This rifle is a 1901 patent, that was originally chambered in 7x57. I am still trying to find out the history of the rifle, where it came from etc... I just acquired it. From researching the info engraved on the rifle, it looks legit, with Patent Oct 22nd 1901 stamped on it.

The gunsmith that built this did a beautiful job.

Here's the info the gunsmith has provided me, at this point. I am hoping to learn more specific info on the origins of the rifle.

I built the gun, I've been a gunsmith for over 45 years.
This is an original Remington rolling block smokeless action that was 7mm mauser that I refurbished and rebarreled and put new wood and checkered it myself.
There has been many models of Rolling Blocks manufactured and this replicates one of them.
There has been less than a box of cartridges fired through it, I had an accident not long after I built it and severely damaged both rotor cups in my shoulders and I have trouble lifting any kind of weight with my left arm, and I'm also getting up in age I'll be 80 this year.
Barrel length 29in. weight 10lbs.

Regards, Joe


What I want to know, is what kind of pressure should this rifle be loaded to!?

As you see, the guy sent along a pic of a target, that has a load listed on it, with a 400gr bullet at 2255fps... !! That seems over-the-top to me.

I confess ignorance though, as to what I should be doing with it, but had the idea that loads with 400gr bullets ought to be more in the 1500-1600fps range. Or is that too high even!?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.


Jim.

Those Spanish 7mm rolling blocks were decent rifles but they are not really strong enough to SAFELY shoot most modern 7x57 factory loads. They are more than adequate for the .45-70 but not for hot loads. Most reloading manuals list different 45-70 loads for the different types of actions. Sierra, for instance, lists three strengths of actions and various loads for each. The trapdoor and rolling block rifles have the weakest types of actions usually listed.

2250fps velocity with a 400gr bullet is way over the top. I wouldn't even want to shoot that out of a Ruger No. 1. You can find many suitable loads in the 1300-1400fps range. You might be able to find a suitably safe load that will go over 1600 but if you want to shoot something that fast you are better advised to shoot a lighter bullet. There are some loads listed here but I make no recommendation as to the accuracy of the information or the suitability of any loads in your rifle: web page of 45-70 loads

Don't be fooled into thinking you can just keep loading more and more powder till you see signs of high pressure. These actions can blow suddenly and the results can be fatal!

Rolling Block Failures - One FATAL

You really should consider checking the headspace of your rifle. No telling what shooting an undisclosed number of those high velocity loads might have done. You don't need to be scared or put off but you do need to be safe.

These later roller 7mm actions will take 40K psi loads with no problems but that load seems much hotter. I commonly shoot a 535 Lyman 457125 at up to 1725 fps but I don't think that's as hot as the load you describe.

I would characterize these later 7mm roller actions as being in the medium-strength category, as strong as a Marlin or Winchester lever rifle but no stronger, yet certainly somewhat stronger than an original Ballard for instance. Their main shortcoming is their tendency to bend case heads and even come(vibrate) unlocked when using heavy loads.
Regards, Joe

A shop near here has a collection of rolling blocks for sale. The collector lost interest after a 7mm in very good condition opened up on him like a flower with a factory load.