7x57 or 358 Norma Mag

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hello!

I am finalizing Safari plans and am deciding which plains game rifle to take.

I have two Model 70s, one in 7x57 (175gr Partition) and one in 358 Norma Mag (either a 222 Grain Hammer Hunter or 280gr Swift A Frame).

Plains game on my list are Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala, Nyala, Warthog, and maybe a red hartebeest/kudu.

I will also be hunting Cape buffalo with a 404 Jeffery.

Interested in folks thoughts on which cartridge they'd run with!

@RStien321
As much as I love the 35cals the big Sweede would be overkill for your needs.
Personally I'd take the 7X57 with the partitions.
A lot will be shocked at my choice but y'all don't need a sledgehammer to crack walnuts. The 7mm will be fine and dandy.
Bob

 

[RStien321]

@RStien321
As much as I love the 35cals the big Sweede would be overkill for your needs.
Personally I'd take the 7X57 with the partitions.
A lot will be shocked at my choice but y'all don't need a sledgehammer to crack walnuts. The 7mm will be fine and dandy.
Bob

When I saw you posted, I thought, “Put one in the column for the 358 Norma.” But if the 35 cal advocate is saying 7x57, that carries some weight!

And the 7x57 and 404J are much more of a rifle pair in terms of a blued and walnut rifle. The Norma is very much an all weather rifle.

 

[RStien321]

7x57
If your ammo is lost in transit you can find 7x57 there. Bet you have trouble finding .358 Norma Mag ammo where you are now.

Quite true! I bought 250 pieces of brass a few years back and that was one of my finer accomplishments!

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

When I saw you posted, I thought, “Put one in the column for the 358 Norma.” But if the 35 cal advocate is saying 7x57, that carries some weight!

And the 7x57 and 404J are much more of a rifle pair in terms of a blued and walnut rifle. The Norma is very much an all weather rifle.

@RStien321
The 358 Norma mag is a wonderful cartridge but in my humble opinion it ain't needed for the game mentioned. If he was going to use it on buffalo as well I would say fine take it and have fun.
The 7x57 will handle everything on the list and do it without fuss or bother.
I took my Whelen as I had it built for hunting Namibia and had a ball. Very effective in all game I shot but I only took one gun.
Seeing as the op is taking two guns I couldn't see the need for two heavy duty guns when a lighter calibre will do the job required for plains game.
But what do I know.
Bob

 

[RStien321]

I’m the OP - my post was totally meant to be singing your praises as the expert in 35 cal.

What are your thoughts on 35 caliber on buffalo? I thought about the Norma Mag as a backup for buffalo. Use some 280gr A Frames.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

I absolutely love the 7x57mm Mauser. As far as African plains game are concerned, I have successfully made one shot kills on even eland bulls with this caliber, employing the 175Gr Sellier & Bellot Nosler Partition factory load (now unfortunately discontinued).

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I’m the OP - my post was totally meant to be singing your praises as the expert in 35 cal.

What are your thoughts on 35 caliber on buffalo? I thought about the Norma Mag as a backup for buffalo. Use some 280gr A Frames.

@RStien321
Personally I wouldn't have a problem taking on any buffalo that walks even with my Whelen.
A 280 AFrame at 2,500fps or a 310 gn Woodleigh rnsp or solid at 2,455 out of the Whelen would be more than enough gun in my book.
The big Sweede would be even better
Dang the 350 Rigbys were dropping them 100 year ago and they ain't got any tougher and the Sweede and the Whelen equal and exceed the Rigby. If'n you were allowed I wouldn't just use it as a main rifle not a back up.
My PH in Namibia said he would take me after buff with the Whelen.
Bob