I have always wanted a Mannlicher full stock style carbine, but being left handed never saw one.

So, if my Zim hunt does not occur this coming August I am thinking of getting one built in a 20" barrel.

I am thinking either 7x57 or 7x64.

The main purpose of this rifle would be plains game (not including Eland or Giraffe).

First the action, according to their website the short magnum would be sufficient per Granite Mountain actions.

Is there a big advantage over 7x57 by going with 7x64?

I know there is a lot of history with .275 Rigby aka 7x57.

Thoughts?

7x57 has been used for animals all over the world for longer than most any other center fire smokeless round, and had a great history in Africa and would be more efficient in a 20 in barrel than a 7x64.

The 7 Mauser has worked well traditionally for most game.

I’d think the 7x64 might be a bit obnoxious in a light short carbine. Mainly it gains range by shooting flatter than the standard chambering, and I’ve shot most of my PG with my DG rifles, so, I’d not be worried about that- you would probably get a different gun yet for specialty PG. (Thinking Sitatunga and such)

I’d go with the 7x57.

7x57 vs 7x64 - think 308 vs 30-06. I have both 7x57 and the rimmed Version of the 7x64, the 7x65r. Both will shoot a 140gn bullet. Factory ammo is typically 2650 fps vs 2800, but both will also shoot a 156gn and a 173gn.

The original military 7x57 shot a long 173gn round nose at 2450fps and thats what Bell shot many elephant with. Rigby took the 7x57 and renamed it the 275 Rigby and promoted a 140gn high velocity load at c2800fps. There is no real difference between 7x57 and 275 Rigby, but I believe some 275 Rigby have a shorter throat and a long round nose may jam in the rifling. My 275 is marked 275 High Velocity and it handles any ammo happily.

Most modern 7x57 is loaded a bit aneamically (cf Federal or Remington Coreloc) but Hornady Superformance and Norma 156gn are loaded full throttle.

7x64 is also a really nice round and has pretty much performance of a 7mm mag / 30-06, but with less recoil. Probably worth moving up a bullet weight so for African game go with 156 and 173gn bullets, whereas the 140 is ideal in 7x57.

What can they shoot. Well pretty much anything - certainly all the antelope, probably not ideal for a big Eland, Gemsbok or Giraffe - but get in close and put bullet in the right place and more than adequate.

I have used both of mine On Red Stags, big Wild boar as well lots of smaller deer. They all fall over with little fuss. Personally I would choose a 7x64 or 7x57 over a 30-06 as they are nicer to shoot. If you need bigger then you are really in 375h&h terratory.

The 7x57 is one of my favorites, its light, accurate and has suited me as well as my 30-06 on PG, elk, and even on a Cape Buffalo some years ago..I got by on that buff hunt but wouldn't do it again...

Would the 30-06 be a better choice, yes, but not by much IMO..I would prefer the 7x57 over the 7x64 for a number of reasons but its a good caliber..

IMO, you must be hand loader to appreciate the 7x57, if not then the 30-06 or perhaps the 7-08, 284 or better yet the .280...

Your in a situation wherein whatever you choose is suitable, even the .270 another great caliber.