7x57 advice...

[Blucollar]

I would like to have a 7x57, I don't really want to buy a handi and send it off for another barrel if there's another way.
Did or do they make them as a complete rifle?
Are they older?   if so are the frames ok (SB2)?
I know i've seen some posts on this caliber, just trying to get a head start on my search.
Thanks

[quickdtoo]

The 7x57 is no longer available, hasn't been made for several years, best option is a 7mm-08,  you could have it rechambered to 7x57AI, or have a .223 barrel rebored to 7mm and rechambered, or have a stubbed barrel made in 7x57, or wait to find one of the fairly rare factory made rifles or barrels, it's been offered by HR1871 at least once, mine was made in 2000.

Tim

[trotterlg]

I have thought about rechambering a 7mm-08 with a 7X57 reamer and just shooting it as it turns out.  Only thing that would happen is that about .100 back from the sholder the case would expand about .015 more than a proper chamber would let it.  We know it is safe to shoot standard rounds in an AI chamber which lets them expand 10 times that amount, so there would be no safety issue I could see.  Any expanded cases would simply get resized back to normal in a sizing die.  Could shorten the case life some, but then not everyone reloads, so it may be a non-issue.  The new sholder would be cleanly cut so there would not be a head space issue.  Anyone got a 7mm-08 barrel for a science experment?  I have a 7X57 reamer.  Larry

[Blucollar]

Thanks for the info, I guess at this time I'll just be patient.
 
7mm-08 is a good round and I would like to have one, but I want the 7x57 also.

I just like something a little different I guess.

May have to look for something other than a Handi on this one.

[FW Conch]

  blu, you cannot get better advise than you got above but I will chip in anyway . Since it sounds like you

don't have eather yet, get the 7mm-08 first, especially if you get it in the Handi. No matter what you shoot

with a 7-57 or 7mm-08 THE TARGET WON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE !  After you shoot the 7mm-08 for a while,

if the 7-57 bug is still "gnawing" on you, nostalgia or whatever reasons, then you can ream out, get another rifle,

whatever. I have the same dilemma between the 260Rem. or the 6.5x55Sd. except that I really don,t NEED

eather because I already have a sweet shooting 7mm-08 ! Good Luck- Let us know what you do !  Jim

[PHATINJUN]

I thought I read some where that the 7x57 was best suited for a 1-8 twist and that was what all the really good older rifles had. Did the 1-10 H&R bbl have anything to do with it's discontinuation. Kurt

[MSP Ret]

I don't think so, I have had a 7x57 barrel since about 1998-99 that was factory fitted. I go it the first year they came out and it is a great shooter. I bugged them for one and waited about a year and a half and finally got a call that they were going to make 7x57 barrels and they (the old CS!!) asked if I still wanted one, YES!!! and I sent a frame right in, they replaced the frame and gave me one a year newer to carry the "high intensity" barrel for no charge!! The old H&R/NEF CS was GREAT, and they knew I had been waiting since I had heard about them on a trip to the factory for some work on a gun. I also had a 24" 12 gauge barrel with choke tubes fitted to that new receiver as well as the original 45-70 barrel that had come with the first frame. Boy I miss Gardner!!! There was really no reason for them to discontinue the 7x57. It was similar to the decision to discontinue the .357 Mag. That was changed because of the outcry but they never brought back the fine classic 7x57, at that time there was no group like we have now, just a few of us single shot nuts out there. I am very happy to have one, and it shoots great....<><....   

[dpe.ahoy]

I sure wish they would do another run of the 7x57.  That is what started me with my love-affair with the 7mm's.  It's a great old cartridge that is as useful today as when it was brought out.  I would have to get one if they do!  DP

[AtlLaw]

My 7x57 was made in the early 2000's, can't remember the exact year, and I really like it.  So much infact that I've got a project bolt rifle in the works in that cartridge.   

I believe the faster twists on the older rifles were because of the heavier, read longer, bullets used way back in the olden times  compared to what is normally used now; in the 7mm think of 175 gr. then vs. 140 gr. now.  Whatever the twist is on my Handi it works fine with 140 gr. bullets.   

[dpe.ahoy]

Sooo, once you get the bolt gun done you won't be needing that poor, old, pop-gun 7x57 any more, right Richard?   I promise I will give her a good home and hold her and hug her every day.  Might even allow 'visitatin' for ya my friend.   I do believe you are correct sir on the reason for the fast twist.  I've had 2 98's and 2 95's in that chambering.  They shot pretty good with the lighter weights once I played with setting depth for the bullets.  They always got the job done.  Guess I'll have to stick with the 7mm-08 or 280.   DP

[AtlLaw]

You know it's funny how I got that rifle.  Bought it over on AR15.com.  I wanted a 7x57 and couldn't agree on a price with a guy who had a Ruger #1.  Then this thing came up and I got it with a cheap scope and a box of ammo (minus 4 rounds) shipped to my dealer for $220.  I was pretty happy.  It had sat there on the AR15.com classifieds for a while.  None of those guys wanted a Handi.   

Some of the fellows on the NEF List wanted it and one offered me ANY NEF/H&R I wanted plus some change for it.  That was before I'd heard about this forum from MSP Ret and I'd asked them if they thought it sounded like a fair price.   

She's wearing a very pretty laminated thumbhole stock now!   

[quickdtoo]

She's wearing a very pretty laminated thumbhole stock now!   

Great minds think alike, mine too!! 

Tim

[AtlLaw]

I think it was the pictures of your's that gave the idea Tim!