Author Topic: 7x57 barrel length  (Read 2427 times)

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Offline Phoneman

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7x57 barrel length
« on: February 24, 2007, 01:21:52 PM »
hey guys
I have a 7x57 mauser with a 28 in. barrel. I want to cut down the barrel. The problem is what length? I would really like to go 22in. but I think that will cut velocity down to far. would 24in. be a better choice? any input?

Offline Val

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2007, 04:58:08 AM »
Depending on the dimemsions and tolerances of your action, each inch you cut will result in about 30-50 fps in loss velocity. Not really that big a deal. A lot of good hunting rifles have 22" barrels. If you prefer 22", I'd go with it but ther's nothing wrong with a 24" barrel either.
Hunting and fishing are not matters of life or death. They are much more important than that.

Offline gunnut69

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2007, 10:44:09 AM »
The 7x57 is a fairly efficient round and will likely produce velocity losses at the smaller end of that scale. Also please note that velocity is a pretty overrated thing. The 7x57 is a great round in any barrel length and many short barreled carbines(18-20 inches) have been built for the round. It is an excellant killer. It's grossly underloaded by US makers out of respect(??) for the older 93-95 mausers.. In more modern rifles and loaded to pressures the 8x57 is loaded to, it is truly a fine round. I prefer the 140-150 grain bullets and these will produce exvellant results, even from 20 inch barreled carbines..
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Offline wallynut

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2007, 12:23:06 PM »
I had a 7x57 years ago with a 18.5 in barrel, it was not short changed at all with that barrel.  Only time I noticed anything was the time I hunted out of a enclosed wooden blind, it rang my ears real bad.  I wasn't ready for the blast having the end of the barrel so far into the enclosure.
aim small, miss small

Offline kyelkhunter3006

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2007, 12:11:48 PM »
I like rifle barrels between 20" and 23" long.  If I want something handy, 20" gets the nod.  Other than that, I go for what balances the best.  Usually 22" or 23" with a standard sporter contour barrel on a bolt action.

Offline Phoneman

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #5 on: February 27, 2007, 01:17:56 AM »
Well the hack saw is getting a new blade. 22" to start with. if I don't like it theres always 20 in.
Thanks guys

Offline Aardvark

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2007, 06:36:03 PM »
 If you feel like you'll lose velocity just load with a faster burning powder...the advantage to cutting and crowning an old barrel is you revert to "0" Muzzle wear...This could in fact increase your accuracy.
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Offline Phoneman

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2007, 01:17:15 PM »
22in seems to be a good choice. 1.5in 5 shot groups at 100yds. Still working on some handloads but even if it doesn't get any better than that I'll be happy with it.

Offline kyelkhunter3006

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2007, 02:36:35 PM »
1.5" five shot groups are pretty darn good for any sporter rifle.  Even if you don't shrink them any smaller, you'll be good to go for any shot you'll take with a 7x57.

Offline tbmaker

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Re: 7x57 barrel length
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2007, 03:53:09 AM »
Nothing wrong with a 1.5 group. I always want my rifles to drop the first 2 shots, from a cold barrel, right next to each other past that it's just target practice. When your hunting and get to the third shot on an animal it doesn't matter much how big the group is on paper.