M70 7mm Mauser

[SJB358]

With all the talk about the new 7mm Mauser in the Featherweight, I wanted to take my son's out and shoot it some. It is such a sweet rifle. I haven't really jumped whole hog into anykind of load work for it, but I got lucky, right outta the gate with 52 grains of RL19 and the 140 BT.

It is has even shot the 160 PT's pretty well too, around 2700 or so

Well, what I failed to mention is when I was trying to sneak out the door, my son asked me where I was going... Well, long story short, he jumped in the truck and decided to go along.

Well, I didn't get any trigger time on his 7mm, but he shot a good group...

Then had another one started, but caved.. As I looked through the spotter, he stacked the first two, then zinged the 3rd.. I told him to take a minute and relax, but the 4th still went a little wide. Really, we should have put the rifle away, as that little barrel gets warm and will start to walk shots.. Pretty fun time though..

So, anyone looking for a sweet rifle, that has very little recoil and a BIG return on ballistics, take a look at the 7mm Mauser (especially in that new FWT)... I think a guy could do much worse and with that longer tube on it, I bet you would really have a force to be reckoned with running those new 150 ABLR's around 2850-2900. If you haven't ran the numbers, give them a whirl. You'll be surprised the energy it retains out to 500 yards.. Elk kinda energy!

 

[DrMike]

That could certainly get me fired up. Yes, I'd likely shoot 140 grain bullets in that particular rifle.

 

[SJB358]

That could certainly get me fired up. Yes, I'd likely shoot 140 grain bullets in that particular rifle.

Yeah, I am thinking of giving the 140 AB a try till I get the 150 ABLR's Mike. It is a very sweet cartridge and I haven't even given it a really good wringing out. It seems to shoot really well though. I know it is making me kinda want one myself. Maybe they'll be a couple left after the boy moves out and takes his away from me!

Oh, the Winchester is very nice, you can load them long in order to not crowd the space. 52 grains of RL19 fits right into the shoulder area, slightly compressed. With 140's it is a little slow for higher speeds, but it works for what I am trying to do right now. It works better yet with the heavier bullets I think.

 

[DrMike]

I was playing with QL, and the 140 AB and RL19 in that new 26 inch tube will be touching 3000 fps, which is pretty good.

 

[SJB358]

Yeah. I would say so Mike! That could be alot fun!

 

[JD338]

Scotty,

That is one nice rifle and it is a shooter.
I couldn't think of a better bullet than the 140 gr BT for deer or a 150 gr PT for deer and elk.

JD338

 

[pre6422hornet]

Very nice Scotty!

That little rifle is a shooter for sure.

 

[Luv2Hunt]

I too have two of the 7x57's in the house (one for me, one for my son). I enjoy shooting them immensely and they seem to respond so well. The caliber doesn't seem to be very finicky. Yours is doing outstanding.

 

[PJGunner]

My M70 FWT in 7x57 is one of my favorite rifles. I have three 7x57s, the M70, a Ruger #1A and a custom built on an FN Mauser action. The M70 and Ruger handle my 140 gr. BT load without any problem but it's a bit too hot for the Mauser. For spits and grins a while back, I loaded up some 175 gr. Hornady round nose to duplicate the 1892 velocity using W760. The Ruger and M70 were in the 2300 FPS range with 44.0 gr., Remington brass and Winchester WLR primer. The Mauser which has a very tight chamber and match grade barrel gave 2410 FPS. According to my Winchester booklet, pressure is supposed to be right around 44,500 C.U.P. which leads me to believe I can boost that up a hair or two. 8) All three rifles will shoot at one inch or less depending on how well I'm shooting. :lol: I do like the cartridge.
Paul B.

 

[SJB358]

You guys all nailed it. Light recoil and excellent ballistics. I love how slick it feeds in the rifle.

Paul, I might try some 175's. just for grins. I shot a few of the factory loads that came with the rifle. They were Remington 175's running 2375. Almost no recoil.

 

[nvbroncrider]

Thanks for the help pushing me over the edge Scotty!! What did the 52gr 140 BT group measure? Looks like an elephant gun to me!

 

[SJB358]

No idea Jake, I really don't measure groups. I like them to be right around the 1" or less mark at 100, then I like to take them back to 300 or better to see how they hold up. I just have a hard time staying focussed at 100 yards. Love to shoot longer though. That same load of RL19 has turned in some great groups out of that rifle. It's even better since I've been able to tune up the trigger a little.

 

[nvbroncrider]

So I saw the first M70 7mm Mauser on GB was kinda disappoined 22" barrel. So I went and verified on the Winchester site and it's true no 26" barrel just a 22". Oh well I think one will still find it's way to my hands.

 

[elkeater2]

Scotty,
My first elk fell to a 7x57 with 139 Hornady at about the same velocity you're getting. When matched up that way, the non-premium bullets expand reliably and penetrate well (2700-2900 fps impact velocity). Eleanor O'Connor flattened all kinds of game out with her 7x57. You and your son have a great setup there!
EE2

 

[Oldtrader3]

I guess you found the set screw for trigger pull poundage setup? I have my Model 70's set at about 2 pounds. The nice thing about it with Model 70's is the 1936 trigger is the same as the 2005 model.

I have never loaded for a 7mm Mauser. I owned sporterized Mexican Mauser once but never loaded for it because it was soft steel. The closest I have been is owning and loading for the .257 Roberts and the 6mm Rem.

Sweet rig for your son! Is that a ZA5 or ZA3 scope on it?

 

[SJB358]

It is a ZA3 3x9 Charlie. Excellent scope. The Minox 3x9 ZA3's are pretty nice overall, and fairly compact scopes.

 

[Hegland]

Good show, man. We'll be listening for your whoops this fall when that kid drops a deer.

 

[nvbroncrider]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =336195071

 

[SJB358]

Man, I think I would like a 2nd one! Those are SHARP!

 

[DrMike]

I have one on order; it may be in store by the time I get home. This should be great.