Originally Posted by
bunji
I may have some info that helps you settle on a load .
While l guided in Africa all l used was a 1969 Brno 458 Mag & a 1970 Brno 7x57 which was my favorite & used on a wide variety of different animals to feed the camps over the years as well as many deer at home here .
Keep in mind these loads were for my own rifle,due to density of powder some loads were compressed so only something to use if you are experienced with handloading (they were perfectly safe with no pressure signs,used in a BSA & Ruger as well) & it had a 24"barrel. My favorite & most effective loads for everything up to Kudu & a lion wounded Buffalo , was as follows using what l found to be the best powders for the 7x 57 namely AR2208, W-760, AR2209 and Re-19 all best suited in my experience over the years to magnum primers when using ball powders like the old faithul W-760-
For W-760 -
Very good Tahr ,Chamois & lighter deer load (my favorite Wart Hog & Impala load)
130grn Speer / 51grns /Velocity - 2980-/
Good load for all the above including Reds
Sierra 140grn /50rns / Velocity -2890 - /
Re-19 was my favorite powder -
Great all NZ load
Sierra 140grn/53grns/Velocity - 2920-
Great deer load my go to Sika in thick shit & Red load
Corelokt 150grn/52grn / velocity - 2850 -
AR2208 was also used for a great performer on game -
Speer 130 / 46grns/ velocity -2950-
AR2209 was also used a great performer on game -
Sierra 140grn/52grns / Velocity - 2910-
Re-22 Favorite Heavy DG load,dropped a charging Buff that would not take no for a answer -
Woodleigh 160grn/ 50grns/ velocity - 2660-
All these gave excellent accuracy & performance in the field no pressure signs, in very hot conditions sitting in a cradle on dash of Tojo all day,taken literally 100's of game with them .
Hope info helps, as with any load devolpment start 3grns below & work up checking for pressure signs in your rifle