If one doesn´t have any problems I guess they have to be invented...

I have a 7x64 that became obsolete when I got the 8x68S so now I´m wondering if I should rebarrel it to 7x57. Or what about shortening the barrel and rechambering for 7x57?

Any thoughts on pros and cons?

7x57

I realize you now have an excuse to get a 7x57, and a fine choice it is indeed.

However, does not the 7x64 do everything the 7x57 does? Reading your discussion on the 8x68, I see you hand load. Your 7x64 can be handloaded (down-loaded) to 7x57 performance with little effort.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but you are making a problem where there is none.

As much as I like the 7x57, I like the 7x64 better. Some reasons are because the 7x57 was invented as a military cartridge, where the 7x64 was conceived during the time of war, but not for war. It has been a sporting cartridge from the beginning.

Just like your 8x68 is a sporting cartridge, compared to the 8x57, which was initially a military cartridge, but successful as a sporting cartridge too.

All are within the all-time worlds great cartridges club, but the military cartridges were designed for optimum efficiency, and that is not a necessary criteria for a truely sporting cartridge.

KB

Once I get the import/export thing going, I will buy the 7x64.

/

The owner of the ranch where I hunted in Namibia had only one centerfire rifle, a 7X64.
Bob

You would need to set the barrel back .3" or maybe more to rechamber to 7x57.

If you reload low it down. Can't really understand going to that trouble to save a few grains of powder and lose 100fps.

quote:

I have a 7x64 that became obsolete when I got the 8x68S so now I´m wondering if I should rebarrel it to 7x57.

Why? What will the 7x57 do that the 7x64 will not do? I understand that you want something different and I do not question that. But from a practical standpoint, I wouldn't bother with changing from 7x64 to 7x57. That's almost like changing from 30-06 to .308 - they do the same thing.

I would continue on shooting the 7x64 and use the money you'd spend to rebarrel to 7x57 on a trophy fee in Africa.

Ok, ok I get your point!It was just an idea...

Not a very good one but still...

If I were purchasing a rifle in 7mm, I would buy another 7X57mm, because I have the dies, and I like it. If I alrady had a nice 7X64, I would leave it alone! The 8X68 sure does not make the 7X64 "obsolete"! As the Scotsman said to the girl who asked him "Tell me sir. Is anyhting worn under your kilt?" "Nay, nay Lassie! 'T is as good as it ever was!"

I would not change a 7X64 to a 7X57.
As far as I,m concerned, if a wanted a 7X57 I would just buy one.
As a mater of fact, I did buy one.
I don't understand why getting a new rifle makes your old one obsolete.
If it worked last year, it will work this year too.
Unless you do the smithing your self, buying a new rifle would not cost much more than the rebarrel.
...tj3006

Cewe, et al,

suitable brass for loading should be easy to come by. The new 30-06 cylindrical at 2.650" is plenty long enough to make the X64 out of. I am looking at a Mauser Guild rifle in X64 that could be had pretty cheap because of the brass issue.

JMHO, your mileage may vary

Rich
DRSS

Last time I asked, 7x64 brass from Norma & RWS is available

here: http://www.huntingtons.com/cases.html

and here: http://www.midwayusa.com/ebrowse.exe/browse?TabID=1&Cat...*652***670***9013***

and here:
http://www.grafs.com/metallic/737

and here:
http://www.natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productD...nd=&prodID=RW2144808

KB

I like both, but I like the 7x64 more. I have a beautiful Sako in 7x64 and I love it. I am also looking for a Ruger 1A in 7x57. If you can only have one, the 7x64 is the answer. Lou

I guess I just have to try to persuade Boha to take a look at the stock -the muzzle flip on this one is absurd. I haven´t really used the 7x64 yet so maybe I should just give it a chance...

thanks to Kabluewy for the links. I was not sure what was out there, and figured it might be slim pickings the way the guy with the rifle talked.
He may just be a tightwad...

thanks again.

Rich
DRSS

IF one cannot find 7X64mm brass, I don't see why .280 Rem. brass can't be used instead - just run it through the 7X64 FL die to set the shoulder at the right place, trim it, and load 'er up! They're ALMOST the same.......

Cewe,
if you are in the group of the husband that "my wife doesn't know anything of guns, but she is really able in counting" well convert it, instead if there is no problem about the rifle number buy a C.Z. in 7x57. Another idea is to buy a 7x57 Mauser rifle, ex ordnance, using it as is, eventually also for hunting, mounting the ring bases for the optic, only.

Steve: My wife is pretty liberal when it comes to my guns and hunting trips and I don´t chew her out for buying a new saddle etc.

The horse was actually bought with money I´d saved up for a Harley Looong story...

But I remember the time we were rebuilding the house (and money was tight) and I just then "happened" to order a CZ .458WM and a Rem 870 shotgun...I think there´s still some shit in the fan after that one

I can't imagine brass being that much of a problem, but if it is, how much would it take to rechamber the rifle to .280 Remington rather than 7x57 OR 7x64?

I have a .280 Ackley and a 7x65R, and in the real world I'm not certain one can tell them apart on game... I also have a couple of 7x57s, but generally use either the 7x65R (1st choice), .280 AI (2nd choice), 7 m/m rem Mag (3rd choice), or the 7 m/m Weatherby (4th choice). My poor ol' 7x57s, good as they are (and I think they are great) sit home, bored and lonely.

I tend to agree with the folks who favor keeping your 7x64 the way it is. The only 7mm cartridge that I'd consider converting it to would be the 7x66 Vom Hofe Super Express. To my mind, it is probably the greatest 7mm ever developed.

What is that 7x64?

I'd like to see it. I haven't done a military import in months. It would be fun to buy a rifle over here.

quote:

Originally posted by D99:
What is that 7x64?

I'd like to see it. I haven't done a military import in months. It would be fun to buy a rifle over here.

It's a slightly slimmer 280 Remington

7 X 64 may be one of the few Euro calibres that American ammo manufacturers load. I see no reason to go to 7 X 57. In France of course you cannot hunt with a 7 X 57, but you can with a 7 X 64 and I understand it is the most popular calibre in France in a bolt action rifle. Besides, isn't the 7 X 64 a Brenneke? So rather than change it, you need to buy another rifle chambered in a larger bore Brenneke, the 9,3 x 64 Brenneke.

Wink: I have a Sako Mauser in 30-06 that will soon become a 9.3x64 -just love them 9.3´s.

Seems I´ve become addicted to 8 and 9mm guns, the 7x64 I bought on an impulse -just had to have it, I think you know the feeling.

quote:

Originally posted by cewe:
Seems I´ve become addicted to 8 and 9mm guns, the 7x64 I bought on an impulse -just had to have it, I think you know the feeling.

Every rifle crank knows the feeling!

I know what a 7x64 is, what I didn't know is what Curt's 7x64 is.

It´s a guild gun made in Austria. In good shape technically but it has seen quite a bit of use. Typical Teutonian stocking. What appeals to me is a) it´s an M98 b) it has a claw mounted Zeiss 6x42.

Curt,

Sounds good to me! You should post photos so we can druel over its Tuetonic cuckoo clock hogs back design!

cewe,

you're 7x64 is obviously obsolete and of no further use to you - hence I'll do a you great favour and help you make space in your gun safe... free of charge!!

Send it to me, and I can assure you that it will be going to a good home, and will be looked after....

I never get pics posted, Boha does it for me which is nice.

As it is my camera is packed away ´cause I leave for SA on Monday!

One WHOLE month of fun an´sun -even if it rains.

Remind me when I get back

I have both the 7X57 and 7X64 and to me it's like comparing the 308 and 30-06. The bigger case can shoot heavier bullets a little faster. While I've had these rifles for many years and one of my sons used the 7X64 successfully for many years I have no practical hands on experience on game. I do know that if you plan on using 160gr bullets or bigger then the 7X64 will serve you better. I see no practical reason to change the 7X64 to the 7X57.

Both the 7x64 and 7x57 are fine calibers and neither is out of date IMO. Factory brass is available for both. Remington still makes 7x64 brass btw.

I sure wouldn't mess with changing a 7x64 to a 7x57, that would be an exercise in futility.