There are two rifles for sale a 270 and a 7*57 but my dad doesn't know which to get. They are the same price and the 7*57 has lost most its bluing. It is desired for game up to kudu'ish and for the range for kids between 10 and 12.
Please help with this dilemma.
Which ammo is easily to find? That would be my deciding factor, and if I wanted the 7*57, I would try to negotiate on the price since the bluing is almost gone. How are the bore of these two rifles? May want to look closely to ensure they are in good shape. My 2 cents. I believe the 7*57 is a more classic African cartridge.
At first thought I'd say the 7X57 if the barrel/bore are in good shape. Recoil is very manageable for the kids especially when loaded with 120-140 gr bullets. Yet you can run 180 grain bullets in it when bigger game is on the menu. The .270 is a great caliber and likely a little flatter shooting. I think its recoil may be slightly sharper so to speak. For what your asking about I'd go with the 7X57 all other things being equal.
Bruce
Depending on the condition I would also go with the one that I could purchase ammo for. It looks like you may live in Zimbabwe so the 7x57 might be the way to go, unless there is a good supply of .270 Win in your area.
The 270 has more case capacity (67gr vs 60.2) Most rifles in 270 have twist meant to stabilize lighter bullets and heavy bullets in 270 can be hard to find(160gr is the largest I’ve seen)
7x57 has less case capacity but heavy bullets are common and many rifles will stabilize them.
Both are classic cartridges that have killed countless head of game. In this case, I’d probably base my decision on which rifle I liked more.
One is really no better than the other. No animal within range would know the difference depending on the load. One is quicker and kicks a bit more, the other is just slightly larger in diameter and average bullet weight.
Both are really good calibres . The .270 Winchester traditionally uses bullets weighing up to 150 grains . The 7x57 mm Mauser typically uses bullets weighing up to 175 grains .
If you are limited to American ammunition brands only , then I will recommend the .270 Winchester . When I hunted my first mule deer in the United States in 1980 , I used a 7x57 mm Mauser which a friend had lent me ( it was a BRNO ZKK - 600 ) . I was given some Winchester Super X 175 grain cup & core soft nosed factory loads . I was not very impressed with the velocity ( they were OK for the small Texas whitetail deer , however ) . Over the years , I came to realize that American ammunition brands ( such as Winchester , Remington and Federal ) tend to significantly reduce the powder charge in their factory loads for the European calibres ( such as 7x57 mm Mauser and 8x57 mm Mauser ) . However , they always load their American calibre offerings ( such as .270 Winchester ) to their full potential.
But South African PMP / Pro Amm ammunition for the 7x57 mm Mauser is exceptionally good ( especially the 170 grain soft nosed loads ) . It is loaded to the correct velocity and you will be very pleased with it . If you have access to European and South African ammunition brands , then I would strongly recommend the 7x57 mm Mauser .
Saw a good looking knife you posted a pic of with the watermelon. Can I ask the make? Looks like you hunted with Guav Johnson? We overlapped in the Save once. Would like to hunt with him one day..
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