Wrong Cartridge: 7x57 vs. 7mm Rem Mag

[Ringostar]

I went to a public range today looking to fire some test loads. This range has been fairly empty of others, when I’ve been there before. The place was packed with people sighting in before their elk season tomorrow. There was an open bench, so I started setting stuff on it. Then set up my rest and mat on the cement next to the bench. People were all noticing, and coming up asking questions as I pulled out an F class rifle. I spent an hour just answering questions, and a lot about their own gear. Then a guy came walking up from far end of line. He was asking about his rifle not shooting his newest ammo. He said that he bought some ammo with round nose bullets vs pointed, and they don’t shoot. He started with the firing pin didn’t appear to be striking primer. I asked him a couple questions, then he says that the extractor won’t hook and remove the rounds. I asked if I could see his ammo. We walked down a he shows a box of 7x57 ammo. Then another box of 7 Rem mag that did work. I showed him the difference between the 2 cartridges, and why the one won’t work in his rifle. Then showed him the cartridge wording on the 2 boxes. Totally different rounds.

 

[SBS]

But, "they are both 7mm" is the type of response I get. Remington really stirred the pot some years back when they decided to rename the .280 to the "7mm Express". All kinds of people bought it and tried to use it in their 7mm Rem. mag. That name change didn't last long! Same people as in your post think that "6.5" only means 6.5 Creedmoor. Most of our hunters are not gun people (nuts).

 

[a1712]

My Nephew has a Weatherby Vanguard in 7mm Rem. Mag.. He's not to much into shooting and went to purchase some ammo. The clerk ask him what he was shooting, he responded a 7mm Mag. Weatherby. He got the wrong ammo, they wouldn't let him return it. Valuable lesson was learned that day. Brian.

 

[jackieschmidt]

I have seen spent 300 Winchester Magnum cases laying on the ground with about a 1/8 inch long neck.

Somebody had a Weatherby Mark V, stopped and picked up some “300 Magnum” rounds ay the local store.

Thank god for the belt.

 

[jxb]

Yeah go to the range in the weeks before hunting season and you might see most anything. Just think, these same people are in the woods hunting... nuff said.

 

[6.5 forever]

Yeah go to the range in the weeks before hunting season and you might see most anything. Just think, these same people are in the woods hunting... nuff said.

Try volunteering at a public range in the weeks before hunting season. It can be scarry and unsafe.

 

[joshb]

Gun ranges are like amusement parks, just before hunting season. Wrong ammo, scopes mounted backwards , loose bases or rings. I try to help guys that are sincerely trying but I stay away from the know it alls. Big egos are the worst!

 

[Frankm]

Not only are they in “the Woods hunting”…. But they also vote!!

 

[Sandstorm]

Yep..its a Freak Show for sure....not all but some.

 

[T.Rhodes]

This is why at our club hunter sight-in days we have an RO check rifle and ammo for correct match before they go to a bench. This could have been catastrophic.

We see a lot of the once-a-year shooters that need help with all things shooting - scope mounts, adjustments, shooting form, trigger control, etc. I don't judge them for whatever their situation is and not shooting or being able to shoot year round. I'm glad to be able to help where I can and maybe advance the sport just a bit.

 

[Doug Casner]

Knew a guy shot all his life. Had two rifles on the bench. 2506 and 308. Stuck a 308 in the 2506 pulled the trigger. Enough said. Doug

 

[wkdickinson]

Our club sponsors a "Sight-In Days" event before deer season each year. While it is a private club, for this even we invite the public (for a small fee). We always have 2-3 club members there as Range Safety Officers. I usually volunteer for a few shifts. After having done this for a while, I felt I'd probably seen it all as far as stupidity goes. But each year, I find out I haven't.

 

[dryhumor]

Wait till enough people get more of the 6.5 creedmoor variants. Everything below a 6.5 will chamber and fire; 6, 25, 22…..

Or the opposite way around, a 6.5 in one of the smaller ones, with the bullet pushed deeper by the bolt/shooter.

 

[K22]

It began yesterday at the range - the most wonderful time of the year or NOT!

The first wave of once-a-year gun handlers "sighting in" for PA deer season showed up.  Range participants proceed at your own risk. The normal unsafe practices were observed, handling a gun while someone is down range, proceeding down range with the action closed, indiscriminate point the muzzle down the firing line, walking down range without communicating i.e., - clearing the firing line, etc.

The poor fellow next to me was having a terrible time "sighting in" in his mild shooting 243 Win. I am not exaggerating, 5-to-6-inch groups at 100 yards. I saw the problem right away; he had the barrel resting directly on a wood block as a front rest and the barrel was bouncing around like a nerf ball. Our range should trash those wooded block. I guess guys see them and figure it must be a proper rest because the range has them as a "sight in" aide!

Aggravating the "sight in" process, he was firing sustained rapid-fire sequences, 5 to 6 rounds at a clip, smoking the barrel. He fired two boxes of Federal Ammo and left with paper dinner plate groups at 100 yards - total costs $78 according to stickers on the boxes he tossed in the trash! I wanted to help but he didn't ask so experienced has taught me, don't offer unless they ask.

Sorry for the vent. Can't wait until deer season is over.

 

[D the D]

They exist. Shooting at our nearby public range the part time RSO came over and asked if I could help another shooter since I shoot such a variety of milsurp rifle. Sure. The RSO is a cool kid, doesn't interfere, just watches for safety etc.
This preppy type of guy is trying to chamber surplus 30-06 in a Mauser K98k. I showed him an 8x57 round and explained he had the wrong ammo. He adamantly declared he had the right ammo. He bought surplus "Army ammo" for his surplus "Army rifle". RSO told him go home and get the right ammo.

 

[jnyfeler]

This is why at our club hunter sight-in days we have an RO check rifle and ammo for correct match before they go to a bench. This could have been catastrophic.

We see a lot of the once-a-year shooters that need help with all things shooting - scope mounts, adjustments, shooting form, trigger control, etc. I don't judge them for whatever their situation is and not shooting or being able to shoot year round. I'm glad to be able to help where I can and maybe advance the sport just a bit.

This is the perfect approach. We serious shooters weren't born knowing this stuff -- we were taught. Not all enthusiasts however are exposed to good (or any) teaching on their gun-loving journeys. I feel bad for the know-it-alls who reject any assistance as they do themselves a great disservice. Good on you for spreading the knowledge.

Jeff

 

[jnyfeler]

Knew a guy shot all his life. Had two rifles on the bench. 2506 and 308. Stuck a 308 in the 2506 pulled the trigger. Enough said. Doug

Just curious, how far down range did the bullet go?

 

[Doug Casner]

Had a great uncle fought in WW2 in europe. Said one time the germans could shoot our ammo in their rifles. I guess if you were out of ammo a 30 cal. in a 8mm would look dam good. Doug

 

[Doug Casner]

Sorry I dont know . Just heard about it . Blew up the action on the 2506 is all I ever heard. Wasnt there, just a kid at the time. Doug

 

[jnyfeler]

Sorry I dont know . Just heard about it . Blew up the action on the 2506 is all I ever heard. Wasnt there, just a kid at the time. Doug

Gotcha. I just re-read your post and see that my question was kind of dumb. I bet it did blow up!

Jeff