7x57
- Thread starter Cintax
- Start date
I was thinking that 140 gr would be about right. I haven't seen any 120 gr rounds but I've only been able to find ammunition for it at one store locally.
Thanks, I really like the firearm. It is build on the Mauser action but sporterized from the factory. It has a Monte Carlo stock and the safety is a more traditional thumb-fire-forward type. it also has the drop out floor plate. I would say it was manufactured in the mid-60's.
Thanks, I really like the firearm. It is build on the Mauser action but sporterized from the factory. It has a Monte Carlo stock and the safety is a more traditional thumb-fire-forward type. it also has the drop out floor plate. I would say it was manufactured in the mid-60's.
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- Location
- Saskatchewan
Previous recommendations of 140's are good, but be aware that some 7x57's have long throats that prefer long bullets. In those rifles the Federal 175's often shoot well, and the Winchester 175 do too if you can find some. I have also taken a few deer with the S&B ammo, they make both weights. Norma makes a nice in-between & all-round bullet, their 156gr. Oryx bonded. Really there are no bad choices in the 7x57.
Thank you.
How would I determine if that was the case with my rifle? Is it something I would notice over time while shooting it?
I will keep an eye out for those rounds that you suggested. I live near Epps, so I will be seeing what they have in stock. I have been shooting S&B 140 gr FMJ and S&B 173 gr SPCE at the range. They also have a 140 gr SP for hunting. I bought them because I was just shooting at paper they were cheapest ($1.00 - $1.25 a round). The first time I shot it, I was able to get 3" groups at 100 yards with iron sights so I think with practice and a scope, I can do well with it.
I already have a good supply of 140's laid in, but if I were starting over I would use 150/154gr. The difference in trajectory is minimal, and the heavier bullets retain a little more energy at longer ranges. If your shots tend to be inside 200 yds, there's nothing wrong with the 175's. If you handload you have a lot more options.
- Location
- Steel Town and The Peg
I would recommend 173 Prvi Partizan SP. They work well! However, it depends on what weight you barrel likes. My military and sporter Mausers prefer the 173 grainers.
- Location
- Saskatchewan
It's more of a rifle loony thing. For hunting deer with iron sights you probably won't know the difference between different hunting loads between 140-175 grains. For the ulitmate in accuracy you may find that heavier bullets group better - but you can also kill a lot of deer with a iron sighted rifle that keeps its shots within 3" at 100 yards. I shoot four 7x57's and tend to use 175's for everything in them. There is a small advantage for "deer only" using a lighter bullet that opens quicker, it may result in a slightly shorter death dash when an animal is hit in the vitals. The heavier bullets are slightly better choices for bigger stuff like moose, but again the difference is just "splitting hairs."
If it's a Santa Barbara, it has a commercial barrel. Santa Barbara also made their own version of the 98 action and had some serious issues with them. They eventually went out of business because of this.
I've had a couple of their offerings. One in 7x57 and one in 308 Win. Both were nice rifles and pleasant to shoot.
I never had an issue with either of them and both of mine were some of their early offerings and were made for them by??????
The 7x57, loved off the shelf 140 grain factory Western Cartridge Co (now defunct) ammunition. It also liked the old Dominion offerings in 140 grain. I tried some Dominion 175 grain bullets in it and there really wasn't any difference other than point of impact. They all shot well.
The 308 Win, was similar. Shot most factory ammow well.
Mind you, back in the early seventies, if you had a rifle that consistently shot 2-3 inch groups at 100 yards, it was considered to be a good shooter.
I've had a couple of their offerings. One in 7x57 and one in 308 Win. Both were nice rifles and pleasant to shoot.
I never had an issue with either of them and both of mine were some of their early offerings and were made for them by??????
The 7x57, loved off the shelf 140 grain factory Western Cartridge Co (now defunct) ammunition. It also liked the old Dominion offerings in 140 grain. I tried some Dominion 175 grain bullets in it and there really wasn't any difference other than point of impact. They all shot well.
The 308 Win, was similar. Shot most factory ammow well.
Mind you, back in the early seventies, if you had a rifle that consistently shot 2-3 inch groups at 100 yards, it was considered to be a good shooter.
I had an old mauser that didnt shoot very well, no matter what I tried (just plain worn out) But I do remember the difference on the shoulder from the 140 to the 175 was noticeable. This was years ago, and it was my first centerfire rifle. Maybe that kick would be nothing now, but at the time I noticed when I got a box of heavier bullets...
Unfortunately I don't know how old this firearm is, or anything about its history. The barrel looks pretty good inside though. One think that I can tell you is that the felt recoil is significantly more on a 173 gr load compared to a 140 gr load.
It believe you are correct on the commercial barrel because it is stamped 'Sta. Barbara - Spain - Model 1000 - CAL. 7x57'. The action appears to be a modified Mauser 98 action. It's does not have the safety lever on the back of the bolt. Instead, the safety is located to the right of the bolt and engaged pushing the safety lever forward. I imagine it blocks the trigger somehow. It also came with the bent bolt handle allowing clearance for a scope. I have included pictures below. It's not really pretty, but it works, and I am considering refinishing the stock and sending it out for re-bluing. If I do the refinishing, I will be making a new tip on the forend. I might also remove the current one entirely if it would not affect the operation of the firearm.
Data Stamp
I'll take a look for some.
I think more time spent shooting this rifle will tell me that. Since I acquired this rifle, a total of 45 shots have been sent down range. Personally, I have fired 20 rounds with the balance shot by various friends and relatives. I'm going to try a few of the loads suggested in this thread and see how it goes.
I'm also considering a 3-9 scope for this rifle, but I can't imagine I will be shooting beyond 100 yards, so it might not be required anyways.
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If you're shooting factory ammo, you should be aware that most of the American stuff is severely downloaded out of defference to older rifles. The 140's normally run at around 2600 fps, whereas a good handload can easily reach 2800. If for some reason I was condemned to using factory stuff, I would stick to 175 grs., or try to get some European manufacture.
I had one of those Santa Barbra mausers in 7x57. The throat on it was not as long as many of the old military barrels. Mine shot the 139 gr Hornady's very well and I took a number of whitetails with it. With a max load of W 760 powder this combination came very close to 270 performance. That is not faint praise .Any of the 139,140,145,150 or 154 gr bullets would make this an excellent deer rifle. With a good 160 or 175 gr bullet you could use it on moose as well. Good luck with that rifle, it should keep you well fed.
I have a 1.5-4.5 and a 3-9x40 sitting around already. The 1.5-4.5 is on my Ruger 10/22 but I might switch them up. I haven't decided what I am going to do yet.
I have been shooting factory ammo, and I can't see that changing as I don't have a setup for reloading. This is my only centerfire rifle and I can't see that changing anytime soon either. Most of the time I mess around with my Ruger. The ammuntion I have been shooting is Sellier & Bellot. It appears as though you are quite right about the velocity. This is an excerpt from my shooting spread sheet.
Code:
Manufacturer Model Qty. Inv. Caliber Velocity (FPS) Wgt. (Gr) Description Price ($) PPR
Sellier & Bellot No. 2932 20 0 7x57 2378 173 SPCE 24.99 1.25
Sellier & Bellot No. 2955 20 0 7x57 2621 140 FMJ 19.99 1.00It is important to note, these aren't really hunting rounds (there is a 140 gr SP, I just use the FMJ for range fun) and I think I'd go with another manufacturer for deer sized hunting rounds. Sellier & Bellot do make a 175 gr Spitzer Boat Tail, a 175 gr Nosler Partition, and a 162 gr PTS for hunting though.
Should I measure the throat and can I use that information to find the best bullet or should I just test a few of the suggested loads and see what works? In the end, it sounds like I have everything I'd need in a rifle for shooting deer in Ontario.
Great advice right there. I have an Interarms Mark X in 7mm Mauser and have tried a number of different hand loads for it. But could not get better groups that I do with Factory 175 grain bullets. I know a fellow with a Ruger #1 and he has had a lot of trouble with lighter bullets and does better with the longer heavier ones.
Good luck to you it is a nice hunting round.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Your best bet is to get several different brands and bullet weights and try them. You may stumble upon one that works well early on but you also may be at it a while if your rifle is obstinate.
I'm shocked we're two pages in and Ted hasn't showed up yet. Fish must be boring in Whitehorse.
I'm shocked we're two pages in and Ted hasn't showed up yet. Fish must be boring in Whitehorse.
Been too busy hunting bears that are too sleepy, too big, too far away, too close to a residence, too smart, or to cute to shoot with a rifle that has a throat that is too long or a barrel with too slow a twist.
The 7X57 will be fine for whitetails with any bullet from 120 to 175 gr.
Ted
The 7X57 will be fine for whitetails with any bullet from 120 to 175 gr.
Ted
