7x57 vs 8x57, and the FN-49

A

AlphaAssault

New member
Two part question here:

1) What are the differences between the 7mm and 8mm Mauser rounds? Obviously, the 8mm has a heavier bullet, but other than that, whats the difference? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

2) I have developed an interest in the FN-49, and was wondering how much they go for now; specifically, a FN-49 in ether 7 or 8mm mauser. Although I have plenty of 8mm ammunition for my M93/38, I was thinking 7mm would be better in a semi-auto rifle because of recoil. Thoughts?
 
7X57 is a very popular cartridge designed by Mauser and offered as one of their standard chamberings in a long line of military rifles beginning with the Model 92. Its great moment of fame was when it was used against the US troops in the Spanish-American War, giving the US the inspiration for the 30-03 (later the 30-06). It is one of the first cartridges specifically designed for smokeless powder. It is extremely efficient and recoil is mild, making it easy to shoot and train new shooters to shoot.

8X57 was designed by Mauser and was their contribution to the 1888 Commission Rifle. Originally designed to use a long round-nosed .318" bullet (7.9X57mm I), it was later modified to fire a pointed .323" bullet (S Patronen) and military rifles in service were converted to the larger groove diameter barrels by 1905. The 8X57 was adopted by many nations as a standard military chambering. The 8X57 is a powerful cartridge, on par with any other military rifle cartridge then in use.

As far as a comparison between the two, the FN49 7X57 rifles were in service with nations who had adopted that round as their standard military cartridge, 8X57 rifles were in service with nations so armed. Other than that, the rifles should be very similar if not identical. There is a lot more 8X57 surplus ammo around than 7X57 surplus ammo, so if your intent is to fire it with military surplus, you might be better off choosing the 8X57. On the other hand, since the 8X57 surplus ammo ic often corrosive, you might be better off choosing the 7X57 and using handloads in it. Your call.
 
You will find FN-49's chambered for 3 cartridges.

The 8x57 is the most common. These were made for Egypt and will have markings in Farsi, including the numbers on the sight scale. These are also the least expensive.

The 7x57 is next. These were made for Venezuela. Most are in poor condition. A nice one will command a premium. It is believed to be the only military semi-auto ever chambered for the 7x57 cartridge.

Finally, we have the .30-06. Made for Luxembourg. Hard to find in any condition. Get your check book and mortgage ready if you find a nice one.

On a side note, there are some FN-49's that were converted to .308 and use detachable magazines. I believe these were for Argentina.
 
In regards to ballistics they both fall into the "standard cartridge" realm, being similar to the 308 or 30-06.

Both rounds are usually low pressure loaded for liability reasons by domestic US firms, but in all honesty they will kill deer just fine being slightly superior to the 7mm Waters and 32 Special which have killed plenty of deer. Handloading or using European ammunition increases performance, making each a viable elk round.

The FN-49 has a reputation for chewing up and mangling brass.

Jimro
 
FN model 49 in 7 X 57mm

Hi Guys, I'll resurrect this thread because I just came across it and I'm new

here. I used to compete in NRA High Power with my mod 49. I worked up a

120 grn hollow point load that gave .74" CTC groups at 100 yards. that was good

enough for me. Too bad I wasn't potentially competitive as that mod 49.

The real difficulty I encounterd was that the chamber was a bit large, and

resulted in very short case life. Thanks;

Tony G
 
If you get a .308 chambered FN-49 usually the magazines detach (but have fun paying for them). But, it's a .308 and there's tons of that everywhere.
 
Markings on Egyptian FN-49 are in Arabic.

There were a bunch more calibers for the FN-49. 7.65 Mauser comes to mind. For many calibers, there were only one offs or prototypes.

The gun has a habit of breaking firing pins. Do NOT dry fire this gun.

The gas system is adjustable, so you can have it NOT mangle brass if you like.

- Ivan.
 
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