What weight bullet would be preferable for a novice shooter trying for some of the plains game?

Bryan,

In Zim in I'd think the 175gr bullet of decent manufacture would be a very sensible choice.

Would also recommend 175gn in Swift A Frame or the Barns X in 150grn.
ozhunter

Here is the one to shoot!
Handload it to around 2,600 and go hunting.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
Here is the one to shoot!
Handload it to around 2,600 and go hunting.

Another great option for those in the US.
OZHUNTER

My last trip I used my 7x57 as my plains game gun. Took several Kudu very easily. Load was 175gr Nosler Partition and it was very effective. Here is MY 7x57. Only custom I've ever ordered.

I have had very good luck with the 175gr. Noslers and Woodleighs on all the Zim and RSA plainsgame. The 160 gr. worked well also. I think perhaps the Woodleigh gave me the best results, its such a great bullet, but that is hard to say as the Nosler is also a fine bullet..

Since my rifle shot my handloads with the 130 gr. Speer to the same POI as the 175 gr bullets that was a plus..The 130 Speer flat base has proven to be a very deadly and dependable bullet. I have not shot Eland or Blue Wildebeest with it and only one Kudu, but for all else its a great bullet, and I like it on Mule deer also.

My 7x57 like anything on the heavy end.
It is not a match/target rifle but is capable of producing very small groups. Dittos on 175 grainers.

Thanks! Glenda is going with me on the next trip and I want her to begin hunting.

Zimbawe did you use an argentine 1909 mauser for the action ,its a very nice rifle,i have few experience with the 7x57 but i shooted a lot the similar 7.65 argentine with great results in our game.Juan

juanpozzi,
Yes it started life as a 1909. It was built by a friend I attended Gunsmith school with, Clayton Nelson. In fact I just saw him last weekend at a reunion and he had a Kurz Mauser in 250-3000 that I truly covet. Absolutely beautiful workmanship.

Congratulations besides the great work ,you have the best action in the world ,i have each of my customs made with the argentine mauser ,of course ,the most popular action here.Juan

I'd be inclined to say the 1912 7x57 "commercial intermediate" is better - usually sells for much more - but harder to get of course
David