I went hunting in the Czech Republic in the 90s with a Ruger No. 1 with Mannlicher stock and 20" barrel and caliber 7x57mm. I shot a roe buck there at 180 m. 7x57 is a good hunting cartridge. I also had a pre-war Mauser in 7x57 (1937). But actually I was a target shooter and one shot was enough. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand.
The 7x57 is one of my absolute favorites. It is mild, accurate, and hits hard enough for just about any North American critter I would care to take on. It's a shame it's so uncommon these days.
Dear Ron, kindest regards from Germany . It`s great to listen to an American having so much knowledge about 'our' german cartridges. I use the 7x57 and 7x57R for all game in Europe and sometimes in Africa - it is just doing its job without meat-destruction, that`s why I love it. But even in Germany it is not that popular anymore, most Hunters prefer the .308 or 30-06 because they are more common. But for me as as a reloader I would never switch.....
@@peetsnort sour grapes? By that did you mean to suggest they rejected the cartridge? On the contrary they rebranded it the .275 Rigby and used it extensively.
@@1885win Hello there, maybe I wrote something the wrong way but english is not my motherlanguage - sorry for that! By the way : is your german as good / as bad as my english?!? Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
7mm Mauser and 6.5 Swede have been around forever and although I appreciate the new stuff these 2 along with the ‘06 Springfield are the genesis rounds for so many.
I've always liked the 7x57mm. It's a great cartridge that works. The best part of the cartridge is something you touched on. It will take things like Moose, Elk, or Deer size game and do it without you needing to make an appointment to the dentist after shooting it.
Another great video Ron. I've been shooting a 7x57 for several years and absolutely love it. I'm now reloading lighter copper bullets in the 120g region and have taken plenty of deer with them. The action on my rifle is a 1930s Mauser and I'm able to get 1/4 inch groups at 100m from it. Tradition, history and accuracy. What's not to love?
I have Model 70 Featherweights in 7x57 and 257 Roberts. The 7x57 is a perfect deer cartridge and with hand loading for modern guns it is a ballistic twin of the 7mm-08. I loved hearing the history told again by you of this amazing little cartridge. Literally the Grand Daddy of them all.
My son hunts with a 7x57 for the last ten years or so. I handled all of his cartridges. I'm using 150 grain nosler ballistic tip hunting bullets and RL-22 powder at 2725 fps. It is a deer slaying machine!!! With the right bullets handloaded it's ballistically superior to the 308. And my son absolutely loves the rifle. I'm glad you did this review.
What held the 7 x 57 back was that factory loads were mild to allow for some of the older rifles for which it was chambered. I once owned a Brno ZKK600 in 7 x 57 that was another animal entirely. With perfectly acceptable pressures (loaded one case 20 times with NO stretching or issues) I was getting 3000fps with the 139gr Hornady soft point about 40 years ago. If memory serves I was using an Australian ADI powder... AR2208 and worked up the loads keeping a careful eye on the chronograph for untoward velocity jumps(the first sign of the bottom of that exponential "back the hell off' curve). I hit that point when velocities were about 3100fps, so backed off a grain from there. The Brno was quite long throated, and I think that helped keep the pressures down too. I would not have allowed those loads in any other rifle without backing off and working up again Shot flat and under 1 MoA. Not that far from the 7mm Remingon with a lot less powder. So the calibre was a handloaders delight, but factory fodder was pretty ordinary (140gr at 2450) so many didn't realise the 7 x 57's potential. Powders are so much better these days too... Look at factory .22 Hornet, then at what one can do with handloads and powders like Hogdon Lil' Gun... Wish I still had the Brno (CZ these days).....
I also have a couple 7x57 rifles, well actually one is a 7x57 and the other is a .275 Rigby. Both are custom made rifles. The 7x57 uses a 93 mauser action and the .275 uses a Ruger M77 action. I have loads for the M77 that exceed reloading books somewhat and I've had great results working up a pet load with 54 grain bullets for the .275. The two largest elk I have ever harvested were with the 7x57 and 139 grain bullets.
I believe that Aussie powder u mention is what we know as Varget over here. Good, versatile powder. Broad application in medium capacity cases, including many old military cartridges
I would totally agree with Ron about the 7×57 round. Since two years ago, I have been the owner of the new Zastava M70 carbine in 7×57, and I can say that I am very satisfied.
7x57 is still one of the best cartridges ever devised by man. I have 93 Spanish Rifle and Carbine, I have an FN49 in 7x57 and one more I have not ID the crest on yet.
As I recall, Jack 'O' Connor wrote that the 7x57 was his wife's favorite cartridge! And she used a favorite hand load with a 160 grain bullet set forth with muzzle velocity of 2,600 or 2,650 feet per second ON ELK! Check out some of Jack's writing on this cartridge! He used it a lot.
I’ve said this for years, the centerfire rifle cartridge was perfected a long time ago. WAY ahead of its time. New fad cartridges are just copying what’s already been done
@@DRHODES1979 1:8.75 is the CIP Standard Twist which is i think enough to go up to 180 propably 190 but then the Powder Volume will be very limited i think up to 160gn for lead 140gn for Leadfree is a good compromise for this 130Year old Lady
I lovemy 7x57.Ithas taken all sorts of game for me over the years. I love the 139 gr. projectiles. Perfect for everything, including elk. Thanks. By the way, I love my 270 too. But the 7 mm is the gem.
Never thought that I would watch a twenty minute video about a cartridge that I don’t have, but it was fascinating. Thanks Ron, I love history and that was great!
The 7-08 can't do 175 grain bullets as well as the 7x57 can loaded to similar pressures. Just not enough powder space. But for anything lees then big bear the 7-08 does just fine and you can find the ammo anywhere which is no longer true of the 7x57.
@StevenCovey-ct3sx I had a 270 years ago. The only bullet weights you could get were 100,130 and 150gr. While 7MM had almost endless bullet weights and designs. Plus much less recoil. If you’re going to use that cartridge, you may as well shoot the 30-06. Much more flexible round.
I really enjoyed this video Ron. You really touched on the history and relevance of the 7X57 Mauser. And you certainly gave it the respect it deserves.
I bought an old model1916 Spanish Mauser in 7x57 years ago. Cleaned it up, fixed it up nicely and I've been playing with hand loads for it for a while to find what my favorite load is. I'm hoping to use it as a brush gun this year for black bears and deer.
I have one in almost mint condition. Killed my first deer with it! My old man unpacked it from a crate (completely permeated with cosmoline) in 1957. One of my prized possessions.
@@m1cajah mine groups well enough for me to consider it a 200 yd gun. At 200 it's hitting 3.25" groups. Not too bad for a 100year old gun with open sights.
@@tallzdatank Shooting off-hand - mine, at 100 yards, might put 5 rounds on a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood and NEVER hit the paper I’m aiming at. I can do better than that with my 1911 pistol at the same distance. Using a lead sled I can dial it down to where the shots might all fall in a 3’ diameter circle. Not real good for hunting, sadly. 😢 Re-barreling would cost double what I paid for it, so it’s just not worth it.
I got my modern CZ Model 98 in 7X57, in a trade and absolutely love this rifle/cartridge combo. I really appreciate you highlighting this cartridge, I handload mine and have multiple loads for different weight bullets, but my biggest pleaseure is the "lack" of recoil. After some shoulder injuries, I got rid of anything that hits me with a punch, I shoot a lot of AR platform cartidges and have 1 6.5 Creedmoor, but this does everything my old 308 and 30-06 did without any punishment. I even chopped the barrel, had it threaded for my can. What more can I say, it's a great round and matched with a Mauser rifle, it is also nostalgic. Thank you Ron!
RON, Another winner. 275 Rigby / 7x57 . We have 3 RUGER RSI 7x 57, RUGER No 1 275 Rigby, Remington Rolling block #5 7x57. My wife’s favorites are her 7x57 RSI ( mannlicher stock) and her .350 Legend. My inspiration came from the African PH Wm. Bell recorded stories. I share your story about the 7x57 that over whelmed us in the Spanish/ American conflicts as well as it’s history as being the rimless cartridge that set the standard for bottle neck and .473 rim dimension. Long ago I cut and reamed several of the .473 cases for Auto Mag .44 .357 AMP and 41 JMP ammo. We also have a Remington XP 100 in . 257 Roberts. Always appreciate your completeness in cartridge history. I actually converted from .270 to 7x57 to accomplish the same harvest SUCESS in deer hunting. Thank again RON. The .300 Savage was also a source of wildcat to production cartridges. Jerry Moran
Good topic and video Ron. I love the history and nostalgia of the old cartridges, the 7x57 Mauser certainly holds a place in history as what is a very early, innovative "wildcat", plus some of the names of the old cartridges just sound cool, lol. But, I think for the "average" or new hunter that doesn't handload the 7mm-08 is the no brainer here. When considering all factory 7mm-08 ammo is loaded for strong modern rifles, ammo availability and selection, reasonably priced ammo, versatility and performance, and easy on the shoulder recoil for everyone from little sis, junior, women, older hunters and those of us that just don't like heavy or sharp recoil, the 7mm-08 sure checks a lot of boxes.
Great video Ron, the early history is very interesting and you have a knack for making a normally dry subject such as ballistics take flight. Please do more early cartridge development progressions including the super large bores, ie 2 bores, and punt guns.
Ron, You’re spot on about the nostalgic value of the round. Indeed, great performance and a grand history… What’s not to love? Great video, thanks for sharing!
I am a long time user of the 7x57. It is my all time favorite game cartridge. It has never failed me if I do my part. I always punches beyond it’s weight.
Ron, an excellent video. I happen to own a vintage Sauer 54 combination gun (manufactured in 1955), in 16 Ga/7x57R, the rimmed version of the 7x57, and love everything about it. The combination of the classic gun and the "father of all modern calibers" is a special one to take out hunting. The bullets I like best are the heavy ones, the same in all cartridges. I am not very impressed by speed. If I may, I believe you failed to mention that "Karamojo" Bell used cylindrical, round nosed, solid bullets, in 173 grains, the ones used by the armies back then. It is of the outmost importance, because, had he been using the spitzer bullets the Germans put in service at the turn of the century, in the 8x57J, he could not have performed such feats on the pachyderms. These spitzer bullets change course as soon as they dig into flesh, what would have made impossible to reach the brains of any elephant or the heart of a giraffe or buffalo. The parallel-sided bullet shape and the round nose made all the difference. Incidentally, I am a Spaniard, I mention it because of San Juan Hill... Thanks
Another great video Ron! I loved reading Jim Corbett's Man-eaters book. I have Bell's Elephant Hunter book but I haven't started it yet. Love the videos about the cartridges from that era!
A couple of years back I bought out the reloading bench and half.the gun safe of an old family friend. One of my biggest life regrets is that he offered me his custom Mauser 98 based 7x57 rifle and I had to pass. Still kicking myself for that one!
8x57 Mauser and 8x57R are good cartridges for about any size of game up to moose and elk. Check Wikipedia for history on 8x68 and other European designed hunting cartridges.
I have a 8x68s in a Mauser Model 77 it is a Rocketlauncher, Schüler designed it to fit in the Standardlength 98 System, i have loaded and have send it to Tests you can get a 160gn Barnes TTSX to 3340 ft/s within pressure Specs or 200gn bullets to round about 3120ft/s, 220gn to 3000ft/s in Handloads be carefull and you can get there with good Brass and the wright powder Reload Swiss has good fitting powders for this behemoth but this comes with a Price the Recoil is a little bit rough ;😜 i love this Rifle but you have to be careful with it
GREAT video & Thank You Sir fer sharing !!,.....really glad someone like you brought this to light, my late Father told me this very thing back in the late 60's which gave me a deep-life-long passion for this cartridge that I have been reloading & shooting for 50 years now, even though he continued through the mid 60's to shoot his 30-06 out to 1000Y plus,.....as he always said he was born with a passion for shooting & even being an extremely young WW2 Vet, & an older Korean War Vet, that only sparked a deeper desire for longrange shooting that continued his entire life as his ONLY passion,.....that said, I always believed what he taught me & you are now carrying it forward to the public - GREAT to hear - Thanks Again.
I’ve been shooting an “old” USRAC Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 7x57 with Berger 168 VLDs for years. I have yet to have a deer file a complaint that I’m using a 131 year old cartridge on it, he’ll I have yet to have one walk away, let alone run. The old 7mm Mauser is as effective today and anything else on the market, and a hell of a lot of fun!
Great video Ron. My first bolt action rifle was a 7mm RM which was a great rifle, but the next bolt rifle was a modern Mauser in 7x57. Talk about a joy to shoot. It became my favorite and I sold the 7mm RM. I worked hand loads up with the 139 gr. and the 154 gr. Hornady bullets that at 100 yards produced 3 shot groups you could cove with a quarter. Still have that fine rifle 45 years later and still love shooting it. Thank you as always for your great content.
Hi Ron, I am a big fan of the 7x57 for the same reasons as you. It's so good for a 120+ year old cartridge it puts so many modern ones in their place. Unfortunately, I don't have one (at the moment) so the 270 and 308 are doing the job. But I have every intention of getting another at some point. Thanks for another great video 👍
Always loved the mom & pops gun stores best. New guns are awesome, but the used gun rack is what has my attention with beautiful classic guns showing up in fine chamberings like the 7x57 etc, etc. 👍
In 1973 I traded rifles with my older brother. He got my Remington bolt action .22LR and I got his sporterized 7x57 Mauser. In that moment 7x57 became my favorite cartridge and it has remained so ever since. I found and purchased a Model 1895 Chilean Mauser in original military configuration sometime in the early 1990s for a whopping $49.95. I'm about ready to give up my search for a "newer" 7x57 rifle and settle for a different chambering, probably 7mm-08. I still love that 7mm projectile more than a .30 caliber or 6mm.
Thanks for the very good and informative information. I have been a hunter for about 60 years and I have had all kinds of guns. Before I immigrated to Canada 44 years ago. In my country, Iran, I had a lot of guns and I used 6.5x54 mannlicher , 7x57 Mauser and 270 weatherby mark 5 Magnum . for hunting ram sheep and goats and ibex . But since I immigrated to Canada. Due to the fact that you can buy any new rifle you need as easily as buying groceries, and also the type of animals that are in this area, for all these reasons I bought many rifles and different calibers, as well as a number of For my daughter and grandson , both of whom are my hunting partners. But I saw last night your show that you mentioned the caliber 7x57 as one of your favorite calibers. I also have the same opinion as you. the only problem I have is that I don't have more than 150 cartridges this caliber , my 7x57 rifle is a Winchester model 70 featherweight , which is of high quality. Top high grad .which I bought just to have it , I mostly hunt with caliber 300 Short Mag or 300 Mag or 7mm Magnum and sometimes 30-06 so what is your opinion on this caliber and the model of this rifle . and I should say is made in USA on 1980 It is a red rubber pad that is used in the butt of the gun do you think is worthiest to keep it ?
I have a Spanish M1916 Mauser chambered in 7x57, and man is she a sweet shooter. Light enough to carry on long hunts, heavy enough to neutralize even +P recoil, and more than enough for any game in North America. The action is smooth, too.
Thanks Ron for the great history on the 7X57. You can add Jim Carmichael and Craig Boddington to the list of 7X57 fans. I have used it almost exclusively since 1975 and have never felt under gunned. For deer and antelope I use the Speer 130 gr. spitzer loaded to 2900-3,000fps. With this load I have taken many deer and antelope out to 300 yards. When I felt I needed a little more bullet I would use the 140gr. Nosler loaded to around 2850 fps. I wish Hornady hadn't stopped loading it's 139 gr. Superformance load which was loaded to around 2900 fps. I don't think you can find a more efficient cartridge, old man Mauser got it right.
Mr. Spomer, you are the best, it is so pleasant to watch your videos and hear you talk and your knowledge is always surprising. Thank you for reviewing this great cartridge. From Germany
Mr. Spomer. My first "deer rifle" was a 1905 G98. I have that rifle, and it shoots just fine. I am looking for a more modern 7x57 Mauser than my 1901 Remington rolling block carbine. I personally do not feel the need for the "newest" calibre. Thanks for your work, and the education derived from it.
Thanks for your post, Ron. I've had a milsurp 7mm Mauser since the early 2000s. It's a classic that I really appreciate. I also have a 7mm 08 and love it as well.
7x57 has been to my "go to" cartridge for Deer and Bear here in New England since I started hunting. I came across it in a odd way, I was 16 and was ready to move up from varmint hunting. A neighbor was a old hunter, he was unable to get out in the woods much anymore. One day he handed me his Ruger M77 and told me he felt like some venison for dinner. I went out and bagged my first fork horn. I was surprised at the minimum "meat loss" compared to My Uncles 30.06. I shot 2 more deer with that rifle before the old timer died. I was shocked to learn he has left me the rifle in his will. It has bagged countless deer and 4 bear since then. 50 years later, I have several other calibers. But as you stated, when I start feeling melancholia, I always reach for the 7x57 to bring me back to a time when things weren't so complicated. Thank you for posting this, it was a well presented review of a important caliber that laid the foundation for countless rife cartridge's. You have a new subscriber.
The 7x57 was my first hunting rifle. It still has taken more elk than the magnums I have as it was my only rifle for such a long time. 140 grain partitions or accubonds and even coreloks put alot of meat in my freezer. Such a nice round. Its an older Ruger M77 tang safety and was throated for the long 175 grain bullets as it was intended to. Because of that, I'm now playing with the long ELDX bullets as the velocities are right in the sweet spot for those projectiles. Have no interest in going and buying a 6.5 creedmore as this 7x57 does everything I need it to do within reasonable hunting ranges.
THANK YOU SIR for your interesting and informative video. Since you seem very KNOWLEDGEABLE about 7X57 Mauser I have a INTERESTING rifle that may intrigue or interest you. I picked up this rifle from a gun show in 7X57 Mauser. As soon as I SAW it I was INTRIGUED, what first caught my eye (only have one eye 🤨) was the KRUPP barrel (hexagon shaped at the receiver and FULL LENGTH RIB and has KRUPP STAHL stamped into the side of the barrel which you don't see very often and would be very expensive to make these days. The bolt handle is what I call spoon bolt handle or butter knife by some people. It has twin set triggers as well which you don't see too often either. The numbers are matching on the barrel, receiver, mag well, gas shield, bolt and the trigger assembly. I had a couple of people try to say it was a "CIGARETTE RIFLE" have you heard that term? I don't think so, wrong caliber and with all the matching numbers I feel it was done by some German gunsmithing guild maybe even Krupp if they had their own guild. The proof markings are crown over N which means pre WWII, could be early 1900's. Unfortunately the stock is modern Boyd manufacture, would be NICE to have an ORIGINAL OBERNDORF stock. Can you please help me to identify what I have? I would greatly appreciate it, I figure you may have more books or know more people who may know what I have. It's OBVIOUSLY a commercial rifle which I like very much because I have 2 brothers who ONLY collect MILITARY STUFF. I like the idea that it had a LOT MORE TLC being made than the military ones, IT IS A 98 ACTION not one of the earlier models. Can you HELP ME SIR?,🤨😉😁👍
Bought a Ruger 77 in 7x57 in 73’. By late 70’s I had a 244 Shilen chambered for the Ruger by gunsmith and bench shooter Stu Harvey. Put it in a Lee Six Beavertail stock and a Canjar set trigger. Not a light rifle with the heavy barrel. I swapped barrels back to the 7x57 if going meat hunting. Early 90’s Remington came out with the Mountain Rifle in a 700 action and 7x57. It too is in a Lee Six stock but the sporter version. My favorite bullet for the 7x57 is the Speer 145 SPBT. I used IMR4350 with great success. I’m not a big guy and I have handled shooting 50 rounds of workup loads in a couple hours. I couldn’t do that with the larger case calibers. Very mild shooting with the 145’s. 175’s would thump me 😂. You’re spot on with the historical aspect of the 7x57, the grand daddy of many cartridges. I think the venerable 222 is a scaled down version of the 7x57. I have had one since 72’.
I have a Ruger #1 in 7x57 that has been my favorite deer rifle for more than 30 years because it's so light and handy. The accuracy was never more than "adequate" but since I was hunting blacktails in brushy country it was all close/medium range shooting so accuracy was not a concern. I was using 140 grain slugs, but several years ago I came across a bunch of Federal 175 grainers being sold for half price because people didn't want the heavy slugs. I snapped them up and suddenly the rifle was sub MOA! I had bought the rifle used and never knew what the twist rate was and attributed the poor accuracy to the #1 which are quirky, some being top notch and some being "meh." Anyway, be aware that 7mms are more affected by twist rate than .30 caliber rifles. 7x57 slug weights can range from 120 grains up to 175 grains, so if your rifle is not accurate enough to suit you experiment with different slug weights and you may be surprised.
Another great article Ron. I have three of them ,two Brno manlicher stocked rifles with butter knife bolt handles and the third rifle is 1/2 stocked with a regular bolt knob. This rifle was probably made for the North American market. They are all from the 1950,s.
My favorite hunting cartridge. I have hunted with it for nearly 20 years. Taking deer from 150 yards out to 450 yards with it. Works well in the Ruger M77 platform. Consistently 2 inch groups at 200 yards using off the shelf 140gr ammo.
Great video as always Ron. Never shot the 7x57 buti shoot the 6,5x55swe-guess they are close since the 6;5x55 swe was the swedish/norwegian armys development of the 7x57 in 1894-1896 when the developed and adapted the swedish 6,5x55 mauser riffle and the new cartridge in 1896
Great information and I understand your caution with old rifles regarding pressures, but a Modern Rifle you make a great case for the 7x57 and It would make a Great Custom Rifle in a Long Action with 24 inch barrel to seat the newer High BC bullets. I was always thinking .280 Rem for a custom build maybe a 7x57 might do just as well. Yes three Great Cartridges that should be more popular 6mm Rem .257 Roberts and 7x57 and all are easy on the shoulder.
Ron, two thumbs up for my favorite cartridge! I got my first in 1982 and promptly started handloading for it. I have taken game from coyote size to elk and can't remember taking more than one shot on any of them. It's beyond me to tell any difference in the performance between 7x57 and .30'06, except the punch on my shoulder, nor can the game that is shot with it. Probably Jack O'Connor influenced me with an article he wrote, "Big Punch in a Small Case" and other glowing reports of his wife Elanor, who was nicknamed "one shot Elanor" when using it in Africa. She also used it in North America on deer and elk. Corbett and Bell also did little to dissuade me and I'm glad because it it an outstanding cartridge. I think the main reason for factories keep the pressure low is because it was chambered in the Remington Rolling Block rifle which isn't as strong as the 1893 Mauser. Anyway it's a fine cartridge and I'm glad you showcased it!
I'm having a 7mm moment lately, and in particular the nostalgia of 7x57 aka 275 Rigby. One of my bucket list objects before I die is an M98 based "one rifle" that can do it all up to and including a Texan aoudad hunt and western states elk hunt (Africa and for that matter Alasks will be out of budget but one can dream). Thank you for this one, Ron! I share your nostalgic love of the magic 7 and I'm saving my nickels for your book on 7MM!
In my opinion, anything east of the Mississippi can be taken with a 7x57mm or 7mm-08. That would be all you would really need. You want something that's does great in a close quarters situation. You do make the occasional 200 - or 300-yard field shot. You can use it on anything from varmints to wild hogs or black bear. It's optimal for Whitetails. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on elk in places like KY, or PA, and now VA at woodland ranges. It's not brutal on the shoulder even if you load it up. If you want to go 7x57mm route, I'd build it on a modern action or a Mauser 98 in good to excellent condition or it's commercial Variations, like FN, DuMoullin, Zastava, Husqvarna ect.
I started reloading 7x57 in 1974 for an 1893 Mauser and later for an M-70 Win. Two very different animals needing their own tailored loads. Reloading is the way to go for variety of loads with this cartridge.
I have had a 7x57 for many years and although I have not hunted elephant with it but have never had an issue taking down a lot of antelope including the big elands. A few years ago I changed it to a 7x57 Ackely and that takes the humble cartridge into a different league. I had hoped you would have covered that a bit in your video. Never the less a great video and cartridge
I really enjoyed shooting my 7 x 57 s, I have had several, old ones from the Spanish American War, Mexican Mausers, Remington Rolling Blocks but my favorite was a surplus Egyptian Mauser with a perfect bore.
I got my first elk rifle for my 12th birthday when my dad bought a 7mm Mauser for 35 bucks. I wish I could say I took a lot of elk with it, but I sure as hell missed a lot of elk...mainly because of my lack of practice at a dollar a round (4 times what a 30-30 cost), and the barrel being shortened. A scope would have helped! I traded it for a Quazar tv, and have missed it ever since. Thanks for the history lesson - I never knew!
@@ronspomer4366 I've learned my lesson - I now have a whole safe full of vintage firearms including a 7.65 mm Argentine Mouser in like new condition (with a scope) and a Daisy semi-auto. .22.
Hello... Just wanted to say..... I have a Ruger 77 tang safety long action rifle chambered in the 7x57 Ackley Improved.... I use an after market barrel with a longer throat and yes I brought the pressures up ..... however, I do NOT overload..... This is one of my favorite deer/elk rifle... of course I own several other rifles... but, this rifle is mid recoil and hard hitting.... As you know and most old timers know.... its where you place the bullet that counts.... My point is... I love my old 77.... Thanks and I do enjoy your information as well as your excitement in the sport of shooting....
This was my first caliber for hunting back in 1991. I had it in a Ruger M77 and it shot so well and harvested a bunch of whitetails over the years. I had it till about 6 years ago when brass and ammo dried up. Now seeing ammo pop up everywhere all of a sudden. Wish I still had it. Recently made the switch to the 7 prc and are very happy with it but my 7x57 was one great round.
Hello Ron I enjoyed your 7 x 57 Mauser review and agree wholeheartedly in the conclusions you draw concerning this oldie but goodie cartridge. I was attracted to the 7 X 57 many years ago so I had the opportunity to purchase a Featherweight model 70 in that caliber I seized the opportunity. As I recall that particular rifle had a twist rate of 1 in 8 1/2 . I suppose Winchester was looking to appease those wishing to shoot heavier bullets as the Europeans and South Africans tend to favour 160 and 175 gr bullets in the 7 X 57. I intended to use the rifle to hunt Alberta whitetail deer and wanted to fire bullets in the 140 gr range. I had to mess around with various powders and was not pleased with the results until i switched to H414 (Win 760) and I found my load. Much to my surprise I was able to work up to 50 grs of H414 with 139 gr Hornady and Sierra 140 gr providing more than acceptable accuracy. Of course I approached that load with small increments in powder and carefully surveyed each round for signs of pressure. There were no signs of excessive pressure in that particular rifle nor are there warning signs with that same load in a CZ 500 that I use today. I sold my 289 Remington as the little 7 X57 approached velocities of my 280 with equal accuracy. Besides, it was so easy on the shoulder that I consistently shot it well. The first deer I shot with that Model 70 was one of the most memorable hunts of my life. My father and I were hunting outside of Hanna, Alberta. The Southeastern part of Alberta would remind you of Wyoming. Our early morning outing was interrupted by a raging blizzard. We made it a few clicks from the Hotel but visibility was so bad we had to turn back. As we nursed a couple of coffee back in Hanna we came up with a plan. I had scouted the area the previous day prior to my father's arrival. I knew the deer would be hanging out in one of the many coulees (small valleys) to find some protection from the storm. It was slow going but we arrived safely on the side a coolee. Ron, it was -20 F and the wind was absolutely howling. It was calmer in the valley and the scattered bush gave some relief but that is the dangerous kind of cold and circumstance. We agreed to venture down the coolee for 20 minutes and then return to warm up in the truck. In a very short distance I began to see fresh tracks. Only my eyes were exposed to the elements but it was so cold my eye lashes kept freezing together and i was constantly clearing my vision. As I cleared some cover and stepped into a small clearing with a steep inclined to my left I saw my father standing dead still looking to that incline. I shifted my attention and there stood a herd of 8 to ten mule deer. My father, always the gentleman had waited hoping to give me an opportunity. We both know that look when a deer is about to explode into action. We had seconds to get our rifles up and fire and that is what we did. A moment later two deer were down. It had been a ten minute hunt to harvest the deer! We brought the flatbed one ton truck as close as possible so we could warm our hands as we gutted the animals. They were not trophy deer but when we pulled into the parking lot of the hotel with those deer on the truck deck, the look on the faces and comments from the hunters who had chosen not to leave the hotel makes me smile to this day.
I have a 1935 Shang Kai Sheck Chinese large ring Mauser receiver with a Latin Contract carbine barrel in 7x57mm. i drilled and tapped it for a scope. Used a Boyd's Bold trigger and many upgrades to the bolt. I have it in a highly modified Ramline synthetic stock fully glass bedded. It shoots factory loaded 140 grain bullets into a one inch group at 100 yards. It is one of my favorite hunting rifles for whitetail deer and feral hogs.
Great video Ron. Your reference to those books by W.D.M. Bell and Jim Corbett was a marvelous idea. I hope someday you make special videos on these prolific hunters.
Would love to see how 6.5x55, 7x57 & 7.5x55 (GP-11) stack up on paper........my guess is that there's no magic that sets one far apart from the rest however- there's something to be said for that Swiss GP-11 ammo out of a K31. You're a national treasure- thanks Ron Spomer!
Ron, how interesting. I've an old Mauser 98. It came with 98% of the blueing still intact. It has a laminated stock & a tiny little scope with the case for it too. It also came with the original snake scales leather strap. Incredibly it has a .22cal insert. Yes my bolt does match the serial # on the barrel and receiver. I've never fired it with the centre fire round. Frankly I don't know if it's a 7mm or 8mm. It shoulders like a dream and points with an ergonomic excellence that is absent in every other military rifle of it's period. Far better than Lee Enfield be it Brit or Canadian. I've never shouldered a war issue M-70. I do have an original copy of "Man Eaters of Koumon." I read it as a teenager. My grandfather and father read it. The book was a hand me down. I should probably read it again as I've now 55 years of hunting under my belt. It's probably more relevant to me today than when I dreamed of hunting in Africa when I was young.
I know the video is old, but Paul Mauser didn't invent the 7x57 cartridge because 8 mauser was a state secret. You can find plenty of ads or examples of sporter in 8 mauser made in Germany before ww1, so much so that in the winter of 1914, Germany called up and bought any scoped civilian hunting rifles in 8mm mauser so that they may be used as erzatz sniper rifles, since the ssg 98 rifle (sniper variant of the g98) was still in "developement". The 7x57 cartridge was developed for the mauser m93, bought by Spain and the Ottoman empire, as part of Paul Mauser's search for a superior round than the frankly perfectible 8 mauser which was an amelioration of the first smokeless round made by the French, the 8x51r or 8mm lebel (has matter of fact, the g88 and the lebel's barrels have the same twist rate !).
My wife's uncle gave me a model 95 Chilean Mauser chambered in 7x57. After cleaning the bore I took it out to the range with some Norma sporting loads. The rifle was very comfortable to shoot, but I really didn't want to keep it very long. I sold it and built a custom rifle on a Mauser action with a barrel chambered in 257 Roberts (child of the 7x57).
Great rundown on the history and story behind this magnificent cartridge. I recently bought a Tkka T3X Hunter in 7mm-08 , although I could have got it in 7x57 Mauser chamber, it had me thinking just for a minute, and I went with the 7mm-08 just because of the availability of ammunition and and its performance is just a little bit better from factory ammo . However I now understand the potential for hand loading the 7x57 ( as it has a little more case capacity than the 7mm-08) but all in all I don’t think it equates to enough to matter in real world hunting situations out to ethical distances. Perhaps the 7x57 can accommodate a little heavier bullet as you mentioned. Tikka also offers that rifle in a 6.5x55 Swede chambering as well which had me me entertained, but I’m happy I went with the 7mm-08 , and I actually shot a 7 point buck with it this past deer season opening day fist time in the field with it , so it’s already been a good luck rifle / cartridge combination for me ( 160 yards chasing 2 doe , using Hornady 139gr American Whitetail and he went DRT ! ) incredible shot and performance)
Well, if the US military had gone with the original 6.5x55 Krag, they would have had range and precision to match the 7x57. The Krag was, and still is a very precise rifle. In fact it was the standard target rifle of DFS until the Sauer STR200 was introduced in the 80s. (DFS is the largest shooting association in Norway, by far. And has close ties to the Norwegian military)
I’ve a Winchester 70 xtr in 7mauser factory rifle produced only in 2014ish hand loaded with VLD’s 140gr going at 2950 (.510 bc) with 50.5gr of h414, incredible ballistic for that underestimate cartridge, I love it!!
Musgrave 7x57 model 80, will never never never sell that rifle! Took Duiker to Eland, even a Brahman bull in the suger cane. Never ever was I ashamed of any meat damage in the cold room like the 270, 308, 30.06, 7mm rem Mag 6.5's ext, it is by far the best cartridge to hunt meat with in the bushveld of South Africa. Never ever was I ashamed on the shooting range - the seven is deadly accurate up to 300m Enjoy all your videos, thank you.
The 7 Mauser was my first center fire rifle at age 14. It was a 93 Spanish Mauser sporterized and imported by Interarms. I would buy Spanish surplus FMJ ammo for target shooting. Cost me $5.00 for 100 rounds made in the 1920s.
Thank you Ron, the 7x57 is, as you know, well appreciated here in Germany. But i would rather like to have this books you have shown. Nearly unimpossible to get them in Germany.
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Great bit of work Ron. Always been a fan of the 7×57.
In the Anglo-Boer wars in 1899 to 1903 the british also got quite a thumping from the boere with mausers in 7x57 over the .303 british.
I went hunting in the Czech Republic in the 90s with a Ruger No. 1 with Mannlicher stock and 20" barrel and caliber 7x57mm. I shot a roe buck there at 180 m. 7x57 is a good hunting cartridge. I also had a pre-war Mauser in 7x57 (1937). But actually I was a target shooter and one shot was enough. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand.
Gruß aus der alten Heimat... 👋🏻
@@th.burggraf7814 Danke schön. Ich grüße zurück.
The 7x57 is one of my absolute favorites. It is mild, accurate, and hits hard enough for just about any North American critter I would care to take on. It's a shame it's so uncommon these days.
Would you hunt a moose with it?
@@Colok10 karamojo bell used it for hunting elephant so yes
@@Colok10 Yes I would, with no fear.
@@Colok10 Yes I would. No problem.
Dear Ron, kindest regards from Germany . It`s great to listen to an American having so much knowledge about 'our' german cartridges. I use the 7x57 and 7x57R for all game in Europe and sometimes in Africa - it is just doing its job without meat-destruction, that`s why I love it. But even in Germany it is not that popular anymore, most Hunters prefer the .308 or 30-06 because they are more common. But for me as as a reloader I would never switch.....
Seems like the British had sour grapes with the 7x57 over the 303 during the boer war
6.5 swede has a massive base of users
@@peetsnort sour grapes? By that did you mean to suggest they rejected the cartridge?
On the contrary they rebranded it the .275 Rigby and used it extensively.
Ego alert! Putting “our” before the already defining label German is just wrong.
@@1885win Hello there, maybe I wrote something the wrong way but english is not my motherlanguage - sorry for that! By the way : is your german as good / as bad as my english?!? Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
7mm Mauser and 6.5 Swede have been around forever and although I appreciate the new stuff these 2 along with the ‘06 Springfield are the genesis rounds for so many.
My next favorite. If not #1, either of those rounds are pure sweet.
The 6,5x55 Swede is a great catridge, but also have a look at the 6,5x57mmMauser.
I've always liked the 7x57mm. It's a great cartridge that works. The best part of the cartridge is something you touched on. It will take things like Moose, Elk, or Deer size game and do it without you needing to make an appointment to the dentist after shooting it.
My Spanish 8mm realigns my skeleton with each trigger pull😂😂
Another great video Ron. I've been shooting a 7x57 for several years and absolutely love it. I'm now reloading lighter copper bullets in the 120g region and have taken plenty of deer with them. The action on my rifle is a 1930s Mauser and I'm able to get 1/4 inch groups at 100m from it. Tradition, history and accuracy. What's not to love?
I have a 8x57 and was thinking of flattening the tragectory using copper bullet
I'm shooting same weight and same action and I can second what your text states.
Would you please elaborate on what brand of copper bullet you are using (.284). Barnes?
I have Model 70 Featherweights in 7x57 and 257 Roberts. The 7x57 is a perfect deer cartridge and with hand loading for modern guns it is a ballistic twin of the 7mm-08. I loved hearing the history told again by you of this amazing little cartridge. Literally the Grand Daddy of them all.
Love the Roberts
Actually the 7x57 with handloads is a little superior than the 7mm-08 as far a velocity goes. There are always other things to consider though.
@@russellkeeling4387 Yep, 7x57 loaded up to modern pressure with RL26 can get a 150grn to 3000fps with a 22" barrel. It's a good one!
My son hunts with a 7x57 for the last ten years or so. I handled all of his cartridges. I'm using 150 grain nosler ballistic tip hunting bullets and RL-22 powder at 2725 fps. It is a deer slaying machine!!! With the right bullets handloaded it's ballistically superior to the 308. And my son absolutely loves the rifle. I'm glad you did this review.
What held the 7 x 57 back was that factory loads were mild to allow for some of the older rifles for which it was chambered. I once owned a Brno ZKK600 in 7 x 57 that was another animal entirely. With perfectly acceptable pressures (loaded one case 20 times with NO stretching or issues) I was getting 3000fps with the 139gr Hornady soft point about 40 years ago. If memory serves I was using an Australian ADI powder... AR2208 and worked up the loads keeping a careful eye on the chronograph for untoward velocity jumps(the first sign of the bottom of that exponential "back the hell off' curve). I hit that point when velocities were about 3100fps, so backed off a grain from there. The Brno was quite long throated, and I think that helped keep the pressures down too. I would not have allowed those loads in any other rifle without backing off and working up again Shot flat and under 1 MoA. Not that far from the 7mm Remingon with a lot less powder. So the calibre was a handloaders delight, but factory fodder was pretty ordinary (140gr at 2450) so many didn't realise the 7 x 57's potential. Powders are so much better these days too... Look at factory .22 Hornet, then at what one can do with handloads and powders like Hogdon Lil' Gun...
Wish I still had the Brno (CZ these days).....
I also have a couple 7x57 rifles, well actually one is a 7x57 and the other is a .275 Rigby. Both are custom made rifles. The 7x57 uses a 93 mauser action and the .275 uses a Ruger M77 action. I have loads for the M77 that exceed reloading books somewhat and I've had great results working up a pet load with 54 grain bullets for the .275. The two largest elk I have ever harvested were with the 7x57 and 139 grain bullets.
I believe that Aussie powder u mention is what we know as Varget over here. Good, versatile powder. Broad application in medium capacity cases, including many old military cartridges
I would totally agree with Ron about the 7×57 round. Since two years ago, I have been the owner of the new Zastava M70 carbine in 7×57, and I can say that I am very satisfied.
7x57 is still one of the best cartridges ever devised by man.
I have 93 Spanish Rifle and Carbine, I have an FN49 in 7x57 and one more I have not ID the crest on yet.
As I recall, Jack 'O' Connor wrote that the 7x57 was his wife's favorite cartridge! And she used a favorite hand load with a 160 grain bullet set forth with muzzle velocity of 2,600 or 2,650 feet per second ON ELK!
Check out some of Jack's writing on this cartridge! He used it a lot.
You are correct and if Jack would let his wife hunt with it and Mr. capshaw used it to take tigers and lions I think it will work for most hunting🙌
I’ve said this for years, the centerfire rifle cartridge was perfected a long time ago. WAY ahead of its time. New fad cartridges are just copying what’s already been done
Correct
Exactly, because the 7x57 will handle a 190 grain 7mm projectile just fine...That was sarcasm.
Good luck with rhino hunting buddy 😂😂😂
@@DRHODES1979 1:8.75 is the CIP Standard Twist which is i think enough to go up to 180 propably 190 but then the Powder Volume will be very limited i think up to 160gn for lead 140gn for Leadfree is a good compromise for this 130Year old Lady
@@nickleback3695Why?
Do you need some ground up Rhino horn for your little winkie?
Love this cartridge. Been using it for 30+ years for deer hunting in the great plains and it has never let me down.
I lovemy 7x57.Ithas taken all sorts of game for me over the years. I love the 139 gr. projectiles. Perfect for everything, including elk. Thanks. By the way, I love my 270 too. But the 7 mm is the gem.
I love the 7x57 but it’s big brother the 8x57 is probably my favorite cartridge of all time
If I'm hunting large things with teeth, I use my 8. Softer things? 7.
Never thought that I would watch a twenty minute video about a cartridge that I don’t have, but it was fascinating. Thanks Ron, I love history and that was great!
7x57 is one of my favorites.
I have both 8 and 7×57 Mauser and love them both. Great vid.
As do I! Several of each!
The more I see comparisons on these cartridges the more I like my 7-08.
Just a reminder that 6.5creedmor can shoot dime sized groups as far away as the moon and actually cures HIV
The 7-08 can't do 175 grain bullets as well as the 7x57 can loaded to similar pressures. Just not enough powder space. But for anything lees then big bear the 7-08 does just fine and you can find the ammo anywhere which is no longer true of the 7x57.
I think anyone that buys a 7mm-08 will like it very much. I love both my 7x57 and my .275 Rigby and the 7mm-08 is ballistically a twin.
@StevenCovey-ct3sx I had a 270 years ago. The only bullet weights you could get were 100,130 and 150gr. While 7MM had almost endless bullet weights and designs. Plus much less recoil. If you’re going to use that cartridge, you may as well shoot the 30-06. Much more flexible round.
7ml08 is part of the 08 family
I really enjoyed this video Ron. You really touched on the history and relevance of the 7X57 Mauser. And you certainly gave it the respect it deserves.
The 7X57 is my favorite cartridge and I shoot it often. Great article Ron and well presented! Ron from Colorado!
I bought an old model1916 Spanish Mauser in 7x57 years ago. Cleaned it up, fixed it up nicely and I've been playing with hand loads for it for a while to find what my favorite load is. I'm hoping to use it as a brush gun this year for black bears and deer.
I have the same rifle. Sadly mine “patterns” instead of “groups” so it’s just relegated to “fun” status. 😢
I have one in almost mint condition. Killed my first deer with it! My old man unpacked it from a crate (completely permeated with cosmoline) in 1957. One of my prized possessions.
@@m1cajah mine groups well enough for me to consider it a 200 yd gun. At 200 it's hitting 3.25" groups. Not too bad for a 100year old gun with open sights.
Raebareli!!!!!
@@tallzdatank Shooting off-hand - mine, at 100 yards, might put 5 rounds on a 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood and NEVER hit the paper I’m aiming at. I can do better than that with my 1911 pistol at the same distance.
Using a lead sled I can dial it down to where the shots might all fall in a 3’ diameter circle. Not real good for hunting, sadly. 😢 Re-barreling would cost double what I paid for it, so it’s just not worth it.
I got my modern CZ Model 98 in 7X57, in a trade and absolutely love this rifle/cartridge combo. I really appreciate you highlighting this cartridge, I handload mine and have multiple loads for different weight bullets, but my biggest pleaseure is the "lack" of recoil. After some shoulder injuries, I got rid of anything that hits me with a punch, I shoot a lot of AR platform cartidges and have 1 6.5 Creedmoor, but this does everything my old 308 and 30-06 did without any punishment. I even chopped the barrel, had it threaded for my can. What more can I say, it's a great round and matched with a Mauser rifle, it is also nostalgic. Thank you Ron!
RON, Another winner. 275 Rigby / 7x57 . We have 3 RUGER RSI 7x 57, RUGER No 1 275 Rigby, Remington Rolling block #5 7x57. My wife’s favorites are her 7x57 RSI ( mannlicher stock) and her .350 Legend. My inspiration came from the African PH Wm. Bell recorded stories.
I share your story about the 7x57 that over whelmed us in the Spanish/ American conflicts as well as it’s history as being the rimless cartridge that set the standard for bottle neck and .473 rim dimension. Long ago I cut and reamed several of the .473 cases for Auto Mag .44 .357 AMP and 41 JMP ammo. We also have a Remington XP 100 in . 257 Roberts. Always appreciate your completeness in cartridge history. I actually converted from .270 to 7x57 to accomplish the same harvest SUCESS in deer hunting. Thank again RON. The .300 Savage was also a source of wildcat to production cartridges. Jerry Moran
Good topic and video Ron. I love the history and nostalgia of the old cartridges, the 7x57 Mauser certainly holds a place in history as what is a very early, innovative "wildcat", plus some of the names of the old cartridges just sound cool, lol. But, I think for the "average" or new hunter that doesn't handload the 7mm-08 is the no brainer here. When considering all factory 7mm-08 ammo is loaded for strong modern rifles, ammo availability and selection, reasonably priced ammo, versatility and performance, and easy on the shoulder recoil for everyone from little sis, junior, women, older hunters and those of us that just don't like heavy or sharp recoil, the 7mm-08 sure checks a lot of boxes.
Great video Ron, the early history is very interesting and you have a knack for making a normally dry subject such as ballistics take flight. Please do more early cartridge development progressions including the super large bores, ie 2 bores, and punt guns.
Ron, You’re spot on about the nostalgic value of the round. Indeed, great performance and a grand history… What’s not to love?
Great video, thanks for sharing!
I am a long time user of the 7x57. It is my all time favorite game cartridge. It has never failed me if I do my part. I always punches beyond it’s weight.
Ron, an excellent video. I happen to own a vintage Sauer 54 combination gun (manufactured in 1955), in 16 Ga/7x57R, the rimmed version of the 7x57, and love everything about it. The combination of the classic gun and the "father of all modern calibers" is a special one to take out hunting. The bullets I like best are the heavy ones, the same in all cartridges. I am not very impressed by speed.
If I may, I believe you failed to mention that "Karamojo" Bell used cylindrical, round nosed, solid bullets, in 173 grains, the ones used by the armies back then. It is of the outmost importance, because, had he been using the spitzer bullets the Germans put in service at the turn of the century, in the 8x57J, he could not have performed such feats on the pachyderms. These spitzer bullets change course as soon as they dig into flesh, what would have made impossible to reach the brains of any elephant or the heart of a giraffe or buffalo. The parallel-sided bullet shape and the round nose made all the difference.
Incidentally, I am a Spaniard, I mention it because of San Juan Hill... Thanks
I like that you appreciate the 7x57 developed some miles from my house in the little swabian town of Oberndorf am Neckar.
Another great video Ron! I loved reading Jim Corbett's Man-eaters book. I have Bell's Elephant Hunter book but I haven't started it yet. Love the videos about the cartridges from that era!
I have a sporterized Arisaka in 7x57. One of my favorites. It’s a nice looking rifle and a great shooter.
A couple of years back I bought out the reloading bench and half.the gun safe of an old family friend. One of my biggest life regrets is that he offered me his custom Mauser 98 based 7x57 rifle and I had to pass. Still kicking myself for that one!
I have a double barrel rifle in 8x57 and love it! It stops every boar I manage to hit! I would love to learn more about 8x68 history!!
8x57 Mauser and 8x57R are good cartridges for about any size of game up to moose and elk. Check Wikipedia for history on 8x68 and other European designed hunting cartridges.
I have a 8x68s in a Mauser Model 77 it is a Rocketlauncher, Schüler designed it to fit in the Standardlength 98 System, i have loaded and have send it to Tests you can get a 160gn Barnes TTSX to 3340 ft/s within pressure Specs or 200gn bullets to round about 3120ft/s, 220gn to 3000ft/s in Handloads be carefull and you can get there with good Brass and the wright powder Reload Swiss has good fitting powders for this behemoth but this comes with a Price the Recoil is a little bit rough ;😜 i love this Rifle but you have to be careful with it
GREAT video & Thank You Sir fer sharing !!,.....really glad someone like you brought this to light, my late Father told me this very thing back in the late 60's which gave me a deep-life-long passion for this cartridge that I have been reloading & shooting for 50 years now, even though he continued through the mid 60's to shoot his 30-06 out to 1000Y plus,.....as he always said he was born with a passion for shooting & even being an extremely young WW2 Vet, & an older Korean War Vet, that only sparked a deeper desire for longrange shooting that continued his entire life as his ONLY passion,.....that said, I always believed what he taught me & you are now carrying it forward to the public - GREAT to hear - Thanks Again.
I’ve been shooting an “old” USRAC Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in 7x57 with Berger 168 VLDs for years. I have yet to have a deer file a complaint that I’m using a 131 year old cartridge on it, he’ll I have yet to have one walk away, let alone run. The old 7mm Mauser is as effective today and anything else on the market, and a hell of a lot of fun!
Thanks so much for addressing one of my very favorites! Sad to see it fading off into the sunset like the rest of us older folks.
I think you are doing a great thing by bringing out the history of these old cartridges. Great job
Great video Ron. My first bolt action rifle was a 7mm RM which was a great rifle, but the next bolt rifle was a modern Mauser in 7x57. Talk about a joy to shoot. It became my favorite and I sold the 7mm RM. I worked hand loads up with the 139 gr. and the 154 gr. Hornady bullets that at 100 yards produced 3 shot groups you could cove with a quarter. Still have that fine rifle 45 years later and still love shooting it. Thank you as always for your great content.
Hi Ron, I am a big fan of the 7x57 for the same reasons as you. It's so good for a 120+ year old cartridge it puts so many modern ones in their place. Unfortunately, I don't have one (at the moment) so the 270 and 308 are doing the job. But I have every intention of getting another at some point.
Thanks for another great video 👍
Your explanations of cartridge/firearm history is truly impressive. Thank you for another excellent video
I grew up reading O’Connor in the 50s and 60s. Loved hearing about the wifey, Eleanor using the 7x57…
Always loved the mom & pops gun stores best. New guns are awesome, but the used gun rack is what has my attention with beautiful classic guns showing up in fine chamberings like the 7x57 etc, etc. 👍
I love these old cartridges. Thanks for all the Information here 😊
In 1973 I traded rifles with my older brother. He got my Remington bolt action .22LR and I got his sporterized 7x57 Mauser. In that moment 7x57 became my favorite cartridge and it has remained so ever since. I found and purchased a Model 1895 Chilean Mauser in original military configuration sometime in the early 1990s for a whopping $49.95. I'm about ready to give up my search for a "newer" 7x57 rifle and settle for a different chambering, probably 7mm-08. I still love that 7mm projectile more than a .30 caliber or 6mm.
Thanks for the very good and informative information. I have been a hunter for about 60 years and I have had all kinds of guns. Before I immigrated to Canada 44 years ago. In my country, Iran, I had a lot of guns and I used 6.5x54 mannlicher , 7x57 Mauser and 270 weatherby mark 5 Magnum . for hunting ram sheep and goats and ibex . But since I immigrated to Canada. Due to the fact that you can buy any new rifle you need as easily as buying groceries, and also the type of animals that are in this area, for all these reasons I bought many rifles and different calibers, as well as a number of For my daughter and grandson , both of whom are my hunting partners. But I saw last night your show that you mentioned the caliber 7x57 as one of your favorite calibers. I also have the same opinion as you. the only problem I have is that I don't have more than 150 cartridges this caliber , my 7x57 rifle is a Winchester model 70 featherweight , which is of high quality. Top high grad .which I bought just to have it , I mostly hunt with caliber 300 Short Mag or 300 Mag or 7mm Magnum and sometimes 30-06 so what is your opinion on this caliber and the model of this rifle . and I should say is made in USA on 1980 It is a red rubber pad that is used in the butt of the gun do you think is worthiest to keep it ?
Love the 7x57 great cartridge. Thanks Ron 👍
I have a Spanish M1916 Mauser chambered in 7x57, and man is she a sweet shooter. Light enough to carry on long hunts, heavy enough to neutralize even +P recoil, and more than enough for any game in North America. The action is smooth, too.
Thanks Ron for the great history on the 7X57. You can add Jim Carmichael and Craig Boddington to the list of 7X57 fans. I have used it almost exclusively since 1975 and have never felt under gunned. For deer and antelope I use the Speer 130 gr. spitzer loaded to 2900-3,000fps. With this load I have taken many deer and antelope out to 300 yards. When I felt I needed a little more bullet I would use the 140gr. Nosler loaded to around 2850 fps. I wish Hornady hadn't stopped loading it's 139 gr. Superformance load which was loaded to around 2900 fps. I don't think you can find a more efficient cartridge, old man Mauser got it right.
Mr. Spomer, you are the best, it is so pleasant to watch your videos and hear you talk and your knowledge is always surprising. Thank you for reviewing this great cartridge. From Germany
Mr. Spomer. My first "deer rifle" was a 1905 G98. I have that rifle, and it shoots just fine. I am looking for a more modern 7x57 Mauser than my 1901
Remington rolling block carbine. I personally do not feel the need for the "newest" calibre. Thanks for your work, and the education derived from it.
Thanks for your post, Ron. I've had a milsurp 7mm Mauser since the early 2000s. It's a classic that I really appreciate. I also have a 7mm 08 and love it as well.
I have an 1898 Oberndorf Mauser in 7x57. It was sporterized by Westley Richards , they marked the barrel "For The 275 Mauser Cartridge"
7x57 has been to my "go to" cartridge for Deer and Bear here in New England since I started hunting.
I came across it in a odd way, I was 16 and was ready to move up from varmint hunting. A neighbor was a old hunter, he was unable to get out in the woods much anymore. One day he handed me his Ruger M77 and told me he felt like some venison for dinner. I went out and bagged my first fork horn. I was surprised at the minimum "meat loss" compared to My Uncles 30.06.
I shot 2 more deer with that rifle before the old timer died. I was shocked to learn he has left me the rifle in his will. It has bagged countless deer and 4 bear since then. 50 years later, I have several other calibers. But as you stated, when I start feeling melancholia, I always reach for the 7x57 to bring me back to a time when things weren't so complicated.
Thank you for posting this, it was a well presented review of a important caliber that laid the foundation for countless rife cartridge's. You have a new subscriber.
Beautiful story
I've had my 7x57 for fifty years now. Custom built on a Belgium 98 Mauser action. Great shooter and even better with reloads. Sad to see it fade away.
The 7x57 was my first hunting rifle. It still has taken more elk than the magnums I have as it was my only rifle for such a long time. 140 grain partitions or accubonds and even coreloks put alot of meat in my freezer. Such a nice round. Its an older Ruger M77 tang safety and was throated for the long 175 grain bullets as it was intended to. Because of that, I'm now playing with the long ELDX bullets as the velocities are right in the sweet spot for those projectiles. Have no interest in going and buying a 6.5 creedmore as this 7x57 does everything I need it to do within reasonable hunting ranges.
THANK YOU SIR for your interesting and informative video. Since you seem very KNOWLEDGEABLE about 7X57 Mauser I have a INTERESTING rifle that may intrigue or interest you. I picked up this rifle from a gun show in 7X57 Mauser. As soon as I SAW it I was INTRIGUED, what first caught my eye (only have one eye 🤨) was the KRUPP barrel (hexagon shaped at the receiver and FULL LENGTH RIB and has KRUPP STAHL stamped into the side of the barrel which you don't see very often and would be very expensive to make these days. The bolt handle is what I call spoon bolt handle or butter knife by some people. It has twin set triggers as well which you don't see too often either. The numbers are matching on the barrel, receiver, mag well, gas shield, bolt and the trigger assembly. I had a couple of people try to say it was a "CIGARETTE RIFLE" have you heard that term? I don't think so, wrong caliber and with all the matching numbers I feel it was done by some German gunsmithing guild maybe even Krupp if they had their own guild. The proof markings are crown over N which means pre WWII, could be early 1900's. Unfortunately the stock is modern Boyd manufacture, would be NICE to have an ORIGINAL OBERNDORF stock. Can you please help me to identify what I have? I would greatly appreciate it, I figure you may have more books or know more people who may know what I have. It's OBVIOUSLY a commercial rifle which I like very much because I have 2 brothers who ONLY collect MILITARY STUFF. I like the idea that it had a LOT MORE TLC being made than the military ones, IT IS A 98 ACTION not one of the earlier models. Can you HELP ME SIR?,🤨😉😁👍
Bought a Ruger 77 in 7x57 in 73’. By late 70’s I had a 244 Shilen chambered for the Ruger by gunsmith and bench shooter Stu Harvey. Put it in a Lee Six Beavertail stock and a Canjar set trigger. Not a light rifle with the heavy barrel. I swapped barrels back to the 7x57 if going meat hunting. Early 90’s Remington came out with the Mountain Rifle in a 700 action and 7x57. It too is in a Lee Six stock but the sporter version. My favorite bullet for the 7x57 is the Speer 145 SPBT. I used IMR4350 with great success. I’m not a big guy and I have handled shooting 50 rounds of workup loads in a couple hours. I couldn’t do that with the larger case calibers. Very mild shooting with the 145’s. 175’s would thump me 😂. You’re spot on with the historical aspect of the 7x57, the grand daddy of many cartridges. I think the venerable 222 is a scaled down version of the 7x57. I have had one since 72’.
I have a Ruger #1 in 7x57 that has been my favorite deer rifle for more than 30 years because it's so light and handy. The accuracy was never more than "adequate" but since I was hunting blacktails in brushy country it was all close/medium range shooting so accuracy was not a concern. I was using 140 grain slugs, but several years ago I came across a bunch of Federal 175 grainers being sold for half price because people didn't want the heavy slugs. I snapped them up and suddenly the rifle was sub MOA! I had bought the rifle used and never knew what the twist rate was and attributed the poor accuracy to the #1 which are quirky, some being top notch and some being "meh." Anyway, be aware that 7mms are more affected by twist rate than .30 caliber rifles. 7x57 slug weights can range from 120 grains up to 175 grains, so if your rifle is not accurate enough to suit you experiment with different slug weights and you may be surprised.
Another great article Ron. I have three of them ,two Brno manlicher stocked rifles with butter knife bolt handles and the third rifle is 1/2 stocked with a regular bolt knob. This rifle was probably made for the North American market. They are all from the 1950,s.
My favorite hunting cartridge. I have hunted with it for nearly 20 years. Taking deer from 150 yards out to 450 yards with it. Works well in the Ruger M77 platform. Consistently 2 inch groups at 200 yards using off the shelf 140gr ammo.
Great video as always Ron. Never shot the 7x57 buti shoot the 6,5x55swe-guess they are close since the 6;5x55 swe was the swedish/norwegian armys development of the 7x57 in 1894-1896 when the developed and adapted the swedish 6,5x55 mauser riffle and the new cartridge in 1896
I have a rifle I built from a 95 mauser receiver on a modern 7X57 barrel. Outstanding accuracy and a real deer killer.
Excellent video, Ron. I was familiar with the 8mm Mauser, but not the 7mm. Thank you...
Great information and I understand your caution with old rifles regarding pressures, but a Modern Rifle you make a great case for the 7x57 and It would make a Great Custom Rifle in a Long Action with 24 inch barrel to seat the newer High BC bullets. I was always thinking .280 Rem for a custom build maybe a 7x57 might do just as well. Yes three Great Cartridges that should be more popular 6mm Rem .257 Roberts and 7x57 and all are easy on the shoulder.
Ron, two thumbs up for my favorite cartridge! I got my first in 1982 and promptly started handloading for it. I have taken game from coyote size to elk and can't remember taking more than one shot on any of them. It's beyond me to tell any difference in the performance between 7x57 and .30'06, except the punch on my shoulder, nor can the game that is shot with it. Probably Jack O'Connor influenced me with an article he wrote, "Big Punch in a Small Case" and other glowing reports of his wife Elanor, who was nicknamed "one shot Elanor" when using it in Africa. She also used it in North America on deer and elk. Corbett and Bell also did little to dissuade me and I'm glad because it it an outstanding cartridge. I think the main reason for factories keep the pressure low is because it was chambered in the Remington Rolling Block rifle which isn't as strong as the 1893 Mauser. Anyway it's a fine cartridge and I'm glad you showcased it!
I'm having a 7mm moment lately, and in particular the nostalgia of 7x57 aka 275 Rigby. One of my bucket list objects before I die is an M98 based "one rifle" that can do it all up to and including a Texan aoudad hunt and western states elk hunt (Africa and for that matter Alasks will be out of budget but one can dream). Thank you for this one, Ron! I share your nostalgic love of the magic 7 and I'm saving my nickels for your book on 7MM!
In my opinion, anything east of the Mississippi can be taken with a 7x57mm or 7mm-08. That would be all you would really need. You want something that's does great in a close quarters situation. You do make the occasional 200 - or 300-yard field shot. You can use it on anything from varmints to wild hogs or black bear. It's optimal for Whitetails. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on elk in places like KY, or PA, and now VA at woodland ranges. It's not brutal on the shoulder even if you load it up. If you want to go 7x57mm route, I'd build it on a modern action or a Mauser 98 in good to excellent condition or it's commercial Variations, like FN, DuMoullin, Zastava, Husqvarna ect.
I started reloading 7x57 in 1974 for an 1893 Mauser and later for an M-70 Win.
Two very different animals needing their own tailored loads.
Reloading is the way to go for variety of loads with this cartridge.
I have had a 7x57 for many years and although I have not hunted elephant with it but have never had an issue taking down a lot of antelope including the big elands. A few years ago I changed it to a 7x57 Ackely and that takes the humble cartridge into a different league. I had hoped you would have covered that a bit in your video. Never the less a great video and cartridge
Great memories with 7x57 but I’m sticking to my 7-08. Enjoyed video. Thanks Ron!
Had one in an 1895 Mauser that was sporterized. Easy recoil, accurate and just a nice gun to carry around.
I really enjoyed shooting my 7 x 57 s, I have had several, old ones from the Spanish American War, Mexican Mausers, Remington Rolling Blocks but my favorite was a surplus Egyptian Mauser with a perfect bore.
I got my first elk rifle for my 12th birthday when my dad bought a 7mm Mauser for 35 bucks. I wish I could say I took a lot of elk with it, but I sure as hell missed a lot of elk...mainly because of my lack of practice at a dollar a round (4 times what a 30-30 cost), and the barrel being shortened. A scope would have helped! I traded it for a Quazar tv, and have missed it ever since. Thanks for the history lesson - I never knew!
If you don't regret the trade you wouldn't be human.
DOUGout
Carl, never trade rifles for TVs. The former are heirlooms. The latter are disposable and quickly obsolete.
@@ronspomer4366 I've learned my lesson - I now have a whole safe full of vintage firearms including a 7.65 mm Argentine Mouser in like new condition (with a scope) and a Daisy semi-auto. .22.
Hello... Just wanted to say..... I have a Ruger 77 tang safety long action rifle chambered in the 7x57 Ackley Improved.... I use an after market barrel with a longer throat and yes I brought the pressures up ..... however, I do NOT overload..... This is one of my favorite deer/elk rifle... of course I own several other rifles... but, this rifle is mid recoil and hard hitting.... As you know and most old timers know.... its where you place the bullet that counts.... My point is... I love my old 77.... Thanks and I do enjoy your information as well as your excitement in the sport of shooting....
This was my first caliber for hunting back in 1991. I had it in a Ruger M77 and it shot so well and harvested a bunch of whitetails over the years. I had it till about 6 years ago when brass and ammo dried up. Now seeing ammo pop up everywhere all of a sudden. Wish I still had it. Recently made the switch to the 7 prc and are very happy with it but my 7x57 was one great round.
Hello Ron I enjoyed your 7 x 57 Mauser review and agree wholeheartedly in the conclusions you draw concerning this oldie but goodie cartridge. I was attracted to the 7 X 57 many years ago so I had the opportunity to purchase a Featherweight model 70 in that caliber I seized the opportunity. As I recall that particular rifle had a twist rate of 1 in 8 1/2 . I suppose Winchester was looking to appease those wishing to shoot heavier bullets as the Europeans and South Africans tend to favour 160 and 175 gr bullets in the 7 X 57. I intended to use the rifle to hunt Alberta whitetail deer and wanted to fire bullets in the 140 gr range. I had to mess around with various powders and was not pleased with the results until i switched to H414 (Win 760) and I found my load. Much to my surprise I was able to work up to 50 grs of H414 with 139 gr Hornady and Sierra 140 gr providing more than acceptable accuracy. Of course I approached that load with small increments in powder and carefully surveyed each round for signs of pressure. There were no signs of excessive pressure in that particular rifle nor are there warning signs with that same load in a CZ 500 that I use today. I sold my 289 Remington as the little 7 X57 approached velocities of my 280 with equal accuracy. Besides, it was so easy on the shoulder that I consistently shot it well.
The first deer I shot with that Model 70 was one of the most memorable hunts of my life. My father and I were hunting outside of Hanna, Alberta. The Southeastern part of Alberta would remind you of Wyoming. Our early morning outing was interrupted by a raging blizzard. We made it a few clicks from the Hotel but visibility was so bad we had to turn back. As we nursed a couple of coffee back in Hanna we came up with a plan. I had scouted the area the previous day prior to my father's arrival. I knew the deer would be hanging out in one of the many coulees (small valleys) to find some protection from the storm. It was slow going but we arrived safely on the side a coolee. Ron, it was -20 F and the wind was absolutely howling. It was calmer in the valley and the scattered bush gave some relief but that is the dangerous kind of cold and circumstance. We agreed to venture down the coolee for 20 minutes and then return to warm up in the truck. In a very short distance I began to see fresh tracks. Only my eyes were exposed to the elements but it was so cold my eye lashes kept freezing together and i was constantly clearing my vision. As I cleared some cover and stepped into a small clearing with a steep inclined to my left I saw my father standing dead still looking to that incline. I shifted my attention and there stood a herd of 8 to ten mule deer. My father, always the gentleman had waited hoping to give me an opportunity. We both know that look when a deer is about to explode into action. We had seconds to get our rifles up and fire and that is what we did. A moment later two deer were down. It had been a ten minute hunt to harvest the deer! We brought the flatbed one ton truck as close as possible so we could warm our hands as we gutted the animals. They were not trophy deer but when we pulled into the parking lot of the hotel with those deer on the truck deck, the look on the faces and comments from the hunters who had chosen not to leave the hotel makes me smile to this day.
I have a 1935 Shang Kai Sheck Chinese large ring Mauser receiver with a Latin Contract carbine barrel in 7x57mm. i drilled and tapped it for a scope. Used a Boyd's Bold trigger and many upgrades to the bolt. I have it in a highly modified Ramline synthetic stock fully glass bedded. It shoots factory loaded 140 grain bullets into a one inch group at 100 yards. It is one of my favorite hunting rifles for whitetail deer and feral hogs.
Thanks, I inherited a 7x57 Ruger #1 and am learning about it.
The 7x57 sounds like a great round. Though I won't be replacing my .270 WIN anytime soon.
Great video Ron. Your reference to those books by W.D.M. Bell and Jim Corbett was a marvelous idea. I hope someday you make special videos on these prolific hunters.
Would love to see how 6.5x55, 7x57 & 7.5x55 (GP-11) stack up on paper........my guess is that there's no magic that sets one far apart from the rest however- there's something to be said for that Swiss GP-11 ammo out of a K31.
You're a national treasure- thanks Ron Spomer!
Ron, how interesting. I've an old Mauser 98. It came with 98% of the blueing still intact. It has a laminated stock & a tiny little scope with the case for it too. It also came with the original snake scales leather strap. Incredibly it has a .22cal insert. Yes my bolt does match the serial # on the barrel and receiver. I've never fired it with the centre fire round. Frankly I don't know if it's a 7mm or 8mm. It shoulders like a dream and points with an ergonomic excellence that is absent in every other military rifle of it's period. Far better than Lee Enfield be it Brit or Canadian. I've never shouldered a war issue M-70. I do have an original copy of "Man Eaters of Koumon." I read it as a teenager. My grandfather and father read it. The book was a hand me down. I should probably read it again as I've now 55 years of hunting under my belt. It's probably more relevant to me today than when I dreamed of hunting in Africa when I was young.
I know the video is old, but Paul Mauser didn't invent the 7x57 cartridge because 8 mauser was a state secret. You can find plenty of ads or examples of sporter in 8 mauser made in Germany before ww1, so much so that in the winter of 1914, Germany called up and bought any scoped civilian hunting rifles in 8mm mauser so that they may be used as erzatz sniper rifles, since the ssg 98 rifle (sniper variant of the g98) was still in "developement".
The 7x57 cartridge was developed for the mauser m93, bought by Spain and the Ottoman empire, as part of Paul Mauser's search for a superior round than the frankly perfectible 8 mauser which was an amelioration of the first smokeless round made by the French, the 8x51r or 8mm lebel (has matter of fact, the g88 and the lebel's barrels have the same twist rate !).
My wife's uncle gave me a model 95 Chilean Mauser chambered in 7x57. After cleaning the bore I took it out to the range with some Norma sporting loads. The rifle was very comfortable to shoot, but I really didn't want to keep it very long. I sold it and built a custom rifle on a Mauser action with a barrel chambered in 257 Roberts (child of the 7x57).
Great rundown on the history and story behind this magnificent cartridge.
I recently bought a Tkka T3X Hunter in 7mm-08 , although I could have got it in 7x57 Mauser chamber, it had me thinking just for a minute, and I went with the 7mm-08 just because of the availability of ammunition and and its performance is just a little bit better from factory ammo . However I now understand the potential for hand loading the 7x57 ( as it has a little more case capacity than the 7mm-08) but all in all I don’t think it equates to enough to matter in real world hunting situations out to ethical distances. Perhaps the 7x57 can accommodate a little heavier bullet as you mentioned.
Tikka also offers that rifle in a 6.5x55 Swede chambering as well which had me me entertained, but I’m happy I went with the 7mm-08 , and I actually shot a 7 point buck with it this past deer season opening day fist time in the field with it , so it’s already been a good luck rifle / cartridge combination for me ( 160 yards chasing 2 doe , using Hornady 139gr American Whitetail and he went DRT ! ) incredible shot and performance)
Well, if the US military had gone with the original 6.5x55 Krag, they would have had range and precision to match the 7x57. The Krag was, and still is a very precise rifle. In fact it was the standard target rifle of DFS until the Sauer STR200 was introduced in the 80s. (DFS is the largest shooting association in Norway, by far. And has close ties to the Norwegian military)
If I'm not mistaken the 7×57 is the case that started and is the 6mm Remington which is one of my favorite deer hunting rifles.
Thank you. I requested you address this cartridge a number of months ago😊
I still enjoy hunting with my 7×57. I've taken deer,bear,and elk with it. It was an old gun when I bought it from a friend in 1972.
Thanks Ron, I found that interesting and informative. I knew about Bell, now I have to read the book.
so many improvements on this very good cartridge as a basis to beat
I’ve a Winchester 70 xtr in 7mauser factory rifle produced only in 2014ish hand loaded with VLD’s 140gr going at 2950 (.510 bc) with 50.5gr of h414, incredible ballistic for that underestimate cartridge, I love it!!
Musgrave 7x57 model 80, will never never never sell that rifle!
Took Duiker to Eland, even a Brahman bull in the suger cane.
Never ever was I ashamed of any meat damage in the cold room like the 270, 308, 30.06, 7mm rem Mag 6.5's ext, it is by far the best cartridge to hunt meat with in the bushveld of South Africa.
Never ever was I ashamed on the shooting range - the seven is deadly accurate up to 300m
Enjoy all your videos, thank you.
The 7 Mauser was my first center fire rifle at age 14. It was a 93 Spanish Mauser sporterized and imported by Interarms. I would buy Spanish surplus FMJ ammo for target shooting. Cost me $5.00 for 100 rounds made in the 1920s.
7x57 should have a +P loading like they did for. 257 Roberts. Would not be hard to bump it up a bit with modern slow curve powders.
Thank you Ron, the 7x57 is, as you know, well appreciated here in Germany. But i would rather like to have this books you have shown. Nearly unimpossible to get them in Germany.