Ballistics for Brazilian 7x57mm Mauser load?

[MapleSugar]

Does anyone know what the ballistics are for the 7x57mm load out of a 1935 Brazilian Mauser?

I have been looking online and I can't find what bullet weight they used, or what velocity they drove it at to calibrate with the ladder sights.

I’m also curious as to what stripper clips work in these rifles, and where some might be found.

Any information concerning these rifles is appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[smellie]

ORIGINAL load for the 7x57 as used in Brazilian service was the same as the Spanish loading: a 173-grain .284" bullet at 2296ft/sec MV for 2025 ft/lbs ME.

This was the original Brazilian loading when they bought their 1894 Mausers.

They bought more rifles in 1908/09, at which time pointy bullets just were coming into style, but I don't know exactly which loading the sights were calibrated for.

The LATER Brazilian load used a 139-grain bullet at 2950 ft/sec for 2580 ft/lbs.

THAT is a good, healthy loading and, I think, about as far as anyone would ever want to take the 7x57.

These data are from Barnes, COTW, 6th Edition, page 265.

Barnes does give some reload data for this cartridge, including:
130 grain slug @ 2915 ft/sec with 45 grains of 4320
150 grain slug @ 2750 ft/sec with 42 grains of 4064
175 grain slug @ 2500 ft/sec with 42 grains of 4985

but nothing which duplicates the original 139-grain load.

If it were my rifle, likely I would go with something like the 42 of 4895 with a 140: just a tiny bit on the low side rather than your standard US 'load to the nuts' practice. MOST rifles tend to shoot their BEST with slightly-mild loads.... and your rifle IS 75 years old.

I would think it LIKELY that they stayed with the same charger as for the '94 and the '08, just to keep supply straight. There are only 2 basic widths of 98 chargers, so one of those should work.

Hope this helps.

 

[MapleSugar]

Thank you, Smellie! That helps immensely.

For some peculiar reason, I can't find any of that information anywhere online.

I'd sure like to know exactly what bullet weight and velocity those sights are calibrated for.

I can't see any surplus 7x57mm Mauser for sale anywhere, so I guess I'll be buying some dies and components, and rolling my own.

Cheers!

 

[david doyle]

very cool project, you got about the best rifle going there. It would be very cool to develop a load to match those sights. Pretty cool to whack a 6oo yard pumpkin, cause it will.

 

[david doyle]

9.0 g (139 gr) RWS KS 900 m/s (3,000 ft/s) 3,240 J (2,390 ft·lbf)
10.5 g (162 gr) RWS ID Classic 800 m/s (2,600 ft/s) 3,360 J (2,480 ft·lbf)
12.2 g (188 gr) RWS HMK 770 m/s (2,500 ft/s) 3,320 J (2,450 ft·lbf)

Why did we need the 7 rem mag? Seems like a waste of powder for an extra 150 fps

 

[bearhunter]

smellie, don't forget to mention, those velocities were attained with a 29 inch barrel.

This load, using 49.0 grains max of W760 and a 139 grain bullet, generates 39,700 psi and 2720+ fps from a 24 inch Universal receiver, used to test velocity and pressure.

As far as Lyman is concerned, this load is safe for 91 to 98 style receivers. Chronied out of a 1895 Mauser, with a 29 inch bbl, the velocities are around 2830 in my rifle. Pretty decent and easy on the brass and rifle. it's also very accurate.

One other caveat, the 95 Mauser I own, has a 1-8 twist and the 08 Mauser has a 1-9 1/2 twist. Either way, the load is safe in my 7x57s you have to make your own choices. It is listed as being safe in the Lyman manual as well.

Yes, it always impresses the hell out of me how much a small case cartridge can do and how little a large case cartridge gains on it. One of the reasons for the magnum cases, was the powders available at the time of conception. There is another theory out there that the bore can only contain and ignite a finite amount of propellant gasses at any given moment and any surplus, just makes an impressive flash at the muzzle.

 

[MapleSugar]

Thanks guys! I haven't received the rifle yet, but I look forward to owning a genuine Mauser.

I sold off a Yugo Mauser earlier this year because I needed the money. Now that I'm a little wealthier, I couldn't resist a 1935 Brazilian when I saw one for sale. I have wanted one for a long time.

Personally, I despise cartridges that are rimmed or that have magnum belts. My ideal hunting rifle would have; the ability to load with 5 round stripper clips, ladder iron sights calibrated to at least 500 meters, and Weaver rails machined fore and aft into the receiver. I'd prefer to leave it with iron sights and have the option of easily adding a scope if necessary.

Such a rifle, with sights optimized for specific bullet weights in cartridges like; 6.5x55mm, 7x57mm, .30-06, 7.92x57mm, and 9.3x62mm would give shooters a lot of versatility. Our forerunners had it all figured out 100 years ago.

Meanwhile, I will enjoy owning a fine specimen of German pre-war craftsmanship.

 

[bearhunter]

That model 1935 is one of ther rifles I shoot the above mentioned W760 load out of. I don't shoot the new in grease rifle but seeing as that one looks used, go for it. I've picked up several of those, over the years. Most were cut down for sporters. One thing about them, their chamber casts are all within a Thousandth of an inch of each other. If they are as new, the throats are identical as well.
Did you just pick up the one marked SPF on the EE?

 

[MapleSugar]

That model 1935 is one of ther rifles I shoot the above mentioned W760 load out of. I don't shoot the new in grease rifle but seeing as that one looks used, go for it. I've picked up several of those, over the years. Most were cut down for sporters. One thing about them, their chamber casts are all within a Thousandth of an inch of each other. If they are as new, the throats are identical as well.
Did you just pick up the one marked SPF on the EE?

Yes Sir, that is the one.

I think I read a post of yours before mentioning the exacting precision those rifles were made with. That is one of the reasons I bought it.

Thank you for the info!

If only modern firearm makers would pull their heads out of their asses and produce rifles of equal quality that are affordable. It isn't like technology has regressed in the last 100 years.

Somehow, Mauser made it profitable back in the day.