...just wondering whether anyone has an opinion on choosing a 7x57r versus 7x65r for medium-sized game at normal ranges (100 to 200 yards) for a kipplauf (such as the blaser k-95 or merkel k-1) using standard factory ammo such as norma oryx cartridges...

...looking at the ballistics charts and terminal velocities at 100-200 yards, the only advantage of the 7x65r seems to be the ability to equal 154 grain velocity performance using 170 grain bullets...along with perhaps a slightly flatter trajectory using the 154 grain bullets...

.have used both. 7x65R significantly superior.

If you have not yet got your rifle and you are lloking to buy new I'd choose the 7 x 65R.

Otherwise if you are looking at two secondhand rifles I'd choose whichever is:

1) Fitted with ejector...(not really relevant to kipplauf system?)

2) The most accurate...

3) The better quality manufacture...

And if the 7 x 57R is the answer you get go with that. I doubt any game that you shoot will know be able to tell the difference of if a 154 grain 7 x 57R or a 170 grain 7 x 65R killed it!

According to Quickload, the 7x65R should push 150-175gr bullets 40-50 m/s faster than the 7x57R; not a big deal, but I would choose the 7x65R.

J-Hunter,

I've got a Blaser K95 Luxus Stutzen in 7x57R which has a 19.6" barrel. Net, a fantastic stalking rifle - period. Light, handy, extremely accurate - what's more to want?

I chose the 7x57R simply because of the muzzle blast in the short tube. Nevertheless it's never let me down, no bullets have bounced off any game yet.

Had I chosen the standard rifle I would have gone with the 7x65R, much longer barrel to use the extra case capacity, a tad heavier rifle, etc.

Basically, you're comparing a 7x57 and a 280 Remington Improved - both with a rim and less loaded pressure, although both rifles mentioned above will easily handle the psi for their rimless counterparts. The rimmed brass is the weak link in the chain. The primer pockets of the rimmed brass will loosen up way before anything untowards happens.

I couldn't say whether or not one is more popular than the other here; certainly the 7x65R has better stats but not too much. Out to 200 meters I've used the TIG 177 grainers in the 7x57R's stubby tube and they work very well.

Have fun with your choice.

...appreciate your replies...

...i suppose the versatility of a 7x65r would make it superior to a 7x57r (e.g., flatter trajectory at the same bullet weight, heavier bullets, longer usable range, wider bullet selection in norma ammo, etc.)...

In a modern rifle like a breaktop Blaser or Merkel, the rimmed cartridges can be safely loaded to the pressures of their rimless cousins. You can even have the extractor claw added and have the rifle proofshot for both, the rimmed and the rimless version of the cartridge.

This is possibe f.i. for the 6.5x57 (R) and of course also for the 7x57 (R) bringing it closer to the 7x65 R's performance. It might work for the 8x57 I(R)S, too.

Regarding safety there is no reason to worry. The Blaser`s and the Merkel's sturdy Jaeger actions are identical for higher pressure calibers up to the .300 WM or the 8x68 S.

I too went through this, and ended up with the Blaser K95 rifle in 7x57R. It is a great combination very accurate and kills DRT. It shoots the heavy grain bullets best, 175 grain Hornady at an half inch three shot group. 150 grain Nosler slightly larger.
Both these are loaded to standard 7x57 pressures and velocities without any problems. I don't think the little extra velocity of the x65 could kill any better.

The K95 with normal scope weighs no more than 7lb. The lack of action length means that the barrel is about 4-6" closer to your ear than a bolt action.

I went 6.5x57R rather than the bigger case to keep blast and recoil down - for me I made the right decision. With my 26" barrel I equal 25-06 performance with 100gr bullets without pressure issues.

If you handload and use decent brass you can run rimless pressures in a K95.

I think 7x65R ammunition is a little more widely available on the Continent?

Dear all,

bought a Krieghoff Hubertus app. 10 years ago. Chose the 7x65R as the more versatile and better available load.
Today, I would go for 7x57R or 6.5x57R. The recoil in the 7x65 is not too pleasant in a light rifle. AND unless you're very often going for game > 150 kg, you do not need the extra punch.

BTW, at least on the continent, factory loads in 7x65R are mostly around 175 grains, which anywhere else is considered heavy.

best