Author Topic: Ruger 1-A in 7X57 (Read 1107 times)

Big Tom · « **on:** October 27, 2003, 12:57:01 PM »

I have long wanted to get another 7X57 rifle and finally made the move. Sadly I was told by my dealer that Ruger recently dropped the 7X57 from the Model 77 and it is only available in the Single shot rifles. I wanted a little longer barrel and opted to order the 1-A light Sporter.
I would appreciate any comments/advice on this rifle. Thanks :grin:

dclark · « **Reply #1 on:** October 27, 2003, 03:25:35 PM »

Tom,

I have had a No.1 in 7X57 for more than 25 years, and still consider it one of my favorites. I have used it to take deer, elk, antelope and a large number of coyotes. It seems to shoot several weights of bullets well, and most to the same POI. For deer I have settled on the 140 gr. Nosler Partition and IMR 4350 for about 2,900 fps. My elk load, which is getting to be my everything load, is a 160 Speer GS and IMR 4350 for 2650 fps. Each of the loads are loaded with the bullets seated out quite a ways; just short of the lands. Mine has a long throat, and I have to assume the same for the newer ones.

Overall, it is a pleasnat rifle to shoot and I have raised my two boys (now, young men) with it for big game. It is plenty for everything short of elk, and will work for them, if you're careful. I can not think of a better combination. Hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

dclark

Iowegan · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2003, 07:58:53 AM »

I've owned a 7X57 #1 for several years. It's a great gun and a good cartridge. To get full potential, you really have to handload. Factory ammo is pretty wimpy because of old military Mausers that can't handle modern load pressures. I load a 115 gr Speer hollow point for coyotes and antelope, 130 gr for White tails, 145 gr for Mulies, and 160's for Elk. All group at 1" or better @ 100 yds. I have killed a lot of game and varments with that gun and had a lot of fun at the range too. Recently, I took off the Redfield 3-9X and replaced it with a new Burris 30mm Black Diamond 2.5-10X with Posi-lock. What an improvement!

I love to hunt with a single shot. Psychological thing I guess. When you only have one shot you tend to make it count. So far, all my deer and elk have been one shot kills. I did have to shoot an antelope twice because I was 300 yds out and had no business shooting that far.

Just a suggestion: most #1's in 7X57 have pretty deep free bore. Load your bullets out to .010 from the lands for best accuracy.

Big Tom · « **Reply #3 on:** November 02, 2003, 08:56:04 AM »

I put a nice little Pentax Lightseeker 2.5 scope on the Ruger 7X57 and went to the range today. The trigger was heavy,about 4-5 lbs( as I expected) but with no creep it was manageable.
A few shots had me in the bullseye at 50 yds using factory Win SuperX 145 gr PSPs.
My partner Longwinters was a little dubious of me being able to hit the 1" yellow bullseye at 100 yds with the low power 2.5 scope. But 'what the heck!" Actually there was no way I could see the dot so I centered the whole target in the scope and....believe it or not in the bull!
Overall I am very pleased with the new Ruger 1-A Light Sporter in 7X57 Mauser and it just may be in my lap in two weekls when Deer season opens. :grin:

Iowegan · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2003, 03:46:26 AM »

Big Tom,
I lived in Marquette and hunted in the Jack Pines. Your scope selection is perfect for that terrain. Don't let anybody fool you; high magnification is not required for hitting the target, even at considerable distances. Meanwhile, while your buddy is busy adjusting his AO ring, zooming in and out, trying to find bambi, you will be able to spot and shoot accurately. I think you have a winning combination there!