Spanish Mauser Advice?

[InterWebGuy]

Hey all, I just recently picked up a sporterized Spanish Mauser (model 1893) in 7.5x57mm Mauser, and I was wondering if anyone out there had some advice on how to get the most out of it. It's not in the best of shape (bluing isn't great, the scope it came with is a cheap chinese red-dot), but the price was right, and I've read good things about the round.

However, I don't know too much about shooting centerfires at any serious distances, nor do I know much about the ballistics of the 7mm Mauser round... can anyone give me a few pointers on shooting my new (to me) Mauser?

Also, what would you say the best type of bullet for deer would be...soft point, maybe? Does it even matter when using something the size of a 7.5x57mm?

And my last question: what type of ammo would you recommend, and how much should I buy? I bought a 20 round box of S&B SP 150gr (and it wasn't cheap!), but I don't want to waste money on the one hand, or get crappy substandard ammo on the other. Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks guys,
-IWG

 

[SamG.]

I'd pitch the scope, clean it up the best you can. Also about the ammo, I wouldn't by the S&B for daily shooting. You could try to find some surplus around. Soft point is fine for deer. Pictures might help?

 

[Mr_Pale_Horse]

It is 7x57, not 7.5x57.

First, you have to see if it will group. I have had older spanish mausers that had worn out barrels and were little more than decorations.

If it will keep a decent group at 50-100 yards (about max for red dot or mauser military iron sights) Federal, Winchester, Hornady, Prvi Partizan, Sellier & Bellot and Remington all make hunting ammo in the 139-173 grain range, most around 140 grain pointed soft point bullets.

My favorite are the Federal Premium loads with a 140 grain Nosler partition; second is the Remington Express 140 gr Pointed Soft Point Core-Lokt loads; see if it groups with either of them. If so, you are done. Both are a good deer medicine.

 

[browningguy]

I really like the S&B 173 Gr. SPCE load for deer hunting, and it usually sells for around $13 a box, can't get 7x57 much cheaper than that. Basically any 140 gr. load will do whatever you need on deer size game. I'd clean it up, put a low power Bushnell 1.5-4.5 or something similar and head to the range with 2-3 different loads to try out, it might surprise you.

I shoot an 1891 Argie Mauser in 7.65 and it still shoots great groups with my handloads, never tried factory ammo in it though.