Hey MSP Ret, do you have a NEF in 7x57?

[UCM Tails?]

I saw in another forum that you have a 7x57.  I picked up a used one a couple of months back and can't get it to group real well.  I have been trying 140gr. bullets with H4895.  I think I might have a scope problem, so I am going to try a different one.  When I try to adjust it an inch or so at 100 it seems to move 2-3 inches.  I am just curious what yours likes.  From what I saw on the other forum you have a real shooter.

Thanks

[MSP Ret]

Hi Taxiderman, Yes I have a 7x57 and it does shoot great. I have dies for it but to this point have only shot factory out of it. I use the Federal Classic 140 grain Hi-Shok's and had great luck with them. I bought some 140 grain PMC psp's but have not tried them yet since I have not shot the 7x57 in a while. So much to shoot, so little time. I am trying to decide what to hunt with this year during gun season, 45-70, .280, .35 Whelen, 12 Gauge, all in NEF or .35 Rem or 30-30 in Marlin 336's. I keep drifting back to the 45-70....The 7x57 did not even figure into the decision, now thats floating around too. I guess I could take a couple up with me and carry something that fit the area I was hunting...

To get back to your problem, the 7x57 is a classic and like all guns you will have to find what yours likes the best. Many are looking for the 7x57 barrel and you were extremely lucky to fine one. I am sure if you want to sell it you could turn it over immediately. I would be interested myself even though there are probably others who are more deserving and don't have one now.

What are your groups like? Do you have other Handi's that group better than this gun? Did you try any other loads or any factory ammo out if it? Did you buy a complete gun or just a barrel? If so how does it fit the frame? If your groups are decent but move erratically when you adjust the scope it certainly sounds like a scope adjustment problem. The best I can offer at this time is to shoot the best group you can using all the basics and perhaps have someone you value as an excellent bench rest shooter shoot it also. If either of you can have it group with either your own loads or the Federal Classics just resolve the scope issue and your good to go. If you end up frustrated send me an e-mail and I know where you can get rid of it....

You are a lucky guy to find the 7x57, they are the perfect deer gun and a wonderful all around gun. Look in this months issue of the American Rifleman for a write up on the 7x57, also known as the .275 Rigby. They have taken everything from squirrels to elephant. ....<><.... :grin:

[UCM Tails?]

I got the complete gun with a .223 and the 7x57 barrel.  The barrels are factory fit and both had scopes.  I have not tried the .223 yet because I have a .220 swift and the 7x57 is what I really wanted.  BTW i gave 300.00 for all of it, so I think I did OK.  At the time I didn't know a thing about the 7x57 or how rare a NEF was in that caliber.  I figured they were a dime a dozen.  After researching the 7X57 I found out what a classic it was and now I really want to get this thing shootin right.

When I shot it the first time I shot a box of Rem. core-lokt 140's through it.  Got it adjusted to 2'' high at 100 and was getting groups of 1.5.  I was very happy with that for a hunting rifle.  Took it home cleaned it well and made up some reloads with Rem brass.  Went back out and shot the reloads and I was about five inches high and groups were 3-4 inches.  This was with H4895 and Hornady 140SST's.  I figured the gun just doesn't like the load, so I shot some more of the Rem factory loads and they shot as bad as the reloads.  Like I said before i think my scope may be the problem, so I am going to put on another one and see what happens.  I also picked up a box of the Federal loads yours likes and see how they shoot.

I like guns in calibers that are different than the run of the mill that everyone else has.  I really want to get it to shoot because I think the 7x57 will make the perfect deer and hog gun for me.

Thanks for the help Ret

[MSP Ret]

OK Taxiderman, $300!!! What a deal!! I find that the first round ot 2 from a clean barrel is sometimes an unexplained flyer. If you have a round left that you relaoded that did not shoot well perhaps shoot it as a "fouler" then try the Federals for group. Perhaps when you put it back together after cleaning you put the forearm on either tighter or loser than it was on originally. I know this sounds silly but consistency is the key, try at first to to rest it as far back as possible, close to the trigger gaurd to prevent unwanted pressure on the barrel and don't rest it on anything hard. This is not as much of an issue when held in your hands in a hunting situation but from the bench can affect groups...Congratulations on both the 7x57 and the whole deal and let me know how the Federals work out....<><.... :grin: