7x64 or 8x57is for bigger stuff ....

[3595wilk]

So this is a bit like a difficult second album.....trying to sort a follow up to initial success. Easiest thing would be to stay with existing calibre choices ...but where is the fun in that?

I'm 4 years back into my CF journey after many, many years away from shooting.

I'm switching 2 of my 3 CF rifles with the intention of eventually incorporating the third (.222) as well. I'll be stocking with that calibre though.

I'll be going to a barrel switch system and prefer traditional bolt actions to the ubiquitous Blaser or similar straight pulls....

Plus switch barrel is also to placate FEO and LM concerns around too many rifles......they seem ok with barrels rather than complete rifles.

Yup, me neither..... but there it is.

My intention is to replace my .243 M12 with a 6.5x55.

My .308 will be replaced with something thumpier to accommodate excursions to Europe and possibly beyond. Likely to be used on Reds down in the SW during November too.

I've got provisional agreement from my FEO for a 7x64 instead of my .308 - but head has been subsequently turned by a 8x57 M03.

I do like Mausers and my .243 was a M12....so swayed by the familiarity I guess.

So my question is any real world differences between the 2 calibres or things to consider?

Hand loading will be the order of the day which may be a factor as 7x64 stuff is limited....and doesn't look much easier with 8x57 TBH.....but happy to persevere.

TIA.

 

[Kalahari]

Go for the 7 x 64. But then I would say that wouldn't I? Seriously I think 7mm bullets (off with the head ) have a ballistic advantage over the 8mm weight for weight.

David.

 

[HonestJohn]

both are excellent. Had a few 8mm mausers, and they are very effective.

I would put it this way, if you will be shooting it past 150yds, go with the 7x64. If 90% is within say 50-100 yds and you are going for large reds, boar, etc, the 8x57 is excellent

 

[r judd]

7x64

 

[Dorset Shakari]

I have had both.

My 8x57 experience is entirely in Zimbabwe. Everything I ever shot with it (196 grain Norma Oryx around 2,450 fps), died immediately. Never had to fire twice. Longest shot was 180 metres on a Zebra. Recoil very tame, and a sweet sweet cartridge ideal for bushvelt and pigs. Hardly any meat damage.

7x64 Brenneke I consider more of a "Euro 270 Win". Very capable, possibly unnecessarily fast for smaller UK deer at sensible stalking ranges, so I reverted to a 7x57, which seems to have the best characteristics of both the aforementioned calibres.

Agreed that hand loading would be essential to get the best out of any of them, due to ammunition shelves in gunshots only catering for long-range folk who can't get close, CM, and the like.

 

[HandB]

If you are handloading then the availability of 7mm bullets in the UK is excellent. I use a 7x57 and find it easy to purchase high quality bullets at affordable prices, so the same benefit would apply to 7x64. In contrast, 8mm bullet options seem few and far between and more expensive than 7mm bullets. Maybe different in mainland Europe?

 

[Hales Smut]

7x64 is excellent. I had one for years. But 30-06 is probably just that bit more versatile. With 180-200 grain bullets up to the 8x57js class, but with better trajectory.
I had considered the 8x64s myself, but if you see the marginal benefits over an '06 , it's not worth the trouble.

 

[HonestJohn]

Speaking of switch barrel. Will you really want the same stock and action for. Thumper and a light 222? In my view the thumper should have a heavier stock and the deuce a slim framed stock and a micro length action.

As above don’t disregard the 30-06, had at least 4 and enjoyed them all. Just, unnecessary blast for even the biggest Scottish reds. 6.5x55 does everything. .222 with non-lead is the sticking point up north as would need 50g bullets for small deer, and barrels are not up for that (yet?).

If I was you, I’d get a 7x57 instead of the 6.5 and another 7mm or 8mm, just have the one, they’ll throw 173g bullets and down to 123g or so.

7x57 and a .222, can’t beat that. Except, I’d keep it two separate rifles

Don’t discount Schultz Larsen

 

[3595wilk]

Speaking of switch barrel. Will you really want the same stock and action for. Thumper and a light 222? In my view the thumper should have a heavier stock and the deuce a slim framed stock and a micro length action.

As above don’t disregard the 30-06, had at least 4 and enjoyed them all. Just, unnecessary blast for even the biggest Scottish reds. 6.5x55 does everything. .222 with non-lead is the sticking point up north as would need 50g bullets for small deer, and barrels are not up for that (yet?).

If I was you, I’d get a 7x57 instead of the 6.5 and another 7mm or 8mm, just have the one, they’ll throw 173g bullets and down to 123g or so.

7x57 and a .222, can’t beat that. Except, I’d keep it two separate rifles

Don’t discount Schultz Larsen

I lost out on a 6.5x55 S&L Victory on Saturday....drove 90 mins to see it as was for sale when I left.... to be told, someone was on their way with an open slot to buy it....been available for a little over 6 weeks too.

.222 isn't a deal breaker but a possibility in M03.....do like my Tikka .222.

 

[Bowland blades]

Now is not the time to go back to older chamberings , Its going to get harder every year . Personally I try and keep things that are easy to find ammo and Or all the component parts like Brass or brass that just needs necking up or down .
6.5 x55 is a great cartridge but so is the Creed and the .260 rem , just think things through with a lose eye on our parliament. All ready we are having primer issues ! No i dont think 6.5x55 will go very soon but there are easier cases to get hold of like the .308 cases that go 243-8mm08 fairly easy in a medium action size , buying a 30-06 that can go up or down as changes happen ?
Just my thoughts and experiences over the years

 

[Twodogs]

As per Bowland blades, perhaps consider a modern cartridge, in 7mm the 7PRC.

 

[HonestJohn]

Schultz Larsen has just received reamers for that

 

[Hunter 6.5]

To me your plans for change are perfect,6.5 swede is one of the best cartridges 7x64 is scarce here but ammo is hugely available anywhere in the continent saying that since reloading is not a problem it may worth looking at some other 7mm cartridges ( nothing wrong with 7x64). Even though I know what I want not long ago I had asked very knowledgeable and respected man here in this forum for help to make decision between 280AI and 7mm PRC and his recommendation was for 7mm PRC so it will be my next one. Good luck with your choice and you won't regret your initial plan either

 

[Mungo]

As per Bowland blades, perhaps consider a modern cartridge, in 7mm the 7PRC.

At some point I’d like a 7PRC, but I just can’t see a context in the UK where you’d really need it.

 

[Twodogs]

The op said “excursions to Europe and possibly beyond” so that covers that base. For UK game not needed but when did need feature in decision making.

 

[Sonicdmb73]

I am already a good way through getting my rifles all into the same switch barrel action. Although I went with Sauer namely the 202. Started when I tried my mates, who happens to have one as his personal rifle (builds rifles so a good endorsement for a start). Started with a 6.5x55 and added a .270 barrel. Followed by a second rifle in 30-06. Then a third in .223 which was the hardest to get. However the plan is to keep two “rifles” and a number of barrels (I have a timber stock extra too). Eventually my 20 Tac will be another barrel for the 202. I might if the need arises get a magnum version, but as yet the “standard” bolt faces will cover my needs.

 

[Heym SR20]

The 7x64 is just a really good balanced alround cartridge. There are plenty of good loads for from a very mild 140 gn bullet at 2650fps or an old 170 ish gn round nosed bullet at 2450 fps - perfect for Roe and practice.

Yet you can switch to long ballistically efficient bullets at 3,000 fps which will give you the ability to reach out to silly distances, yet change to big game bullets - ID Classic or say Peregrine Brush master and you can thump pretty much anything on this planet.

And it does it all with minimum fuss and without the recoil of the 30-06 or 8x57.

I have used the rimmed version for many years on Foxes, Roe, Red wild Boar and Sika. Any problems that I have had have been my fault not the cartridge.

 

[dryan]

7x57, good for anything in the UK and plenty for boar and plains game if you fancy it in the future. Easy to get ammo worldwide too.

 

[stonepark]

Would be easier to stick with 308 throwing 180gr?

 

[Heym SR20]

To be honest any cartridge shooting a 140 to 200 odd gn bullet leaving the muzzle at 2450 to 3,000 fps will pretty much work on any deer, antelope, boar etc. ie pretty much any cartridge designed in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s and adopted by a main military - and derivatives there of.

Choice of bullet type and construction is far more important a consideration than the actual cartridge.

I like the 7x64, but then the 7x57, 270, 308, 303, 30-06 and 8x57 will do pretty much exactly the same job.

In a decent well put together rifle all will be accurate enough.