7x64

[umshiniwam]

I will go for a .22 Anschutz and a 7x57 Mauser. The .22 for keeping my eye in, rabbits, crows etc and the 7x57 for the one gun do it all. If Mr Bell could shoot in excess of 1000 pachyderms with his then there is no reason why I cannot use it on anything in the bush so long as it is inside 200m. Beware the man with one gun who uses one bullet weight!

Dave,

you seem to be itching for a 7x57...I must say that the temptation to own one of these is becoming too great for me as well. It just seems to be a chambering that a true rifleman should have. I would prefer a 7x64 though...just for that extra bit of oomph and it can be downloaded to duplicate the 7x57.

[Webster]

Umshiniwam - Good on you! That is exactly how I feel - I would trade my 270 tomorrow for a 7x57 or 7x64. The 7x57 has somehow become forgotten. We often speak of the one do it all rifle and everyone says there is no such thing - I disagree! The 7x64 is probably the ultimate hunting rifle - one day when I'm big I will own one but till then the search continues.

[THOMAST]

Ive had 3 guys with 7x64 rifles complain to me about how difficult it is to get an accurate load for this calibre. Cant comment on their reloading techniques though, maybe thats where the problem is.

[gunsports]

Guys, you must use a 7 x 64 to experience the magic. The tighter twist of their barrels just add that little bit extra what a 270 cannot give you. Like a 7 x 57 with a turbo switch. My favorite bullet is the Barnes X in 150gn and I've worked out an accurate load for it yonks ago. My rifle is dialed in for this load so there is little excuse to waste ammo on the range. Perhaps I'm just lucky, but I've never had to fire a second bullet at any animal I've hunted with the 7x64 and no, I do not shoot head shots. One through the lungs and the beastie does not go for more than 20m ever! Besides, I hate following up on game. Close shots show no meat damage and long shots (358m on a Blessie) dropped him in his tracks: only Barnes bullet I ever recovered.

[umshiniwam]

Guys, you must use a 7 x 64 to experience the magic. The tighter twist of their barrels just add that little bit extra what a 270 cannot give you. Like a 7 x 57 with a turbo switch. My favorite bullet is the Barnes X in 150gn and I've worked out an accurate load for it yonks ago. My rifle is dialed in for this load so there is little excuse to waste ammo on the range. Perhaps I'm just lucky, but I've never had to fire a second bullet at any animal I've hunted with the 7x64 and no, I do not shoot head shots. One through the lungs and the beastie does not go for more than 20m ever! Besides, I hate following up on game. Close shots show no meat damage and long shots (358m on a Blessie) dropped him in his tracks: only Barnes bullet I ever recovered.

I WANT to experience it!
Guys that I have spoken to who use the 7x64 swear by it.

So I take it that you would recommend it over the .270 even if no more than 150 grain is required?

[Webster]

I also want to experience it - it is now my new project - I will buy one or rebarrel my exicsting rifle for 7x64. Till then I will remain faithful to the 270! ;)

[bufdvz]

It just seems like the "true european" calibres are always big favourates we just sort of forget about them...7x57, 7x64, 9.3x62 etc and probably because US commercialise everything so well.

For the 2 rifle owner then:

7x64
9.3x62?

[gunsports]

It just seems like the "true european" calibres are always big favourates we just sort of forget about them...7x57, 7x64, 9.3x62 etc and probably because US commercialise everything so well.

For the 2 rifle owner then:

7x64
9.3x62?

tup I just happen to be one of those owners.

I have no plans to shoot elephants and buff are too expensive. But had a UK client who had me build a 9.3 for him that he took to Zim for shooting buff. Being somewhat of a portly build, he told the ph to stop making him walk in circles after the buff and just to get on with it. Second day on 'safari' shot his buff, one through the heart. Buff ran for about 15m, stopped and died. Said shooting buff was like shooting cattle and a waste of money.

One thing about European calibers, especially English and German; is that they were designed for Africa, for use by 'Africans' in their colonies. European calibers tend to follow the 'heavy and slow' ballistic principle, where the yanks like 'light and fast'. European barrels usually have a faster(?) (below 1:10 twist) stabilizing heavier bullets better and ensuring deep penetration.

[Jav]

Dave

just a matter of interest, have you read on the 7-08mm, it is ballistically in the same bracket as the 7x57, it has a shorter case (some might consider this little differnce academic). Honestly i dont have personal experience with this calibre. there is just a beautiful rifle at my local dealer for sale, it is bult on a commercial mauser 98 action (very smooth) on a packnor barrel rested on a lovely grained walnut stock. (no im not getting a commission, i just dont want to see such a beaut sit and rot on the dealers shelf). i always think, someone must be able to start a new chapter with this noble knight. ;)

[Webster]

Hey Jav - I do not know a lot about the 7mm-08 at all but I will research. Where are you in SA? I am in Cape Town? What is the rifle going for?
Dave