Reloading 7x57R Vs 7x57 die question

[kywoodwrkr]

I've compared CIP dimensions for two cartridges.
I always thought that the 7x57 was just a de-rimmed version of 7x57R.
To me critical dimension are with reason.
Does anyone know if there is a dramatic difference in the two cases.
RCBS 7x57R dies are $126+ for 7x57R. Saw some Hornady in WS section.
Understand there would be SH difference.
Anyone have experience with this?
Could a person chamber new barrel in 7x57 and cut rim recess and ..... ????
Not sure I'm going the 7x57R way, but would like to know pitfalls if any.
Looking at 7x65R also but that is different animal so am aware of that.
Thanks.

[Reverend Al]

In my area there are quite few Brno combination guns in 7x57R and 12 gauge. Most of the people that I know who own one just use a #7 RCBS shell holder (.303 British) and annealed .303 British brass and full length size in a regular 7x57 Mauser fl sizing die. The results are a perfectly formed 7x57R case that only needs a light trimming to square up the case mouths. At the pressures you should be loading for in a combination gun they've worked perfectly. Just my 2 cents worth ...

[kywoodwrkr]

Reverend Al ,
Thanks for the feedback.
You are reinforcing my original thoughts on being able to use regular 7x57 dies and form die.
I currently have them and would rather not buy dies I don't need.
Hadn't thought about forming from anything, but do have some new primed 303BR brass.
Now have to get my keister going and get me a platform.
Thanks again for the response.

[sharps4590]

Actually, the 7 X 57R is the rimmed version of the 7 X 57 rimless. I used regular 7 X 57 dies for my 7 X 57R for years. Just a different shellholder as Rev. Al. indicated.

[ascast]

same case - save rim vs rimless so different shell holder, use the cheaper 7x57 dies

[kywoodwrkr]

4590,
Thank you.
As I stated, it appeared to me that CIP standards were identical for most part.
Perssures, not so much but many rimmed cases were being used for, as Reverend Al stated, for drillings and other break action firearms-which is where I'm going with it-time allowing.
Don't know why I'm getting myself all wound up in the 7x57R but have always been intrigued by the 7mm.
Appreciate your critical input.
Thanks.
Thanks ascast.

[Reverend Al]

Years ago at the first gun shop I worked at I encountered a beautifully sporterized Lee Enfield that had been rebarreled to 7x57 Rimmed. It was a perfectly matched combination that fed flawlessly from the original magazine and extracted and ejected perfectly with the original bolt and extractor. Always thought that I should have a similar gun built, but of course I never got around to it ...

[bruce drake]

Years ago at the first gun shop I worked at I encountered a beautifully sporterized Lee Enfield that had been rebarreled to 7x57 Rimmed. It was a perfectly matched combination that fed flawlessly from the original magazine and extracted and ejected perfectly with the original bolt and extractor. Always thought that I should have a similar gun built, but of course I never got around to it ...

You have got my brain spinning now as I have a spare No 4 Enfield sitting in the gunsafe that has a trashed barrel on it currently. 7x57Rimmed....hmmmm

[kywoodwrkr]

Bruce,
I have a 7x65R reamer in bound as well.
Not sure if it will cut anything or not and length about 2.56 vs 303BR 2.21.(7x57s about 2.244)
My take on it was I could use it to make a rim reamer out of maybe if dull or unusable.
Oh, so many toys/ideas and so little time!

[bruce drake]

I was actually thinking this evening of 6.5 Dutch for the potential rebarrel project but I've got a couple of other irons in the fire at the moment so this may be a project for next winter.

[Reverend Al]

You have got my brain spinning now as I have a spare No 4 Enfield sitting in the gunsafe that has a trashed barrel on it currently. 7x57Rimmed....hmmmm

Or it could become 8x57R ... or 9x57R ... or 9.3x57R ... or 9.5x57R ... but 7x57R is such a classic cartridge.



(OK ... my work here is done ...)

[Clark]

I built a 257 Roberts Ackley Rimmed 1885 falling block rifle. I had Norma 7x57R brass.
I expected to be able to run fast powder [H4895], high pressures, and high velocities, like 3250 fps 115 gr.
In 2012 I was 900 miles from home and reloading in my vehicle. Rimmed cases should have strong primer pockets.
Norma brass was soft as butter.
Good thing I brought some slow powder [H4350 3050 fps].... I shot a big buck.
Since then I have collected 7x57R brass from RWS, S&B, and Hornady.
Maybe in 2018 I will shoot that rifle again to test better brass.

[Yukoner]

All of my 7X57R reloading has been using resized 303 Br brass. One pass through a regular 7X57 die set to allow the BRNO ZH305 to just close nicely on the resized case.

My favourite hunting load is 175 gr RN bullets with Re19 and magnum primers. Velocity is right at 2300 fps. I'm sure 4350 would do as well, but have never tried it.

Cases last forever, primer pockets stay tight, and it is more than accurate and powerful enough for big game to well past 200 yards.

Ted