7 x 57 ammo - The Firearms Forum

twigbender · 12-23-2011, 05:07 PM

I just bought 100 rounds of 7 x 57 at an auction for little or nothing. They are good clean, unfired rounds. They are all fmj bullets and the headstamp reads: "PS" at the top and "1943" at the bottom. My question is, should I fire these rounds or just pull the bullets, dump the powder and reload them? I'll use them in a Ruger No. 1.

Lanrezac · 12-23-2011, 05:36 PM

I think that to make the best decision, you need to know if 1) these rounds have corrosive primers, and 2) if they are Berdan primed. Both of these things were common in WWII-era military ammunition.

A lot of people regard corrosive ammo as no big deal, if you know how to clean the gun properly. However, many people prefer not to mess with it. And as I understand it, not many people reload Berdan brass, so if that's what it is, you will have to use the original primers to get any use out of it at all.

I don't know enough about cartridge headstamps to tell you either of these things about your rounds, but someone here probably does. Good luck! (BTW, I think a Ruger single shot in 7mm Mauser would be an extremely nice rifle to hunt whitetails with.)

retired grunt · 12-23-2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lanrezac

(BTW, I think a Ruger single shot in 7mm Mauser would be an extremely nice rifle to hunt whitetails with.)

I had a Ruger Model 77 in 7x57mm since 1978 that I used for deer. very good cartridge!
My rifle liked the remington cor lokt 140 grainers

JLA · 12-23-2011, 10:02 PM

Shoot one and look into the case with a light. if there are 2 flashholes then just shoot them and scrap the brass, who cares if they are corrosive, just clean the bore afterwards with windex to neutralize the salts and then as normal with solvents and oil.

The 7X57 is a ballistically wonderful round. perfect balance of power, range and recoil. Not many cartridges fill that bill IMO.

gun-nut · 12-24-2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

The 7X57 is a ballistically wonderful round. perfect balance of power, range and recoil. Not many cartridges fill that bill IMO.

Agree 100% Its a good round!! I have 3 7mm. 2 are sported and a Brazialian thats still full military. There are a nice range of bullets and powders to use to reload with. The military surpluss is hard to find ,but plenty of new manufactured brass and full loaded ammo out there. I cant say one bad thing about the 7mm. I have taken a deer as well with the one,and it hit its mark at 200 yards and she fell like a rock.

gun-nut · 12-24-2011, 06:48 AM

I found this cite it dont say if it is reloadable but it will help out on the manufactering of it. http://cartridgecollectors.org/headstampcodes.htm

twigbender · 12-24-2011, 05:29 PM

Thanks for the help, gentlemen!!

12-23-2011, 05:07 PM	#1
twigbender Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Northern Minnesota Posts: 2	7 x 57 ammo I just bought 100 rounds of 7 x 57 at an auction for little or nothing. They are good clean, unfired rounds. They are all fmj bullets and the headstamp reads: "PS" at the top and "1943" at the bottom. My question is, should I fire these rounds or just pull the bullets, dump the powder and reload them? I'll use them in a Ruger No. 1. __________________ "Texas Red had not cleared leather 'fore a bullet fairly ripped, and the Ranger's aim was deadly with the big iron on his hip." -->

12-23-2011, 05:36 PM	#2
Lanrezac Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Milwaukee, WI Posts: 685	Re: 7 x 57 ammo I think that to make the best decision, you need to know if 1) these rounds have corrosive primers, and 2) if they are Berdan primed. Both of these things were common in WWII-era military ammunition. A lot of people regard corrosive ammo as no big deal, if you know how to clean the gun properly. However, many people prefer not to mess with it. And as I understand it, not many people reload Berdan brass, so if that's what it is, you will have to use the original primers to get any use out of it at all. I don't know enough about cartridge headstamps to tell you either of these things about your rounds, but someone here probably does. Good luck! (BTW, I think a Ruger single shot in 7mm Mauser would be an extremely nice rifle to hunt whitetails with.)

12-23-2011, 10:02 PM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,303	Re: 7 x 57 ammo Shoot one and look into the case with a light. if there are 2 flashholes then just shoot them and scrap the brass, who cares if they are corrosive, just clean the bore afterwards with windex to neutralize the salts and then as normal with solvents and oil. The 7X57 is a ballistically wonderful round. perfect balance of power, range and recoil. Not many cartridges fill that bill IMO. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

12-24-2011, 06:48 AM	#6
gun-nut Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: ohio Contributor Posts: 931	Re: 7 x 57 ammo I found this cite it dont say if it is reloadable but it will help out on the manufactering of it. http://cartridgecollectors.org/headstampcodes.htm __________________ Don't retreat just reload.

12-24-2011, 05:29 PM	#7
twigbender Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Northern Minnesota Posts: 2	Re: 7 x 57 ammo Thanks for the help, gentlemen!! __________________ "Texas Red had not cleared leather 'fore a bullet fairly ripped, and the Ranger's aim was deadly with the big iron on his hip."