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Case Histories: 7x57 Mauser cartridge

Case Histories: 7x57 Mauser cartridge

Launched in 1892 as a totally new cartridge design employing an all-new, double-based smokeless propellant, the 7x57 Mauser cartridge was nothing short of revolutionary. Unlike almost all of the earlier ‘smokeless’ cartridges that had started their life as Blackpowder-powered, this employed a case design and capacity specifically tuned for smokeless powder. The quantum shift in ballistic potential afforded by smokeless powder also allowed Mauser to reduce the calibre and weight of the bullet to a .284”, 173-grain, RN FMJ. The resulting rimless bottleneck design could still deliver more energy at distance than almost any other cartridge of the day.

EARLY MILITARY ADOPTION

A suitably chambered rifle from Mauser followed within a year, the Model 1893. The combination was hard to resist and was adopted by Spain as their service cartridge. Within a few years it had been adopted by Mexico and a number of South American and European countries. It soon proved itself as a superior military package in the Cuban-based, Spanish-American War, substantially out-gunning the American .30-40 Krag.

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Following the introduction of the radical ‘Spitz’ design bullet in its big brother the 8mm Mauser, a 139-grain Spitzer bullet became the default design for the 7mm, endowing the cartridge with a near 3000 ft/sec performance. Much of this early military ammo was Berdan-primed and probably very corrosive. Some of it also employed steel jacketed bullets – two good reasons to stick with the modern product.

IMPERIAL CONVERSION

The cartridge collected a host of names, including 7mm Spanish Mauser and .275 Rigby. The latter nomenclature being the Anglicised bore measurement of the Model 1893 Mauser rifle, as distributed in the UK by John Rigby. It is said that he believed that an ‘English’ calibre would be more saleable. There is no doubt that the sporting potential of the cartridge was soon recognised. Custom rifles from Rigby and others soon followed together with early factory chamberings from Winchester and Remington. Over the years there has also been a catalogue M77 model from Ruger, although from memory it was regarded as having poor accuracy. SAAMI pressure rating for the cartridge is set in deference to the M93 and M95 actions. Later, modern arms are more robust but it means that care must be taken to ensure a safe match between arm and ammo. Some manuals make reference to these issues.

WELL SUPPORTED

Most die and tool makers offer kit for this cartridge. Consumables are also plentiful, the .284 (7mm) pill having a healthy number of cartridges to support! A number of factory options exist, ensuring a supply of brass. Case life is modest, even at the conservative SAAMI pressure limits. As it carries such a large baggage of history it has earned a role in everything from historic arms comps to pest control and game hunting. I must confess the 7x57 is not one I’ve worked with so I’m unable to offer a pet recipe. I’ve Goggled rifle prices and it seems this may be the time to add another piece of history to the collection.

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  • Case Histories: 7x57 Mauser cartridge - image {image:count}

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  • Case Histories: 7x57 Mauser cartridge - image {image:count}

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