7x57 A.I. vs 7-08
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Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Not at all, 7x57 is among the least fussy of the 100 or so cals I've reloaded for. Seems to just shoot with everything, I credit a lot of that too the nice long neck on the case for proper bullet tension, and the fact it can be loaded to proper OAL where the bullet does not invade the case with the heavier bullets like the 7mm-08. I've used both, and loaded both, and the 7x57 gets the edge for loader friendliness. It also feeds more smoothly, due to the taper of the case giving the nose of the cartridge a nose up inclination towards the chamber off the feed lips, and the shoulder's softer. For a hunting cartridge, I have no question between the 7x57 and the 7mm-08; 7x57 all the way. 7mm-08's just fine, but it's just a .308 by another name. In fact, at matched bullet weights, the .308 shoots flatter than the 7mm-08 too due to being more efficient (bullet basal area is larger, hydraulics). The better BC of the 7mm doesn't make up for the velocity gain of the .308 for the same bullet weight out to all hunting ranges, ie. inside 400 yards. You can tweak loads and numbers to give the edge to either cartridge, but the point is, there's essentially zilch for difference between a 7mm-08 and a .308, the differences are imagined. So, I'd have a .308, or a 7x57, and prefer the 7x57.
C'mon, Ardent. Everyone knows the best deer class cartridge ever is the 6.5x55.
I don't think anyone is saying there is any real difference, except that the 7x57 handles heavier bullets a bit better and is far cooler and more interesting.
As for OP, I would pick the 7x57AI just because I like oddball cartridges that are not as common at the range or in the field and it will have a bit more horsepower with heavier bullets than the 7mm-08.
Mark
I own both 7mm-08 in browning micro medallion, and 2 7x57's, husqvarna and ruger. I think the 7mm-08 is an outstanding little cartridge, capable of much more than its little case might suggest. How-ever, my personal taste finds it a little plain vanilla. I also agree with Ardent; I would choose the .308 over the 7mm-08. That being said, one advantage the '08 has over the .308 is lighter recoil (lighter bullets)with factory loads.
For a traditional rifle, wood stock- blued steel, I would choose the 7x57, not the 7x57AI or the 7mm-08. For a more modern type stainless/synthetic rifle go for the 7mm-08 if you wand readily available ammunition and a short action, or the 7x57AI if you want something a bit different........
For a traditional rifle, wood stock- blued steel, I would choose the 7x57, not the 7x57AI or the 7mm-08. For a more modern type stainless/synthetic rifle go for the 7mm-08 if you wand readily available ammunition and a short action, or the 7x57AI if you want something a bit different........
7x57A.I.vs 7-08
At this point I am leaning toward the 7x57ai, the reason being is that it is in a gun that I have thought about having for a ling time now. A camp gun slash quad gun a cz in 12ga 23/4 over 7x57ai that way you are covered for most of everything in a neat little package. I know it will have its draw backs in only one round at a time but the first shot is the most important any way, after that its all about the time. Thanks for all the posts.
At this point I am leaning toward the 7x57ai, the reason being is that it is in a gun that I have thought about having for a ling time now. A camp gun slash quad gun a cz in 12ga 23/4 over 7x57ai that way you are covered for most of everything in a neat little package. I know it will have its draw backs in only one round at a time but the first shot is the most important any way, after that its all about the time. Thanks for all the posts.
C'mon, Ardent. Everyone knows the best deer class cartridge ever is the 6.5x55.
I don't think anyone is saying there is any real difference, except that the 7x57 handles heavier bullets a bit better and is far cooler and more interesting.
As for OP, I would pick the 7x57AI just because I like oddball cartridges that are not as common at the range or in the field and it will have a bit more horsepower with heavier bullets than the 7mm-08.
Mark
Obviously we need to split the difference with the Finn 7x54. - dan
