I am thinking of buying a bolt action rifle in one of these cal. Can't make up my mine which way to go. I do reload my own shells, if that would make a difference. Need help deciding. Zeak

In a modern strong bolt action you can get a lot more zip out of the 7 x 57. The /08 has the advantage of the lighter shorter action but that may be offset by it's velocity limitations compared to the 7 X 57. Both fine rounds but I like the 7 X 57 better.

I have never had anything to do with the 7x57,I sure it is very good because it has been around for awhile.As 8mm/06 with the 7/08 you have a short action but because it a short action don't mean you cannot twek it up either,I was trying new loads in my 7/08 this past summer and got an average of 3120fps with a 130 gr bullet.
If it was me I would pick the 7x57 because I don't have one,but I think you will like either one.

http://www.hunting-pictures.com/memb...ght&encore.jpg

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If you buy ammo made in Europe the 7x57 really shines, or you can re-load to the European powder makers specs. and do very well.

P.O. Ackley claimed the 7x57 to be the most effeciant cartridge made.
Of course he has been dead a few years.

JohnG....absolutely positively hitting the nail on the head!!!!

First, I'd like to say you'd be happy with either. Both rounds really are nearly equal. But the key here is handloading. The 7x57 is more versatile, and certainly can handle 160-175gr bullets much better than the 7mm-08. <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

The 7x57 is probably the greatest big game cartridge of all time. It has taken more different types of game than any other, and is adequate for animals up to and including elephant. In fact, it was the cartridge of choice for the most famous and prolific elephant hunter of all time, W.D.M. Bell. He killed close to 1000 elephants with it. That long 175gr bullet penetrated so far and the mild recoil made it so easy to shoot that bullets could be placed with surgical precision. <img src=icon_smile_dead.gif border=0 align=middle>

Even the most famous American hunter, the great Jack O'Connor, who was paid a hefty sum by Winchester to tout the .270, often remarked how the 7x57 was a better all-around cartridge, and his wife still carried one on all their hunts together. O'Connor even went as far as saying that it would do everything a .30-06 would do, except with considerably less recoil. <img src=icon_smile_blackeye.gif border=0 align=middle>

For the handloader, I can't think of a better cartridge for hunting big game than the 7x57 Mauser. I am going to make my son's first rifle chambered for this cartridge, and I hope it will serve him the rest of his life. Judging by its history, it should do so admirably. <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Good Dogwork and Good Hunting

Thanks for the info.,think I'll go with the 7x57. Was leaning that way any way. Zeak