.264 mag or 7x57 mauser

I am set on getting a cabelas 50 th anniversary Winchester model 70. The two calibers left are. 264 mag or 7x57. I have always hunted with a savage model 110 .270. However I want a classic looking deer rifle with a nice wood stock. The gun will be used in the field for big trophy bucks. I believe both will work however I don't have experience with either caliber. I am leaning more towards the. 264 but would like to hear some opinions.

I gotta go with the 6.5 Win Mag on these two. Load it with a 140 gr. and it'll kill anything big enough to die.

I looked at a 168 gr. bullet loaded with everything Hodgdon recommends for the cartridge and the velocities didn't impress me. If I can't run a 168 gr (or heavier) in a 7mm at, at least, 2600 fps I'm not very happy with it.

7x57......one of the best cartridges ever created. I'm getting right at 3000fps with a 120gr Barnes and it will kill anything in Texas. There are several early African explorers/hunters that used it to take animals as big as elephant with it.

If you handload, 264. Factory loads seem pretty mild and produce similar ballistics to a 270 win. Make sure the 264 has a 26" barrel. 7x57 isn't a speed demon, so factory ammo would not hurt performance.

Which store are you buying from?

I had a friend that swore the 7x57 was the most accurate long range gun he ever owned. However the. 264 also gets a lot of compliments. Cabelas in buda tx has the 7x57 in stock. The. 264 will have to be shipped from up north. I should have bought one back when the. 270's were still available.

Which store are you buying from? [/quote]

I will buy or pick up at the buda location.

Go with the 7x57....

Have both, unless you reload you will not get the most from either of these cartridges. A lot of the reloading data for the 7X57 is watered down just like the factory loads are out of respect for the 100+ year old rifles that are out there for it. The 264 factory loads are not much better than the 270 Win. There are powders like Magpro that improve on the velocity for reloaders. if you go the 264 route for factory ammo I would try the HSM and Nosler, the Winchester and Remington loads did not impress me at all for accuracy or velocity.

2 famous folks that used the 7X57 a lot were Bell for elephant and Eleanor O'connor (Jack's wife). Bell used the British named 275 Rigby which is the same cartridge as the 7X57 just renamed.

If loaded for modern guns the 7X57 will best velocities of the 7mm-08 by a little.

Both will take care of any animal in the lower 48 without a problem.

I would go with the 7x57 simply because the long barrel is not required like it is for the .264.

I looked up those guns, the 7x57 is 22" and .264 is 26". The 7x57 is a Super Grade Featherweight that has me wanting to sell my CZ in 7x57 and get one.

Forgot to mention that, if the 264 barrel is less than 26 inches, I would for sure go with the 7X57

7x57, way more nostalgia, my 10 year old son killed a huge muley in Gaines county last year with a 7x57 at 300 yards, one shot and the buck went about 20 yards and piled up, my daughter shot her first muley as well with it when she was 8, very pleasant to shoot, as accurate as any rifle I own, and will take down anything asked of it, I'd planned to reload for it, but it shoots the Federal factory partitions so well that I have never had to

As much as I love my 264 (and I don't currently own a 7x57), I would recommend the 7MM. The 264 is really a niche cartridge for open country deer/antelope. But with current Winny and Rem factory ammo, it's just a loud 270. With proper reloads it's hell on wheels, but it's somewhat specialized, and not what I would pick for an all around deer rifle.

264

7x57. Easier on shoulder, ears, and pocketbook. Either will be deadly on animals, but 7x57 has more "cool factor". Gotta love those 100+ year old rounds that just keep on trucking.

I would go 7x57. I've used one for years on deer and pig, Always gets the job done. Shot a 150 at 364yds 2 yrs ago... drt. Love that gun.

the .264 shares a case with a 7mm Remington mag.


I am a fan of the .264 mag but the factory loads equal .270 performance. however, 7x57 mauser factory loads are watered down too so its a moot point.


I would get the .264 win mag, for the reason its a Winchester cartridge originally chambered in its "westerner" rifle if I remember correctly.

the 7x57 is a fine cartridge, but would rather have that chambered in a traditional mauser action to keep things historically accurate.

yes I agree the super grade featherweight is a real head Turner. I was looking at a model 700 Bdl until I saw the super grade Winchester and I was hooked. The 7x57 will probably be the one I go with.

How about an old Mannlicher-Schoenauer? This is mine in 7x57.

Yep, just like that. Gotta keep it real

I personally think they are both a little light to be hunting with. I won't hunt anything with a rifle less than 3o cal.

7x57 gets my vote

7x57

7X57, it will take anything you want in Texas and I wouldn't hesitate using it on elk.

264

There really isn't a bad choice, 6.5 and 7mm fill many slots in my safe...

6.5x55
.256 Newton
6.5x06AI
6.5x57 (being built)

.275 Rigby
.280 Rem
7x64 Brenneke
7x61 Sharp and Hart
.284 Win
7 WSM

7x57 is the way to go.

Would be a really tuff pic. I would tend to want the 264 win mag in the win model 70. Don't really think there is anything your gonna do with one you couldn't do with the other. On the practical side 7x57 would probably be a better pic to me.

The .264 is the more "traditional" pick in a Model 70 since it was basically invented for that rifle.

But, Winchester did make some pre-64 Winchesters chambered in 7x57, but Winchester called it a "7MM" and that is what is on the barrel stamp of the old ones. I wonder what is stamped on this version?

Being that it's a Model 70, I'd vote for the .264.

buddies grandpa has two never fired .264 win mag Pre-64 rifles in his collection, one still has the hang tag from the sporting goods store on it. he also has one never fired Pre-64 model 70 in 7x57 mauser. it is stamped 7x57 on the barrel.

I don't like a long barrel shooting from a stand. Here's the 7x57 I just picked up on Saturday

Well, learn something new every day.
I should know by now never to make blanket statements about pre-64 Model 70s. They came in so many different configurations over such a long time period.

You know now to never post when Jack O'Connor Jr. is posting on the same thread.

stx I don't know if you are referencing it but we did have a thread on here a few years back where some were saying Jack was a shill for Winchester, some of us guys were arguing against that, and his son Bradford came on here and posted a few times in defense of his father.

You may have been a part of it I'm sorry I just don't remember.

No I don't remember that one. But I was referring to our own local Jack O'connor Jr aka txtrophy85

Does AKA Jack shoot a 270 or a 223?

IDK but one reason the 7x57 became famous in America was because Jack's wife Elanor used one. I realize these says it is considered a big boomer but back then it was a women's rifle.

The 7x57 is a very accurate and low recoiling gun that will handle anything in Texas.
My wifes Styer 7X57

My nephews Addax with his CZ 7X57

My interarms 7X57

Okay so I drove to cabelas today 2 hour drive. I took a beretta storm carbine was offered $450 which brought the price down to $840 on the Winchester. Got all the paperwork filled out and noticed that my new house address was not updated on my license. They refused to sell me the rifle. So I wasted Mg day off pretty much because the drivers license office was already closed. They can keep the rifle I will wait until the model 700's make it back from the recall. One other thing I noticed in that huge store was every new bolt action rifle had a plastic stock and was very plain looking. Firearms these days have no craftsmanship whatsoever. I understand rules are rules but it is very aggravating to drive all that way for nothing.

Dang sorry to hear that.

Man technically they couldn't of sold you the gun even if the wanted to. Just think how much money they could loose if they got their ffl pulled, for over looking it.



If your drivers license name isn't exactly to the "T" as your SS card. Example jon vs jonathon or Jon-micheal vs jon micheal many places can't hirer you if they use everify

It suxs, I hate wasting vacation time also but try not to hold it against them

Yep I know rules are in place for a reason. I will say that the rifle is beautiful and the nicest I have seen in the last 10 years. The trigger fit and finish are all flawless. They have three left I would tell anyone that is looking for a classic rifle to get down there because winchester will not be making anymore of them. Even though it is an inconvenience I will probably wake up in the morning and go back to get it. It is worth it.

I would rather have the 7x57 in that particular rifle. I would also like a 264 but on a stainless action in a modern stock. I could get a lot more use out of the 7x57 around here.

Just an FYI Jack, Jr. is absolutely correct-he made me go to the book to check it.

The. 264 Mag's are all gone. I went on the website and called every store in the country that said they had one. They have all been sold. The only ones left are 7x57 7mag and 257 Roberts. The 7 x57 is by far the nicest one. It is a super grade featherweight. The 7 mag is nice however you cannot see the stripes in the wood grain like on the 7x57. The 7x57 also has the black cap at the muzzle end of the stock. Cabelas in buda has 3 of the 7x57 and I believe one 7 mag left.

I shoot and hand load for both of these and to me I use them as quite different tools, apples and oranges for my use. I have used the .264 on many occasions for mule deer, two elk "not my choice as an elk round" and antelope from west Texas to Wyoming where I know I have wide open spaces and have 100% confidence in the long range abilities of my loads and rifle. On the opposite side of this scenario I have two 7x57's that are a dream to carry in the thicker woods and use out of a stand or a blind. They shoot great hit hard and are a great little package, one of them even has a 19" barrel and I use it all of the time out to 250 or so with never a problem, my other one wears a 22". If you want a classic old school caliber that will produce don't hesitate on that 7x57.

PUT IT IN LAY A WAY ...WITH A HEALTHY DEPOSIT, take a few hours and go get your TDL updated...Snooze Ya looze on these LTD Production critters...BTDT
Ron

He also has one in .250-3000

That chart is kind of confusing to me but what it is saying is the caliber designation on the left column is the normal/most common. The ones on the right are rare. So he has special rifles anyway-and at least one that is even more special than normal.

The old Model 70s are my favorite rifle. The "feel" of the old steel and workmanship cannot be duplicated IMO. I have hunted in the Yukon, British Columbia, Wyoming, and New Mexico with my "shooter". It is accurate as heck and has never let me down. Always a great conversation piece around the campfire too.

I shot my first deer with a model 70, I like them very much.

The pre-64's are good guns. I'm not really familiar with the ones made in 64'-69'....my uncle has one from 1970 and its a very nice gun, never understood all the fuss about the post 64' push feeds.

The ones I have are all pre-64s. My "shooter" is a pre-64 .300 WM-they only made them for one year in 1963. By choice, I ruined the collector value of it by having the rifle and all its internal parts Cerakote/Silicon coated to make it all-weather. The newer ones are hit and miss depending on their date/place of manufacture. I am not "up" on them.

I guess things happen for a reason. Got the license taken care of and headed for cabelas today. Stopped by mcbrides guns in Austin on the way. They gave Me $500 for the beretta storm carbine and sold me a brand new Winchester model 70 chambered in. 270 Winchester which is my all time favorite caliber. The rifle is just as nice and doesn't have the big gold cabelas logo covering the floorplate. This rifle was over $400 dollars cheaper. I came out only spending $340 dollars. Yeah I know it is not the anniversary special edition but it was cheaper and just as nice. I will take the $400 dollars I saved and buy a leupold scope to put on the rifle. I will feel much more confident hunting with the. 270. I do appreciate everyones input.

one of best guns I ever owned the 264 Will kill anything. All I ever shot was Remington factory 140

a .270 is probably the best medium bore caliber ever created. that combo will serve you well

Did you get the Featherweight or the Sporter Model?

Insight Hunting on here/Mr. Michael Mitchell uses his. It has taken elk and bison and of course deer. I've shot it and I love it.

hopefully the sporter....only thing I don't like about the featherweight is the 22" barrel

You did good. Believe it or not, all that Cabelas crap on there doesn't help the value of the rifle once you take it out of the store-and there is no better caliber than the .270 Win. for your stated purposes.

I got the sporter. I looked at both models and opted for the nice clean look that the wood stock had on the sporter model. I am amazed at the trigger on these rifles. Three and a half pounds from factory adjustable down to 3. When I throw it up I get a perfect alignment on stock every time naturally. The rifle is a perfect fit.

264 mag is my vote.

7x57. Mild recoil and report.