I got hold of a sporterized Peruvian Mauser that I was told was a 7x57 but turned out to be a 7.65x53.

To say the least, the rifle was not very accurate when firing 7x57 ammo.

(Ok, after shooting 3 rounds and having them hit 3ft high, 2.5 ft low, & finally 3ft to the left, I looked at the brass. I saw the problem.)

Yes, I learned a lesson to check barrel inside diameter at the very least before firing a used mauser - I was lucky.

I also learned not to always believe the barrel marking - this was marked "7mm msr".

My Main Question: Is the 7.65x53 caliber a hunting caliber? - any hunting ammo out there? - is this caliber worth trying out before I re-barrel this rifle? - anyone hunted with it?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

The 7.65x53 cartridge is closely equivalent to the .308 Win in performance. It's easily made from 7x57 or 8x57 brass. If there is any factory ammo available, it's likely to be European and expensive.

If you're a handloader, work up a good load for it and go hunting. This is one of the more under-rated catridges out there - that will still kill just about anything you can hunt. I wouldn't mind having one myself but can't justify the expense or room in the safe at the moment. Still, I wouldn't turn one down the right one were to come my way.

You can buy ammo (Hornady) from Graf & Sons for 20.00 a box.

Don't give up on it 'till you try it with the correct ammo.

It's an excellent round for hunting.

Rojelio

It is .312 bore and the case being 53 mm long.. is 2mm longer than the .308 Winchester....

I have seen a couple of elk taken by a guy who hunts with one here in Oregon.......so it is more than capable with a decent shot placement....

Plus I think it is kinda cool, carrying something different than everyone else in the woods.... not problem if you are a handloader....

to me, if someone isn't a handloader.. get a 30/06 and be done with it!

cheers
seafire

seafire

quote:

Originally posted by seafire/B17G:
It is .312 bore and the case being 53 mm long.. is 2mm longer than the .308 Winchester...

So does that mean using the same diameter bullets as for a 303 british??

That is what I decipher from the Graf website.

quote:

Originally posted by Riodot:

quote:

Originally posted by seafire/B17G:
It is .312 bore and the case being 53 mm long.. is 2mm longer than the .308 Winchester...

So does that mean using the same diameter bullets as for a 303 british??

That is what I decipher from the Graf website.

That is correct, if memory serves the Argentine mauser was the same caliber but I can't remember if it's 53 mm or 54mm case . You should be able to use reformed 308 cases, the 2 mm would'nt be that critical.

quote:

Originally posted by darwinmauser:

quote:

Originally posted by Riodot:

quote:

Originally posted by seafire/B17G:
It is .312 bore and the case being 53 mm long.. is 2mm longer than the .308 Winchester...

So does that mean using the same diameter bullets as for a 303 british??

That is what I decipher from the Graf website.

That is correct, if memory serves the Argentine mauser was the same caliber but I can't remember if it's 53 mm or 54mm case . You should be able to use reformed 308 cases, the 2 mm would'nt be that critical.

7.65x53 Belgian/Argentine(same thing)

I think I'd form it from Virgin 30-06 brass and outside neck turn if needed.

That way the headstamp would be obviously different from the shape of the case reducing
the potential for further mistakes.

Though I don't want to think about RCBS wants for a Form and trim die for 7.65Arg these days... I'd expect the FL set to be scheduel "D" dies and be $120-ish.

I'd look for a set on ebay if you don't already have them.

AllanD

I just found that Lee makes the full size dies and I found them for $22 new at Graf&Sons.

I got hold of some surplus ammo to try it out.

At least I can get components if needed.

Remember that your surplus ammo might be corrosive so clean really well after you're done shooting. You don't want to rot the bore out first rattle outa the box.

You can form cases from the 8x57 cartridges too.

And you'd do best to use .303 bullets of a .312" size. The original bullet size for these is .313" IIRC.