P14: Just what can it pawdle?

[meles meles]

We feel a project coming on - just as soon as the existing project is finished ! What 7mm cartridges would feed best? 7x57? 7x64 ? 7-08 ?

[ovenpaa]

Feed from a magazine?

A standard P14 magazine will take an OAL of around 3.100"

.303 OAL is 3.075"
276 Enfield OAL is 3.230"
7x57 OAL is 3.071"
7x64 OAL is 3.307" (Not the easiest thing to source)
7mm-08 OAL is 2.800"

[meles meles]

Hmmm, so it looks like 7x57 or 7-08 might be good options? Which would be better for 600 to 1000 mards ?

[ovenpaa]

They are both good cartridges so really it is down to brass availability, the 7mm-08 is easily formed from .308 brass so it going to be easier however I suspect the 7x57 will feed slightly better as it has an OAL closer to the original .303

One thing to consider is bullets, as an example Hornady 162 Target are not super expensive and work with N150 and N160

[meles meles]

Initially at least we'll be using off the shelf ammunition but paw loads might come along later.

[Laurie]

They are both good cartridges so really it is down to brass availability, the 7mm-08 is easily formed from .308 brass so it going to be easier however I suspect the 7x57 will feed slightly better as it has an OAL closer to the original .303

One thing to consider is bullets, as an example Hornady 162 Target are not super expensive and work with N150 and N160

With a long action like the P'14/M1917, there is no need and a lot of downsides in sticking to the SAAMI 2.800 COAL in 7mm-08 (or .260 Rem). With long bullets seated optimally, eg the 168gn Berger at ~3.00", you increase usable case capacity and improve magazine feed.

I'd say that 7mm-08 so loaded is probably ideally ballistically suited to modern 160-168gn bullets in target shooting. Performance wise, there isn't that much between 7mm-08 and 7X57mm even when upping pressure a fair deal for the latter in a modern or strong action, ie P'14 v M1893/5 Mauser.

Anyway, if you want a bit of fun with a 7mm, why not consider .284 Win? I don't know how well it'd feed though with its fatter body / rebated rim form case. You'd have to try some inert versions first in a 303 P'14 to see if they fit. If it works, Hannams has genuine Winchester .284 brass in stock at a decent price.

[meles meles]

We think that good old 7x57 might be the best way to go: probably the easiest conversion job and readily available ammo.

[ovenpaa]

if you are looking at off the shelf ammunition what about the 6,5x47? It feeds from the P14 magazine, is a very capable 1000 yard round with low recoil and is readily available off the shelf. It is also very easy to load for when you are ready. Consumables are sensibly priced and you would have the brass ready to go from the factory rounds you had shot.

[ovenpaa]

Just a thought. The 7x57 that is available is going to be expanding which might be problematical at some ranges.

[meles meles]

Hmmm, we'd go with 6.5x55 Swe if we went down the 6.5 route: we have several other rifles chambered for it already. Would the P14 digest 6.5x55 Swe ?