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> Zastava M70 in 7x64
Zastava M70 in 7x64
@ 04:38 am (GMT) |
Rob BirdI'm eyeing an older M70 in 7x64. How will this be for reloading? I know that the cartridge was designed for a Mauser action but I'm wondering about modern longer bullet design vs the mag/action length.Thanks! |
Replies
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@ 05:50 am (GMT) |
Rob BirdRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64I should say that I have read the page on 7x64 on this site and noted the comment about Mauser magazine length of 84mm. I guess what I don't know (because I'm not experienced enough) is:-is that the case with the M70? -how to go about doing theoretical calculations of the overall length of a cartridge using a given bullet. |
@ 10:37 pm (GMT) |
Christopher HowseRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Maybe look into salami specs or factory ammo specs.Of to buy the ri do let there are several ways to measure the appropriate overall length loop look |
@ 07:49 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Hi Rob. The gun looks to be a Mauser copy. Also looks like they use one action length, even for the magnums, so the magazine probably has a spacer. It’s the same mag for the 30-06, which is generally a tad longer overall with heavy bullets. If the twist rate I found for that gun is right, 8.66, it should handle bullets heavier than 160. I also read that the throat/leade for that cartridge is generous. I hadn’t heard of the brand before. It appears to be attractively priced. The barrel is a little short for that cartridge, so you might not want to use anything heavier than a 160 anyway, to keep MV up. I don’t know anyone with a 7x64, but it’s essentially a European 280, an ideal cartridge for US game. If you get it, be sure and let us know what you think! |
@ 09:46 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Hi Rob, these and others that have come and gone are generally patterned off the Santa Barbara. 3.386" or 86mm is the standard internal measurement. One has to seat at around 3.346" or 85mm.The 7x64 has a very long throat. The Brenneke leade is designed to provide a smooth transition (pressure). The beginning of the throat is only a half thou oversize whereas many throats are a thou (.001") oversize. The leade angle thereafter is very gentle. These positive attributes aside, I believe that the 7x64 is now sub optimal with regards to modern LR projectile designs, having max OAL's of around 3.582" / 91mm or longer (bullet sits too far out of case neck). This cartridge (chamber) would benefit from a subtle re-design. It is also possible to improve slightly upon the free bore angles. A 7x64 loaded with the 162 or 180gr ELD-M can be a conundrum. On the one hand, the OAL is too long. On the other hand, the throat design can help offset this, allowing one to develop powerful, relatively accurate loads. It can however take some experimentation to achieve this. Personally, if opting for a Zastava, I would probably go with a .30-06. If I wanted a 7x64 as of 2021, I would have a custom reamer made for it. Hope that helps a bit. |
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@ 05:32 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64The gun is currently offered in 375 H&H, as well as 458 Win Mag, with the same action and 22” barrel. I don’t see the point in using a barrel that short for any cartridge with more powder capacity than a 308 case. |
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@ 12:56 am (GMT) |
Rob BirdRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Thanks for your replies! Nathan, Understood on the throat of the 7x64, thank you for that info. What about magazine length? Can the Mauser mags be milled out long enough? I attempted to figure the overall cartridge length using a couple of bullet examples, 160gr Nosler Accubond (35.7mm long), and 154gr Hornady Interbond (35mm long). If you seat them in to the depth of one caliber, you're still left with at least 28mm, making the COAL 92mm (64 + 28). I supposed they could be seated a bit deeper, but you're still around 90 or pushing it. Is there that much to give in a mauser mag box?Seems like more trouble than its worth, perhaps. Might be a more sensible endeavor to convert the Zastava to a 6.5x55AI and call it a day. As for the 7x64 itself, 280AI is more common and probably a better performer. I just like having something different, which I think is the appeal of the 7x64 for me... |
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@ 03:58 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Here’s their catalog:http://omandst.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Zastava-Hunting.pdf On page 17 they list four different mag lengths. But they’re using the same same action for all the available calibers. So wouldn’t they be using a spacer-block in the mag for the shorter cartridges? If so, the max mag length with the spacer removed is 3 11/16”, or 93mm. |
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@ 07:13 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Hi guys, OK, we have to be a bit careful not to confuse ourselves. This applies not only to this but also a few similar combos.The mag is blocked (spacers) for smaller cartridges. It is left as a standard part (single piece mag and trigger guard) for the .30-06 length cartridges with an internal length of 86mm. An entirely different one piece mag / guard is used for the magnums. The internal length is 91.5mm. The action has to be modified (by Zastava) accordingly. Yes - a gunsmith could alter the .30-06 magazine. But he must mill the mag well forward, cutting into the rear of the lug rebates to obtain length. And no, its not worth it because the OAL I mentioned is too long anyway. It leaves the bullets sitting too far out of the case neck. In order to fully optimize this for modern projectiles, one would need to start over with a re-designed reamer as well as addressing the magazine. As I said, it would be much easier to start with a .30-06. Hope that all makes sense. All the best. |
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@ 09:33 am (GMT) |
Scott StruifRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Rob, I’ve been looking at the CVA Cascade. It’s comparably-priced, and available in 22” barrel. They don’t chamber it in 280, but they have it in 7mm RM. |
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@ 02:16 am (GMT) |
Rob BirdRe: Zastava M70 in 7x64Oh cool, thanks Scott. At first I thought, "But aren't those all single-shot?" Ha. Not anymore! And they have 6.5 PRC. Interesting... |
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