I've read with handloading older cartridges (7x57, 6.5x55, ect) that you can safely go up to modern loadings (Hornady lite magnum's for example) in newer rifles, and in older rifles if you get them ok'd by a good gunsmith, my questions is, what do they check for, or more importantly what should I ask my gunsmith to get a feeling for if he's up to the task? I'm interested in working up some 7x57's for my Mauser Model 1908, I'm sure the normal loads will do just fine, but I've purchase some Hornady Lite Magnums out of curiosity.
What does a gunsmith check for?
- Thread starter tkv000
- Start date
your 1908 7x57 will handle anything a "modern" rifle will handle.
The GS will check that headspace is OK, that the calibre is actually 7x57 and that nothing gross or untoward is apparent.
Chances are the gunsmith assessing a rifle for you to "work up" a handload load in is likely assessing you as much as the rifle. If you have to ask and don't know what to look for in terms of pressure indicators etc he'd be wise to suggest you stay with factory ammo.
You got yourself one of the best rifles ever made there, with 175 grain bullets it will out shoot and out kill just about any thing. No need to push velocity too high, those long 175 grain bullets hold energy/velocity very very well and will penetrate way better then most .30 cal loads.
The GS will check that headspace is OK, that the calibre is actually 7x57 and that nothing gross or untoward is apparent.
Chances are the gunsmith assessing a rifle for you to "work up" a handload load in is likely assessing you as much as the rifle. If you have to ask and don't know what to look for in terms of pressure indicators etc he'd be wise to suggest you stay with factory ammo.
You got yourself one of the best rifles ever made there, with 175 grain bullets it will out shoot and out kill just about any thing. No need to push velocity too high, those long 175 grain bullets hold energy/velocity very very well and will penetrate way better then most .30 cal loads.
"...what should I ask my gunsmith to get a feeling for if he's up to the task?..." What cartridges he has sets of headspace guages for. If he has to buy them, you pay for it and don't get to keep them. Also ask him how many Mausers he's worked on.
