I first discovered these superb Mausers back in the late '60s and have been a big fan ever since. Have found that many original 7x57s will perform quite well with Hornady 154-gr spire points, both on paper and on game. Seems that the original twist and throat just plain like that bullet. Or, more likely probably, the Hornady engineers originally designed the bullet to fit the early barrel dimensions.
BTW it's easy to convert these Mausers to upcock and also make many other desirable alterations including the use of an 1898 bolt assembly from an intermediate-length 1898 action, somewhat of a job but very doable by any competent workman. I have customized several of these cute little actions and have found that they're the closest thing to a Kurz action that's available for less than a ransom price. Plus, if made by Loewe then they are legal and bona fide antiques and thus not subject to the GCA '68.
All-steel (military-issue and thus less expensive, but still attractive) TGs with hinged FPs are available for this intermediate-length action and the 1909 assemblies can also be used by having their front tang shortened and welded. I've done both and either makes for a nice-looking and inexpensive hinged-FP action. If you don't like the distinctive looks of the long early Mauser bolt sleeve, then it's easy to shorten it to the proper length to use the safety from an 1898, as long as you're also converting to upcock at the same time. The main thing about these actions that can't be upgraded to 1898 specs is the internal C-ring, otherwise their design, dimensions, composition and heat treatments were much the same as the early 98s. I like them but have so far chambered only one rifle for a belted magnum cartridge and probably won't do another. The rifle did well and has a good record of performance for many years now but I don't like belts and see no reason for them on smaller actions such as these; light smaller actions should make into light smaller rifles IMO and belts smack of heavier recoil and feeding difficulties. JMO.
Regards, Joe
