Looking for 7x57 hunting advice

[Thumbcocker]

I am in the process of wringing out the Number 1 7x57. We have booked a hunt in South Africa for later this year.

Mrs.Thumbcocker is deciding which rifle she will take. The 7x57 is a contender. Recoil is a factor. The hunt will be plains game at less than 200 yards. Probably 100 or so. I have some 175 grain factory loads coming. (Forgive me).

The critters in are package include a Zebra that she has claimed. So is a 7x57 enough for Zebra? I have read that the 175 grain load punches above it's weight but would welcome real world experience and suggestions.

 

[fiver]

the 175's are a bit slow but they penetrate like a 6.5 no problem.
a Zebra can be some tougher than an Elk though, they just have a tighter muscle structure, but about the same bone density.

 

[Bret4207]

175's are penetrators for sure. I'm not sure the 160's are still available, but they do well and offer a better trajectory. In a modern 7x57 you can surpass the factory levels the soft 175's are designed for by a fair margin. It won't be a 280, but it isn't your grandfathers 7x57 either. Just a thought.

 

[Petrol & Powder]

The 7 x 57 has a long history in Africa. I bet you could contact the guide service and get some "been there/done that" advice from someone that does it every day.

 

[Missionary]

That is a fine question to have to wonder about ?
I would not be surprised to read a 175 grainer as been well used on every type of African beast.

 

[Thumbcocker]

I am trying factory ammo just to see how she does with it. Finding 7mm projectiles at all is pretty tough. Seems like many are designed for 7mm magnum, which I understand; lots more magnums than 7x57's in use.

 

[Edward R Southgate]

Take a look at these. Pretty good selection of RN in 7mm with different jacket thicknesses. They will custom make anything in their catalog with a thicker or thinner jacket . Call them and tell them what you will be hunting and they can tell you what you need.

Bullet Selection | Hawk Bullets

The World's Largest Selection of Bullets. .351 SL 33 WCF 348 Winchester 50 Beowulf 38-55 9.3mm 8mm 32 Remmington 270 Caliber Cal 280 Ross 50-110 38-40

hawkbullets.com

 

[Ian]

I've read that some places won't let you bring your own ammo into the country, so that may be a consideration.

 

[RicinYakima]

I've read that some places won't let you bring your own ammo into the country, so that may be a consideration.

They will not allow reloaded or handloaded ammo. Very country dependent and the political situation at the moment.

 

[Brad]

I took reloads to RSA in 2008. Was not an issue. I used 20 rd cardboard boxes with styrofoam inserts.

I would look at the TSX by Barnes. I used 130 X bullets on everything. Only 1 did not give complete penetration, that was on my zebra. I would look at something in the 140 gr range.

 

[fiver]

i know the head stamp on the case has to match the stamp on the barrel.

 

[Thumbcocker]

The outfitter loves those bullets.

 

[Edward R Southgate]

The outfitter loves those bullets.

Which bullets ?

 

[david s]

My 7X57 load is based on the 160 grain Nosler Partition and Winchester 760 powder. Win 760 probably isn't the best powder choice. The bullet has done fine though up thru elk sized animals. I've never shot a zebra, but I would bet the 7mm Mauser will do fine,

 

[Thumbcocker]

Which bullets ?

The Barnes solid copper.

 

[fiver]

holy hanna that's gonna be a long bullet.

 

[swc-tr]

The 7 x 57 has a long history in Africa. I bet you could contact the guide service and get some "been there/done that" advice from someone that does it every day.

I live in South Africa, handloaded ammo is permitted.
Get the best factory ammo you can source, loaded with premium quality bullets (eg Swift A-frames, Barnes-X types, etc)
Then its all down to the correct bullet placement.

BTW, the 7x57mm has been used to kill ALL African game very sucessfully.
I have personally shot a number of zebra with a .280 Rem loaded with 175gr Nosler Partitions.

Enjoy your upcoming hunt.

 

[L Ross]

My experience for what it is worth. 175 grain Nosler Partition semi spitzer, circa 1990. 48.0 grains IMR-4350, W-W brass CCI 200 primer. Chrono'd at 2,640 fps. I have a series of one shot kills on 3 elk, 1 moose, 1 1,200 lb. feral angus bull and numerous deer.

 

[richhodg66]

Much as I am a fan of the 7x57 and have shot it a lot, the one and only game animal I've killed with one was a medium sized white tail doe and it was with a cast bullet. Worked fine, but I wouldn't go to Africa with that loading.