I'm in the process of having a custom Ruger #3 build in the classic 7x57 caliber. Anyone have any advice on some accurate full-power loads. I would like to use 140 gr. Barnes TSX's, but am open to any suggestions. Thanks guys!

I use 49.0grs of H-414 with a 139-140gr bullet in mine.I also have used RL-19 for some tests.
The barnses that I have used were the X bullet,so they should shoot close to the ttx or whatever they call it now.

I tried a number of bullets in my own rifle and ended up with the 120gn GS HV Custom at 3235 over 51gn BL-C2,139gn SST at 2870 over 49gn H4350, 150 Scirocco at 2830 over 48gn H4350, 160gn Woodleigh at 2721 over 47gn H4350. Cast 160gn at 2415 over 39gn H4350.

Have just the two loads that I use for everything now and that is the 120gn GS and the cast bullet.

Standard disclaimer. These loads are safe in my rifle. YMMV

Von Gruff.

I have some H4350 and some H414.....I'll give that a try. Thank you gentlemen! Out here in central CA, we have to use lead-free bullets, so that's why I am leaning towards the TSX, although I have had great success with Hornadys in other rifles in the past.

SSGuy, I know you asked specifically about 140 grain TSX's, however I would strongly suggest that you try heavier bullet weights. Hopefully you can find them in "lead free". When I got my CZ 7x57 FS that is what I was advised as that was what the gun was "designed for". Certainly as a caliber that was used extensively in Africa, the heavier bullets came into their own. Here are some targets. Please remember that the usual caveats about reloading apply.







Hope this helps, Peter.

Peter..thanks for the info......BTW, that's some good shooting!

Thanks SSGuy. It was offhand at 500 yards, the day before Hurricane George hit!!!!!! Actually from a rest at 100 yards. The rifle did all the work but I think this is about as good as I can get from a FS.
Peter.

A safe accurate load is 46.5 of 2209 (H4350) under just about any a 140 grain projectile in my FN Mauser 98.

I use 51 gr of AR2209 - otherwise known as H4350 - with a 140 gr Sierra gameking. Other loads have been 49gr N204 and a 139gr Hornady interlock. Cases are R-P, primers are Win LR and the rifle is a Brazilian 1908 M98 with the original barrel cut to 24". Velocities are in the 2750fps range.

Code and Kim, thank you!

Here's something I posted back in '06 about 7X57 loads:

I've been trying to find a load, suitable for hunting, that would give good accuracy in my 7x57. The rifle is a Ruger 77, Mark II. Nothing has been altered on it from the Ruger factory, except the factory trigger has been replaced with an adjustable Rifle Basix trigger. The barrel is 22 inches long.

I have not had what I consider to be good accuracy results with 139, 140, and 145 grain bullets in this rifle. But I have found two loads with heavier bullets that give excellent accuracy:

150 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip
41 gr. IMR 4064
Winchester brass
CCI 200 primer
Cartridge overall length: 3.10 inches
Crimped with Lee Factory Crimp Die
Velocity: 2505 f.p.s.

My best group with that load: 1.01 inches for 3 shots at 200 yards.

162 gr. Hornady BTSP Interlock bullet
46 gr. IMR 4350
Winchester brass
CCI 200 primer
Overall length: 3.08 inches
Crimped with Lee Factory Crimp Die
Velocity: 2484 f.p.s.

Best group: 0.98 inches for 3 shots at 200 yards.

With medium weight bullets I always reach for 4350 first. It normally produces the best accuracy along with high velocity in my 7x57.

quote:

Originally posted by swampshooter:

With medium weight bullets I always reach for 4350 first. It normally produces the best accuracy along with high velocity in my 7x57.

Which 4350, IMR or Hodgdon? They are not exactly the same. H4350 tends to be slower-burning -- meaning that you can generally use a few more grains of it for a given load -- than IMR4350.

LE270 and swampshooter.........thanks........I have tried IMR4350 with the Hornady 139 and the Barnes 140 TSX, both are 3-shot groups under an inch, but I think the TSX should do better on big mulies.

175 grain Hornady round nose with 48.0 grains of H4831. Up in the 2500fps area and averages just over an inch in my rifle.

light hunting load...

Model 70 Featherweight...

of course HotBore will be here to piss on it being accomplished by using Blue Dot..

of course, even tho it has not taken thousands of deer...it did take this 210 lb Oregon blacktail with a single shot to the heart...

Thanks, Carlsen and seafire.....I've read that H414 and Win760 is a great powder in the 7x57. Anyone have a fast accurate load worked up with the 120 or 140 Barnes TSX with either one of those?