Do I need a 7x57?

[big ears]

What "complexity" does 7x57R add? You reload them with 7x57 dies and a different shell holder.

In a combination gun or drilling, you would load it to lower pressures, but have a longer barrel, so not too much loss of bullet velocity.

In a modern single shot like the Blaser K95 or a Merkel, you load it to the same pressure as the 7x57 Mauser for a bolt action.

Thank you southern I had asked that before but not had an answer.
Looking at all the data the 7mm round is effective out to 180-200m then the 6.5mm starts to win as its ballistically better in flight.
RWS data would suggest out to 150m the 7mm wins hands down, 150-200m there is not much in it then after 200m the 6.5 has the edge. This is projectiles of the same weight.
Would this fit with everyone’s experience?

 

[User00003]

Thank you southern I had asked that before but not had an answer.
Looking at all the data the 7mm round is effective out to 180-200m then the 6.5mm starts to win as its ballistically better in flight.
RWS data would suggest out to 150m the 7mm wins hands down, 150-200m there is not much in it then after 200m the 6.5 has the edge. This is projectiles of the same weight.
Would this fit with everyone’s experience?

The 7mm has better terminal performance at stalking ranges, especially short range. At short range the 6.5’s long thin bullets are risky and I have seen many runners due to this. It can be overcome with light or frangible bullets but at the expense of meat destruction.

I shoot most deer from 15-75 yds, and the 7mm performs better in this spectrum than any other I’ve tried, with a pleasant recoil and low meat damage.

I don’t recommend the 7x57 due to nostalgia or to act like I’m in an old school fancy club, it’s really just a wonderful and pleasant round and versatile in that it handles from 130g to 175g in its stride. I don’t think any other can claim this.

Moreover, the 7x57 for some reason just makes me a happier person, can’t say why, but it does ! Lol

 

[big ears]

So bit the bullet and ordered one. It arrived yesterday and thanks to @devon deer stalker managed to sight it in. Yet to christen it but it is a picture.

 

[Pine Marten]

Congratulations on the new baby! Is that a Blaser K95? And is it in 7x57 or 7x57R?

 

[stubear]

Lovely looking rifle! Congrats!

Heres to many years enjoyable hunting!

 

[geoshot]

Health to enjoy, that's a lovely looking rifle

 

[scrumbag]

That is a lovely looking piece! Have fun with it!

 

[Sika98k]

A heavier and maybe slower bullet.
Great for Roe and Fallow, maybe for reds.
Not enough for Boar IMHO

The 2 boar I shot in Croatia last weekend didn’t argue overly with 2 Nosler 175s from my 7x57

 

[big ears]

Cheers guys, it’s a K95 7x57R and it shoots RWS 162gr really well on the paper but won’t be long I hope till it is tested for real

 

[Heym SR20]

So bit the bullet and ordered one. It arrived yesterday and thanks to @devon deer stalker managed to sight it in. Yet to christen it but it is a picture.
View attachment 146748

well done - you will be happy with it. I used pretty much the same rifle in 300 win mag to shoot a Chamois last autumn.

Is that a left handed stock?

 

[big ears]

well done - you will be happy with it. I used pretty much the same rifle in 300 win mag to shoot a Chamois last autumn.

Is that a left handed stock?

Yep I shoot off the correct shoulder !!

 

[Heym SR20]

Cheers guys, it’s a K95 7x57R and it shoots RWS 162gr really well on the paper but won’t be long I hope till it is tested for real

i know that Ed at Edinburgh Rifles has several boxes of RWS 7x57r brass as well as some loaded ammo. I use RWS brass for my 7x65r. Just ditching my first batch of brass after about 10 reloads.

 

[6pt-sika]

Two of the drilling’s I have are chambered for the 7x57R in the rifle barrel . Had an Antonio Zoli combo gun for awhile that was also 7x57R in the rifle barrel .

 

[Border]

So bit the bullet and ordered one. It arrived yesterday and thanks to @devon deer stalker managed to sight it in. Yet to christen it but it is a picture.
View attachment 146748

Very nice.

 

[Dunwaters]

Guys thank you all for your comments. They echo what I’ve heard about the 7x57.
the only choice I have is 7x57 or 6.5x55 so it does narrow it down a bit.
This is going to be my final rifle so has to be the right choice and I am very comfortable with the 6.5x55 as a calibre.
It sounds like you don’t get much more from a 7x57 or am I wrong?

Your right, in the real world there's very little to choose between them, either will suit you perfectly.
You are already familiar with the 6.5 so I understand the lure of a new cartridge, difficult choice bro, difficult choice

 

[NewForester]

I have shot 6.5x55 and am very comfortable with it. It has done all I wanted and has given me a lovely red deer trophy which is on my wall.
Most of my stalking is roe with a few fallow and the odd red. I do not shoot boar but might someday and have been to Montana to hunt elk and might go back (if the wife allows)
I am seriously thinking of trading everything in and getting a single shot lightweight stalking rifle. The two calibres which are shortlisted are the 6.5x55 and the 7x57.
To move to the 7x57 I would have to change all my reloading kit and get new powders and bullets etc.
So my question is. How much will I gain by moving to 7x57 over the 6.5x55 which I already know well?

BE

I think that the only solution is to have both calibers. 6.5 x 55 which has served you well, plus the 7x57 (or 7x64r). On your ticket you can state: 6.5 x 55 for fox and smaller deer; 7mm for larger deer and boar.

 

[big ears]

7mm for larger deer and boar.

Never thought about boar. Thank you.

 

[Doric]

If you go 275 you will not regret it

 

[r judd]

Be better off with the 7x64

 

[hunta]

That is a lovely looking rifle in a fine calibre. A friend of mine shoots a K95 in 6.5 x 57r. He didn't need it either but what has that got to do with anything .