Any of you guys shooting one of the new Model 70 Featherweights in 7x57?

If so, tell me about it. Likes, dislikes, fit, finish, etc., etc.

At 7x57 velocities, what bullets will the 1-9.5" twist stabilize? Which heavier (longer) bullets work well in your rifle?

I have a BACO M70 FWT in 270. Fit and finish is about as good as a mass produced rifle gets. It has become my go-to. It only has about 20 rounds through it with load dev, sighting and 2 deer and 2 yotes. Accuracy is acceptable at about 2moa and I expect it to improve with more shooting, load dev and tweaking.
Wouldn't mind having a 7x57 to go along with it.

quote:

Originally posted by Landrum:
At 7x57 velocities, what bullets will the 1-9.5" twist stabilize? Which heavier (longer) bullets work well in your rifle?

If yours has the US spec short throat then you will be better off staying with 140/154/160 grain weight projectiles. The 175 spitzer's, even if seated deeply may provide excellent accuracy but once velocity starts to falls off they may suffer stability issues upon impact with very large game.

I use the 140 grain Sierra for deer sized game up to Red Deer in size and the 154 Hornady Spizter for larger game.

I have noticed no hunting benefits using premium projectiles at standard 7x57 velocities.

Landrum, I have a older model featherweight in 7x57. Ive just about finished the factory winchester stuff.145 grain SP. These worked well on game. Currently Im loading the 139 hornadys and 140 woodleigh hydros. Both are working well on boars. Still early in the development stage but looks promising.Cheers Mick
140 hydrosand 139 hornadys
139 hornady

I'm doing load work with it now. Fit and finish are very nice.

I like mine so far and plan on using it with Hornady 139 gr factory loads this fall for deer. The rifle doesn't feel as light as I had expected, but the bullets go where they should. The fit and finish is good, the action smooth out of the box. Wood is good but not inspiring.

Dean

quote:

Originally posted by Landrum:
Any of you guys shooting one of the new Model 70 Featherweights in 7x57?

If so, tell me about it. Likes, dislikes, fit, finish, etc., etc.

At 7x57 velocities, what bullets will the 1-9.5" twist stabilize? Which heavier (longer) bullets work well in your rifle?

At one time I owned one of Winchesters Model 70 Featherweights (post '64) and was pleased with its looks and it handled very well & even had factory open sight installed. Made my longest shot on a Deer @ 375 yards with it. Handloaded ammunition is the most accurate, at least in my Winchester. I used mostly 145 grain Speer Soft points with IMR-4350 powder, which seemed the most accurate load.

I know anther fellow that is a big believer in the 145gr Speer bullets, he used them in his 7mm 08 for years for moose. FS