I'm shooting a Winchester Model 70 FWT in 7x57. Just got the rifle and am starting to try and find a load for it for mule deer, antelope and possibnly cow elk. I know velocity won't be very high, so can/should I shoot bonded bullets? Can I drive them fast enough to open up or should I stick with a conventional bullet (Hornady, Speer or Sierra) or possibly a Nosler Partition? I want to shoot one bullet weight and not have to load different weights for antelope and elk. Maybe a 150 gr.??? 7x57 shooters, please share your thoughts.

For what you're using them for, give the 145 gr. Speer Grand Slams a look. They've been accurate and reliable in my 7mm-08.

We use the 140Accubond in my wifes 7x57 for everything from antelope and springbok to Oryx and ELk.

When testing loads for my 7x57, I had a partial box of the Norma Oryx 156 gr bullets, and they turned out the best group of those that I tried so far. Guess which bullet my rifle is sighted in for?

Also, the Hornady 154 gr interlock bullets shoot close enough to the same point, and several others in the 150gr weight range. I see no reason to not use a bonded bullet. For the stuff I hunt with a 7x57, bonded or not would very likely give similar results.

However, given a choice, I will use a bonded bullet, mostly, depending on the accuracy. For example, my rifle shoots Sierra 150gr very well, and if I couldn't find a bonded bullet that shot as well, I would just use the Sierras.

KB

I shoot the Hornady 175 grain round nose. Good expansion and penetration.

I am a fan of the 160gn Woodleigh PP as an all round bullet for the 7x57 although I have a very good load for the 120gn GS Custom as well(and a 160gn cast bullet that I take a lot of meat with)

Von Gruff.

quote:

Originally posted by Von Gruff:
I am a fan of the 160gn Woodleigh PP as an all round bullet for the 7x57 Von Gruff.

Man, the Woodleigh 160 grain PP is pure P!!
Pleasure that is. This past April in Limpopo I took 2 Blue Wildebeest, 3 Impala, 2 Warthogs & a Blesbuk. The load: 47.5 grains of H414, RWS brass, CCI bench rest lg ri primers, seated right off the lands of an old tang style M77 Ruger 7x57. Average shot distance 150 yards.

For deer/pronghorns My 7 X 57 is sighted in with the TTSX 120 grain bullets. I haven't killed anything with it yet but have read many other fine responses of that bullet.

About the cow elk.....don't kid yourself.....cows are very large...almost as big as many of the bulls....there's nothing "smaller" about them....Personally I'd not use anything for cow elk that I wouldn't use for bulls. 160s might be a good place to start for elk. Hornady's interlock is one I'd try for starters.

Thanks for the replies. My buddy gave me some 150 gr. Partitions and 160 gr. Sierra GameKings that he shoots in his 280 Rem. I'll try them with R19 and IMR 4350 for starters. Any suggestions on other powders to try? I'm kinda leaning towards the 160 grainers as an all-around bullet because of the heavier weight.

Just get a 140 gr Accubond and foget about it! You are good for everything you listed. They will expand fine and penetrate deep.

Another vote for the 140 Accubonds. I use them in my 7x57,280 and 7/08 and love their accuracy and performance.

quote:

Originally posted by manti.hunter:
Thanks for the replies. My buddy gave me some 150 gr. Partitions and 160 gr. Sierra GameKings that he shoots in his 280 Rem. I'll try them with R19 and IMR 4350 for starters. Any suggestions on other powders to try? I'm kinda leaning towards the 160 grainers as an all-around bullet because of the heavier weight.

Shot a fine 3/4 inch group yesterday with 160gn Sierra GMKs in front of 47gn N160 and a Fed210M primer out of RWS cases. Didn't chrono it, but I am sure it would have deaded anything out to 300yrds. worth tryin...

the 150gn GMK is also shooting 1/2 inch 4 shot groups with 47.8gn N160.

Hope this helps,

Finman

I have the same gun as you. It was a terror to get to shoot straight. Initially 6" C to C was about the best I could do.
I found out on this forum that the gun has a very long throat. I ended up seating 160 gr accubonds out almost to fill up the magazine. This is finally what made the groups acceptable. No factory fodder would shoot worth a flip. I just about gave up and the gun was a safe queen.
If you end up experiencing the same issue, give this loading tip a try.

Try norma oryx it has the right shape.

@ the Mv of the 7X57, bonded bullets are not needed.

It would be hard to beat a 140gr Nosler Ballistic tip for deer or antelope.. For cow elk go to the 150gr BT

I load the 140 BT to 2925 fps in my 7mm-08 & they do a great job.

Since the 7X57 is the ballistic twin to the 7mm-08, they should work great in it too.

IMO bonded bullets are not needed until you get around 3000 fps & up.

On deer sized game @ Mv that are appropriate, it has been my experience that the Ballistic Tip will leave a larger exit wound than either the Accubond of Partition.

I've been shooting the 7x57 for over 40 years and have settle on the 150 grain Partition for an all-around bullet. Fast enough for the longer shots and tough enough for deep penetration on bigger/tougher game.

That said, my experience shooting cow elk with a 7x57 is limited to 1 animal and 2 cartridges, the old 175 grain Winchester/Olin factory load. The 1st shot broke both shroulders and the 2nd shot was necessary to finish off the anchored elk.

Jeff

I used 145gr Speer and 139gr Hornady for 2800FPS in my 7x57. Both very effective on good sized red deer. In my 7x61 the 160gr Sierra was the only bullet I would use on game and would be quite happy to use this in the 7x57 too.

I suppose it is hard to ignore the fact that Eleanor O'Connor used a 7x57 on various safaris in Africa with husband Jack's handload of 160gr Sierra in front of 52gr No4831 for about 2700fps. On one safari she reputedly took 17 head of game up to and including kudu with 19 shots, the kudu given 2 more shots after the first was a heart shot.

On animals that nowadays nothing short of a howitzer seems to be proposed by some as needed for African plains game, that's a pretty good showing for the little 7mm Mauser.

I had one of these rifles and shot 6-7 deer with it using the 140 Nosler Patition. all were one shot kills. If I were going to use this rifle on elk, it would be with a 160 gr Nosler bullet- Partition or Accubond loaded with a safe top-end load using wither IMR4350 or Norma 204. Reloader 19 may be good too, but I haven't tried it. All my 7x57 rifles like this load: WW or Norma brass, 45 gr IMR4064, and 140gr Sierra, Nosler Partition, or Accubond

There is one post that bothers me, soo....
The 7x57 beats the 7mm-08 just like the .30-06 beats the .308 when both are loaded to the same pressure. The 7mm-08 is a new cartridge and is loaded by the factory to 52,000 lbs. per sq inch; the 7x57 to 45,000.
Put 150-160 grain bullets loads for a modern rifle that develope 52,000 and use an ACCURATE chronograph and see what you get.

I've worked on two 7mm-08s and did load work for one and could never get over 2900 fps (22" barrel) with 140 gr bullets at reasonable pressures--cases could be loaded 6-8 times without primer pockets loosenig,

My thoughts....

I use to shoot the 7x57 quite a bit, and my vote for "one bullet for everything" you should shoot with a 7x57, would be the 150NP's.

I agree that you don't need premium bullets at 7x57 velocities for most animals. But, if you want max penetration on the big stuff, the NP's will do it, and also expand well on the smaller animals too!

Thats a BIG reason i like NP's so well, they work on all sizes of big game, equally!

DM

The 7 X 57 is one of the most well balanced performing rifles for all of the contiguous 48. Most of the 150 to 160 grain psp cup and core bullets will do what you're looking for. roger

I like the 140 grain Partition and the 150 gr. Ballistic Tips in my 7x57. I use the Partitions on the large feral hogs (some over 350 pounds) and the Balistic tips on deer and hogs. Both are excellent bullets with the Partition giving more penetration and smaller exit holes.

The only bullets I've worked with in my M70 FWT are the 140 gr. Nosler Ballistic tip (early version that came in 100 round boxes) and the long discontinued 170 gr. Sierra round nose. I haven't chronographed the Sierras but the ballistic tips do an honest 2800 FPS according to my Chrony.
I was planning on using it on my then upcoming cow elk hunt but time constraints and other hang ups led me to taking the .35 Whelen instead. I picked up some Barnes 140 gr.TSX to try in the 7x57 but upon some contemplation will probably save them for my .280 Rem. instead. I agree with the premise that at 7x57 velocities, a premium bullet shouldn't be necessary but what ever floats your boat. I'm thinking that for a general all round use,a good 150 to 160 gr. bullet at reasonable speed should do the trick on just about any game the round is suitable for. I'll probably use the 160 gr. Speer Grand Slams as I came into a large supply reasonably cheap. Haven't decided on a powder yet although I get great speed and accuracy from W-760, I wonder about it's purported temperature sensitivity.
The older I get the less I like heavy recoil. I can still shoot my .300 Mag. quite well and the .35 Whelen is a big favorite and I can still use them hunting. Just not much fun of the bench anymore.
As I said, I get great velocity and accuracy from W-760 and H-414, which is really the same powder also has a good rep in the 7x57.
Paul B.

The 7x57 Norma Oryx 156gr is my personal favorite for the mule deer. You cannot go wrong with it.
Woodleigh offers a similar bullet construction named PP 160 gr. I guess this would be a suitable alternative too.
CZ

Thanks everyone for your replies. So far, the Partitions don't shoot so well, close to 2 1/2" @ 100 yds. The Sierra 160s are a different matter. 1" to 1 1/4" @ 100 yds. with the R19 powder. That's all I can really ask for, considering my 54 yr. old eyes. I sure like the rifle's ligt weight and looks. Had one yrs ago, but in 30-06. Too much recoil for me. This 7x57 should take me through the remainder of my hunting days before it gets passed to my grandson.

quote:

So far, the Partitions don't shoot so well, close to 2 1/2" @ 100 yds.

That's a common problem with the partitions.
The 150gr BT's would probably serve you well, but if you did want something heavier, I'd try the 160gr accoubonds.

quote:

Originally posted by Antelope Sniper:

quote:

So far, the Partitions don't shoot so well, close to 2 1/2" @ 100 yds.

That's a common problem with the partitions.
The 150gr BT's would probably serve you well, but if you did want something heavier, I'd try the 160gr accoubonds.

It can't be too common, as i've shot hundreds and hundreds of them through dozens of rifle, and i've yet to have a rifle that didn't give good to EXCELENT accuracy with NP's...

Wanna to see some targets?

DM

Hit Nosler's website and look at the seconds they have for sale. I grabbed a bunch last night, cheap. They have a number of 7mm Partiton's and the 140 gr E-Tip right now.

quote:

Originally posted by manti.hunter:
Thanks everyone for your replies. So far, the Partitions don't shoot so well, close to 2 1/2" @ 100 yds. The Sierra 160s are a different matter. 1" to 1 1/4" @ 100 yds. with the R19 powder. That's all I can really ask for, considering my 54 yr. old eyes. I sure like the rifle's ligt weight and looks. Had one yrs ago, but in 30-06. Too much recoil for me. This 7x57 should take me through the remainder of my hunting days before it gets passed to my grandson.

It sounds as if you have a good load there manti.hunter with the 160gr Sierras. Although I like the concept of the NP bullets and they seem to be well made, I have to admit like you, I never got the accuracy from them in my 7x61 as I did with Sierras at a genuine 3000fps. The Noslers also exhibited pressure signs earlier too.

I found my Rem 700 7mm-08 was not performing that well with 140gr Rem corelocks but with a change to 140gr Sierra SPBT there was a dramatic difference and 2900fps easily reached.
Same bullet in my Marlin XS 7mm-08 gives same result, a little lower in velocity due to the 2" shorter barrel.

As I posted earlier 139gr Hornady or 145 Speer killed like lightening in my 7x57 at 2800fps.

The gun in question (Mod 70 FWT in 7 X 57 ) is a finicky gun / cartridge combo.
I dug up the load that finally worked in my gun after tons of experimentation.
Here it is!

Win Mod 70 FWT; 22" barrel (7X57)
Most important in my gun was the cartridge OAL; 3.150"

160 Accubond
Rem Brass
Rem 9 1/2 mag primer
47gr IMR 4350

Chrono Avg 2617 FPS (12 ft from the muzzle) Std Dev 5

1/2-3/4" (C to C) @ 100 yards

I would like to squeeze another 100FPS out of it but I found something that worked so I just stopped. It appears somewhat mild and a low recoiler. My wife and grand kids can shoot it.
I may try some 150 NP's seated at 3.150" OAL and a bit more 4350 in the future.

EZ

I see no need for "premium" or bonded bullets in the 7x57 for deer, antelope or elk. Standard C&C bullets work extremely well at 7x57 velocities. I favor Hornady's 139 SPBTs, 154 SPs and 175 RNs; al Interlocks. All work very well at 7x57 velocities and I load mine to CIP standards not SAAMI. Speer and Sierras work just as well.

Larry Gibson

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Gibson:
I see no need for "premium" or bonded bullets in the 7x57 for deer, antelope or elk. Standard C&C bullets work extremely well at 7x57 velocities. I favor Hornady's 139 SPBTs, 154 SPs and 175 RNs; al Interlocks. All work very well at 7x57 velocities and I load mine to CIP standards not SAAMI. Speer and Sierras work just as well.

Larry Gibson

Where are you finding CIP data Larry?
I agree with you on the use of C&C bullets for the 7X57..

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Gibson:
I see no need for "premium" or bonded bullets in the 7x57 for deer, antelope or elk. Standard C&C bullets work extremely well at 7x57 velocities. I favor Hornady's 139 SPBTs, 154 SPs and 175 RNs; al Interlocks. All work very well at 7x57 velocities and I load mine to CIP standards not SAAMI. Speer and Sierras work just as well.

Larry Gibson

The Nosler seconds are less costly than C&C's it appears. Of course I am one to spend the extra few bucks on a bullet to know, with confidence, that I am ready for a non-optimum shot that be all that is presented. Given my experience with elk I would not use a C&C bullet in a 7x57, ever.

Nosler Partitions not accurate? I guess I don't buy that as I HAVE NEVER HAD a rifle that wouldn't shoot 3 shots into under a inch at 100 yards--that is from .22 cal to .375. The 150 7mm Partition is one of the most accurate bullets I have ever shot out of 9 different 7mm rifles form 7x57 to 7mm Mashburn Super Mag.

4350 and the 140-160tsx work well for me out of a ruger #1.

You MUST uses bonded core bullets becauses they will cost 3 times what Hornady Interlocks will cost,even if the Hor work perfect at 7x57 speed, becauses every one knows that if it cost more it must be better.

quote:

Originally posted by gunmaker48:
Nosler Partitions not accurate? I guess I don't buy that as I HAVE NEVER HAD a rifle that wouldn't shoot 3 shots into under a inch at 100 yards--that is from .22 cal to .375. The 150 7mm Partition is one of the most accurate bullets I have ever shot out of 9 different 7mm rifles form 7x57 to 7mm Mashburn Super Mag.

GM48 I don't think anyone here has said NPs are not accurate, quite a few have more or less just said they did not get the accuracy from them in their loads or that with the same load other makes of bullets just brought the group size in so much better. I did load 160gr NP for my friends 7x57 when we were buffalo shooting and they were accurate enough in his Brno. I tried quite a few different bullets in my 7x61 S&H including NPs but just found Sierras shot consistently so much better and also killed so well at short range and extremely long range even with a MV of 3000fps at short range.

When I traded the 7x61 in on a M700 7mm08 I loaded Corelokt, Nosler B/T, Hornady and Aussie Taipans. Nothing startling from any of them but once I got hold of some Sierras in various weights, what a transformation.

From my days with the 7x61 where I have honestly lost count of the deer, chamois and tahr I shot with it, Sierra bullets just have a special place in my heart.

I like Sierra bullets too, Especially the 7mm 140 gr and the .375 300 gr.
But in a 7x57 that I have used (before two new hips) on Elk and Whitetail deer, I liked the "insurance" that a 160 gr. Nosler Partition gave. I still use that rifle on deer, but loaded with 140 gr Noslers (shoulder shots). Again, I know they will ALWAYS work, I've read too much O'Connor and Hagel, and have had too much personal experience to do or think otherwise.

Haave a Merry Christmas all!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Low Wall:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Gibson:
I see no need for "premium" or bonded bullets in the 7x57 for deer, antelope or elk. Standard C&C bullets work extremely well at 7x57 velocities. I favor Hornady's 139 SPBTs, 154 SPs and 175 RNs; al Interlocks. All work very well at 7x57 velocities and I load mine to CIP standards not SAAMI. Speer and Sierras work just as well.

Larry Gibson

Where are you finding CIP data Larry?
I agree with you on the use of C&C bullets for the 7X57..

Not hard to find, but the question is of reliable information if you "google". I've them from several sources; Oehler with the M43, Norma lists CIP pressures, CIP publishes them, etc.

Larry Gibson