What Is 7mm Mauser and 7×57 Mauser?

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7mm Mauser and 7×57 Mauser (the British version is the .275 Rigby) both refer to the same smokeless powder rifle cartridge, which was created in the late 1800s by German ballistics expert Paul Mauser. Still a popular choice for hunting deer, antelope, black bear, and more, the 7mm Mauser is known for its flat trajectory, mild recoil, and combination of accuracy and deep penetration. Its effective range is typically 300-400 yards, and it can easily achieve a powerful velocity of 2800 ft/s with a 139 grain bullet.

The 7mmR cartridge is a rimmed version used mainly in break-action rifles and combination guns.

Originally developed as a military cartridge, the 7mm Mauser is now considered one of the finest game cartridges of all time. Despite its long history, 7×57 Mauser 139 grain ammunition remains a popular choice in today’s sporting community. It’s also great for reloading. 

What Is 7×57 Mauser?

The second half of the 19th century was an era of breakthrough advances in ammunition technology. One of the biggest innovations was the invention of self-contained brass cartridges, which paved the way for modern repeating rifles and smokeless powders.

A towering figure from this time period was Paul Mauser, a visionary weapons expert who created his namesake 7×57 cartridge in 1893. Originally intended for military applications, it found its way into the civilian market during the 20th century.

Hunters across the world took an immediate liking to the 7mm Mauser for its power, range, and modest recoil. It was a practical way to bag game such as deer and black bear. But it was also used for larger prey, up to and including African elephants.

If you’re looking for a great all-purpose hunting round, then you won’t go wrong with this classic cartridge.

Reloading the 7×57 Mauser

It’s important to follow standard safety precautions when reloading your 7×57 brass casings. This includes inspecting your brass for defects, measuring each round for accurate length, and following the information in your reloading manual to the letter.

If you’re fortunate enough to own a vintage 7×57 Mauser rifle, some of which date back to the 19th century, then it’s a good idea to use caution when it comes to the amount of powder you add to your reloads. Even the best steel can fall prey to metal fatigue after more than a century of use. For older guns, you may want to consider case hardening, which can improve the carbon content of aging steel.

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