4th Caliber opinion: 7x57 Mauser.

pharaoh2 · 10-03-2004, 06:41 PM

I mean, come on. It's just plain sexy! Who could not love it?

frizzellr · 10-03-2004, 07:40 PM

I prefer my 7mm-08 Rem. If I wanted more umph I would go with a 280 Rem. Just not too fond of the middle action length cartridges. Too long to fit in a short and too short to fit in a long.

eldeguello · 10-04-2004, 09:08 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: frizzellr

I prefer my 7mm-08 Rem. If I wanted more umph I would go with a 280 Rem. Just not too fond of the middle action length cartridges. Too long to fit in a short and too short to fit in a long.

If you're talking about American-made bolt actions, you are correct. However, standard Mausers were all orginally intended for rounds having 53 to 57mm cases, so the 7X57 is perfect for these actions. In addition, for single-shot actions, it doesn't matter much how long or short the cartridge case is.

The 7X57mm may just be the world's best all-round cartridge for hunting everything anywhere in the world, except for the truly huge dangerous critters like Kodiaks, elephant, rhino, Cape Buffalo, etc.

Superpig · 10-04-2004, 02:14 PM

The 280 Remington which I'm fond of is the 7X57 only better. We live in America so I would think you would be buying an American made rifle. The 7X57 is too long for a short action and if you are buying a long action why not fill it up with the 280 and gain some velocity. I do believe the 7X57 is a great cartridge. Factory ammo is anemic and availability can sometimes be a problem for the 57. However, I shouldn't try to sway you because I shoot a 257 Roberts most of the time for deer & feral hogs. It's a necked down 7X57.

Virginia7 · 10-04-2004, 08:00 PM

The 7x57 Mauser is a great cartridge, one of the best hunting rounds available for deer
size game. Unfortunatly, there's not much variety available in factory ammo, but for
handloaders it's ok. Mild of recoil, accurate, and deadly.
But, then there's the .270Win., and the .280 Rem. Both are more versatile, and with a
much better selection of ammo available.
Then again, there's just something about that 7x57 .....

James B · 10-05-2004, 08:47 PM

A fine old hunting partner. Its in the class with the mid 308 rifles like the 7mm-08 and 260. Its been used for hunting every animal in the planet. It should be more popular than it is but there is a lot of compitition in that class from the 270, 280, 308 and even the old 30-30. Itwill remain pretty popular as its to good to die and has its faithful followers.