[McX358]

In keep with a tradition of wildcating {it’s a addiction of prime consequence} I’ve have a real sweet Mauser 98 chambered in 7 X 57 Ackely Improved; anyone ever loaded for this? I twisted some up today using (already fireformed Remington 7X57 cases)

Remington cases w/ IMR 4831 53.5 grains. w/ 140 Sptz BT w/ CCI 200 & WLR
Remington cases w/ IMR 4895 44.3 grains w/ 140 Sptz BT w/ WLR
Remington cases w/ IMR 4895 44.3 grains w/ 140 Barnes X CCI 200

From what I can decipher I went with the maximum 7 X 57 load, looking at some of my older Lyman Reloading Manuals; considering the improved case has about 10 grains larger capacity this should be a medium load…Any advise? I have a 257 Ackely on a Mauser and Springfield 03 both are tack drivers. Ackely was way ahead of his time. I’ve looked everywhere for data, on this old but still potent wildcat.

[cpttango30]

You may want to invest in quick load.

I have never seen the 7x57AI in any of my relaoding manuals.

[masterPsmith]

From P.O. Ackley's book.

7x57 Ackley Improved

140gr bullet:

45gr HiVel #2 3064fps

46gr HiVel #2 3120fps

45gr 3031 3124fps

58gr 4350 2774fps compressed charge

49gr 4064 3008fps


I also have data for 130gr,145gr,160gr and 175gr bullets if needed..

Jim..................

[McX358]

I ended up useing IMR 4985 w/ a Barnes 140 X, very accurate, have not conographed it yet; still working wth it, that for the load data. She is real beauty.

[jelsr]

My 7X57 AI is on a 98 Mauser also, 26" Douglas air guaged, Timney trigger w/shoe, and 3X9 Weaver. I chrono'd 3046fps with 52gr 4350 and 139gr Hornady's and the initial bolt movement was a little stiff, primers still round shouldered, and no case expansion. Don't think I could get away with 58gr of 4350 though. Still in the early learning stages with it but it shows promise with 1-1/4" - 1-1/2" at 100 yds. shooting over the top of the car on a windy day. I have a 257 AI built on an Arisaka and it's a tack driver so I have to think the 7 will be good also. Probably shot 20-25 rds in it and half were through the chrono.
Jim

[cpttango30]

Again for odd cartridge see my first post.

52gr to 58 gr is one hell of a jump.

Another thing to watch out for is data from say old manuals like the PO Ackley Book is going to be way too old to use with the new more modern powder. Look at older reloading manuals and you will see a big difference in charge weights.

[jelsr]

Did a lot of snooping before I snapped a cap on the 7. Found a website that had a number of powders and bullet weights. Showed a max of 55gr of H4350 w/140gr Noslers @ 3148fps. I started at 49 gr of H4350 w/139gr Hornadys and worked up till I encountered the bolt resistance. Don't have to pound it or anything, just put your thumb against the scope for increased leverage initially. As I previously mentioned the primers, Rem 9-1/2's and CCI200's, are still as round shouldered as unfired ones. Same situation with 54gr H4831 which BTW is what I use in my 257AI w/ 75 and 87gr Hornady's. I think this info is recent as it shows 3032fps for 52gr H4350 and the 140gr Noslers as compared to my 3046fps
with 139gr Hornadys. 7 X 57 ACKLEY IMPROVED
Jim

[lonniew09]

read your post. i have a 7x57 A.I. and have had great luck w/ the following load.
140 grain sierra spitzer fb
48.5 g H414
CCI 250 primmer

.565 groups consistantly
still messing w bullet seating

trimmed cases to 2.223 can any one confirm this is correct, it is the lenght for 7x57 mauser. i have not been able to find any data on the A.I. cartrige specs. not in P.O. s book or any other reload man i have.

[jelsr]

Thanks for the info, found another 7x57AI here in town (whodathunkit) and his is a tack driver w/140's. What is the twist on your rig? Have a friend in Arkansas with a 7x57AI and 1 in 9 like mine and he says his is best with 150 gr Noslers. CD's is 1 in 10. He is the first fellow I referred to having just moved back from Wichita after about 20 yrs.

[lonniew09]

23'' bbl w/ 9-1/2 twist. any infor on trimmed case lenght for this cartridge?