7x57 & Heavy SMKs

Count Glockulla · September 10, 2013, 07:11 AM

Is anyone here loading 175 smks in a 7x57 and getting 2800 fps?

I'm looking to build a new target/comp rifle. This will not be a hunting gun.

HiBC · September 10, 2013, 07:49 AM

2800 fps seems a mite optimistic with a 175 gr bullet..I'd expect about 2500 fps

Maybe you can do a little better with an extra long barrel.

Study your load manuals.Sierra data would be a good one.If you get one of the $5 "Loadbooks" for 7x57,they are a compilation of the data from several loading manuals.They will be somewhat old data,but useful.

Jim Watson · September 10, 2013, 07:52 AM

Looking in the manuals, that is well up into 7mm Magnum velocity.
I doubt it is safely in reach with a 7x57, or even 7mm 08, 280 or 284.

There is some use of 7mm WSM in Long Range shooting.

Count Glockulla · September 10, 2013, 08:31 PM

Looking into it more I would have to go 284 win or 280 AI

Bart B. · September 11, 2013, 07:29 AM

What specific types of competition are your interested in?

When 28 caliber cartridges were popular in NRA high power rifle competition across all types of matches, the 7mm-08 was the most successful. It had a good combination of compromises for accuracy, barrel life and ease of loading very accurate ammo. Its cases were designed for higher pressures than 7x57 Mauser ones. And better quality cases were made for the 7mm-08 cartridge.

If 7mm (28 caliber) is your choice to use, I suggest you go with the 7mm-08. Especially if you want to shoot 10-shot rapid fire events in NRA match rifle competition. You'll need 5-round stripper clips to recharge your bolt action rifle's box magazine if that's the rifle style selected.

Paul B. · September 11, 2013, 03:35 PM

According to my Sierra manual, Sierra only goes to the 168 HPBT MatchKing #1930 bullet and show a top velocity of 2700 FPS with three powders, AA-4350, IMR-4831 amd H-4831SC. That velocity was shot in a 26" barrel.
Sierra, like all the ammo companies and publishers keep charges for the 7x57 cartridge on the light side in dference to all the old and supposedly weak 1893and 1895 Mauser rifles still in use.
I believe the 7x57 used in a modern rifle like the Remington M700 or Winchester M70 as examples can be loaded to a somewhat higher pressure level that the 45 to 46KCUP level because of the old Mausers. Naturally, one does such at their own risk. FWIW, an older Sierra manual show velocity for the 168 gr. MK at only 2600 FPS so they have upped pressures slightly.
That recommendation for the 7-08 as a target round is IMHO a good one. I say that somewhat reluctantly as I'm a very big fan of the 7x57. I have three right now and would buy another if the price was right.

Paul B.

September 11, 2013, 07:29 AM	#5
Bart B. Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Posts: 8,927	What specific types of competition are your interested in? When 28 caliber cartridges were popular in NRA high power rifle competition across all types of matches, the 7mm-08 was the most successful. It had a good combination of compromises for accuracy, barrel life and ease of loading very accurate ammo. Its cases were designed for higher pressures than 7x57 Mauser ones. And better quality cases were made for the 7mm-08 cartridge. If 7mm (28 caliber) is your choice to use, I suggest you go with the 7mm-08. Especially if you want to shoot 10-shot rapid fire events in NRA match rifle competition. You'll need 5-round stripper clips to recharge your bolt action rifle's box magazine if that's the rifle style selected. Last edited by Bart B.; September 11, 2013 at 07:56 AM.

September 11, 2013, 03:35 PM	#6
Paul B. Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 1999 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,802	According to my Sierra manual, Sierra only goes to the 168 HPBT MatchKing #1930 bullet and show a top velocity of 2700 FPS with three powders, AA-4350, IMR-4831 amd H-4831SC. That velocity was shot in a 26" barrel. Sierra, like all the ammo companies and publishers keep charges for the 7x57 cartridge on the light side in dference to all the old and supposedly weak 1893and 1895 Mauser rifles still in use. I believe the 7x57 used in a modern rifle like the Remington M700 or Winchester M70 as examples can be loaded to a somewhat higher pressure level that the 45 to 46KCUP level because of the old Mausers. Naturally, one does such at their own risk. FWIW, an older Sierra manual show velocity for the 168 gr. MK at only 2600 FPS so they have upped pressures slightly. That recommendation for the 7-08 as a target round is IMHO a good one. I say that somewhat reluctantly as I'm a very big fan of the 7x57. I have three right now and would buy another if the price was right. Paul B. __________________ COMPROMISE IS NOT AN OPTION!

September 10, 2013, 07:11 AM	#1
Count Glockulla Junior Member Join Date: August 26, 2013 Posts: 4	7x57 & Heavy SMKs Is anyone here loading 175 smks in a 7x57 and getting 2800 fps? I'm looking to build a new target/comp rifle. This will not be a hunting gun.

September 10, 2013, 07:49 AM	#2
HiBC Senior Member Join Date: November 13, 2006 Posts: 8,287	2800 fps seems a mite optimistic with a 175 gr bullet..I'd expect about 2500 fps Maybe you can do a little better with an extra long barrel. Study your load manuals.Sierra data would be a good one.If you get one of the $5 "Loadbooks" for 7x57,they are a compilation of the data from several loading manuals.They will be somewhat old data,but useful.

September 10, 2013, 07:52 AM	#3
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,543	Looking in the manuals, that is well up into 7mm Magnum velocity. I doubt it is safely in reach with a 7x57, or even 7mm 08, 280 or 284. There is some use of 7mm WSM in Long Range shooting.

September 10, 2013, 08:31 PM	#4
Count Glockulla Junior Member Join Date: August 26, 2013 Posts: 4	Looking into it more I would have to go 284 win or 280 AI