Why no 7x57 ?

[Pthfndr-CA]

I have several Swedes in 6.5x55, and Tikka 695 in same. The 6.5x55 really shines in a modern action where it can be loaded to it's top potential.

Last year I picked up a Tikka 595 in 7-08. I'm a die hard 6.5x55 fan, but I have to admit the 7mm has really grown on me.

I collect and shoot old military rifles, and some of them have been chambered in 7x57. But in older actions it seemed the 6.5 offered better performance even when loaded to the lower specs.

The other day I was comparing one of my 7x57 rounds with a 168 SMK to a 7-08 round with a 162 AMAX. The 7x57 has a substantially longer case (almost .200" to the shoulder), and, it fits in the magazine of my 595 with just a hair to spare.

So my question is, what is it about the 7x57 that keeps it from being popular in a modern tactical rifle? Seems like it should be capable of being loaded to higher velocities than the 7-08 with the same bullets and still work in a short action.

What is it I don't know?

 

[shoepop]

Re: Why no 7x57 ?

Good question, in my OLD rebarreled 98 Mauser hunting rifle I was getting 2900 FPS with a 140 grain 'forget' with no real tell tale pressure signs. That velocity would sure make it a player.

 

[chpprguy]

Re: Why no 7x57 ?

Perhaps lack of quality brass?
(could 6mm Rem brass be necked up and basically be a 7x 57?)

Can the long 7mm bullets still be fit in a SA?

 

[6Dasher]

Re: Why no 7x57 ?

Is there any good brass for the 6mm Rem?

There is .284Win that can use the 6.5x284 brass which is already very popular. I guess between the 7-08 and .284 and 7WSM there are only a handful of people using wildcats for the 7mm in between these as there are good sources for brass already.

NB: Weird huh?! A 284 got re-used and formed into a 6.5 version, and then we resize it back to .284 to use it as a 7mm, go figure

 

[chpprguy]

Re: Why no 7x57 ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Flying Dutchman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Is there any good brass for the 6mm Rem?

There is .284Win that can use the 6.5x284 brass which is already very popular. I guess between the 7-08 and .284 and 7WSM there are only a handful of people using wildcats for the 7mm in between these as there are good sources for brass already.

NB: Weird huh?! A 284 got re-used and formed into a 6.5 version, and then we resize it back to .284 to use it as a 7mm, go figure

</div></div>

Not sure about "good" brass.... standard win/rp seems sturdy enough.....

I don't believe it would work well in a standard R700 SA though

 

[whelan]

Re: Why no 7x57 ?

One thing that may be keeping the 7x57 from being used in a modern tactical rifle is that it is not known for being a inherently accurate round.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Why no 7x57 ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: whelan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One thing that may be keeping the 7x57 from being used in a modern tactical rifle is that it is not known for being a inherently accurate round. </div></div>

Not sure I agree with that, it is a very accurate round and I don't believe I have ever seen anything to the contrary.


The 7x57 is too long for a Rem SA but is an extremely efficient case design.
If loaded to the same pressures as the 7/08 it will outperform it with all bullet weights, but especially the heavier bullets.

I have been considering using my Savage short action, which is considerably longer than a Rem SA and building one.

 

[6XC]

Re: Why no 7x57 ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chpprguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Perhaps lack of quality brass?</div></div>

Norma makes 7x57 brass
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=1311304324