Hunting Rifle in 7x57 Mauser

Kleab · May 2, 2013, 04:16 AM

I get more and more interested in the 7mm Mauser everyday and would love to find a rifle chambered for the round.

So far, the only rifle I've been able to find is a Ruger #1. It's not a bad gun, but I would prefer a bolt action and something that would be able to hold multiple rounds.

There was a similar thread to this one posted about 11 years ago, but most of the rifles mentioned are no longer in production. If anyone knows anything about this round or a way to track down a rifle for it, please let me know!

Oh, and I should probably mention it would primarily be a hunting rifle, so I'd rather avoid the older Mauser rifles, despite how great they may be. I'd hate to destroy one with too hot of a load.

highpower3006 · May 2, 2013, 07:35 AM

If you were to look I am sure you could find a M98 large ring Mauser that has already been converted into a hunting rifle. There have been thousands of them imported into the US over the years and I would bet that a large number have been modified in one way or the other.

FWIW, I have shot the 7X57 round for years and it is not a round that you need to hotrod. With modern bullets it will perform just fine at modest pressures. If you want a 7mm magnum, buy a rifle already chambered in that caliber.

garryc · May 2, 2013, 07:45 AM

What I have is a Remington Classic in 7x57 Mauser. Loading for it can be tricky as most loads shown are 45,000 max. It can go higher, but really why in most cases, why try and make a 7x57 Mauser a 280 Remington?

Anyway, with the lack of components I had to fish up a non book load. I used Alliant R-17 in place of IMR 4350. Basically a 1/1 load from an older book instead of one that is cut down further. My load is 46.8 grains behind a Winchester 150 grain PP. I looking at 2600-2650 with that load, haven't shot it over the Chrony yet.

I basically built the rifle up for my 15.5 year old nephew. Now that I find that he is not applying himself in school and is failing several classes it gets to stay in my safe. Stays there until he gets his act straight! I would trade that rifle for one in 7mm-08 just because he can find ammo easier. But it would have to be a like rifle.

dahermit · May 2, 2013, 07:46 AM

Quote:

... If you want a 7mm magnum, buy a rifle already chambered in that caliber...

Excellent advice and also that applies as a general rule that should be followed in most cases with rifles and particularly in regard to hand loading endeavorers.

2ndsojourn · May 2, 2013, 07:48 AM

I haven't looked, but you have, and since you're not finding one why not consider something in 7mm-08? If you aren't reloading, there's a variety of different factory ammo available and the 7mm-08 is going to be around for a long time.

As far as using a 7mm Mauser rifle, I'm not sure you have much to worry about with too hot a load unless you're doing your own loading, and I'm sure there are plenty of safe workable loadings available. Many a custom hunting rifle has been built using a Mauser action.

Pilot · May 2, 2013, 07:52 AM

Yep, 7MM-08 and 7x57 are very, very close ballistically. If you want a long action pick the Mauser round, if you want a shorter action go with the necked down .308.

If you reload, either cartridge offers great flexibility. If you don't reload, as others have said, you may be able to find more factory ammo in 7MM-08.

taylorce1 · May 2, 2013, 08:41 AM

Winchester is offering the M70 FWT in both 7-08 and 7X57 currently. If you really want the 7X57 I'd go that route. You'll probably have to special order through your LGS or online.

cvc944 · May 2, 2013, 09:19 AM

I didn't know that Winchester is again offering the 7X57 in their Model 70 Featherweight. Back in the '80s when U.S.R.A was building the Model 70, I bought a Featherweight chambered in the Mauser. It's a rifle I wouldn't live without.

garryc · May 2, 2013, 09:53 AM

Well, the OP wants a 7x57 simply because he wants a 7x57. There is nothing wrong with that as long as we don't think it has some kind of special "magic".

In all practical applications a 7mm-08 would be a better choice. Rifles abound and are inexpensive (Ruger just came out with the American in 7mm-08) Plus ammo is much easier to get.

But, you want a 7x57 specifically, go for it.

mete · May 2, 2013, 10:10 AM

The 7x57 is a very fine oldie .Over 100 years of hunting excellence !! Handloading can improve it .

PetahW · May 2, 2013, 10:14 AM

While Winchester & Ruger both made 7x57 bolt-action rifles, CZ also offered it's CZ-550 American w/24.6" bbl in 7x57.

FWIW, it doesn't much matter whether or not one of the above rifles are currently in production, since they're fully supported by their respective factories, and the aftermarket.

I'd just go shopping for a "like-new" used specimen I could afford, and never look back.

.

Scorch · May 2, 2013, 10:15 AM

You can still find Ruger 77s chambered in 7X57, as well as old Interarms Mausers chambered for the round. Remington made the Classic in 7X57 in 1990, and Winchester chambered the 7X57 on and off for many years. I love the 7X57, it is a fine hunting cartridge and kills things right there, but I would guess the 7-08 would be the same. Lots of old M98s in 7X57 to be found, just look on GunsAmerica or Auction Arms.

Kleab · May 2, 2013, 10:43 AM

Thank you for the input everyone!

So, to explain a little background on why I started looking into this cartridge, the original plan was to get a CZ 550 Medium Lux in 7mm Rem Mag. I'm a huge CZ fan and this rifle would be mainly for elk.

My biggest concern with going for the 7mm Rem Mag is that it wouldn't be something my wife would enjoy shooting. Happy wife, happy life. In looking for a round suitable for both elk and my wife, I came across the 5x57 Mauser.

When comparing the 7mm-08 and the 7x57, everything I've read leads me to believe the Mauser is a much better cartridge for elk. Would I be misled in making this assumption? Is there a better cartridge out there that would fit these specs?

I'm definitely not opposed to a used rifle. The CZ 550 American would be ideal, I just haven't seen any for sale in 7x57. Thanks again for all the input!

garryc · May 2, 2013, 11:08 AM

Quote:

When comparing the 7mm-08 and the 7x57, everything I've read leads me to believe the Mauser is a much better cartridge for elk. Would I be misled in making this assumption? Is there a better cartridge out there that would fit these specs?

No, not really. A bullet traveling at a given velocity will have the same effect regardless of what it is fired from. There is no real world advantage to the 7x57 over the 7mm-08. The fact though, that some 7x57 rifles come with longer barrels could give the edge to the 7x57, but a slight edge it is.

TATER · May 2, 2013, 11:20 AM

The 7x57 actions on older rifle's tend to be a little longer, this will allow you to use more case space with heavier bullets.
But, older actions may not hold up. They are SO close I would probably recommend 7mm-08 with 140 grain. And call it done.
But, I love Old calibers Too. So, Its Kinda up to you. Have you looked at .284 win?

Buzzcook · May 2, 2013, 12:26 PM

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=339409928

There ya go.

PVL · May 2, 2013, 01:10 PM

I agree about the 7x57 being better than the 7-08 for elk, due to the long action allowing heavy bullets to be seated out further, thus allowing a more energetic load for these large animals.

csmsss · May 2, 2013, 01:41 PM

Seems a shame that CZ doesn't sell the 550 FS in this chambering. Would seem a natural for that rifle.

Huffmanite · May 2, 2013, 05:59 PM

Find a used Savage/Stevens and rebarrel it to 7x57. Had a Ruger 77 tang safety rebarreled to 7x57 with an inexpensive Midway A&B barrel (now Green Mountain). Enjoy shooting it at range.....one of my most accurate rifles.

Mobuck · May 2, 2013, 06:35 PM

The 7x57 has fewer good ammo choices if you're not going to handload it. I've used the 7x57 as a deer rifle for 20 years and one of my rifles has never fired a factory load. If you simply must use heavier bullets, the 7x57 handloaded will handle those bullets better than the 7mm08. Otherwise, there's really no difference in performance. With the premium performance bullets available, I'm not sure there's much need for bullets over 150 grains in standard(nonmagnum) 7mm cartridges.

GeauxTide · May 2, 2013, 07:05 PM

If you're going to shoot factory, 7-08. If you're going to reload, 7x57. The 7x57 uses the long action and will be better with 160 and 175 grain bullets for large game under 200 yards. The LUX would be nice with that longer barrel.

reynolds357 · May 2, 2013, 07:31 PM

If you want a 7X57, get one by all means. I like them. Comparing what you want to other cartridges is always pointless in my opinion. 7-08 will do this, .284 Winchester will do that, .280 Rem will do such and such, 7Rem mag, 7 WBY, and the next thing you know we will be needing a 7Rum to kill a squirrel.

If you like the Mauser, get it.

Kleab · May 2, 2013, 10:03 PM

For anyone curious, I decided to go with the 7mm Mauser. I'm planning to keep a look out for a gently used CZ 550 American in this caliber. It won't be an immediate purchase, but I'll be sure to post pictures when I get a green light from the boss. Thanks for all the info!

garryc · May 2, 2013, 10:33 PM

Same argument as the 308/30-06 issue, but much more feeble. According to Chuck Hawks that case difference is:
308 Winchester (W-W): 53.5 grains
.30-06 Springfield (R-P): 68.0 grains

So that's 14.5 grains

Now with the 7mm-08/7x57 issue it's:

7mm-08 Remington (R-P): 52.2 grains
7x57 Mauser (W-W): 55.6 grains

If there is not much difference when we talk 14.5 grains there is no issue with 3.4 grains. You'll never see the difference. Book shows the 7mm-08 firing 175 grain bullets at the same speed as the 7x57. No difference.

The fact is, I use7mm-08 data to load 7x57

Savage99 · May 2, 2013, 10:36 PM

The old 7X57 always gets good press in print and on the net. Maybe it's all the 7's in the name or that some guy shot elephants with one.

In reality the 7X57 never caught on. No significant army ever used it and it's very hard to find ammo for it anywhere.

On the positive side it's a rifle cartridge and we have to like that!

When I started out we could get all the 30-06 ammo we wanted and even free loaner 30-06 rifles. Some used the 30-30 and a few other old ones. Nobody in CT or VT talked about the 7-57.

Get one if you want. It's all just for fun anyway.

May 2, 2013, 07:52 AM	#6
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	Yep, 7MM-08 and 7x57 are very, very close ballistically. If you want a long action pick the Mauser round, if you want a shorter action go with the necked down .308. If you reload, either cartridge offers great flexibility. If you don't reload, as others have said, you may be able to find more factory ammo in 7MM-08. __________________ Pilot

May 2, 2013, 08:41 AM	#7
taylorce1 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2005 Location: On the Santa Fe Trail Posts: 8,242	Winchester is offering the M70 FWT in both 7-08 and 7X57 currently. If you really want the 7X57 I'd go that route. You'll probably have to special order through your LGS or online. __________________ NRA Life Member

May 2, 2013, 10:10 AM	#10
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	The 7x57 is a very fine oldie .Over 100 years of hunting excellence !! Handloading can improve it . __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

May 2, 2013, 10:15 AM	#12
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	You can still find Ruger 77s chambered in 7X57, as well as old Interarms Mausers chambered for the round. Remington made the Classic in 7X57 in 1990, and Winchester chambered the 7X57 on and off for many years. I love the 7X57, it is a fine hunting cartridge and kills things right there, but I would guess the 7-08 would be the same. Lots of old M98s in 7X57 to be found, just look on GunsAmerica or Auction Arms. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

May 2, 2013, 10:43 AM	#13
Kleab Member Join Date: April 4, 2013 Posts: 75	Thank you for the input everyone! So, to explain a little background on why I started looking into this cartridge, the original plan was to get a CZ 550 Medium Lux in 7mm Rem Mag. I'm a huge CZ fan and this rifle would be mainly for elk. My biggest concern with going for the 7mm Rem Mag is that it wouldn't be something my wife would enjoy shooting. Happy wife, happy life. In looking for a round suitable for both elk and my wife, I came across the 5x57 Mauser. When comparing the 7mm-08 and the 7x57, everything I've read leads me to believe the Mauser is a much better cartridge for elk. Would I be misled in making this assumption? Is there a better cartridge out there that would fit these specs? I'm definitely not opposed to a used rifle. The CZ 550 American would be ideal, I just haven't seen any for sale in 7x57. Thanks again for all the input! __________________ "We believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded." ~Doctrine and Covenants 134:11

May 2, 2013, 04:16 AM	#1
Kleab Member Join Date: April 4, 2013 Posts: 75	Hunting Rifle in 7x57 Mauser I get more and more interested in the 7mm Mauser everyday and would love to find a rifle chambered for the round. So far, the only rifle I've been able to find is a Ruger #1. It's not a bad gun, but I would prefer a bolt action and something that would be able to hold multiple rounds. There was a similar thread to this one posted about 11 years ago, but most of the rifles mentioned are no longer in production. If anyone knows anything about this round or a way to track down a rifle for it, please let me know! Oh, and I should probably mention it would primarily be a hunting rifle, so I'd rather avoid the older Mauser rifles, despite how great they may be. I'd hate to destroy one with too hot of a load. __________________ "We believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded." ~Doctrine and Covenants 134:11

May 2, 2013, 07:35 AM	#2
highpower3006 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Location: Savannah TN Posts: 1,220	If you were to look I am sure you could find a M98 large ring Mauser that has already been converted into a hunting rifle. There have been thousands of them imported into the US over the years and I would bet that a large number have been modified in one way or the other. FWIW, I have shot the 7X57 round for years and it is not a round that you need to hotrod. With modern bullets it will perform just fine at modest pressures. If you want a 7mm magnum, buy a rifle already chambered in that caliber.

May 2, 2013, 07:45 AM	#3
garryc Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2005 Posts: 2,536	What I have is a Remington Classic in 7x57 Mauser. Loading for it can be tricky as most loads shown are 45,000 max. It can go higher, but really why in most cases, why try and make a 7x57 Mauser a 280 Remington? Anyway, with the lack of components I had to fish up a non book load. I used Alliant R-17 in place of IMR 4350. Basically a 1/1 load from an older book instead of one that is cut down further. My load is 46.8 grains behind a Winchester 150 grain PP. I looking at 2600-2650 with that load, haven't shot it over the Chrony yet. I basically built the rifle up for my 15.5 year old nephew. Now that I find that he is not applying himself in school and is failing several classes it gets to stay in my safe. Stays there until he gets his act straight! I would trade that rifle for one in 7mm-08 just because he can find ammo easier. But it would have to be a like rifle.

May 2, 2013, 07:48 AM	#5
2ndsojourn Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2013 Location: South Jersey Posts: 1,416	I haven't looked, but you have, and since you're not finding one why not consider something in 7mm-08? If you aren't reloading, there's a variety of different factory ammo available and the 7mm-08 is going to be around for a long time. As far as using a 7mm Mauser rifle, I'm not sure you have much to worry about with too hot a load unless you're doing your own loading, and I'm sure there are plenty of safe workable loadings available. Many a custom hunting rifle has been built using a Mauser action.

May 2, 2013, 09:19 AM	#8
cvc944 Senior Member Join Date: March 17, 2013 Location: Lenhartsville, PA Posts: 164	I didn't know that Winchester is again offering the 7X57 in their Model 70 Featherweight. Back in the '80s when U.S.R.A was building the Model 70, I bought a Featherweight chambered in the Mauser. It's a rifle I wouldn't live without.

May 2, 2013, 09:53 AM	#9
garryc Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2005 Posts: 2,536	Well, the OP wants a 7x57 simply because he wants a 7x57. There is nothing wrong with that as long as we don't think it has some kind of special "magic". In all practical applications a 7mm-08 would be a better choice. Rifles abound and are inexpensive (Ruger just came out with the American in 7mm-08) Plus ammo is much easier to get. But, you want a 7x57 specifically, go for it.

May 2, 2013, 10:14 AM	#11
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	While Winchester & Ruger both made 7x57 bolt-action rifles, CZ also offered it's CZ-550 American w/24.6" bbl in 7x57. FWIW, it doesn't much matter whether or not one of the above rifles are currently in production, since they're fully supported by their respective factories, and the aftermarket. I'd just go shopping for a "like-new" used specimen I could afford, and never look back. .

May 2, 2013, 11:20 AM	#15
TATER Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 963	The 7x57 actions on older rifle's tend to be a little longer, this will allow you to use more case space with heavier bullets. But, older actions may not hold up. They are SO close I would probably recommend 7mm-08 with 140 grain. And call it done. But, I love Old calibers Too. So, Its Kinda up to you. Have you looked at .284 win?

May 2, 2013, 12:26 PM	#16
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=339409928 There ya go.

May 2, 2013, 01:10 PM	#17
PVL Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2013 Posts: 169	I agree about the 7x57 being better than the 7-08 for elk, due to the long action allowing heavy bullets to be seated out further, thus allowing a more energetic load for these large animals.

May 2, 2013, 01:41 PM	#18
csmsss Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Orange, TX Posts: 3,078	Seems a shame that CZ doesn't sell the 550 FS in this chambering. Would seem a natural for that rifle.

May 2, 2013, 05:59 PM	#19
Huffmanite Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2006 Location: Northeast of Houston, Tx Posts: 393	Find a used Savage/Stevens and rebarrel it to 7x57. Had a Ruger 77 tang safety rebarreled to 7x57 with an inexpensive Midway A&B barrel (now Green Mountain). Enjoy shooting it at range.....one of my most accurate rifles.

May 2, 2013, 06:35 PM	#20
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	The 7x57 has fewer good ammo choices if you're not going to handload it. I've used the 7x57 as a deer rifle for 20 years and one of my rifles has never fired a factory load. If you simply must use heavier bullets, the 7x57 handloaded will handle those bullets better than the 7mm08. Otherwise, there's really no difference in performance. With the premium performance bullets available, I'm not sure there's much need for bullets over 150 grains in standard(nonmagnum) 7mm cartridges.

May 2, 2013, 07:05 PM	#21
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,423	If you're going to shoot factory, 7-08. If you're going to reload, 7x57. The 7x57 uses the long action and will be better with 160 and 175 grain bullets for large game under 200 yards. The LUX would be nice with that longer barrel.

May 2, 2013, 07:31 PM	#22
reynolds357 Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2012 Posts: 6,165	If you want a 7X57, get one by all means. I like them. Comparing what you want to other cartridges is always pointless in my opinion. 7-08 will do this, .284 Winchester will do that, .280 Rem will do such and such, 7Rem mag, 7 WBY, and the next thing you know we will be needing a 7Rum to kill a squirrel. If you like the Mauser, get it. Last edited by reynolds357; May 2, 2013 at 07:46 PM.

May 2, 2013, 10:03 PM	#23
Kleab Member Join Date: April 4, 2013 Posts: 75	For anyone curious, I decided to go with the 7mm Mauser. I'm planning to keep a look out for a gently used CZ 550 American in this caliber. It won't be an immediate purchase, but I'll be sure to post pictures when I get a green light from the boss. Thanks for all the info! __________________ "We believe that all men are justified in defending themselves, their friends, and property, and the government, from the unlawful assaults and encroachments of all persons in times of exigency, where immediate appeal cannot be made to the laws, and relief afforded." ~Doctrine and Covenants 134:11

May 2, 2013, 10:33 PM	#24
garryc Senior Member Join Date: November 12, 2005 Posts: 2,536	Same argument as the 308/30-06 issue, but much more feeble. According to Chuck Hawks that case difference is: 308 Winchester (W-W): 53.5 grains .30-06 Springfield (R-P): 68.0 grains So that's 14.5 grains Now with the 7mm-08/7x57 issue it's: 7mm-08 Remington (R-P): 52.2 grains 7x57 Mauser (W-W): 55.6 grains If there is not much difference when we talk 14.5 grains there is no issue with 3.4 grains. You'll never see the difference. Book shows the 7mm-08 firing 175 grain bullets at the same speed as the 7x57. No difference. The fact is, I use7mm-08 data to load 7x57

May 2, 2013, 10:36 PM	#25
Savage99 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Posts: 567	The old 7X57 always gets good press in print and on the net. Maybe it's all the 7's in the name or that some guy shot elephants with one. In reality the 7X57 never caught on. No significant army ever used it and it's very hard to find ammo for it anywhere. On the positive side it's a rifle cartridge and we have to like that! When I started out we could get all the 30-06 ammo we wanted and even free loaner 30-06 rifles. Some used the 30-30 and a few other old ones. Nobody in CT or VT talked about the 7-57. Get one if you want. It's all just for fun anyway.