Moose bullet for 7x57 Mauser

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astocks2622

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I'm trying to develop a go-to hunting load for my wife's rifle, a sporterized 1895 Chilean Mauser with, as best I can tell, the original barrel shortened to 22". We live in Alaska, so this will primarily be for moose. When we lived in the lower 48, I had a nice load built up with the Hornady 139gr BTSP that shot quite well, usually coming in around 1-1.25" at 100. I wanted to get a bit more heavily constructed bullet for use on moose, and chose the 160gr Partition, as I've had great success with them in my 35 Whelen.
I cant get them to shoot worth a darn. I shot a ladder, and found a node of about 30fps over about a 2 grain increase in charge (IMR 4350). I picked a load right in the middle, and loaded up several. they "grouped" around 4".
I know these rifles have throats that just about reach the bore, but I would have thought the longer partitions would be right at home in a rifle that originally was set up for 175gr RN bullets. I'm limited in COAL by the mag length. These bullets aren't, and can't be, anywhere near the lands and still fit in the magazine.
I would really like to get these to shoot well, so any insight or advice would be appreciated.

I also considered going with the 150gr Accubond LR, because it advertises opening down to 1300, and still staying together at magnum velocities. I thought it would be a great bullet for the slower 7mm Mauser, maxing out at about 2650fps and still opening out to 400 yards. I bought a box, but haven't broken the seal on them yet. I've been reading lots of reviews of them opening way to violently and not penetrating. Just wondering if I should return them, or if they might shine at moderate velocities.
 
For 7x57 speeds, do not overlook the Speer Hot Core either in 160 or 175 grain weight. They are a tough bullet in my .280 moving a bit faster, capable of stern to stem penetration on a large whitetail, I think they'd do the job on moose. I've found them to be easy to find a good load for. Also I believe Norma makes a 154 Oryx that should be ideal, designed for heavy game in the 7x57, but they can be tough to find. Swift also makes a 140 and a 160 A-frame semi-spitzer. I have no personal experience with these, but I know the Safari folks use them. The 145 Grand slam may be worth a try. At high speeds it's a deer hammer that passes through on quartering shots, haven't hit anything living at longer ranges to get a feel for performance at slower speeds.

A quick check at Grafs showed the 160 Hot Core, 160 Grand Slam (may be too tough, try 145 at your speeds), the two Swift bullets and a 170 Norma Oryx in stock.

I had the same issues getting the 160 NP to shoot in my .280. I prefer "simple" bullets with fewer moving parts. I have the same long throat issue as you, my rifle being a re-barreled K-98 with the shorter magazine. I don't think these like to jump. Have had the best luck with Speer bullets of various makes.
 
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I used 175 Speers in my 7x57, it shot them well and did a good job on caribou over at Snipe Lake.

My first choice in bullets for heavy game is NP's, but the 7x57 just doesn't push the heavier bullets fast enough to need NP's...

DM
 
Tough bullet that likes jump? Monoliths and scirocco2 are the first ones that come to mind, but the monolithic bullets need speed so if you go that route, I'd go lighter weight.
 
Tough bullet that likes jump? Monoliths and scirocco2 are the first ones that come to mind, but the monolithic bullets need speed so if you go that route, I'd go lighter weight.

Second the copper solids. The Nosler E-tips/Hornady GMX are tough bullets and will expand above 1800fps (claimed) or more practically above 2000fps. With a 140 you should be able to get 2650 at the muzzle and stay above 2000 fps out to 300 yards.
 
I haven't used any of the mono bullets, and have heard numerous reports of them not opening at the bottom of their performance envelope, which is where the 7x57 lives, right?
 
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Second the copper solids. The Nosler E-tips/Hornady GMX are tough bullets and will expand above 1800fps (claimed) or more practically above 2000fps. With a 140 you should be able to get 2650 at the muzzle and stay above 2000 fps out to 300 yards.

I haven't used any of the mono bullets, and have heard numerous reports of them not opening at the bottom of their performance envelope, which is where the 7x57 lives, right?
With a 140 gr etip, a stout charge of h4350, and a 22 inch barrel, I'd expect to get 27-2800 fps. My personal requisite for etips are an impact velocity minimum of 2200 fps, with a conservative mv of 2700 that puts you out around 300 yds, if we're OK with 2000 fps (testing required, and hitting bones changes things too) then you're close to 475 yds. I don't know how long of a shot you're planning on, but getting under 350 yds on a moose SHOULD be fairly doable.....
 
2700-2800 with a mono? You guys realize the OP has a model 1895 Chile contract Mauser...a stout charge of IMR 4350??!! Discretion is the name of the game with a rifle of that vintage when approaching warmish loads. Also these bullets are long for caliber which may cause issues with the OPs magazine/throat fit. I stand by the suggestion of a 160 or 175 Hot Core or some of the other conventional options. An Uber bullet is not necessary at 7x57 speeds. Save those for the coke bottles in modern rifles.
 
@astocks2622 The 139 Hornady worked well for you, have you tried the 154, 162BTSP or 175 from Big Red? The latter of these 2 might also be good options. Interlocks are good bullets also, I just favor the Speers as I got a good deal on a good variety some years ago when a LGS closed and they worked for me.

An interlock is the only bullet I have actually killed a Moose with, but it was a 150 gr .308 from a MI State Police M14 and shot in the head, so not really a direct comparison of what you'll be doing. Did the job though.
 
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2700-2800 with a mono? You guys realize the OP has a model 1895 Chile contract Mauser...a stout charge of IMR 4350??!! Discretion is the name of the game with a rifle of that vintage when approaching warmish loads. Also these bullets are long for caliber which may cause issues with the OPs magazine/throat fit. I stand by the suggestion of a 160 or 175 Hot Core or some of the other conventional options. An Uber bullet is not necessary at 7x57 speeds. Save those for the coke bottles in modern rifles.
I see no issue with your 175 suggestion, but the throat fit is precisely why I suggest the monos, they thrive with a jump, and as for the speed/h4350suggestions, in the original post, the information given suggested that we're comfortable working up a load, but not starting at max. I would certainly never suggest anyone try blowing themselves or their guns up. My krag has shown no issues with upper limits, but I don't exceed the max either. Comparing the design alone between Krag and Mauser, I'd certainly expect even a Chilean to handle what I'm suggesting and the op to be cautious approaching the upper end.
 
Unfortunately, the excellent 7mm 175 gr RNSP from Hornady was discontinued (except for the occasional special run for Federal) a few years ago to free-up production for more plastic and rubber tipped wondercrap bullets.
 
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I would have some concern that the "normal" 175 gr bullets are intended for 7mm Mag velocities and may yield unsatisfactory performance at 7x57mm levels.
 
I would have some concern that the "normal" 175 gr bullets are intended for 7mm Mag velocities and may yield unsatisfactory performance at 7x57mm levels.
175 Speers worked just fine on all the caribou I shot using them, in my 7x57...

I'd want the capability of deeper penetration than 140 NP's will give on a moose, as you don't always get that perfect shot.

DM
 
MidwayUSA keys you in by the picture posted in listing.
The cannelure, Flat Base, tangent ogive, and point are unique characteristics of the Hornady bullets.
MidwayUSA has for years been an outlet for Hornady to dispose of “shootable” blems.
Most often, the blems are just surface stains on jackets that didn’t polish off.

If cost is no concern, the Nosler AccuBond Long Range would be a good option. They are claimed to expand down to 1,300fps. Regular AccuBond and Partition bullets need 1,800-1,900fps to expand.
 
If cost is no concern, the Nosler AccuBond Long Range would be a good option. They are claimed to expand down to 1,300fps. Regular AccuBond and Partition bullets need 1,800-1,900fps to expand.

I just loaded some pf the 150gr ABLR up. I'm hoping they will end up being about right for these speeds. As mentioned in my first post, I've read some reviews of minimal penetration and fragmentation with them, but I assume those were out of 7mm Rem Mag or higher, hitting over 3000 fps. I'm hoping to get 2650. It'll be a while before I can get out and shoot them. I'm thinking of shooting them into wet phone books at 30 yards and 300 yards and seeing how the expansion/penetration balance goes. I know that doesn't replicate real hide & flesh, but it should give me some correlation.
Also, I must have been having a really bad day when I last went to shoot the 160 partitions. I shot last night and was able to get several groups down into the 2.5" range. while NOT the accuracy I was looking for, it's "Minute of Moose" to 300yds, and will get us through this moose season.
 
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