Rusty Gate
Well-Known Member
I’d go European calibres first
What calibres would choose to future proof against ammunition supplies
- Thread starter Turkish
- Start date
I also consider the 7x57 one of, if not the best all round hunting cartridge, and probably my favourite all round, although because of ammunition supplies seldom recommend it.I appreciate this and agree with you. you are quite correct in your point that the move away from lead in certain things/ places etc will not remove this superb cartridge from use.
My point, was in response to the question I quoted, namely, in that -heaven forbid- situation. If I found myself to be facing down an angry violent game animal with a 7x57, I’d rather do so and take my chances, as opposed to with two empty barrels of something chambered in a much better cartridge that I didn’t have enough ammunition for. Hence why this played a large part in Bell choosing to use the 7x57 on big potentially hurty dangerous game animals.
That said, I’d also quite gladly face down a big dangerous game animal with a .22lr as opposed to with a 7x57 with no smarties to feed it with.
Ive recently started to hunt with a 7x57 and am very impressed by its capabilities so far. with modern loads and copper it’s stats look very good . With my very limited field experience I’m also very impressed by its terminal performance so far.
I’m by no means someone with a problem with heavy recoil from a gun. I’ve shot lots of very snappy recoiling guns , they don’t bother me. But, the 7x57 is so efficient and pleasant and mild to shoot, its bite is much worse than it’s bark.. …..as a Hunting cartridge it’s rapidly growing on me , and lately, when I go to sit out at night for wild boar I take the 7x57 over my very nice to shoot .30-06 or .308. they definitely have their uses though, I’d sell them otherwise.
However, in response to the op‘s question, if I could only have one rifle, my choice would be the 7x57 for all 3 of his categories. …..At present… although this might change if I run into an angry elephant tonight in the wilds of a German stubble field whilst hunting wild boar
Kindest regards, Olaf
The other cartriges seldom recommend mostly due to available rifles, despite its exceptional performance on game is the .303. Game usually go down like it’s been hit with a sledgehammer.
Yes, thanks that’s nice to hear such positive things regarding the cartridge I’m currently learning to hunt with. I must admit to having no experience of hunting with a .303 but read about it quite extensively for a while when researching the 7x57. I was really impressed by what I read and did wonder why it’s so seldom used in modern rifle offerings when one considers how widespread and liked the .30-06 is.I also consider the 7x57 one of, if not the best all round hunting cartridge, and probably my favourite all round, although because of ammunition supplies seldom recommend it.
The other cartriges seldom recommend mostly due to available rifles, despite its exceptional performance on game is the .303. Game usually go down like it’s been hit with a sledgehammer.
The more I use the 7x57 I realise how nicely it is thought through, I suppose I’ve maybe come to it the wrong way round , or possibly the right way round through having hunted almost exclusively with a .30-06 for the past 12 or 14 years or so.
What it’s not got in comparison to a .30-06 it’s sort of made up for through not having it , if you know what I mean
I’ve got a lot more hunting to do with it though before I can fairly say that I understand it’s uses for my hunting purposes as well as I do the .30-06
But I’m enjoying learning at the moment.
Kindest regards, Olaf
I agree that accuracy and in this case hitting the brain is the perfect solution but if there is a shot that passes close to the brain the calibre matters. This was illustrated in this video very clearly. If you were correct in your assumptions then PHs would all carry a 7x57 or a semi auto .308. They don’t carry those for a reason that you are not taking into account. There is a reason why the .375 (less commonly the 9.3x62) is the most common legal minimum calibre in the majority of African jurisdictions. I do not know of any that permit the hunting of dangerous game (leopard perhaps excepted) with a 7x57.
Edit to add another caveat that for follow up shots penetration and power are also vital. Breaking the hip or hitting the heart/lung area of a northbound elephant or buffalo from the southern end takes some horsepower and most importantly good bullet design.
Times change, but poachers still use small calibre autos. Taking something with similar results, if I throw a lump hammer at your chest if may knock you over, if with similar force I throw a small dameter pointy stick or bit of metal you're dead.
Yes, but in the case of the 9.3x62 it’s a case of a lump hammer being driven straight through the chest. It doesn’t just bounce off
To try to argue that the 9.3x62 is not as good as a 7x57 on dangerous large game is simply a hilariously pointless argument.
Sorry, I do like the 7x57 , it’s obviously very capable of taking large dangerous game, but there is good reason why it’s not allowed to be used for that job in many parts of the world.
For medium sized game it’s brilliant, it’s sort of just right ; but it’s not a 9.3x62 . and that’s exactly what makes a 7x57 great for what it’s great for.
Kindest regards , Olaf
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
I’m loving the 7x57, I’ve wanted one for a long long time, just now sorted a copper load so that me now sortedYes, but in the case of the 9.3x62 it’s a case of a lump hammer being driven straight through the chest. It doesn’t just bounce off
To try to argue that the 9.3x62 is not as good as a 7x57 on dangerous large game is simply a hilariously pointless argument.
Sorry, I do like the 7x57 , it’s obviously very capable of taking large dangerous game, but there is good reason why it’s not allowed to be used for that job in many parts of the world.
For medium sized game it’s brilliant, it’s sort of just right ; but it’s not a 9.3x62 . and that’s exactly what makes a 7x57 great for what it’s great for.
Kindest regards , Olaf
Get one I guarantee you won’t regret it
Stalker62
Well-Known Member
@Norfolk Deer Search
Funny thing.
Have just done the same.
These are due in the Highlands, this upcoming September/October.
I have also loaded .243 and .308 with @Yew Tree Fieldsports bullets. I have no hesitation in recommending them - Richard is a clever bloke (and very generous with his time and expertise).
These are cracking in my .280, what sort of speed are you getting? I’m around the 3100 fps mark.
I’m loving the 7x57, I’ve wanted one for a long long time, just now sorted a copper load so that me now sorted
Get one I guarantee you won’t regret it
I already have one, it seems to work very well with 140 gr Barns Ttsx, and so far I don’t regret it. Kindest regards, Olaf
Well I'd use one on Lion, Tiger and Leopard.Yes, but in the case of the 9.3x62 it’s a case of a lump hammer being driven straight through the chest. It doesn’t just bounce off
To try to argue that the 9.3x62 is not as good as a 7x57 on dangerous large game is simply a hilariously pointless argument.
Sorry, I do like the 7x57 , it’s obviously very capable of taking large dangerous game, but there is good reason why it’s not allowed to be used for that job in many parts of the world.
For medium sized game it’s brilliant, it’s sort of just right ; but it’s not a 9.3x62 . and that’s exactly what makes a 7x57 great for what it’s great for.
Kindest regards , Olaf
Don't want to shoot Elephant, Buffalo or Tigers really. Get in close and plant the pill.
rob.batterbury
Active Member
.223
.308
.375 H&H
Top two are pretty cemented and .375 is probably still the most popular for dangerous game as is the min legal requirement in S.A I believe
.308
.375 H&H
Top two are pretty cemented and .375 is probably still the most popular for dangerous game as is the min legal requirement in S.A I believe
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