7x57 chrono results

[A-zone]

But if I use the max load data as the starting point for my testing, as long as I look for over pressure signs I can work up from there until either A. Accuracy falls off, or Over pressure signs appear. Then back off a bit until accuracy is acceptable and over pressure signs are gone.

Is this a safe approach?

Basically, except start with the minimum recommended load and work up from there.

I usually do five rounds of a given powder weight and bump it up 0.5 grains for the next string. Mark your rounds so you know what you're working with (I use a "Sharpie" felt pen to put a unique mark - like a line, a dot, an "X" or a "V" on the primer for each string. That's handy if your ammo gets dumped.)
Record your velocities for each string and make note of excessively flattened primers, sticky extraction or velocities that are too high.
It won't take long to get the results you want.

 

[Eagleye]

Realistic figures for the 7x57 in a modern bolt action rifle with a 22" barrel like a Ruger 77, a Winchester 70 or a Remington 700 are as follows: 139/140 grain bullets, 2900. 150/154 grain bullets, 2825. 160/162 grain bullets, 2725. This is always accompanied by the caution to work up from below safely. These figures should also apply to a good M98 Mauser or any of the Commercial mauser actions, but DO NOT apply to the M93 or M95 actions, nor any rebarrelled M38/96 actions. I have owned a number of 7x57's over the years, and am particularly fond of the chambering. One Ruger #1 I owned would make velocities above those listed without any overpressure indications, but it had a long throat and a generous chamber. The Europeans have traditionally loaded their Factory ammo for the 7x57 a bit warmer than is seen in North America. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[stocker]

7X57 loads

K98Action: I don't think any one suggested you could start at the maximum loads published . You work up from the bottom until you find what your rifle finds to be just slightly excessive. That's why it's called working up. Then you back off a grain or two until you have zero symptoms of excess pressure. Care, caution and common sense. For the first couple of increments from minimum you might use 1 grain increases. When you get to the published max., you proceed slower than that at part grain increments. You want to find the stopping point with events that are observable but not out of hand.
Do some more reading in manuals etc. and be sure you actually know what you are looking for before you venture into this stage of reloading. In the end you will probably find that your most accurate loads are slightly under the safe maximum as established by yourself for your rifle. It is dangerous to assume anything in handloading, especially that the next guys load will be safe for your rifle .

 

[303carbine]

I have a 300 Win mag that gets the best accuracy at 3 grains below max,I'm getting 2930 fps with 190 grain Hornady BTSP bullets. I stopped because I don't need it any faster and an extra 50 fps is not worth straining my rifle,my nerves or my brass.
Sometimes faster isn't better...........

 

[BwanaDave]

Eagleye hit the nail right on the head as to what velocities you can expect to achieve in a modern rifle . I've had a few 7x57's over the years as well. My current rig a santa barbara centurion 98 in a B&C stock shoots 139gr hornadys @2830 fps with a load of 48.3 H-414 , fed 210 and win brass into tight little clusters all day long and the brass lasts a long time. There isnt any shortcuts in this game and your going to have to invest the time and effort to see what your personal rifle likes. Acceptable loads in some of my other x57's would be sky high in my current rifle (tight chamber). Best of luck in your load development.

 

[K98ACTION]

K98Action: I don't think any one suggested you could start at the maximum loads published . You work up from the bottom until you find what your rifle finds to be just slightly excessive. That's why it's called working up. Then you back off a grain or two until you have zero symptoms of excess pressure. Care, caution and common sense. For the first couple of increments from minimum you might use 1 grain increases. When you get to the published max., you proceed slower than that at part grain increments. You want to find the stopping point with events that are observable but not out of hand.
Do some more reading in manuals etc. and be sure you actually know what you are looking for before you venture into this stage of reloading. In the end you will probably find that your most accurate loads are slightly under the safe maximum as established by yourself for your rifle. It is dangerous to assume anything in handloading, especially that the next guys load will be safe for your rifle .

Understood, I did not want you to think I got the idea to start from MAX load, you see I have already begun my load development from the Hodgen published MIN load and already worked up to the published MAX load which is only producing 2450 fps using H414 with Sierra 160grn bullets. So now anything beyond this is working up beyond the published data, i.e. in uncharted territory.

But before I go here I will take up your advice and research more of what pressure signs etc I need to be looking for.

thanks all..

 

[303carbine]

Eagleye hit the nail right on the head as to what velocities you can expect to achieve in a modern rifle . I've had a few 7x57's over the years as well. My current rig a santa barbara centurion 98 in a B&C stock shoots 139gr hornadys @2830 fps with a load of 48.3 H-414 , fed 210 and win brass into tight little clusters all day long and the brass lasts a long time. There isnt any shortcuts in this game and your going to have to invest the time and effort to see what your personal rifle likes. Acceptable loads in some of my other x57's would be sky high in my current rifle (tight chamber). Best of luck in your load development.

This is almost identical to the speed I'm getting,I shoot the 139's at 2825 fps with 50 grains of H4350.
As stated by many already,start low and work up. Your rifle will be different than all others.......