roundoak Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/08/22
Originally Posted by Bugger
Originally Posted by roundoak
50.9 grs IMR4350 is about a grain over in what manuals? Thanks.

They were no thot in my Classsic.
What manuals?
Posted By: Bugger Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/08/22
Originally Posted by roundoak
What manuals?

I rarely go over any loads I see in manuals. I looked up a 1967 Hornady Manual, which showed 50.9 grains of 4350 as maximum. (IMR4350 was the only 4350 then.)

Nosler manual #2 shows 49 grains of IMR 4350 as maximum for their 140 grain bullets.

Ken Waters in his 7mm(update) January 1982 shows 50 grains as maximum with 145 grain SPEER bullets and 48 grains of 4350 with 140 grain Nosler in his Sept 67 review of the 7x57 (All Nosler bullets then might have been Partitions and again 4350 was IMR4350)

The 48th edition of the Lyman manual shows 48 grains of IMR4350 as a compressed load.

SPEER #13 shows 49 grains of IMR4350 as compressed with their 145 grain bullet.

The Big Book of Gun Gack shows 50 grains of IMR4350 with the 140 grain Nosler Partition, 51 grains of IMR4350 with 140 gran Nosler Solid Base

The 45th Edition of the Lyman manual shows 48 grains of IMR4350 as compressed with the 139 grain Hornady bullet.

The 1971 Sierra manual shows 48.2 grains maximum with their 140 grain bullet

7th edition of the Hornady manual shows 45.9 grains as maximum for IMR4350 and their 139 grain bullet.

Of course they used cases made by various case manufacturer's with various capacities.

When I loaded this ammo I suspect that I stopped at 50.9 grains as shown in the 1967 Hornady Manual, I loaded these quite a while ago* and I'm just guessing. I used WW cases BTW.

* I believe I bought this rifle in 1981 and likely these were loaded back then for a Pronghorn hunt.
Posted By: rickt300 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 07/08/22
Topic started back in 09.
Posted By: Bugger Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/24/22
Has anyone used 120 TTSX bullets on whitetail? I see that in Gack III, John got very good accuracy with 46 grains of Varget and at almost 3,000 fps.

I just picked up a couple boxes of 120 TTSX's and am considering them for whitetail this fall.
Posted By: Seafire Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/24/22
accuracy and vellocity?

40 grains of 3031.....

bullet weights from 120s to 175 grains....

Large rifle primer....
Posted By: Futura Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/25/22
Originally Posted by Bugger
Has anyone used 120 TTSX bullets on whitetail? I see that in Gack III, John got very good accuracy with 46 grains of Varget and at almost 3,000 fps.

I just picked up a couple boxes of 120 TTSX's and am considering them for whitetail this fall.

My nephew had killed a couple mule deer does with that bullet in a 7mm-08. The first one died quickly. The second one he shot at about 100 yards and it made a death dash so we had to look for it. When we gutted that one the top of the heart and aorta was blown apart. Guess it held its breath and ran not knowing it was dead.
Posted By: PJGunner Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/25/22
Originally Posted by Futura
Originally Posted by Bugger
Has anyone used 120 TTSX bullets on whitetail? I see that in Gack III, John got very good accuracy with 46 grains of Varget and at almost 3,000 fps.

I just picked up a couple boxes of 120 TTSX's and am considering them for whitetail this fall.

My nephew had killed a couple mule deer does with that bullet in a 7mm-08. The first one died quickly. The second one he shot at about 100 yards and it made a death dash so we had to look for it. When we gutted that one the top of the heart and aorta was blown apart. Guess it held its breath and ran not knowing it was dead.

My guess would be the heart had just pushed a fresh supply of blood to the brain just before your bullet hit. That would mean the body had just received a fresh supply of oxygenated blood allowing the deer to make its escape attempt. Got that from a doctor I ran into on a deer hunt and during the conversation he explained the process to me. If you shot would have hit while the heart was filled with blood, odds are it would have dropped on the spot or would have staggered a bit, then fallen down.
PJ
Posted By: wswolf Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/29/22
You might try the 145 gn LRX with Staball 6.5. Start low and work up to 2900 fps. Magnum primers not necessary.
Posted By: SuperCub Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/29/22
Originally Posted by Bugger
Has anyone used 120 TTSX bullets on whitetail? I see that in Gack III, John got very good accuracy with 46 grains of Varget and at almost 3,000 fps.

Not TTSXs, but I use a similar load of Varget with 120gr NBTs with very good accuracy
Posted By: AU338MAG Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/29/22
Originally Posted by roundoak
Originally Posted by Bugger
I've owned a 7x57 Classic 700 since they were introduced. I pulled that rifle out of the safe and pulled the loads off the shelf:

7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 120 grain Sierra, WLR, 48 grains IMR4320 - I think I loaded these for coyotes???
7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 175 grain Cast w/GC, WLR, 25 grains H4895 - I cast these bullets
7 x57, Remington 700 Classic, 139 Hornady Interlock, WLR, 50.9 grains, IMR4350 -

I loaded these a long time ago and alas have lost any documentation on these loads. I used the 139 grain interlocks on pronghorn, and they worked very well. The only note I have is "Accurate" on the side of the box with the 139 grain load.

According to the manuals the 139 grain load may be a grain over(???), but the primers were rounded and I had not written a notation such as "warm" or "hot". I believe I'll take these out to the range and document. I will load some Big Game powder, WW cases, 9 1/2 primers and 140 grain partitions, before I go to the range.

If those partitions shoot well, I suspect that that may likely be the "best" load for the 7x57. But there's no hair on those 139 grain Interlocks for deer. They may work well on elk or moose, IDK. But I'd prefer partitions for bigger animals.
50.9 grs IMR4350 is about a grain over in what manuals? Thanks.
Older Hornady guides list 53.0 gr IMR4350 as a max load with 139 gr bullets. Used this load for years in my old Ruger tang safety 7x57.

Then the lawyers came along and revised the numbers.
Posted By: shootem Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 08/30/22
Originally Posted by Bugger
Has anyone used 120 TTSX bullets on whitetail? I see that in Gack III, John got very good accuracy with 46 grains of Varget and at almost 3,000 fps.

I just picked up a couple boxes of 120 TTSX's and am considering them for whitetail this fall.

Have used the 120 TSX with 48gr CFE223 in a 7mm-08 Model 7 Stainless 20” barrel. Shot a 150ish lb buck and a yearling, not fawn, doe. Buck was well less than 100 yds. Broke both shoulders, wrecked top of the heart, exited. Lept and died. Made sure to stay out of shoulder meat on the doe at no more than 50 yds and she ran maybe 50 or 60 more. No drama on either. Did no serious accuracy tests just sighted about an inch high at 100 and hunted.
And all of the contributors collectively indicate that it is very difficult to find a load that is not perfect.
Posted By: mmgravy Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/11/22
I gave JB's load of 46 grains of Varget using 120 TTSX's in my push feed M70 7x57 that I got from bigwhoop several years ago and it shot the TTSX's well under MOA.

Just for schitts and giggles I tried the same load using 120 grain BT's with the same results as the TTSX's. The only difference between the two load in my rifle is the TTSX's shoot 1/2" higher than the BT's.

All shots were fired using a 1.5-5 Leupold with heavy duplex at 5X!!
Posted By: Futura Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/12/22
I settled on 45.1 grains of H4350 with a 160 Partition Gold. It shoots the 154 interlock with the same charge just as well. Well within 1 moa.

This is in an old hollow bolt M77.
Posted By: hanco Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/12/22
Originally Posted by Dirtfarmer
Old thread.

I love to read BobinNH posts. Really miss him.

Df


I do also
Posted By: hanco Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/12/22
Originally Posted by shootem
Originally Posted by Bugger
Has anyone used 120 TTSX bullets on whitetail? I see that in Gack III, John got very good accuracy with 46 grains of Varget and at almost 3,000 fps.

I just picked up a couple boxes of 120 TTSX's and am considering them for whitetail this fall.

Have used the 120 TSX with 48gr CFE223 in a 7mm-08 Model 7 Stainless 20” barrel. Shot a 150ish lb buck and a yearling, not fawn, doe. Buck was well less than 100 yds. Broke both shoulders, wrecked top of the heart, exited. Lept and died. Made sure to stay out of shoulder meat on the doe at no more than 50 yds and she ran maybe 50 or 60 more. No drama on either. Did no serious accuracy tests just sighted about an inch high at 100 and hunted.

I use them for 7mm-08’s, work very well.
Posted By: Seafire Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/12/22
if ya got one that doesn't shoot much of anything real well, there is only ONE perfect load for a 7 x 57...
Like a Ruger 77 for instance.

40 grains of 3031.. pick any bullet weight you want from 120 to 175 grainers...
Posted By: Fotis Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 09/12/22
145 LRX at about 2850-2900 fps. Takes care of anything.
Posted By: Moejoe Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/09/22
Hey my first post! a reply to a thread that was started almost 14 years ago!

I have to say I am thrilled to have found this forum and this thread, among others with info about the 7x57. Not a lot of current info on this cartridge, so I am grateful to find a place where there is still some discussion.

I am a believer in the 7mm Mauser, it really is just about the perfect cartridge IMO. I have an Arisaka Type 38 that was sporterized with a 22" Douglas barrel by my uncle who built it as a high school project with the help of a family friend who did some gunsmithing, and gave it to my father as a present. I don't actually take possession until Dad is gone, but being the oldest son, and the one who has always had an interest in that rifle, it's been willed to me.

I just started metallic handloading during the most recent ammo shortage, and am just now, researching loading for the 7x57. That's how I found this place.

I hope this thread continues, the new bullets and powders have made the 7mm Mauser a really effective cartridge that has great potential if handloaders continue to share information like we have here.

Anybody having success with the 162 ELD-X? I think if we could get that bullet to 2,800 safely, it would be pretty close to the "perfect 7x57 load".
Posted By: drano 25 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/09/22
Originally Posted by Moejoe
Hey my first post! a reply to a thread that was started almost 14 years ago!

I have to say I am thrilled to have found this forum and this thread, among others with info about the 7x57. Not a lot of current info on this cartridge, so I am grateful to find a place where there is still some discussion.

I am a believer in the 7mm Mauser, it really is just about the perfect cartridge IMO. I have an Arisaka Type 38 that was sporterized with a 22" Douglas barrel by my uncle who built it as a high school project with the help of a family friend who did some gunsmithing, and gave it to my father as a present. I don't actually take possession until Dad is gone, but being the oldest son, and the one who has always had an interest in that rifle, it's been willed to me.

I just started metallic handloading during the most recent ammo shortage, and am just now, researching loading for the 7x57. That's how I found this place.

I hope this thread continues, the new bullets and powders have made the 7mm Mauser a really effective cartridge that has great potential if handloaders continue to share information like we have here.

Anybody having success with the 162 ELD-X? I think if we could get that bullet to 2,800 safely, it would be pretty close to the "perfect 7x57 load".

You can get a 162 ELDM to 2800 from a 7-08 wit 6.5 Staball. First hand experience jus a couple of hours ago.
Posted By: Moejoe Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/09/22
6.5 Staball just happens to be one of the powders I purchased just for the 7 x 57, along with RL19 and RL22.

I think the Mauser should be able to run with the 08.

What kind of accuracy are you seeing?
Posted By: PJGunner Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/09/22
"I think the Mauser should be able to run with the 08."

I've been using 7-08 data for my three 7x57s for some time now. If you're using a modern actioned rifle, it's no problem. Just start low and work up. I run the 150 gr. Nosler Partition at 2800 FPS with good accuracy. (Under 1") I have had it up to 2880 FPS but bolt lift was starting to show signs if being sticky. FWIW, it was 105 degrees in the shade. Powder was RL17, WLR primer and Winchester brass. Rifles used were a Winchester M70 FWT, Ruger #1 and a custom Mauser that turns out to have problems. Seems like the commercial FN action I used which was originally chambered to the .270 Win. took some way too heavy reloads from the guy I bought it from. I'm looking for a replacement receiver, preferably another FN so I can finish load work ups with that rifle. Problem was in the rifle before I used it for the custom job. The load was planned for an elk hunt.
PJ
Posted By: 7mm_Loco Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/10/22
Originally Posted by Moejoe
Hey my first post! a reply to a thread that was started almost 14 years ago!

I have to say I am thrilled to have found this forum and this thread, among others with info about the 7x57. Not a lot of current info on this cartridge, so I am grateful to find a place where there is still some discussion.

I am a believer in the 7mm Mauser, it really is just about the perfect cartridge IMO. I have an Arisaka Type 38 that was sporterized with a 22" Douglas barrel by my uncle who built it as a high school project with the help of a family friend who did some gunsmithing, and gave it to my father as a present. I don't actually take possession until Dad is gone, but being the oldest son, and the one who has always had an interest in that rifle, it's been willed to me.

I just started metallic handloading during the most recent ammo shortage, and am just now, researching loading for the 7x57. That's how I found this place.

I hope this thread continues, the new bullets and powders have made the 7mm Mauser a really effective cartridge that has great potential if handloaders continue to share information like we have here.

Anybody having success with the 162 ELD-X? I think if we could get that bullet to 2,800 safely, it would be pretty close to the "perfect 7x57 load".
Go to Ballisticstudies.com and click on the Knowlagebase, Scroll to the 7x57 info... In a nutshell, Try the 162 ELD-M with H4350, Don't push it faster than 2700 fps (or it may over expand) with 2600 probably being ideal... There's your "perfect load" according to Nathan Foster... Same goes for the 7-08...
Posted By: RevMike Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/10/22
Originally Posted by PJGunner
Seems like the commercial FN action I used which was originally chambered to the .270 Win. took some way too heavy reloads from the guy I bought it from. PJ

So the problem was finally diagnosed. Lug set-back?
Posted By: PJGunner Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/10/22
Originally Posted by RevMike
Originally Posted by PJGunner
Seems like the commercial FN action I used which was originally chambered to the .270 Win. took some way too heavy reloads from the guy I bought it from. PJ

So the problem was finally diagnosed. Lug set-back?

That's what I looks like. The sad part is I remember that rifle doing just that with factory .270 ammo. Then I just stuck the rifle way back in the safe and forgot about it until I had the custom made. Guess I'll just have to scavenge a receiver off on of my good FN rifles.
PJ
Posted By: Moejoe Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/10/22
Originally Posted by 7mm_Loco
Go to Ballisticstudies.com and click on the Knowlagebase, Scroll to the 7x57 info... In a nutshell, Try the 162 ELD-M with H4350, Don't push it faster than 2700 fps (or it may over expand) with 2600 probably being ideal... There's your "perfect load" according to Nathan Foster... Same goes for the 7-08...

Thank you for that info. I think that writeup was done prior to the Hornady ELD bullets being widely available.

I would only be interested in the ELD-X myself, the BC between it and the ELD-M are close enough (.630 G1 vs. .670 G1) that even punching paper I would stay with the ELD-X. I have not tried it yet, but reports of over/under expansion are definitely not the norm - especially at 7mm Mauser velocities.
Posted By: 7mm_Loco Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/11/22
Originally Posted by Moejoe
Originally Posted by 7mm_Loco
Go to Ballisticstudies.com and click on the Knowlagebase, Scroll to the 7x57 info... In a nutshell, Try the 162 ELD-M with H4350, Don't push it faster than 2700 fps (or it may over expand) with 2600 probably being ideal... There's your "perfect load" according to Nathan Foster... Same goes for the 7-08...

Thank you for that info. I think that writeup was done prior to the Hornady ELD bullets being widely available.

I would only be interested in the ELD-X myself, the BC between it and the ELD-M are close enough (.630 G1 vs. .670 G1) that even punching paper I would stay with the ELD-X. I have not tried it yet, but reports of over/under expansion are definitely not the norm - especially at 7mm Mauser velocities.
Nathan's testing was done with the 162 gr A-Max which is exactly the same bullet as the 162 gr ELD-M save for a higher melting point plastic tip on the ELD... Nathan also tested the ELD-X when it was introduced, He had nothing good to say about them... However another bullet he and his cronies have been using with great success more recently is the Sierra 160 gr TMK... Like the 162 ELD-M at moderate 7x57 or 7-08 muzzle velocities it penetrates a couple of inches before violently expanding and causing devastating internal wounding and often dead right there results (Nathans words not mine)... I trust his input, However i have not hunted with either bullet... I have load tested the ELD-M and found good accuracy @2600 fps MV and better accuracy @2700... I'L go with the slower load to be certain that bullet doesn't over expand (blow up) at close range...
Posted By: RevMike Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/11/22
Originally Posted by PJGunner
Originally Posted by RevMike
Originally Posted by PJGunner
Seems like the commercial FN action I used which was originally chambered to the .270 Win. took some way too heavy reloads from the guy I bought it from. PJ

So the problem was finally diagnosed. Lug set-back?

That's what I looks like. The sad part is I remember that rifle doing just that with factory .270 ammo. Then I just stuck the rifle way back in the safe and forgot about it until I had the custom made. Guess I'll just have to scavenge a receiver off on of my good FN rifles.
PJ

You might want to contact Tom Jackson (posts under dpcd here and on the Accurate Reloading site). I sent him an Argentine that I was sure had lug set-back. He took the barrel off, examined the action, and decided it was something else. Whatever he did I no longer have issues with sticking bolts (I believe it was a headspace issue). In any event, if you like the action it might be worth having him take a look before shelling out for a new one.

Mike
Posted By: Moejoe Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/12/22
Originally Posted by 7mm_Loco
Nathan's testing was done with the 162 gr A-Max which is exactly the same bullet as the 162 gr ELD-M save for a higher melting point plastic tip on the ELD... Nathan also tested the ELD-X when it was introduced, He had nothing good to say about them... However another bullet he and his cronies have been using with great success more recently is the Sierra 160 gr TMK... Like the 162 ELD-M at moderate 7x57 or 7-08 muzzle velocities it penetrates a couple of inches before violently expanding and causing devastating internal wounding and often dead right there results (Nathans words not mine)... I trust his input, However i have not hunted with either bullet... I have load tested the ELD-M and found good accuracy @2600 fps MV and better accuracy @2700... I'L go with the slower load to be certain that bullet doesn't over expand (blow up) at close range...

The ELD X is what I was inquiring about, it's designed as a hunting bullet, not a match bullet. It is an entirely different bullet from the ELD M, and has a good reputation for accuracy and expansion (1600 fps to 3000 fps). They are also priced less than many other premium hunting bullets. 2800 fps MV from a 7x57 should not be a problem for most modern rifles, or in an Arisaka.
Posted By: drano 25 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/12/22
Originally Posted by Moejoe
6.5 Staball just happens to be one of the powders I purchased just for the 7 x 57, along with RL19 and RL22.

I think the Mauser should be able to run with the 08.

What kind of accuracy are you seeing?

I only loaded up single loads of various charge weights to investigate velocity potential and look for nodes. Hope to do some accuracy in the next week or two.
Posted By: keith Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/12/22
Loading manuals are pretty conservative on the 7x57 dur to the old mausers out there. In a modern Bolt action, you can really get some good velocity out of this case with very good accuracy.

Kiss the lands with the bullet
Find pressure
Back off 3g and work up
Posted By: Burleyboy Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/12/22
I shot a cow elk around 180 or so yards with a 150g eldx from another iu 18" 7-08 mv of 2650. She was quartering away so I shot her back about the 5 th rib, when counting tail end forward, angling forward towards the offside front leg. She slowed and turned a bit to look back so I hit her again in the base of the neck and she went down. While gutting her I noticed only one lung was hit and it looked like the first bullet only penetrated about 4" or so.

I used to use a 162 amax over h4350 in a 7-08 and in my limited experience the 162 amax seemed tougher than the 150 eldx at about the same MV.

For a cheaper hunting bullet I used to go with Hornady interlocks but there started to be big differences in newer lots with thinner jackets and moved lock rings etc. About then I got some great deals on nosler 2nd partitions so I have a bunch of those I load for friends or neighbors that just want a decent hunting load without spending a lot. Another good lower cost option is the speer hot cor flat based stuff. I bought a bunch of those in 160g 7mm and they shoot well.

Bb
Posted By: 7mm_Loco Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/12/22
Originally Posted by Moejoe
Originally Posted by 7mm_Loco
Nathan's testing was done with the 162 gr A-Max which is exactly the same bullet as the 162 gr ELD-M save for a higher melting point plastic tip on the ELD... Nathan also tested the ELD-X when it was introduced, He had nothing good to say about them... However another bullet he and his cronies have been using with great success more recently is the Sierra 160 gr TMK... Like the 162 ELD-M at moderate 7x57 or 7-08 muzzle velocities it penetrates a couple of inches before violently expanding and causing devastating internal wounding and often dead right there results (Nathans words not mine)... I trust his input, However i have not hunted with either bullet... I have load tested the ELD-M and found good accuracy @2600 fps MV and better accuracy @2700... I'L go with the slower load to be certain that bullet doesn't over expand (blow up) at close range...

The ELD X is what I was inquiring about, it's designed as a hunting bullet, not a match bullet. It is an entirely different bullet from the ELD M, and has a good reputation for accuracy and expansion (1600 fps to 3000 fps). They are also priced less than many other premium hunting bullets. 2800 fps MV from a 7x57 should not be a problem for most modern rifles, or in an Arisaka.
I know the ELD-X is a "Hunting" bullet not a "Match" bullet... And yes it's an entirely different bullet from the ELD-M which was formally known as the Amax... You do realize "some" Match bullets can be very good "Hunting" bullets under the right circumstances and with some common sense applied, Right?... Anyway, Welcome to the fire and good luck with the ELD-X... Based on some experiences i've read on here and Nathan Fosters testing, I think your going to need it!...
Posted By: Moejoe Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/12/22
Thanks for the welcome. Great to find a place with some current discussion on the 7x57.

I am aware of how bullet design determines it's best use. I guess I just use a different solution. There are so many excellent bullets available now, it seems archaic to choose a bullet that has to be loaded to a lower velocity to make it acceptable. My approach would be to choose a different bullet.

Hopefully I will get lucky in the search for the perfect 7x57 load.

Have a great season everyone.
Posted By: renegade50 Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 10/12/22
👍
Posted By: TomGresham Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 03/20/23
Might as well bring back this thread. wink

In a week I pick up a new-to-me 7x57. Just loved the looks of the rifle.

I already have a 7x57 No, 1, two 7mm-08s, and a .284 Win.

No. It doesn’t make sense.

I’m glad it doesn’t have to.

Brass on the way. I have a lot of 7mm bullets. If the snow ever melts I need to do a lot of shooting.
Posted By: Seafire Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 03/20/23
Welcome Mr. Gresham.. Was just listening to you on the radio today at 1 PM Oregon Time.

As I posted on page 2 of this thread back in 2009...

40 grains of 3031, with any bullet weight from 130 to 175....MV is going to be in the 2650 to 2700 fps range..

Had a Ruger 77 Mk 2, that was averaging 5 inch groups or worse at 100 yds.. .I tried everything I could and it shot like crap.
Finally was getting ready to order a 6mm Rem barrel to replace it with...

Then in a Hornady reload manual saw a charge of 40 grains of 3031 with a 139 grain SP. I tried it and I got a half inch group. I couldn't believe that for a 5 shot group considering its past records...So I went home and loaded those 5 rounds again, and got the same 1/2 inch group... Tried it on the other Ruger 77 Mk2 in 7 x 57 I owned which was having the same issues... and got the same results with 3031 again.

After that I tried that load with other weight bullets up to 175 grain.. same results.. in both rifles.

Sold one of the Rugers to a campfire member looking for one.. and passed on the same info.
The diet of the one I kept, has pretty much been fed 40 grains of 3031, ever since.

I don't question it... why look a gift horse in the mouth??
Posted By: SlickLizard Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 03/20/23
try imr4451 works great in my 2 7x57s and 7/08
Posted By: MrAjs04b Re: The perfect 7x57 load? - 03/21/23
Seafire’s load of 40g IMR 3031 is the cat’s meow for my 1976 Ruger 7x57. Shoots the 175g Hornady interlock the best, but it’s a good combination for any bullet weight, as mentioned
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