7x57m handloads

[Earle]

As per another thread i started on 7x57 info, everything has come together and it's time to do some reloading, That's where the questions start. Hornady lists the 162 Amax at 2500fps, but i find lot's of other data that bests that by 200fps. I want to get the most from the Amax as i have a ton of them, but the rifle in question is a Brno 21F. Is the Brno safe to exceed the Hornady maximum. I'd like to get 2600fps. It's only a 21" barrel. Thots?

 

[SteveNZ]

You will probably lose some velocity with the shorter barrel, depending on powder.
(I haven't used the 162g in my 24 inch barreled Brno 21).

 

[Earle]

Ya, i figure i'll lose about 100fps. I can live with that. I just wonder how the Brno will handle the extra velocity.

 

[Joker12]

Hornady data is many times very conservative and in general everyone's 7x57 data is all over the spectrum. The only way to really know is to carefully work up loads for your rifle. That being said I have no problem pushing 154gr Hornady interlocks accurately to 2740fps in my rifle so you should be in that ballpark with the slightly heavier bullet as well. Slower powders should work best.

 

[Shootist43]

Here is a QuickLoad Simulation using your desired bullet in a 21" barrel.

 

[Lone Star Bluegrass]

Hornady data is many times very conservative and in general everyone's 7x57 data is all over the spectrum. The only way to really know is to carefully work up loads for your rifle. That being said I have no problem pushing 154gr Hornady interlocks accurately to 2740fps in my rifle so you should be in that ballpark with the slightly heavier bullet as well. Slower powders should work best.

What he said.

Hornady had a bad day today so they get a pass from me on critiquing their pub.

 

[sestoppelman]

As per another thread i started on 7x57 info, everything has come together and it's time to do some reloading, That's where the questions start. Hornady lists the 162 Amax at 2500fps, but i find lot's of other data that bests that by 200fps. I want to get the most from the Amax as i have a ton of them, but the rifle in question is a Brno 21F. Is the Brno safe to exceed the Hornady maximum. I'd like to get 2600fps. It's only a 21" barrel. Thots?

21"? Sure it isnt 22"? Measure from the bolt face to the muzzle. That is the proper length.

Action should be strong enuf for any but an insane load. It is however no youngster either, work up slowly looking for pressure signs.
Its still a fairly small cartridge, dont expect .270 ballistics.

 

[wswolf]

According to the latest Speer manual one can expect velocity to decrease of about 20 fps per inch of barrel less than 24 inches.

The 7x57 has a maximum average pressure of 51,000 psi compared to 61,000 psi for the 7-08.
The 7x57 has a slightly greater case capacity than the 7-08 Rem so 7-08 velocity is safely achievable.
Since velocity and pressure are linked, velocity is the handloaders best indication of pressure. Visible pressure signs like marks on the case-head or stiff bolt lift only become apparent at 70,000 psi or greater.

7x57 chambers vary greatly in the length of the throat so pressure will vary greatly with individual rifles. To get maximum performance work up loads with aid of a chronograph and do not exceed the velocity of pressure-tested 7-08 loads.

I found that StaBall 6.5, using Hodgdon's 7-08 data, produced high velocity and excellent accuracy with 145 LRX and 150 Nosler Ballistic Tips. Have not tried any heavier bullets.

 

[Nevada Mike]

However, the 7mm-08 has a longer leade allowing somewhat more pressure. Some 7X57s do too, others don't have the longer leade.

I found it difficult to get reliable data on modern 7X57 loads. They are all over the place on velocities and pressure. I THINK you could safely use 7mm-08 data if employing usual load development principals.

 

[wswolf]

Nevada Mike,
I think we are on pretty much the same page. I do not advocate using published 7-08 powder charges. My claim is that if one works up to 7-08 velocity, assuming the same powder and adjusting for barrel length, the pressure will be very similar. I got the idea from John Barsness' Big Book of Gun Gack.

 

[Earle]

Wow Guy's. Lots of good usable info there. Think i'm going to go the 7-08 route as I have a good selection of listed powders.

 

[Nevada Mike]

As for powders, Norma 203B and RL-15 seem to e good choices.

 

[roverandbrew]

I have enjoyed reading some of the 7x57 load data in "The Big Book of Gun Gack" by John Barsness. Pretty common sense.

 

[F. Vaccaro]

I have great respect for the 7X57, it performs very well with standard loads. I’ve been loading for about 65 years & have found loading for top accuracy rather than top velocity is very rewarding. Usually easier on brass, your shoulder, & often the firearm.
Top accuracy usually occurs about 2 grains below maximum.

 

[roverandbrew]

Nevada Mike,
I think we are on pretty much the same page. I do not advocate using published 7-08 powder charges. My claim is that if one works up to 7-08 velocity, assuming the same powder and adjusting for barrel length, the pressure will be very similar. I got the idea from John Barsness' Big Book of Gun Gack.

I wish I read your post all the way through before I posted mine.

 

[cash_tx]

I have great respect for the 7X57, it performs very well with standard loads. I’ve been loading for about 65 years & have found loading for top accuracy rather than top velocity is very rewarding. Usually easier on brass, your shoulder, & often the firearm.
Top accuracy usually occurs about 2 grains below maximum.

I am of that exact same mindset. I don't mind giving up a handful of FPS in exchange for pinpoint accuracy.

 

[HWL]

Qu

As per another thread i started on 7x57 info, everything has come together and it's time to do some reloading, That's where the questions start. Hornady lists the 162 Amax at 2500fps, but i find lot's of other data that bests that by 200fps. I want to get the most from the Amax as i have a ton of them, but the rifle in question is a Brno 21F. Is the Brno safe to exceed the Hornady maximum. I'd like to get 2600fps. It's only a 21" barrel. Thots?

Quick Load is your friend......
Answers all your questions, those too, you not even thought about.

HWL

 

[Longwalker]

The barrel length on my Brno 22F is 20.5". Your rifle may vary a bit, but mine gets exactly 2600 fps from a 48 grain charge of H4350 and a standard LR primer. With either the Speer Mag tip or Hornady SST 160 grain bullets. I've loaded test loads to 49 grains without signs of excess pressure in my rifle.