78 grn bullets in 7x57

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Sluice

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Hi folks

I was given a lot of bullets along with a Mauser 98 in 7x57 and among them was some 78 grn RN bullets probably originally for a pistol.

I am looking for suggestions and ideas on powder charges or powders to try. I intend to use them as short range plinking or small game loads.

I was thinking for starting with about ten grains of a pistol powder like 700X but am looking for ideas.
 
Determine what they are, then sell them. Even if they are 0.284", I doubt you'll be happy with their accuracy.

A bullet that light (short) would travel as much as a 1/2" before engaging the rifling, and the "air gap" that produces can cause poor accuracy, but worse, a rapid pressure drop, then a rapid rise during the time the bullet is out of the cartridge neck, but not yet into the rifling. That results in squibs, bullets lodged in the bore, and/or uncomfortable delays after the trigger is pulled.

Not hearsay - I've experienced it in the 303 Brit with 90gr bullets.
 
Thanks for the heads up Andy. I loaded up a dummy round with the 78 grn and compared it to a factory 140 grn. I see your point. I will just sell the bullets at the next gun show.

r
 
Sluice said:
Thanks for the heads up Andy. I loaded up a dummy round with the 78 grn and compared it to a factory 140 grn. I see your point. I will just sell the bullets at the next gun show.

r
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Try a few, they might make a good fun load, especially for the ladies or kids, even if not super accurate. I load a cast "button" bullet, that is a conical bullet that weighs the same as a round ball of the same caliber, in my 45-70 which my wife and sister get hoot out of shooting, big gun and no recoil.
 
Have had good success shooting 71 grain Rem fmj. pistol bullets out of my 2 30/30's .. 3 .308 s' and.. 2 303's. Box states they are .311 diameter. Makes for some nice and accurate plinking loads at 1000- 2000 fps useing Unique..700X..2400 ...and will also hit 3000 fps and gets about 2.5 inch groups/100yds at this speed in the .308 using standard rifle powders.

I would try your lite-weights out at various speeds first before I sold them... as long as they are .283 to .286 ish. you should find some good usable accuracy in your rifle.

Have had good success in my .30 cal. using IMR 700X for plinkers..should work in a 7 x 57 mm too.

Lyman # 47 (1992)
7 x 57 Mauser

150 grain cast ...700X powder

Start load 8.5 grains...24,600 CU Pressure
Max Load..11.0 grains...39,000 CUPS

A copper bullet at half this weight and at .284 to .286 diameter should work for plinkers.
 
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