Powder for 7x57

[hotajax]

Wife tossed all my old targets where I worked up some loads before I stopped shooting. I want to start up again, and it's like starting from scratch. Therefore can any of you gents recommend BALL powder (goes through the measure easier, and I'm not entering any matches) for use with lighter bullets in the Mauser? It would be great if you had a proven load you don't mind sharing. Thanks

 

[NCsmitty]

You should be able to get good results from Win760/H414 (same powder) in most bullet weights. If you're in a cold climate, I recommend a magnum primer in the recipe for consistent ignition with ball powder.
You can verify the loads at www.hodgdon.com.



NCsmitty

 

[soloban]

I used Win 748 in my 8x57. I'd recommend starting on the high side of the load data.

 

[Kernel]

Depends on bullet weight. For the typical 120-140gr bullet in the 7x57, powders in the speed range of 4350, RL-17, and N150 are ideal. Lighter bullets, use a slightly faster powder. Heavier bullets, use a slightly slower powder.

Don't use 8x57 load data. It's a completely different cartridge. Nothing about the two are interchangeable. It's more than just caliber. Case dimensions are different, pressure ratings are not the same, and case capacities are different. In general, the 8x57 is going to like a powder a step, or two, faster.

 

[cheygriz]

760/H414, and 748/H335 are truly excellent.

If you like extruded powders, 4895 anbd 4064 are hard to beat.

 

[Maj Dad]

hotajax,
I have and use a lot of ball/spherical rifle powders, 748, H335, H380, Bl-C(2), 2460, 2520 among them, and I have to say that while they surely meter easier, there are some cartridges which just do better with other powders. My very best loads with the 7x57 use IMR (and now there are other mfrs) 4064, ever since I started loading for it in 1970. I'm always partial to convenience and utility, and to get around the grain cutting on my Lyman 55 (and I might add it's not that big an issue for me) I use a Lee dipper kit to get pretty close to the load, then dribble on the scale to reach it. So, while you do ask for ball powders and I understand, I would recommend that you consider others if your goal is achieving the most accurate loads and not just better metering.
Good luck regardless - it's a great round to load for...