An epic sporting cartridge. The 7x57 mauser

I nerdishly call the cartridge a Primal Oddity due to 7 and 57 being both prime and odd numbers. But more seriously, I've really enjoyed the cartridge, primarily because it's for hand-loaders.

Selflessly, I'm after a Fullstock CZ 550 in 7x57. Too bad CZ didn't keep the cartridge in it's current lineup.
 
I like mine, a Brno 22F that was extensively upgraded by Ralf Martini. I've posted pictures of it before. Used it to take Whitetails, Mule deer, Moose and Elk. Wonderful handling and stylish. But I actually like the cartridge best in its rimmed version. I have 7x57R in a Krieghoff Drilling ( under twin 16 ga barrels ) and a Merkel BBF also under 16 ga. Here's the Merkel.
 

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I really should've kept the Oberndorf 1935 Brazilian Mauser I bought back in the 70's. The rifle was new in the grease for $150.oo & was superbly
made, very accurate & pleasant to shoot. These be rather pricey now if found in primo condition.

Oberndorf 1935 Brazilian Mauser.jpg
 

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My 7x57
 
One of the finest cartridges ever developed. I've owned 7x57 and 280 Remington and like the 7x57 better. Won't fit in a short action ? So what. Actually, it's a good fit in a short Winchester.
 
My Brno 21 is chambered in this fantastic cartridge, as was my previous Brno 21. 7x57 just plain works. I also owned an FN model 1930 "short rifle" and I wish I never let that one go!
 
Buckmastr said:
What makes it one of the finest cartridges ever?
Click to expand...

My thoughts are that it's velocity is well suited to basic cup and core bullets, and the good old hornady interlock 139 and 154 gr bullets are all that's really needed for hunting most all big game but bison and the big bears.
It is a very effective round at short to medium ranges. Those of us that grew up with the mindset of getting reasonably close to the game for an ethical kill can appreciate it.
When I've shot game with it, they seem to react dramatically given the nominal theoretical energy #'s it produces. Perhaps it's combination of velocity and bullet weight are a good mix...
I've shot muleys, wt, elk and moose with mine and none of them have taken more than a few steps.
Add the long and successful history of the cartridge, and I would agree with Mr Leeper's thoughts. It just works, without all the recoil and fanfare!
 
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Buckmastr said:
What makes it one of the finest cartridges ever?
Click to expand...

In my mind, a nice balance between efficiency, and bullet weight/frontal area, and low recoil like huntingfamily said.

Its a sweet spot in terms of diminishing returns afterward. The 6.5mms might outperform it with a given bullet weight but some might like a bit more frontal area or the ability to load a 175 grain for whatever reason.

I think it is at its best with 140-150 grain weight bullets but to each his own.
 
huntingfamily said:
My thoughts are that it's velocity is well suited to basic cup and core bullets, and the good old hornady interlock 139 and 154 gr bullets are all that's really needed for hunting most all big game but bison and the big bears.
It is a very effective round at short to medium ranges. Those of us that grew up with the mindset of getting reasonably close to the game for an ethical kill can appreciate it.
When I've shot game with it, they seem to react dramatically given the nominal theoretical energy #'s it produces. Perhaps it's combination of velocity and bullet weight are a good mix...
I've shot muleys, wt, elk and moose with mine and none of them have taken more than a few steps.
Add the long and successful history of the cartridge, and I would agree with Mr Leeper's thoughts. It just works, without all the recoil and fanfare!
Click to expand...

You nailed it on the head. IMO
 
Buckmastr said:
Sounds like it’s alongside the 308 Win 7-08 Rem cartridges. Except older. More exclusive. And European.
Click to expand...

Pretty much. Interesting that it was arrived at 60 years before them, but there's a lot of cartridges out there today that do the same.

And are probably easier to find bullets for.

Going off what Chuck said, I have to agree....Lots of cartridges are way more similar than they are different. I just really like that balance of performance for recoil/powder burned. (303 Brit is another one in that category)
 
Buckmastr said:
What makes it one of the finest cartridges ever?
Click to expand...

It is, I think the fifth ever smokeless cartridge.
It's the 3rd ever rimless cartridge.
It's the very first 7mm cartridge
There's probably nothing on the planet it hasn't slain
128 years later it still gets the job done as well as the .270, .280, .308 & .30-06.
 
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