Author Topic: Need Load for 7X57 1916 Mauser (Read 562 times)

ShootnStr8 · « **on:** November 03, 2003, 05:24:25 PM »

Has anyone worked up a load for an old M93 with a 22 inch barrel in 7X57? I thought it would be fun to use it deer hunting so the loads need to be effective for that application. I know it is designed for 175s but wonder how such heavy bullets (a lot designed for 7 Mags, etc.) would perform at lower velocities.

Blessings!

ShootnStr8

Iowegan · « **Reply #1 on:** November 04, 2003, 05:43:35 AM »

I'm sure you know the older Mausers were designed for lower chamber pressures than newer guns in 7X57. The rifling twist rate was, as you stated, made for 175 grain bullets. Increasing the bullet weight has two undesirable effects. In order to make a heavier bullet shoot safely, the velocity would be so low, due to increased chamber pressure, that it would not spin fast enough to stabilize. You would end up with an inaccurate, slow bullet.

On the other hand, your Mauser will shoot lighter bullets just fine. My old Mauser shoots decent groups with Speer 160 gr Boat Tails and 47 gr of IMR 4831. It also likes the Speer 145 gr Boat tails with 49 gr of IMR 4831.

ShootnStr8 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 04, 2003, 08:31:01 AM »

Iowegan.

Thanks so much for your reply. Another question: What was the velocity of the load for the 160s and do you think it would do well on deer?

Thanks again!

ShootnStr8

Iowegan · « **Reply #3 on:** November 05, 2003, 05:36:39 AM »

The 47 gr of 4831 with a 160 gr bullet should yield about 2500 fps. For hunting deer, I would use the 160 gr Speer Grand Slam. Terminal ballistics are excellent. Yes, the 7X57 is very effective on deer sized game out to 200 yards or so depending on shot placement. My old Mauser has chalked up quite a few deer.

I bought my Mauser from Sears when they used to sell military surplus guns and paid about $40 for it (1963). The stock looked like a tree stump and the barrel / action was nearly white. However the action was still tight and the bore was nice. This was the only rifle I owned for several years until I could afford a new one.

Larry Gibson · « **Reply #4 on:** November 05, 2003, 10:53:45 AM »

ShootnStr8

Hornady Light Magnum (ok in the old guns) 7x57 with 139 gr bullets run2650 out of my M93 and M95, both with 22 inch military barrels in like new condition. I duplicate this load with 44.5 gr of Varget in W-W cases and the Hornady 139 gr SPBT bullet. Accuracy is excellent, recoil is mild, trjectory is flat and they are death on deer out to 300 yards.

Iowegan's load isn't a bad one either if you favor a heavier bullet.

Larry Gibson