.270 ? 7x57 ? Or 30-06 ?

[ChrisG]

The man who gave fame caliber 7x75.
Witold

It is a shame those days are long gone... I hear a lot of people justifying their use of light rifles by dropping his name... for most people, thats all they know about him, and that he used a light rifle to kill many hundreds of elephants. The only reason he lived to give the 7x57 and the .256 MS the fame they now have in Africa was 90% his almost superhuman shooting skill, 10% super deep penetrating bullets. He once shot 10 rounds from a Enfield sporter into a herd of fleeing zebra, dropping 10 animals in quick succession (likely neck shots on a zebra running 30-40 mph) from a range varying from about 30 to about 120 yards, to basically establish for the Karamojong natives that he was not to be messed with. They, understandably, backed off. I'm a history buff... can't help it.

I think the 7x57 is a great round, but i wouldn't poo poo the .270 either, ballistically, it can easily keep up with the 7x57 and surpass it. Especially since the former has approx. 10 extra grains of case capacity.

To the OP, If you already predominantly use a .270, I would use it! That said, all three have 95% the same capabilities. Pick one and hunt! load up some TSX's and go stalk something! As a side note, Is it terribly difficult to get reloading components in Scotland or the UK? Are powder, primers and bullets fairly easy to find and are they something you can buy over the counter or do you need a license?

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Yes of course those days gone forever but fame Karamojo and 7x57 (275Rigby) remained.
Witold

 

[Reiver25]

It is a shame those days are long gone... I hear a lot of people justifying their use of light rifles by dropping his name... for most people, thats all they know about him, and that he used a light rifle to kill many hundreds of elephants. The only reason he lived to give the 7x57 and the .256 MS the fame they now have in Africa was 90% his almost superhuman shooting skill, 10% super deep penetrating bullets. He once shot 10 rounds from a Enfield sporter into a herd of fleeing zebra, dropping 10 animals in quick succession (likely neck shots on a zebra running 30-40 mph) from a range varying from about 30 to about 120 yards, to basically establish for the Karamojong natives that he was not to be messed with. They, understandably, backed off. I'm a history buff... can't help it.

I think the 7x57 is a great round, but i wouldn't poo poo the .270 either, ballistically, it can easily keep up with the 7x57 and surpass it. Especially since the former has approx. 10 extra grains of case capacity.

To the OP, If you already predominantly use a .270, I would use it! That said, all three have 95% the same capabilities. Pick one and hunt! load up some TSX's and go stalk something! As a side note, Is it terribly difficult to get reloading components in Scotland or the UK? Are powder, primers and bullets fairly easy to find and are they something you can buy over the counter or do you need a license?

Here in Scotland I'm lucky I have three excellent gunshops and one stocks an excellent selection of all reloading components. I reload for all my rifles and today was shown a Musgrave .30-06 in as new condition, it's a beauty and am torn between a Parker Hale, a CZ 537 and the Musgrave. The first two are in 7mm Mauser. Decisions decisions!

 

[D.M.V]

Here in Scotland I'm lucky I have three excellent gunshops and one stocks an excellent selection of all reloading components. I reload for all my rifles and today was shown a Musgrave .30-06 in as new condition, it's a beauty and am torn between a Parker Hale, a CZ 537 and the Musgrave. The first two are in 7mm Mauser. Decisions decisions!

Or you could decide on all 3 lol ;-)

 

[ChrisG]

Here in Scotland I'm lucky I have three excellent gunshops and one stocks an excellent selection of all reloading components. I reload for all my rifles and today was shown a Musgrave .30-06 in as new condition, it's a beauty and am torn between a Parker Hale, a CZ 537 and the Musgrave. The first two are in 7mm Mauser. Decisions decisions!

Is there anything special required for the purchase of powder, primers or bullets? In the U.S. You can walk into a gunshop and choose from one of the 75 odd powders they likely have in stock and walk out without anyone batting an eye. I was just wondering if it is any different over there.

 

[Reiver25]

Is there anything special required for the purchase of powder, primers or bullets? In the U.S. You can walk into a gunshop and choose from one of the 75 odd powders they likely have in stock and walk out without anyone batting an eye. I was just wondering if it is any different over there.

In Scotland/UK you must show your FAC (firearms certificate) to purchase ammo or their components. You can buy non expanding bullets without a certificate but expanding ammo has to be written on your FAC. We had a shortage of Varget powder for a long time but now it's back in stock. When you apply for your FAC you must justify your calibre, what's it's used for and how may rounds of ammo you wish to have at one time.
Regards
Garry

 

[Reiver25]

Or you could decide on all 3 lol ;-)

I wish ! There's a Brno .375 in mint condition for £600 I would like to add to that too !

 

[ChrisG]

In Scotland/UK you must show your FAC (firearms certificate) to purchase ammo or their components. You can buy non expanding bullets without a certificate but expanding ammo has to be written on your FAC. We had a shortage of Varget powder for a long time but now it's back in stock. When you apply for your FAC you must justify your calibre, what's it's used for and how may rounds of ammo you wish to have at one time.
Regards
Garry

Thanks, I only ask because there are a lot of people here that would see the purchasing requirements involve all kinds of red tape and all too often, they look to the UK for inspiration.

 

[Reiver25]

Thanks, I only ask because there are a lot of people here that would see the purchasing requirements involve all kinds of red tape and all too often, they look to the UK for inspiration.

It's not ideal here in UK and to own a firearm you must either be a member of a shooting club or have written permission to shoot on land suitable for the calibres you have asked for. There is no state owned land that you can hunt on and many people pay per stalk/ days hunting or are part of s syndicate who take on an area of private land.
Regards
Garry

 

[Reiver25]

Not

Yes of course those days gone forever but fame Karamojo and 7x57 (275Rigby) remained.
Witold

Not forgetting Jim Corbett as well ! I would love a Rigby .275 but could never afford one !

 

[Reiver25]

It is a shame those days are long gone... I hear a lot of people justifying their use of light rifles by dropping his name... for most people, thats all they know about him, and that he used a light rifle to kill many hundreds of elephants. The only reason he lived to give the 7x57 and the .256 MS the fame they now have in Africa was 90% his almost superhuman shooting skill, 10% super deep penetrating bullets. He once shot 10 rounds from a Enfield sporter into a herd of fleeing zebra, dropping 10 animals in quick succession (likely neck shots on a zebra running 30-40 mph) from a range varying from about 30 to about 120 yards, to basically establish for the Karamojong natives that he was not to be messed with. They, understandably, backed off. I'm a history buff... can't help it.

I think the 7x57 is a great round, but i wouldn't poo poo the .270 either, ballistically, it can easily keep up with the 7x57 and surpass it. Especially since the former has approx. 10 extra grains of case capacity.

To the OP, If you already predominantly use a .270, I would use it! That said, all three have 95% the same capabilities. Pick one and hunt! load up some TSX's and go stalk something! As a side note, Is it terribly difficult to get reloading components in Scotland or the UK? Are powder, primers and bullets fairly easy to find and are they something you can buy over the counter or do you need a license?

The only problem is the .270 isn't legal in some countries, Tazania being one. If I could choose one country to hunt in it would be Tanzania.
Regards
Garry

 

[ChrisG]

The only problem is the .270 isn't legal in some countries, Tazania being one. If I could choose one country to hunt in it would be Tanzania.
Regards
Garry

Then7x57 or .30-06 it is!

 

[Reiver25]

It's not ideal here in UK and to own a firearm you must either be a member of a shooting club or have written permission to shoot on land suitable for the calibres you have asked for. There is no state owned land that you can hunt on and many people pay per stalk/ days hunting or are part of s syndicate who take on an area of private land.
Regards
Garry

And also in Scotland, not the rest of UK, they are bringing in an air weapon licence which is law next January. A total farce typical of the SNP numpties that are very much against fieldsports.
Regards
Garry

 

[ChrisG]

And also in Scotland, not the rest of UK, they are bringing in an air weapon licence which is law next January. A total farce typical of the SNP numpties that are very much against fieldsports.
Regards
Garry

So if you want to hunt without needing a license your limited to what? hoping that a meteor lands on your quarry? The old -"I forsaw a spacerock impact and herded the stag into it's direct path..." -method of hunting... and people think bowhunting takes skill... Bowhunting is like using the starship Enterprise compared to asteroid-happenstance-hunting. I'd imagine a sharpened stick would probably require a license in triplicate. Sorry about the crappy laws over there... But the beautiful landscape of Scotland makes up for some of their injustices I suppose.

 

[Michael Dean]

I think you'll be delighted with your choice of the 7x57 Mauser, I personally have three of them as well as a 270. With the heavier bullets you can use it for any of the plains game and from my personal experience I believe the felt recoil of a 7x57 is about 20% less than the 30-6. My first center fire rifle was a 30-6 and it had no recoil pad. It wasn't long before I traded it in for my 270 and never regretted it.

 

[Reiver25]

So if you want to hunt without needing a license your limited to what? hoping that a meteor lands on your quarry? The old -"I forsaw a spacerock impact and herded the stag into it's direct path..." -method of hunting... and people think bowhunting takes skill... Bowhunting is like using the starship Enterprise compared to asteroid-happenstance-hunting. I'd imagine a sharpened stick would probably require a license in triplicate. Sorry about the crappy laws over there... But the beautiful landscape of Scotland makes up for some of their injustices I suppose.

Bow hunting is also illegal in UK ! I'll keep the faith but if it wasn't for being married with son's I'd have emigrated long ago !

 

[ChrisG]

Bow hunting is also illegal in UK ! I'll keep the faith but if it wasn't for being married with son's I'd have emigrated long ago !

same here... I think I have it bad because I live in the Socialist Dictatorship of New York. If it weren't for my wife and daughter... I would be living in Colorado or Wyoming... or who knows... maybe South Africa!

 

[Witold Krzyżanowski]

Not

Not forgetting Jim Corbett as well ! I would love a Rigby .275 but could never afford one !

I agree with you Reiver25.
Witold

 

[Steve Steyr]

I would recommend the 7x57. It has worked on all sizes of game since 1892. Your PH should get you closer than 300 yards but a 140 grain 7mm at 2850 fps or a 150 grain 7mm at 2750 fps gives up nothing in real world terms to a .270 Win 130 grainer at 3000 fps. It probably shoots as flat as most 30-06 165 and 180 grain loads.
The 7x57 recoils less so it is more fun to practice, practice, and practice with less inclination to get the flinchies.
And it is just a cool nostalgic caliber that always does the job.

 

[Sika98k]

Thanks for all your comments folks, much appreciated. I have seen a Parker Hale .275 for £200 complete with intact iron sights and a Schmidt and Bender 4x36. Decisions decisions!! I've now made my mind up 7x57 mm/ .275 will be my next calibre so that o can be legal for whatever African country I end up going to.
Regards
Garry

Excellent choice of calibre Garry. I took one on a management hunt in Namibia this year. I used a T.T. Proctor. I saw one of his 375,s in Holts last auction. A bit out of my reach.