Use 7 X 57 reloading dies to load 7 X 57R cases?
Where is factory ammo available at a resonable price?
Thanks!

You can usually find Sellier and Bellot ammo pretty inexpensively. They load 7x57R in 140, 158 and 173 grain. Norma loads 154 and 170 grain.

I have several boxes of Norma 7x57R, that I no longer need.
aax1@bellsouth.net

Yes! I use 7x57 dies to reload 7x57R.
Peter.

Jim,

I have been using normal 7x57 dies for my Combo since '82 and never have had a problem with chambering or case separation. Once in a while a split neck, but thats it. All my brass is "fireformed" and resized as "partial full length". Daylight between the ram, in the fully extended position, and the bottom of the die.

Last week loaded and shot both 145 Speer and 154 Hornady grainers at 2300 to 2400 fps with one inch groups.

Use standard 7x57 loading data, but start about 10% below, as the combos can't handle hot loads (high pressure)like a bolt action can.

Good shooting,

Don

I use regular 7x57 dies with no problem, they are backed off as with all the dies I use to insure that I am sizing to my rifles chamber. Norma brass last for-ever. Hornady Brass seems to be working very well also.

Simply looking at 10% less than 7x57 load data, it varies considerabily with some manuals loading down for older rifles while others state that there data is up to 55kpsi so I chronographed factory 7x57R ammo. IF your weapon is of relatively new construction then that ammo should be safe.

Norma, Hornady, S&B this gave me a baseline realistic velocity with several bullet weights to work up loads to. You do have to have a good idea of what powder the factory uses, easy with Norma, they tell you in their on-line manual, Hornady was a ball powder, most likely candidate H414. I was a bit lax and shot up the S&B without pulling one for powder comparison, but it is probably a double base Belgian powder, Ram Shot comes to mind here in Montana.

The best powder for in my rifle barrel is H4350, the load I use is closer to regular 7x57 load data in most manuals but matches the velocity of Norma loads and H4350 is similar in burn rate to URP. My rifle barrel loves 154gr Hornady's and shoots excellent groups. RamShot Hunter works well, Norma 156gr Oryx were fair, 175gr Norler Partitions were very accurate but velocity is low. I also looked for a load that would shoot close to slugs out of the 12ga barrel on top. Brenenkes Black Magic 2 3/4" slugs regularly produce groups in the 4" range at 100 yds just under the 154gr H4350 load so I'm very happy with the way things have worked.

If you email Norma they will give you factory duplication loads using their powder.