el Godfather
Member
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2012
- Messages
- 1,847
I would go with the 7X57 then the 243. I would pick a 7 mm-08 over the 7X57, but there is great history with the 7X57.
The history bit you eluded to is very important, in fact. I personally believe that from a collector’s point view a 7x57 is a must have.
As much as I love elephants (for their majestic and adorable character) I will have to mention Walter D.M. Bell and his adventure in Africa with x57 - kind of explains why its such a caliber that can hunt anything; and so effortlessly. Check out the whole astonishing story if you are interested at: https://www.chuckhawks.com/bell_elephants.htm
I'd buy it if I got the stimulus check. I my have to sell my Enfield and some other guns, I need this one.
I am assuming 303 British? That is an other amazing round more so are the smooth actions of Enfield bolts. Amazing. I had one handed to me by my father but my cousin conned it from me stating that it was promised to him. I asked my father and he simple said there was no such promise except he used it occasionally but leave it if he is so bent upon having it. Coincidentally, he shot an old round that got stuck half way down the barrel. I offered to get it out and fix it but thinking that I might not give it back he safe queened it making some silly excuse not worth mentioning - this was back in 1992 or 93. I am sure of it that its rotting.
Since then I always thought of buying a similar one but did not come across a clean piece. The shorter ones with rubber on stock. Mark 5 Jungle Carbine.
Sorry for detour.
If you are a hand loader, the difference between the 7x57 and the .270 are negligible. If you like heavier bullets, pick the 7x57. If you like lighter bullets, pick the .270.
yep- x57 can be one rifle go around. You might find this interesting: https://www.rifleshootermag.com/edi...an-elevate-the-7x57-mausers-performance/83658
I wish I knew how to hand load and had all the apparatus available.
Sorry but I have to tell another story. One of my uncles was dying of terminal cancer. I went to see him and he took me on a tour of his house (he was an avid hunter and authority on guns in my neck of woods). He showed me his reloading machines etc among many of fine quality rifle collection mostly by Weatherby. Anyways I had tea, chatted a little and left.
Later when he died I asked my aunt about his collection. She told me some jerk off dealer made a really good offer and took everything but has not paid in full. I asked why did she not tell me. She said your uncle took you around to see all the stuff but you did not show any interest. Whereas out of politeness and etiquettes I had not asked a dying man to sell his stuff. I did appreciate everything in detail though. Lesson learned but oh well.