I have to the opportunity buy a lot of 500 pulled FMJ, 7mm (0.285"/0.286") bullets. The seller does not know what caliber they came from but I suspected 7×57mm Mauser (seller thinks it was an "Argentine caliber" so 7x57mm Mauser is plausible). He states that they are 150 grain with an OAL of 1.28" to 1.30". I would be loading these for use as range ammo for my newish Tikka T3x that shoots 7mm-08 (0.284").

Is this a horrible idea? I am only considering it b/c 7mm (0.284") bullets are pretty much unavailable. I hunt with copper and don't have too much of that either.

I am a total novice when it comes to reloading (but at least smart enough to know what I don't know). I am leaning towards passing on this idea b/c I just don't have enough experience to make the call.

Thanks
Bruce

The two military FMJ's were loaded with 173 grain round nose FMJ's and 139 grain spitzer FMJ's.
Nothing wrong with pulled bullets, you can make very good ammunition with pulled bullets.

Not so much worried about the source of the bullets as the difference between 0.285/6" (7mm Mauser) and 0.284" (7mm-08). Maybe I am splitting hairs but using a bullet with a larger diameter than 7mm-08, if only 0.01" - 0.02", still gives me pause. The weight (150gr) and OAL of the surplus bullets (1.28" to 1.30") seem OK. I shoot similar out of my Tikka T3x 7mm-08 now.

You could use a micrometer on the bullets and slug your bore to assuage your worries before you load some, but I don't think you're going to get any troubles. I say start your load workup low, and look for pressure signs. My guess is you'll be fine.

CDFingers

That's not enough oversized to be any serious worries. When you get .004 over, then things get quite noticeable. Just treat it like any other load. Start off conservative and work your way up. Don't rely on your eye to notice signs of pressure, use a chronograph. If you don't have a chronograph, then just start your load at a reasonable place and work from there.

OK, sounds good to me. I am looking at 500 bullets for $70 so about as cheap as you can get these days for range ammo. Dumb question .... how would the chronograph indicate signs of pressure? I don't have one (yet) but might consider moving up the purchase if can also indicates signs of over pressure .

The chrony gives you a velocity so you can compare to your loading manual. The bullet will exceed the velocity specs from the manual before we see pressure signs on the brass. Chrony is safer. Always carry a spare battery.

CDFingers