So lets have it fellas, what are your favorite loads in the 7 x 57? I'm gonna be starting some testing for optimum charge weight in this caliber, and I want to know everyones favorite powder and charge weight for 140 grain bullets, especially ones that have worked in multiple rifles or loads. Give me some info and I will keep everyone updated on how the testing goes.

42 gr.AC 2520, 2650fps.

40gr. WCC846, 2604fps.Loud& dirty.

These were not hot loads in either of my 2 scout rifles with 19" barrels, and gave some nice repeatabiliy.

Old age is a high price to pay for maturity!!! Some never pay and some pay and never reap the reward. Wisdom comes with age! Sometimes age comes alone..

quote:

Originally posted by JTPinTX:
So lets have it fellas, what are your favorite loads in the 7 x 57? I'm gonna be starting some testing for optimum charge weight in this caliber, and I want to know everyones favorite powder and charge weight for 140 grain bullets, especially ones that have worked in multiple rifles or loads. Give me some info and I will keep everyone updated on how the testing goes.

Here are several loads that work well in my LONG THROATED Rugers - one an early M77, and the other a 1976 No.1A.:

A. 140 grain Nosler Part., 53 grains WW760, R-P cases, Fed. 210 primer. Loaded O/A length, 76mm. MV 2990 FPS, accuracy 1 MOA, case life, 10+ reloadings

B. 175-grain Nosler part., 54 grains RE22 (or Norma MRP), WW cases, Fed. 210 primer. Loaded O/A length, 80mm. MV 2720 FPS, accuracy 1.25 MOA, case life 10+ reloadings.

C. 150-0grain Nosler BT, 50 grains IMR 4350. R-P cases, Fed 210 primer. O/A length, 80mm.
MV 2700 FPS. accuracy .75 MOA (very mild, accurate, deadly deer load!)

The first two are very close to maximum, and it is difficult to load the 54 grains of RE22 into a 7X57mm case. I load these in three increments using a drop tube and case tapping between each increment!! (I don't think it is possible to get too much RE 22 into a 7X57mm case with any bullet weighing 175 grains or less!!)

52.5 gr H414 with the 140TSX in a long throated Ruger, etc. but it could be adjusted for whatever. The chronographed velocity is 3013 fps and it shows 62000 psi on a pressure trace. Bear in mind this is psi not cup is about 50-51000 cup. However your rifle is throated, I'd just work up till I got 2950-3000 fps and stop if there were no other pressure signs. I also have loaded about 49-50 grains H414 with 160 NPartitions for almost 2800 fps I think 2780 at the same pressure.

My 7x57 is an older tang safety ruger 77--very long throated--right now i am shooting 154 interlocks over 50gr h-4350 getting right at 2800 fps no pressure-very accurate. It also shoots 139 interlocks-52 h-4350 great--i think around 2900 fps.

Try a search on this forum. I am developing a load using IMR-3031 as suggested by several posters. I am getting better accuracy but not the velocity at this point, that I want. I am primarily using Nosler 140, 150, & 160 grain Partitions. So far 42 grains of IMR 3031 is yielding about 2530-2580fps for all three weights. Near max COL. IMR 4350 wasn't grouping all that great in my rifle. No pressure signs at 42 grains IN MY RIFLE. I started at 38 grains.

Good Luck.

RCG

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
42 gr.AC 2520, 2650fps.

40gr. WCC846, 2604fps.Loud& dirty.

These were not hot loads in either of my 2 scout rifles with 19" barrels, and gave some nice repeatabiliy.

If you don't mind me asking,
1) What bullets and,
2) What Rifles?

Reason I ask is I have a tang safety Ruger, two Chilean 95's, and a 1908 Brazilian that I'll be loading for.

I really don't want loads more suited to the Ruger for shooting in the Chilean's.

I may end up shooting only cast lead in the Mausers and jacketed in the Ruger.

A FAVORITE LOAD FOR MY RIFLE, 49GRS I4350, FED210 AND A 139 GR HORNADY SP. GROUPS IN THE .75 RANGE AND BULLET PERFORMANCE IS SPETACULAR.

RIFLE IS A '09 ARGENTINE, KREIGER BARREL.

quote:

C. 150-0grain Nosler BT, 50 grains IMR 4350. R-P cases, Fed 210 primer. O/A length, 80mm.
MV 2700 FPS. accuracy .75 MOA (very mild, accurate, deadly deer load!)

Very similar to my hunting load in my 7x57. I use both IMR and AA 4350 with a minor grain adjustment up for the AA to IMR powders. I also get a little more powder into my loads but you need to work that up individually in your rifle. My rifle shoots this load consistantly @ .75 MOA, and can trim it to 5/8" on some days when I and the shooting Gods agree at the range.

Another fine load is a 175 gr Barnes original with 44 grs of 4350. I don't think you will find any of the Barnes originals, so you will need to substitute Nosler Partitions for the Barnes bullets which are dicontinued.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by C1PNR:
1) What bullets and,140gr. Sierra spitzers
2) What Rifles? 2 Mod. 98 Mausers that I rebarreled with new Sarco 19" replacement barrels

roger

quote:

Originally posted by bartsche:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by C1PNR:
1) What bullets and,140gr. Sierra spitzers
2) What Rifles? 2 Mod. 98 Mausers that I rebarreled with new Sarco 19" replacement barrels

roger

Thanks, I'll approach from below in my 95 Chileans.

And thanks for the other ideas as well. I've got them all in my "Loads to Try" listing and I'll try them in either the 95 or the Ruger.

42.5 grains H-4895, 130 Speer flat base- 2755 fps and works fine on deer.
43.5 grains IMR-4320, 130 Speer flat base-2715 fps.
44 grains of IMR-4320, 140 Sierra flat base & Nosler Partition- 2755 fps.
50 grains of IMR-4350, 139 Hornady boat tail- 2715 fps.
49 grains of IMR-4350, 150 Nosler Partition- 2755 fps, with which I took an elk 3 weeks ago, and it worked perfectly.
As always, these loads are for my rifles only and are not a reccomendation for yours.

Here is my favoite, it's mean.(I use it in 7X57R but it will be good in your "std 7X57" as well.
150Gr Nosler Partition, 51Gr NORMA MRP, c.o.l=3,145. 2705fps in the Chronograph. Accuracy 1 MOA at 100 meters.

My second best is an combination you cannot get anymore if you are not lucky. That is a NORMA ORYX 170Gr (Yes 170Gr) on top of 46Gr Vihtavouri N160.
C.O.L=3,051. Velocity is in my rifle 2438fps

Good Luck

5) Chilean 1895 Mauser, 21" barrel
a) 48.1 gr. IMR4350, CCI200, 154 gr. Hornady round nose interlock moly, 3.064" 2425 fps

b) 43.2 gr. IMR4895, 154 gr., 3.065"
primer showing more flattening than above load
2685 fps

40 grains of IMR 3031 with any weight bullet.... between 2650 fps for the 175 & 160 grainers....

2700 to 2750 for the 150 to 154 grainers

2750 or so for the 139/140 grainers...

Most accurate load of any powders for my two long throated Ruger 77s....