FN 7X57 Mauser
I have an opportunity to buy a FN 7X57 Custom Sporter. manufactured in the 1950s, high serial number. I would use this as a 'shooter', so not too interested in value or history. What kind of accuracy can I expect? There are reloading components available, though not extremely common... there seems to be (internet research) a wide varied of opinions on the best bullet weight and accuracy levels for this caliber and rifle. Looking for any experience or insights?
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The 7X57 is a vastly underrated cartridge. 0 -
Your asking us about a 60? year old rifle with a unknown round count. Given this their isn't much guidance we can provide over the net.
External cosmetic condition and serial number, doesn't means zilch if it isn't accurate.
Your are going to have to at least shoot it off a rest at 100 yards with excellent quality factory ammo, to get an idea of it's potential accuracy.0 -
As has been pointed out, the accuracy of this rifle, and with what load, depends on condition, and rate of twist of the rifling. Since the 7x57 has been around for a while, back in the era of this rifle's birth, there was still a lot of corrosively primed ammunition floating around, so check the bore, throat, and crown carefully.
Ballistically speaking, this round, is the equall of the 7mm-08, with like weight bullets. It takes virtually the same everything, bullets, primer's, and powder's as the 7mm-08...everything except the brass casings. The brass can be found EASILY, so there is no fear of being able to create loads for this. The only thing you will need to know is the twist rate of your rifling, to better help select your bullet. However, your rifle should like anything from 120 to 160 grains, and possibly the 175's.
With this round, you are well prepared for anything on this contenent, except for the big bears...and it will work in a bind for them too(better than a knife, or stick).
Best0 -
You guys are so picky....
Rifle is in excellent condition; rifling is clean and crisp, though I don't know the twist rate (yet), throat and crown are excellent, appears to have been little fired. Stock is also excellent, further contributing to the "little fired" theory.
I've read the "Venezuelan" 7X57 is extremely accurate... some 7X57s had a long throat which diminished accuracy... but I can't find much on this particular rifle (FN 7X57, made in Belgium, "Custom Sporter", with a high serial number (41000 range)). I did see a references to manufacturing changes to reduce production costs which may (?) have impacted accuracy.
Agree the best answer is to determine twist, load some cartridges and try it -- just not sure that is feasible, so thought I would ask. If it should shoot as well as an 03 Springfield, for example, I would be more than satisfied.0 -
I haven't seen the gun but I would guess you will be happy with your purchase. 0 -
I've found the 7x57 can be an extremely accurate cartridge. My 7x57 Interarms Mk X is one of the best grouping hunting rifles I own. 0 -
7x57 is an excellent round, and will do what ever you need it to do. Very accurate, lots of different loadings if you reload, tons of every type of animal have been killed with it including elephants, K. Bell used it as a cull rifle for years. The Spanish hit us hard with the 7mm during the Spanish/American war. One of the reasons we developed the '03. I would love to have a good 7mm. Just havent found one in decent shape for me to spend my money on. 0 -
lpaalp,
The 'wide variety of bullet weights' stems from the different twist rates and chamber designs since the cartridge dates back to the early 1890's. The rifle you describe is probably from the beginning manufacturing of the Improved Mauser M98 design from Belgium. This offered the solid left side action for the first time to the general public. The one I have uses a Mauser Type 'E' barrel complete with open sights. However your may be a slightly different version. Mine is due for a complete rebuild since it was hunted hard in it's original life so it needs a new barrel as well as a much better stock.
Here is a segment of a twist rate table I keep for reference. This does NOT preclude checking the twist for yourself, it's merely a reference:
7 x 57mm - 1 in 8" . . . . . . . . . . .Ruger (present)
7 x 57mm - 1 in 8 1/2" . . . . . . . .Winchester 70 (post 64)
7 x 57mm - 1 in 8.7" . . . . . . . . . .FN
7 x 57mm - 1 in 8 3/4" . . . . . . . .Winchester 54, 70 (pre `64); Ruger 77
7 x 57mm - 1 in 9" . . . . . . . . . . .Mannlicher-Schoenauer; Thompson/Center Rifle
7 x 57mm - 1 in 9 1/4" . . . . . . . .Remington 700
7 x 57mm - 1 in 9 1/2" . . . . . . . .Ruger 1, 77 (old); Savage 110
7 x 57mm - 1 in 10" . . . . . . . . . .Winchester 70
Once you've established the twist, I'd concentrate on the chamber and specifically the throat length. This can be accomplished easily by slitting the neck of a piece of 7x57 brass and seat a bullet long but loosely with some neck tension. Remove the firing pin assembly from the bolt and use the bolt to seat the dummy cartridge. You can use a 'magic marker' to color the bullet to enhance the lands markings from the throat. Extract the cartridge and measure with calipers. Do this several times so when you get a repeatable measurement you can super glue the bullet into the case neck. This dummy stays with the rifle and reloading dies.
Remember that different bullets will have different seating lengths so you may wind up with more than one dummy. Be sure to mark them accordingly.
Best.
ADDED:
This is a link to a well written reference article about the 7x57 cartridge:
http://www.ballisticstudies.com/
Select 'Knowledge Base', then 7x57.
Best.0 -
As everybody noted, the barrel's condition and twist is going to determine the most of how accurate it is going to be.
If it has the original 7mm twist of 8.66 (inch conversion of Metric) the sky is the limit as to what you can stabilize. If it has a later barrel with a twist of 1-10" or 1-12" as was common in 1950's and 1960's barrel replacements, you will get challenged on what you can stabilize. I have a 1-10" twist 7x75 that stabilized 168 Bergers. but, not 175/180 SMK's or 180 Bergers. My other 7x57 with the 1-12" twist will only stabilize up to 154 Hornady SST's. It will only stabilize 150's other than that.
Those are two of my favorite rifles to shoot. As long as I don't try getting them right to the edge of pressure, they have lasted a long time. The bullet is big enough to do the work without beating on you. I'd say if the barrel/bore is in good condition, get it. As for how it looks it may run from $300-$500. If you're spending more than that for "an old Mauser" you're spending too much, without some provenance of what it has and who put it together.0
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