Author Topic: 7x57 Vs 308 (Read 1162 times)

rickyp · « **on:** December 06, 2004, 07:30:37 AM »

I am trying to get an encore in 14 inch and was looking at the 308 and 7x57 (I have Rifles & die sets for both rounds) to start my encore collection with.
so I started looking trough my reloading manuals at the 308 and 7x57 I begging to think the 7x57 can do anything the 308 can, then looking at the B.C. of the 7mm bullets compared to that of the 308. Since the 7 mm bullets have an higher B.C. then the 30 caliber they should retain more energy at longer ranges and shoot flatter.

I always see people talking about the 7-08 and 308 encore barrels and how good they are I am now wondering why no one is talking about the 7x57. it will give more power then the 7-08 and shoot flatter and hit harder then the 308.

What do you guys think?

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2004, 08:17:21 AM »

Commerical 7x57 has to be loaded light because of the WW1&2 weapons that they might be used in. The 7x57 also reguired a longer bolt action. For that reason we went to the 7mm08. The big difference between 7s and 308s is that the max 7mm is 175 grains while the 308 goes to 220grains.

KYODE · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2004, 08:20:10 AM »

i thought the 7x57 was pretty much an equal to the 7-08 :? a 7x57 would be a custom option, whereas the 7-08 is available from TC.

you could always pick up a set of used 7-08 dies, if that was your choice. but....i reckon the 7x57 would have a "cool factor", and you already have dies.
good luck with your decision.

having both a .308 and one of those 7mm's wouldn't be bad. you could use the .308 for heavier bullets like the 165gr nosler, and use 100-140-gr in the 7mm. surely we can come up with a reason for owning both. :lol:

rickyp · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2004, 12:19:50 PM »

you don't see many loads over 180 grs for the 308.
If you handload for the 7x57 you will not have to worry about finding factory rounds or them being under powers.
Foxridge offers a encore barrel in 7x57.

The biggest advantage I see for the 308 is you can walk in most any place and get a box of shells, as with the 7x57 you will have lots of trouble finding them.

Gregory · « **Reply #4 on:** December 06, 2004, 12:56:06 PM »

rickyp

You can pick up a used 7-08 die set for $20 or so, the 7-08 is a standard factory Encore barrel (15"). So having a die set available isn't going to save any money, the 7x57 barrel will cost you more since it's a custom shop chambering. I think the 7-08 and 7x57 are ballistic twins (at least compared to a handloaded 7x57). The 7x57 may have a slight advantage with 175 gr bullets but I'm not sure.
If you have yor heart set on a 7x57 they by all means go for it.

rickyp · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2004, 03:44:03 PM »

I am still toying with what barrels I want to get. I am also toying with the idea of selling off all my contenders and buying encore barrels.

The first hurdle is about over with ( finding someone to include a cired case) I am working on the 2 nd ( the $$$$) The 3 rd is to find a dealer that will listen to me and take the time to make a few phone calls and be willing to bring the handgun in MD