7mm Mauser

diananike

diananike

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I just refinished a old Spanish Guardia Civil Carbine and started reloading to save on the 25$ factory ammo costs.
I started with the starting load for H414 and 139gr bullets
Unfortunatly the bullet powder combo didn't work so well and my accuracy was abysmal. It didn't get any better with the max load either.

Does anybody have a load they like in this gun???
Should I try a different bullet wt. first or another powder???
 
You can't necessarily blame it on the load - there are too many other possible factors. Those guns have limitations, so if you consider worse than 4 MOA as abysmal from a Carbine with iron sights, you need to reset your expectations.

The bore might be oversized. If it is, then cast bullets might be your only choice. Have you slugged it? Sometimes with oversized bores, a heavy (therefore long) bullet will shoot better. Its longer surface can help engage the rifling better.
 
I think Andy nailed it. An accurate rifle should shoot any resonable load fairly well. Perhaps you just expected too much from it. If the groups are greatly over 2 MOA, I agree, you should try a long round nose bullet. The long bearing surface will keep the bullet centered in the bore.

Just a thought, what primer did you use? If you used a standard primer try a magnum.
 
Nearly everyone who I've ever talked to has said that the 7mm Mauser is a difficult cartridge to load for. Doesn't seem to matter what rifle.

Experiment a lot. Try things that you would not normally think of (such as using the largest bullet you can find). Some people have had success by putting controlled pressure on the barrel rather than free-floating too.

Have fun trying things and see what you learn.

Also, is the bore diameter the standard dimension?
 
I have loaded for at least five 7X57s over the years, and had no more problem loading for them than any other caliber.

One of the most accurate rifles I have is my wife's old Husqvarna Featherweight in this caliber. It is forty years old and shoots close to an inch all day long, every day. Does it with at least six different bullets from 130 gr spitzers to 175 gr round nose, with any powder you want to use in it. :)

Ted
 
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It likes the 175gr factory federals, getting around 3" at 100yds.
The reloaded 139gr were 5" at 40yds.
I think I'll try using the case trimmer I just got and heavier bullets... Unless somone thinks I'm using the wrong powder????
 
7mm Mauser has one of the longest freebores in it's class...
this means you should definiltely go with heavier/longer bullets, 160 gr and up...
 
polaris said:
7mm Mauser has one of the longest freebores in it's class...
this means you should definiltely go with heavier/longer bullets, 160 gr and up...
Click to expand...

The older military rifles will have a long freebore for sure,but more importantly the rate of twist will determine if the rifle shoots light or heavy bullets best.
 
"...started with the starting load for H414 and 139gr bullets..." Did you just shoot the starting load? That may be the problem if you did. Work up the load.
Do this.
Beginning with the starting load given in your manual, load 5 rounds only. Go up by half a grain of powder, loading 5 of each keeping them separate until you get to the max load in your manual.
Then go shooting. Shoot at 100 yards, for group only, slowly and deliberately off a bench.
Change targets between strings of 5 and allow time for the barrel to cool.
When you find the best group, sight in.
 
I fired 10 of the starting h414 and they really sucked then I tried 10 of the max load and they sucked too.
I think it's probably the bullet wt. so I'm going to get some heavier bullets.

Bullet wt. sure made a big difference in my Mosin Nagant when I went down from 180gr to 150gr. Which would make sense as the Russians were using 150grs when the M44 was made in WW2

Maybe 175gr is the right wt. for a military 7mm rifle. Sure sounds like it is.
Thanks for all the help.
 
When I first got my 7x57 I tried 140 bulk bullets and the 145gr Grand Slams. Couldn't tell you why, it was just what I found first. They would not shoot better than 1 1/2" for a hundred yards not matter what length they were seated, the charge behind them or the powder or case used. Quite frustrating.

Then I tried 154 gr Interbonds, using the H414 and CCI250's and RP brass.
Most times I am shooting 1" groups but they have gone as small as .400" with that bullet. I was seating this bullet as long as possible to get close to the lands and still the accuracy was not always repeatable.

For entertainment value I tried a box of standard 154gr Interlock round noses and seated them to the first edge of the cannelure with the cases trimmed 5 thou longer than the RCBS manuals trim length. It was purely by fluke I came across the load, when I did not double check the box of bullets I was handed at WSS. The results I came up with had me all smiles. Just about as good as the Interbonds but they maintain the same tight groups more repeatedly.

I tried the Interlock Spire points at the same length I was using the Interbonds with but had no sucess there at all. Instead I tried a different approach. I used my vernier caliper set at .280" and lightly rotated the round nose in the jaws so it would etch a small line around the circumference of the ogive. Then I did the same with the spire point of the same weight.

Next I seated the spire point in a case to the same point as the round nose so both etched lines in each projectile were at the same position. Basically putting them both the same distance from the lands of the barrel. Just like that the groups went from 1 3/4" to well inside an inch at 100 yds.

Some loads you fight tooth and nail for, others just fall in your lap.

First things first
-bedding of the rifle, is it cracked or shrunk so it isn't supporting the lugs?
-trigger, my Brno had a single set but it was grim at best. A Dayton really cleaned it up, you don't have to wonder how much it will creep before going off.
- damage to the crown or erroded throat could cause you trouble too.

Personally I think you are on the right track with the 414 powder. If the other bases here are proved, just try some different projectiles.

Hope this helps.
 
If you are ever at any gun shows. Look for some C.I.L. Dominium brand ammo. I think they are 175 or 180 grain round nose. They can usually be found pretty cheap. They shoot great in the old Mausers and the brass is nice to reload.
 
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