A recent magazine article sparked my interest about this round. So my question is it identical to the 7x57? I looked it up in my Cartridges of the World and the case length differs by .01 ( 3.06 vrs 3.07 ). Otherwise they look the same.

Would it be safe to mix and match these two in a modern rifle? The Rigby version seems to be loaded a little hotter than American ammo manufacturers do one the 7x57, but is pretty much on par with Norma loads.

So are they the same or slightly different?

Interchangable.

I enjoyed that article also. It made me want to add another 275 to the one I have already.



Here is something Tom Burgess (systeme98 on AR) had to say awhile ago on this subject. I found it very informative.



Gents: I got this here now book from His Majesty's Printing Office (UK) probably before some of you were born, which is easy for me to say. It is called the British Rules of Proof. It lists a ctg. called the .275 H.V. Rigby, Directly under that listing is one called the 7 m/m Mauser. The one called the Mauser translates into the use of same headspace gages as what we and C.I.P like to believe is the 7 x 57. Matter of fact the dimensions for both of these ctgs. is identical including the proof pressure which is listed as highest mean service pressure, 18.5 Tons PSI measured at the base with copper crusher measured with a special bolt head and we like to think is the pressure transmitted to the bolt lugs and seats in British Long Tons. There is a politicians way out on this, I suppose you could say that the identification in the reloaders manual for one or the other if not both was a different ctg. (s) altogether. I personally think that they are the same. Maybe like the .280 and a seemingly interchangeable round called the 7m/m Express{?) Taking a 7x 57 hunting south of our border , when that wasn't foolish wasn't possible, but a .275 Rigby was a piece of cake- figuratively speaking. Just make certain you have properly headstamped ammo to go with it or so I was informed.

Ah yes, a fine old round don't you know. I have one myself that I had built a couple of years ago on a VZ24 action, it's taken whitetail, Axis, Sika, Blackbuck and assorted pigs. And while it may seem to be exactly identical to the 7x57 Mauser it just seems more elegant, 275 Rigby just sort of rolls off the tongue doesn't it.

Anyway, as already mentioned Rigby simply took the 7x57 Mauser, put their name on it and there you have a new cartridge. Exactly the same, loaded about to the European standards for a 7x57 I believe. My rifle is marked "275 Rigby or 7x57mm" by the way.

I was hoping this was the case, I have a glint in my eye right now and I wanted to make sure. I didn't want to find out about any headspacing issues later.

.

Would someone PLEASE stop Alf from doing this cruel things to us.....?

Actually - I made up my mind:

ALF GO ON AND GIVE US OUR DAILY FIX OF M98s PICTURES!

(but please don't stop doing so.... )

Cheers, Franz

PS: Alf what a beauty - I'm VERY jealous

The current issue of American Rifleman has a nice article by Joe Coogan on the Rigby 275, lots of interesting historical information, etc., how Robert Ruark bought a 275 & 450-400 from WDM Bell's estate at Westley Richards and gave the 275 to his godson Mark Selby (Harry Selby's son).

.

Alf,



Your Mauser collection amazes me, in short WOW. Are there any collectable mausers you don't own? Lets make it hard, do you have any original Jefferys?



On a serious note, I thought original Rigby's had that stamped on the reciever. I know Rigby imported recievers from Germany, did they not mark some?



And yes Alf that was pretty close to what the "glint in my eye was about" although a take down was not considered.



Why don't you tell us about that rifle, it looks color case hardened, is it an English made rifle, with a imported reciever? I think that warrants a little write up and not just teasing us with pic's.

Yep, November 2004, American Rifleman. Great article on the .275 Rigby by Joe Coogan. Joe mentions Gail Selby's hunt where she took her first Elephant with a .275 Rigby. This was the W. D. M. Bell rifle that Robert Ruark purchased and gave to Mark Selby (Harry's son).

BTW, Gail Selby Wentink has a web site. Some great stories and photos.

http://gabrimaun.tripod.com/


Gail Selby with her father Harry Selby

-Bob F.

November 2004, American Rifleman.