9x57 Mauser for plains game?

[drbeech1968]

I have an original 1912 Oberndorf Mauser chambered in 9x57 that I am restoring. If it is a good shooter, I am thinking it would be a good option for plains game. If not, possibly rebore to 9.3x62? Any advice or thoughts are welcome! Many thanks!

 

[gajie270]

though i have no experience with the cartridge i couldn't see how it wouldn't be good for plains game. very similar to 308 or 338 federal both of whom are very proven in the field.

 

[CJW]

I don't see why it wouldn't work for PG. It will be a handloading affair as I don't believe anyone makes 9x57 ammunition. But as long as you're okay with that it should be fine.

 

[gajie270]

I don't see why it wouldn't work for PG. It will be a handloading affair as I don't believe anyone makes 9x57 ammunition. But as long as you're okay with that it should be fine.

from a quick google search Norma makes some and besides that its custom manufacturers. The best bet is hand loading IMO

 

[Tom Leoni]

I think it would be a mistake to rechamber it. With a 245gr bullet traveling at 2,200 f/s, the 9x57 is plenty powerful for any plains game I can think of, and it gives you a sectional density equal that of a 180gr .308" bullet.

Plus it has mild recoil.

 

[mdwest]

Ive never shot a 9x57... but based on the ballistics information out there and the known history of the cartridge, I cant think of any PG it wouldn't be suited for...

It might be a little light for my tastes for something like eland or giraffe.. but heaven knows tons and tons of eland and giraffe have fallen to cartridges with less ballistic capability over the years..

for stuff like wildebeest, zebra, sable, kudu, and the like, I cant see how it wouldn't be way more than up to the task.. A .308 with 168gr TTSX has dropped everything I've ever pointed it at effectively.. and the 9x57 with a 245gr projectile offers more capability than it does..

 

[flatwater bill]

@drbeech1968 I hope your rifle is a good shooter, and in good shape. If so, it would be a delight in Africa. Holding a fine rifle with a bit of nostalgic history while hunting is like holding a pretty girl.....the entire experience is better. It would be a challenge to "rebore" most of these (1/100 of an inch) even though it could be done. I would encourage you to slug the bore if there is any question, as some have been known to take a considerably smaller bullet (eg .353 even). And FWIW you will find vastly different hunting styles reflected in the responses......some only interested in the score, and others more on how the game was played. My Uncle Bob accompanied me to Namibia, and he took a .358 Win. Very similar in performance. It was a marvelous trip, and took some fine trophies including the tough ones: Blue, Zebra and Oryx. Probably light for Eland, but that was not his quarry. Still, he harvested a Bonanza with the little 358 and I expect you can as well..........all the best..................FWB

 

[John Telford]

the 9x57 will be quite suitable for PG and I assume you will be shooting open sited? If so I would hunt Limpopo or other bush areas where the expected range should be 150 meters max. Not a good idea to rechamber as I suspect the barrel is too thin to rebore to 9.3.

 

[steve white]

You could fill several train cars with the game that has already been shot in South Africa with the 9x57. The dutch were there first, after all.

 

[degoins]

I've shot a few whitetail deer with mine........it killed them good and dead. so it should work on plains game.
And Reed's Ammunition did make loaded ammo for it. I bought 2 boxes from them when I got my 9x57 a few years ago......2017, I think. They had 2 different loads, one with 250 grain JSPs and the other with a 280 grain cast bullet. I only tried the 250 grain ones.

 

[drbeech1968]

@drbeech1968 I hope your rifle is a good shooter, and in good shape. If so, it would be a delight in Africa. Holding a fine rifle with a bit of nostalgic history while hunting is like holding a pretty girl.....the entire experience is better. It would be a challenge to "rebore" most of these (1/100 of an inch) even though it could be done. I would encourage you to slug the bore if there is any question, as some have been known to take a considerably smaller bullet (eg .353 even). And FWIW you will find vastly different hunting styles reflected in the responses......some only interested in the score, and others more on how the game was played. My Uncle Bob accompanied me to Namibia, and he took a .358 Win. Very similar in performance. It was a marvelous trip, and took some fine trophies including the tough ones: Blue, Zebra and Oryx. Probably light for Eland, but that was not his quarry. Still, he harvested a Bonanza with the little 358 and I expect you can as well..........all the best..................FWB

Amen. I could not agree more. I just returned from Zimbabwe and carried a .470 double in the bush for several days. Like you said, hunting with the nostalgic calibers makes it all the more sweeter!

 

[PerH]

Check if it is .355 or .357 rifling .

If .357 , the ø358s will be good with a 250 grain.

 

[CJW]

from a quick google search Norma makes some and besides that its custom manufacturers. The best bet is hand loading IMO

I'm not sure where you're seeing the Norma stuff. Their site only lists 9.3x57. The question about the custom loaders is whether they're using properly headstamped 9x57 cases. This will prove vital in Africa if they visually check your ammo. I'm guessing most or all are not. Grafs lists 9x57 headstamped cases but they're $3/case.

 

[degoins]

Reeds uses 8x57 brass.

 

[drbeech1968]

I'm not sure where you're seeing the Norma stuff. Their site only lists 9.3x57. The question about the custom loaders is whether they're using properly headstamped 9x57 cases. This will prove vital in Africa if they visually check your ammo. I'm guessing most or all are not. Grafs lists 9x57 headstamped cases but they're $3/case.

I know Buffalo Arms loads some for the 9x57 when you can catch them in stock with 250 grain RN or Spitzers using proper headstamped cases.

 

[drbeech1968]

Check if it is .355 or .357 rifling .

If .357 , the ø358s will be good with a 250 grain.

I know Buffalo Arms loads .356 bullets, both RN and Spitzers for it on proper head stamped brass. It would be a neat gun for medium/short range in heavy bush. Might add a low power scope in quick detachable mounts, just in case.

 

[leslie hetrick]

if you get around to reloading, i have a set of redding 9mmx57 dies #80357.

 

[drbeech1968]

if you get around to reloading, i have a set of redding 9mmx57 dies #80357.

Thank you! I reload for almost every caliber I shoot. It is a fun hobby.

 

[drbeech1968]

I'm not sure where you're seeing the Norma stuff. Their site only lists 9.3x57. The question about the custom loaders is whether they're using properly headstamped 9x57 cases. This will prove vital in Africa if they visually check your ammo. I'm guessing most or all are not. Grafs lists 9x57 headstamped cases but they're $3/case.

I have been to Africa many times and hunted in several countries. I have yet to have someone check for proper head stamped brass. On my recent trip to Zim, they counted the number quickly and verified it matched the number on the permit. Not to say they won't check, I'm just saying it has not happened to me. The one time they questioned the number of rounds, which I knew was correct, was settled with a couple $20 bills! Such is Africa...

 

[CJW]

I have been to Africa many times and hunted in several countries. I have yet to have someone check for proper head stamped brass. On my recent trip to Zim, they counted the number quickly and verified it matched the number on the permit. Not to say they won't check, I'm just saying it has not happened to me. The one time they questioned the number of rounds, which I knew was correct, was settled with a couple $20 bills! Such is Africa...

Nobody even looked at my ammunition. That said, I'm not giving anybody any excuses to make trouble.