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Ideal twist for 7X57 Mauser ?

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02 June 2007, 10:16
swiss
Ideal twist for 7X57 Mauser ?
I will be ordering a 26" barrel and will shoot mainly 130-150 grain bullets. I think a 1-10 would be best, any insight from those who have shot down this road?
02 June 2007, 10:29
FC363
If you plan on shooting some of the Ballistic Tip or Barnes TSX bullets that are long compared to cup and core bullets you might be dissappointed with a 1 in 10 twist. A 1 in 8.5 will work with any hunting bullet you will be able to try. A 150gr TSX is as long as a 175gr conventional bullet and will need the extra twist. It will still shoot light or short bullets well too. Would hate to see someone spend the money on a custom barrel or rifle and be unhappy with it when it could be prevented.
02 June 2007, 12:12
Paul B
I have three rifles chambered to the 7x57 Mauser. All three have 1 in 10" twists and stabilize the 140 gr. Nosler BT just fine. In fact, with one exception, my Model 70 Feather weight will shoot groups ranging from .375" to just a hair under one inch with everything I've run through it from 120 gr. Nosler BTs to the 175 gr. Hornady round nose. I haven't tried the 175 gr. Spitzers yet, but I'll get around to it one of these days. The only bullet that does not shoot worth a damn is the Winchester 150 gr. Power Point bullet. I weighed a bunch of them and they weighed plus or minus 2 full grains from the stated 150 grain weight. (148 gr. to 152 gr.) Pure garbage.
I think my ruger #1 in 7x57 is also 1 in 10" but it might be 1 in 9.5". My FN mauser with a top of the line Douglas barrel is also 1 in 10", but the only thing I've run through it so far is the Winchester factory 145 gr. load which goes into nice tight groups.
Based on those trhree rifles, I don't see a problem with most bullets including at least the 175 gr. RN. I won't comment on the spitzers till I get a chance to try them.
Paul B.
02 June 2007, 12:47
vapodog
Personally I'd be looking to a 1-9" twist as it will do the 130-150 grainers but the longer ones too.


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