New project: Buying and rechambering a Ruger #1 (either RSI or 1A) in 7X57 into a "faster" 7mm. The RSI has a 20" barrel and the 1A has a 22". Looking for 2900 with a 160gr bullet. Thinking about 7X57 Ackley Improved...any caliber suggestions? Any smithing problems with this idea?

I'd go with a .280 improved in the 22 inch gun . If you want "fast" , you need case capacity and barrel length to get it .........

Antlers
If you get the 1-A with the 22"bbl, try it with reloads before you modify it. Depending on the throat length, by seating the bullet farther out you increase your case capacity and can increase your velocity. Most loading manuals hold the pressure down in the 7x57 due to older, weaker rifles. With the bullets seated out, and loaded to modern pressures the 7x57 just might suprise you.

With the Ruger #1 you don't have magazine length restrictions to worry about,so, don't laugh, but why not just rechamber to 7 Rem Mag.Even at 22" it'll give up very little to a 24" tube. A few years ago a friend had a 22" Tikka 7 Rem Mag,2900 with 160's should be a piece of cake.

Antlers, I get about 2820 with 160-grain Nosler Partiton bullets out of two Ruger 22" barrels in 7X57mm. One is a M77, the other a 1A. I believe you COULD safely get 2900 from a 7X57 AI with a 22" barrel, and it would cost you about 50 FPS to use a 20" tube.... Not enough to bother about!! Yes, a .280 would provide more velocity!!

[ 04-26-2003, 19:08: Message edited by: eldeguello ]

Good suggestions; of course I would shoot the 7X57 first to see what velocities it was capable of. I hadn't thought of the 280 Imp or the 7 Rem in a 22" barrel.....need to chew on those possibles. Thanks!