I just received my Model 10 and would like to work up some loads using Hornady 154gr Interbonds and Flat Based bullets. I've had good luck with both in my 280 and it seems like a good all around bullet in this caliber. My questions are:

Any guesses at a reasonable load that will produce around 2800fps from the 23" barrel? The C.O.L. with a 154gr Interbond, ten thousanths off the lands is 3.160. I have lots of H-414, WW760 and H-4831sc that I'd like to use. I also have Remington brass and Rem 9&1/2 primers.

How safe (from a gas blowback standpoint) is a falling block like the Model 10? Seems like with no lug raceways to direct the gas, it ought to be fine.

Finally, without sticky bolt lift, do you substitute stick lever fall for a pressure sign? Tolerances are so tight it takes a healthy push to open even without a cartridge in the chamber. Is extruded brass on the case head still a prime indicator of too much pressure?

I would really appreciate advice from some of the experienced single shot and 7x57 shooters on this board! Thanks for the help!

I have no experience with the No. 10, but had a Ruger #1 in 7x57 a few years back. Love the cartridge, sold the gun.

Try RX19 for speed. I clocked the 154 gr Hornady IL at 2770 fps from the Ruger(22") with H450(52 gr as I recall, WLR) I like the Reloader powders much better but did not use them at the time. Buddy has a bit of experience with RX15 & 19(7x57), seems to like them a lot. He has exceeded the velocity you aim for with 160 grain bullet BTW, but has a 28" Lilja barrel.

Here's the thin ice part for me. The #10 has a rep. for being stiff when new, I wouldn't sweat it. The lever drop thing is NOT a good pressure indicator. On the Ruger, the ejector spring tension is adjustable to the point that it will barely move the case out of the chamber. That may give you a hint, not sure.

The ONLY sign I'm aware of concerning pressure with the #1 is a frosty appearance on the brass after extraction. Others will apply, such as loose primer pockets, and perhaps case head expansion, but they are notoriously unreliable as an indicator of absolute pressure due to variations of metalurgy etc. There is no way for the case head to be marked with the #1 due to pressure that is comparable to bolt guns since they do not have extractor cut outs on the bolt face. They can be flattened a bit if you get carried away. Actions such as the #1 and #10 are bank vault strong. If you do not get too agressive with your handloads you won't have any problem with them. Hope this helps.

[ 10-30-2003, 05:07: Message edited by: DigitalDan ]

DigitalDan;

Thanks for your response! Do you have any suggestions for a load with RL-19? I haven't used it extensively but I think I have some left over from my 284 Winchester loads. In the event of a ruptured case in a falling block, where does the gas go? Out the bottom through the lever assembly? I'm just so used to looking for excess pressure signs in a bolt gun that its wierd that flattened primers (notoriously unreliable) is the most noticable way of checking.

By way of comparison, is there any reason a safe load in a 7-08 can't be used in a 7x57?

Thanks for your help!