Reloading 7x57r.

[Kiwiroger]

Hi all fellow reloaders, I'm getting close to taking ownership of a new Merkel k5 7x57r rifle and was wanting to know what other members with single shots like the k95 and k5 do for reloading these rimmed cartridges. I'm not knew to reloading just haven't loaded rimmed cases before. I purchased a hornady 7x57r set of dies recently and correct shell holder but was wondering if the use of a lee collett die would be better ,then use the FL die to size the rest of the case minus the decapping stem and neck expander.
I'm trying to avoid too much runout of the brass as I understand these tapered cases stretch a bit more than conventional cases? Or am I over thinking the whole reloading procedure for these rimmed cartridges.
Would like to hear from other members who have these single shots and reload for them and any advice you care to share.
Thank you.

 

[kenbro]

I think, if you use a collet neck die then put the cases through the FL die sans button that the neck will get reduced again.
Kb.
Ps. You could use a collet neck die and then push the cases into a Body Die without effecting the neck.

 

[Steff]

Special issue here is not the rimmed case but the Kipplauf.
They tend to be finicky with regard to case dimensions. The least you will have to do is bump back the shoulder.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

They also load at 10% less power than the standard 7x57 version.

 

[sh1kar]

@Pine Marten

 

[bobo]

I use normal 7x57 die for 7x57R and 7x64 die for 7x65R. Both cartriges are very popular here and everyone just uses "normal" dies for them.
Use RCBS caseholder number 26, then there is no problem.

When using a "normal" 7x57 die, the shoulder looks a little different than factory 7x57R case, but in practical it give no problem.
My 7x57 die is a single die, without seating die, so i use 308Win seater for the seating in 7x57R, as the 7x64 one i have is too long.

Sonny

 

[webley701]

I reload several rimmed cartridges (including the 7x57R) for various break open & falling block rifles.

As has been mentioned above, forget the rim & prepare the fired case as you would a ‘rimless’ case.

As Steff alluded to, due to the camming-in & extraction power of a break open rifle being less than a bolt action you have to typically do some degree of FL resize rather than just neck size.

As regards case taper - the 7x57 is about the most ‘conventional’ case you’ll find
Its proportions have inspired many (if not the majority) of the other main European/American rifle cartridges of the 20th century. It’s the short squat minimal taper ones which are more like ‘non-conventional’. History aside you don’t need to worry about marginal if any differences in case elongation.

For any rifle I always try to work case mouths as little as reasonably possible & also avoid the use of a badly shaped & finished expander button as supplied with most FL dies. Where possible I use Redding Full Length ‘Type S’ dies (not the neck-size only variant of Type S die) - with a bushing chosen to only need an Lyman M expander mandrel to open the neck a thou or so. For a couple of cartridges I also use the Lee collet neck die such as you have BUT always in conjunction with a body die (which doesn’t touch the neck) for the reason Kenbo highlighted.

The 7x57R is a perfect match for your K5, (well the 7x57 is a perfect match for just about anything really!)

 

[Pine Marten]

@Pine Marten

Hello!

I full length resize everything. When I had my Sauer drilling in 7x57R I found it really quite easy to develop a load for (my account here: 7x57R Sauer drilling test with 150gr DL1 bullet homeloads). I've now developed 7mm-08 and 7x65R loads using the same approach but with Fox non-toxic bullets and that was easy too. I never use anything like as many cases in stalking as in developing a new round so case longevity isn't really a problem. I used S&B brass for the 7x57R as that's what I could find and it was fine. A lot easier to resize than the RWS cases I have for the 7x65R, which actually put me off reloading them... Don't overthink it and remove as many variables as possible, and when you've found a load that works, never think about it again and just keep using that. Lovely choice of rifle and round! I would have kept mine if the Birmingham proof house hadn't condemned it. Actually I don't care to revisit that story.

 

[Heym SR20]

I’ve reloaded the 7x65r for 15 odd years. Key is ensuring that you bump the shoulder back enough so that the gun closes properly. These guns are designed to headspace on the rim, not the shoulder. As others have said, they do don’t have the camming mechanism of a bolt action. Indeed with the K95 with its Jaeger Block mechanism you have no camming whatsoever - the block has to slide up over the case head as it closes.

Lightweight single shots perform very well, but they absolutely need consistency of hold, position etc. There are many many threads on SD of “my K95, Kipplauf, combination gun doesn’t shoot” and it’s usually down to the individual not appreciating what they are and are not.

They are a single shot that will put first shot on target. They are light and there fore recoil, and you need to manage this.

They are not a heavy barreled bolt action target gun which can put tens of rounds on a target from a hot barrel.

Key with a single shot is to make sure you have a consistent hold and that its in its natural point of aim. Once down in position, close your eyes and relax. Open your eyes - your cross hair should still be on target. If not adjust your body position.

And when testing, shooting groups etc - shoot from a cold barrel. A cup of tea and biscuits at the range helps. Take a shot, open the action, have a cup of tea, barrel now cold, take another one.

 

[Kiwiroger]

Thanks to everyone that responded to my questions regarding reloading for 7x57r, some really good practical info from guys using these rifles and rimmed cartridges . I'm definitely on the right track now , and look forward to putting these useful suggestions into practice, I'll endeavor to give an update once I take possession of the k5 and start reloading and putting some rounds down range . I have a .308 barrel coming as well but that should be no problem getting it to perform. Thanks again.

 

[Antonyweeks]

Hi
Picking up on this old thread, I'm about to start reloading for a 7x57R. Have the dies but re the shell holder I was going to use the RCBS #26. Anyone else use this? Only reason for RCBS is that pretty much all my other reloading kit is RCBS. The cases I'm' going to be using are some new Norma ones I recently bought. It seems online some folks prefer the RCBS #3 or 4 as the rim can vary in thickness?

 

[Scipio]

Hello mate, hm, i know that @Motard reloads for the 7x57R, but i do not know if he uses rcbs shell holders.