Q: I am thinking of purchasing a Winchester Model 70 in .308 calibre. The walnut stock and action are in good shape, but the barrel is shot-out.For $400 it looks like a fair buy. I intend having it rebarreled to 7x57 to shoot goats, pigs and fallow deer. I know any sensible person would go to 7mm-08 as it will do anything the 7x57 can do, but at age 73 I am surely entitled to be illogical on a whim? Length is all right as it is long enough to accept the .30-06. The spacer will have to be removed from the magazine, a longer follower fitted and bolt stop altered. My main concern is whether or not the 7x57 will feed out of the .308 magazine. According to the specs I have the 7x57 is about one-quarter inch longer and twenty thou' smaller in diameter at the shoulder. Assuming all goes well, can you suggest a good load, projectile and powder for the above game. And in the event I found myself in sambar country, is the cartridge adequate? What load for the big deer? I have a Bushnell Elite 2-7x32 scope I intend to fit. What mounts do you suggest. Don Ewin
Winchester Model 70A: I’d say you are getting a bargain in that Winchester Model 70 for $400. Andjust to set your mind at rest, I am a big fan of the 7x57mm Mauser and applaud
your choice. It shouldn't be too difficult to obtain a longer follower for the Model 70 and .30-06 length should work just fine. Cartridges should feed out of the magazine all right as 20 thou' difference in cartridge diameter is nothing to worry about. The Bushnell Elite 2-7x32 is a good choice for the 7x57 - light and compact. Leupold mounts have proved reliable for me and I especially like the double-dovetail and Q/R. The following loads were worked up in my 7x57 built on a M98 action. For pigs , goats and fallow deer try the 140gn Woodleigh PP SN and 46gn of AR2208 or 50gn of W-760 - both clock 2880fps. The 160gn PP SN driven at 2660fps ahead of 48gn of AR2209 is a good sambar load. Just to be on the safe side, work up from 2 grains below. But those loads worked in my rifle.
The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.
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