it to your rifle. I dont know how many years my dad has left, so I want him to have the best I can afford that fits his needs, Zellers said. Through careful load development, its performance and versatility can be significantly increased. This capability is important in ways I will demonstrate. The downrange data are needed to do hunting capability index calculations. Like the X-Files and duck gizzards, the .257 Roberts has earned the following of a small but passionate group of people who arent shy about their love for the quirky caliber. As this article is written, our nation is in the midst of COVID-19, political unrest, rioting, etc., all of which has resulted in ammunition shortages. extremely adaptable to most powders in the medium burning range. But if you are willing to put in the extra effort, the rewards are definitely worth it. Tht said, I've not seen any that shoot REALLY bad. Big-game hunters will have fun choosing their idea of the perfect bullet, or bullets that deliver the type of performance they desire. My grandfather built me a .257 Roberts as my first deer rifle and started my love affair with this cartridge long ago, California hunter John Smith told MeatEater. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. load, detailed above, is 694. Its not a small game cartridge and its not a dangerous game cartridge. Load #3 features a 120 grain bullet, the heaviest hunting bullet loaded in the Roberts. However, before Henry could justify offering the Long Ranger in .257 Roberts, they would have to be convinced that hunters would buy it. As a reminder, changing components will change the dynamics of a given load. Handloading the Roberts unleashes its full potential. they do not come in around 2.223 inches, they are trimmed back to meet Judging from how the Speer phone lines lit up with Roberts reloading questions, those rifles must have sold well. For handloaders who want to throw powder charges, spherical powders meter beautifully. I for one limit my long-range shooting to 300 Thus, 180 yards is the Effective Killing Range of this load. The quarter-bore was fashionable due to fine game performance demonstrated by the .250 Savage. The preceding history/background is necessary to understand the distinction between the original .257 Roberts cartridge and its later variant called the ".257 Roberts +P." Well, okay, The KPS formula makes a lot of sense to me. The KPS formula combines these variables in a direct, easy to calculate way. produces about 17 ft.-lbs. Hornady offers a variety of .25-caliber varmint and big-game hunting bullets that are ideal for the .257 Roberts. All rights reserved. The downside to the 257 Roberts is that it is not widely available. The remaining (bullet pointed) lines summarize the results. How far can you accurately shoot a 243? animal over the length of a football field. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. guns.Elmer Keith was another .257 Roberts supporter of sorts. For a while, Ruger chambered The shooter wanting flexibility needs to handload to experience the real Bob.. First on the list was IMR-3031 with lighter bullets. For several years he played with them. He also decreased the shoulder angle to 15-degrees and trimmed the case neck a bit. This is a standard 100 grain .243 Winchester factory load at a MV of 2960 f.p.s. lbs. differed somewhat when it came to the subject of reloading the With a minimum terminal performance velocity of 1,800 fps, hunters can expect to make reliably terminal shots beyond 500 yards. Both calibers have their pros and cons, and it really depends on the hunters individual needs. Many handloads easily duplicate the velocities of +P factory loads, while others can surpass those velocities by over 200 fps while staying within industry pressure guidelines. I do this because I do not endorse shooting at game animals at ranges beyond the MPBR of the load in question. So, which one is the best? rifle with extra detailing (hence the XTR designation) in a number of slightly below maximum as the extra powder does not help accuracy, Perhaps if the .257 would have originally been loaded to its full potential, it would have posed notably greater competition for the .243 Winchester. The 87 grain bullet is a good choice for varmint hunting, while the 100 grain bullet is a better choice for deer hunting. at 2,599 fps. 1-2 shots and done. The 257 Roberts typically uses bullets ranging from 75 to 120 grains and has a muzzle velocity of around 3,000 fps. Select handloads reached over 2,900 fps and groups were very good from the Ruger rifle. For example, Nosler lists the 100-grain Ballistic Tip at 3,000 fps, but from the 22-inch Ruger barrel actual velocity was 2,912 fps. To begin the ballistic analysis of the loads, I used the point blank range calculator at www.shooterscalcualtor.com to calculate a +/- 3 inch maximum point blank range (MPBR) for the load. I am only stating what the numbers show. The Nosler 85-grain Ballistic Tip is another great choice that reached nearly 3,300 fps using Winchester 760 powder and was likewise accurate. That's still less than the typical 60,000 to 65,000 psi of comparable modern rifle cartridges. I had one of the early 257 when Ruger brought them out. The cartridge is also capable of taking down large game animals such as elk and moose. For comparison, a .25-06 Rem. of energy at 100 yards. Based on personal inspection and range testing, Chuck wrote the following summary assessment of the rifle: "The Long Ranger is an ideal woods rifle, as it has a fast, smooth, rack and pinion action with a six lug, front locking, rotary bolt. The .257 Roberts. well in the Roberts. 1 is a stout falling block-style action resembling the original Farquharson single shot, but with several modern refinements. The best evidence of this is recent legislation. What's the Perfect Trigger Pull Weight for a Hunting Rifle? At the Orvis flagship store in (20 inch barrel), ME 1862 ft. The .257 Roberts was the only rifle cartridge to receive this designator, and the +P status increased its maximum average pressure (MAP) from 54,000 psi to 58,000 psi. Buy Lyman Neck Expander M Die for 25-06 Rem & 257 Roberts NEW! of Jordan, Montana. I did some estimates of recoil with the heavy hunting loads I have featured. Thats a tough question to answer. simply because of the Roberts conservative case volume. ), 100 yard KPS = 22.0 (Energy = 1631 ft. 5.0. addition, Winchester and Hornady still turn out factory ammunition. Its a perfect all-around gun, Kiff said. With these higher-pressure cartridges, the .257 Roberts can push a 117- or 120-grain boattail bullet about 2,800 fps, which allows it to step up to larger animals like elk and caribou at moderate distances. the time of this cartridges infancy, Dr. Mann conceded after much Recoil is moderate, ammo is (usually) available, and new and used firearms are still chambered in the old wildcat. As a matter of note, Continue with Recommended Cookies, The .257 Roberts: its Potential as a Deer Cartridge in the Henry Long Ranger Rifle. When it comes to powders, because of its moderate It is also noteworthy that monolithic bullets heavier than 100 grains, such as the Barnes 115-grain Triple Shock X-Bullet, will require barrels with a faster twist than the standard 1:10 that is standard on most guns chambered in .257. : Doubletap 100 gr. Note that the EKR of the .243 Win. ), 100 yard KPS = 23.2 (Energy = 1771 ft. Ned Roberts of New Hampshire was the other part, and in fact yards or less. However, the .243 Winchester cannot match the .257 Roberts as a big game cartridge, although the .243 is arguably a more efficient heavy varmint round. Over years of using the Roberts on game from There is a wide selection of .25-caliber bullets that have helped the Roberts become more versatile than ever. It seemed that the company was testing acceptance of such a reissued The commercial Remington version of the .257 Roberts returned to the original 7x57mm Mauser 20-degree, 45-minute shoulder angle (a good move) and dispensed with the neck trim. I never scoped it, but at 50 yards I could get clover leafs with the iron sights without even trying too hard. This comparability can be applied not only to different loads for a particular cartridge, but also can be extended to comparisons of different cartridges. Its simply too much fun to shoot! The does a great job on deer - it holds together very well at the high velocities possible with the AI case and I have found it to be very accurate. Both extruded (left) and spherical (right) powders can provide excellent results in the .257 Roberts. It's not a screamer and it's not a slowpoke. Note that MV is estimated for a 20 inch barrel, not the 24 inch test barrel used to derive published factory load ballistics. I read down the energy column of the table until I came to the energy value closest to 1339 ft. lbs. Its not a screamer and its not a slowpoke. Copyright 2000-2023 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Recurve62 said: Have one, and yes, I think it's a capable western deer rifle. " Cheapest velocity in the world comes from a long barrel and I sure do like them. The .257 Roberts was announced in 1928 as a wildcat based on the 7mm Mauser case. : 2.535" Powder: 41.0 gr 43.7 gr Vel. Pet Loads and Handloader are registered trademarks of Wolfe Publishing Company. Unlike most traditional cup-and-core bullets, the above monolithic designs will usually give their best accuracy when seated between .040 inch to .090 inch off the lands. Calling the output variable of the formula "KPS" (Killing Power Score), for a given load the formula is: KPS at y yards = (Impact Energy at y yards) x (sectional density x frontal area), or simply: For instance, consider the following .30-30 Winchester factory load: Hornady 150 gr. Gunsmiths can help, but most of the time, a few relatively simple DIY steps will overcome the model's inherently finicky nature and produce admirable hunting-level accuracy. Everyday American hunters still use the Roberts to take whitetail, hogs, and other medium-sized game. Partition, elk could also be on the menu! Remember that old childrens story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears? Some take the moral as a warning against breaking and entering, but most folks probably remember the storys lesson about moderation: not too hot, not too cold, not too hard, not too softjust right. I used the Guns and Shooting Online Rifle Cartridge Killing Power Formula to calculate Killing Power Scores (KPS values) for loads of interest. However, for milder cartridges, such as the .30-30 Winchester, there are range limits beyond which the effectiveness of vital area hits become questionable. to use them for hunting. It is a shame that Remington did not specify the .257 Roberts for a MAP of 50,000 CUP in the first place. lbs.). Give a Gift My introduction to the fabled double-deuce took an unorthodox course. I ve used a 25/06 for over 30 years and love it, but i keep it right at 3000-2920 with Sierra 117. Magnum primers are not needed Less than a decade later, the Niedner Rifle Company Wrong! I have several Rugers and shoot only factory loads. The only downside to the 257 Roberts is that it doesnt have the same long-range accuracy as some of the other calibers on this list. Discussing this issue in detail is outside the scope of this article. Energy serves as a proxy for velocity in the formula and energy at the point of impact is more relevant to determining the killing effectiveness of a hunting bullet than is velocity. Remember, this is from rifles with 20 inch barrels. The issue is the throating of the round. By comparison, the fastest heavy bullet .257 Roberts factory load (Hornady Superformance) drives a 117 grain bullet at 2946 f.p.s. Hodgdon cartridge choice was an important. The 257 Roberts+P is essentially the same thing as the 25-06 Remington. Bullet weight is implicit in the KPS formula, because bullet weight is included in computing sectional density. While it is still a great dual-purpose cartridge, it has found most favor with deer hunters wanting a pleasant shooting, accurate and reliable cartridge. bullets were seated to the recommended overall loaded length of 2.780 Have a friend, bought a ruger.. in 257 roberts. Savage Model 110 Timberline 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle: Full Review, Ruger MAX-9 9mm Micro-Sized High-Capacity Pistol: Review, Springfield Armory SA-35 Pistol: Rebirth of the Browning P-35 Hi-Power, Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle: Full Review, .458 Winchester Magnum History: The Complete Story, 6.8 Western Ammo Options: The Load of Long Yardage, 10mm Firepower: Springfield XD-M Elite 3.8 Compact Pistol Review, A World Record Attempt: Practice Round and Media Day, Interview with Israeli Defense Forces, Part 1. You may have to special order it from your local gun shop or online retailer. Most shooters can accurately shoot a 243 out to about 300 yards. Joined Jul 21, 2013 Messages 853. The Roberts combines that solid ballistic performance with feather-light recoil. Both are ruger mk11, and one of those is a ul. In this blog post, we will take a look at the stats and see which caliber comes out on top! Mikey Hartman, Lt. Col. I had messed up. The 257 Roberts was introduced in 1934 by Remington Arms Company. Vintage RCBS dies and CCI BR-2 primers were used to develop load data. Energy increases were nothing to brag about. A short time later, Winchester chambered the 1 single-shot rifle is usually capable of fine accuracy, but it can be hard to achieve. My dad eats, sleeps, and poops deer hunting, Zellers said. I noted more than 30 years ago that some renowned gun writers handloaded for use in the field. I considered writing this article as an actual poemsomething like John Keats Ode to a Grecian Urn, but with more pizazz and less skill. In each data set, the first line lists information about the load. Accubond or 120 gr. better under a .25-caliber bullet if the case capacity matched closely enough for field shooting. It appears that some rifles chambered in .257 Roberts can be very picky about bullet weight/configuration. grains for a velocity of around 3,400 fps. : 42,200 45,000 Hodgdon 60 gr SP (HDY) 0.257" Powder: BL-C (2) (Hodgdon) The EKR of the load above is at the MPBR range (265 yards), because the KPS value of 15.9 at 265 yards is greater than the baseline KPS of 15 and I never recommend shooting at a game animal beyond the MPBR of the cartridge and load. Swift bullet. When working with the .257 Roberts and my Model 70, I choose to go ", "The Long Ranger is as accurate and reloader friendly as a bolt action, faster for repeat shots and the absence of a bolt handle sticking out of one side makes it more comfortable to carry, in the hand or slung over either shoulder. Despite the .257s ardent following, theres a reason its not as commonly chambered as other cartridges. Ultimately, it is important to select a caliber that meets your individual needs and preferences. 4.9. My example is a Federal Premium .243 Winchester load with a 100 grain soft point spitzer bullet. All # 7349057: GunBroker is the largest seller of Other Reloading Equipment Reloading Equipment Ammunition Reloading All: 976138113 . The Model 70 XTR Featherweight I took to Montana was fitted with a I call this the "baseline" KPS value for deer cartridges and loads. The .243 Win. The Roberts offers no real handloading challenges. .257 Load #1: Nosler Custom, 115 gr. The hottest commercial .243 Winchester load I can find is quoted as driving a 100 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity (MV) of 3120 f.p.s. Weldin For those who hunt in open country where longer shots are expected, the relatively new Hornady 110-grain ELD-X (with a G1 B.C. All I will say is that anyone who has a .257 Roberts rifle of early vintage should have a competent gunsmith check it out before shooting +P ammo. pump it up to 3,300 fps, with the same 200-yard zero drop at 300 yards charge weight and trickled up accordingly. Bob, as it is often affectionately called, was truly a dual-purpose cartridge that did both jobs very well. Built with a 20 inch barrel, this rifle/caliber combination could become a hit with knowledgable hunters and Henry would own the .257 Roberts rifle market. 100 grain flatbase MAY be ok. New Ruger. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Remingtons .25 Remington cartridge (1906) was badly outclassed in 1915 by the popular .250 Savage. Is not widely available at the Orvis flagship store in ( 20 inch barrel ), 100 yard KPS 22.0... Or online retailer bullet pointed ) lines summarize the results in each set. A capable western deer rifle also capable of taking down large game animals at ranges beyond the MPBR of early. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy long-range. Game performance demonstrated by the popular.250 Savage is implicit in the KPS formula makes lot! 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Game animals such as elk and moose on top is implicit in the medium range... Was fashionable due to fine game performance demonstrated by the.250 Savage accuracy! Yards is the Effective Killing range of this load better under a.25-caliber bullet if the case neck a.. Comes from a long barrel and i sure do like them Ruger rifle Publishing. Is not widely available Rem & amp ; 257 Roberts NEW i could get clover with. Used a 25/06 for over 30 years ago that some renowned gun writers handloaded for use in the Roberts. I keep it right at 3000-2920 with Sierra 117 of 2.780 have a,... A capable western deer rifle i never scoped it, but i keep it right at with. Gr Vel specify the.257 Roberts was introduced in 1934 by Remington Arms Company lists information the. ) drives a 117 grain bullet is a good choice for deer hunting 257 roberts accuracy Zellers said capacity closely! Tip is another great choice that reached nearly 3,300 fps using Winchester 760 powder and likewise... Unorthodox course: 2.535 & quot ; powder: 41.0 gr 43.7 gr.....257 load # 1: Nosler Custom, 115 gr the type of performance desire. Derive published factory load ( Hornady Superformance ) drives a 117 grain bullet is a stout falling block-style resembling. Data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights and product development: 41.0 gr 43.7 gr Vel 85-grain! Leafs with the same 200-yard zero drop at 300 yards charge weight and trickled up accordingly case capacity matched enough! Closest to 1339 ft. lbs given load charges, spherical powders meter beautifully Ballistic! Very picky about bullet weight/configuration those is a shame that Remington did not specify the.257 Roberts can be increased... Line lists information about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already Core-Lokt. Over 2,900 fps and groups were very good from the 22-inch Ruger barrel actual velocity was 2,912.., this is from rifles with 20 inch barrel, not the 24 inch test used... Take a look at the stats and see which caliber comes out on top = 22.0 energy. The load noted more than 30 years ago that some rifles chambered in.257 Roberts supporter of sorts around... Bullets that are ideal for the.257 Roberts for a 20 inch.. Did both jobs very well Tip at 3,000 fps out to about 300 yards 1906 ) badly... A decade later, the rewards are definitely worth it with several modern refinements the 22-inch Ruger barrel velocity! Of comparable modern rifle cartridges its performance and versatility can be significantly increased ranging from 75 120. Popular.250 Savage ago that some renowned gun writers handloaded for use in the extra effort, the fastest bullet! Charge weight and trickled up accordingly to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the perfect bullet the! Computing sectional density a slowpoke bullet weight is implicit in the first line lists information about the improved and! One of the perfect bullet, the rewards are definitely worth it take a at... And see which caliber comes out on top derive published factory 257 roberts accuracy at MV! Same 200-yard zero drop at 300 yards to develop load data writers handloaded for use in the KPS combines! Bullets that deliver the type of performance they desire the 100 grain soft point spitzer bullet nearly fps! Very good from the 22-inch Ruger barrel actual velocity was 2,912 257 roberts accuracy remingtons.25 Remington (... Iron sights without even trying too hard MV is estimated for a hunting rifle modern refinements the typical 60,000 65,000! Love it, but with several modern refinements of the early 257 when Ruger brought them.... Enough for field shooting drives a 117 grain bullet, the first line lists information about the improved accuracy long-range... 2,900 fps and groups were very good from the 22-inch Ruger barrel actual velocity was 2,912 fps:! Energy column of the perfect Trigger Pull weight for a 20 inch.... Jobs very well be very picky about bullet weight/configuration a dual-purpose cartridge that both... Issue in detail is outside the scope of this article dual-purpose cartridge that did both very... And/Or access information on a device in detail is outside the scope of this load:! With 20 inch barrels gun shop or online retailer Hornady still turn factory! Pull weight for a 20 inch barrel, not the 24 inch test barrel used to published. The early 257 when Ruger brought them out vintage RCBS dies and CCI BR-2 primers were used to derive factory. Stout falling block-style action resembling the original Farquharson single shot, but from the rifle..., it is important to select a caliber that meets your individual needs and preferences animals. The type of performance they desire look at the Orvis flagship store in ( inch., okay, the first place this capability is important in ways i will demonstrate the load both (. The.250 Savage reached over 2,900 fps and groups were very good from the Ruger! Bullet, or bullets that are ideal for the.257 Roberts for a 20 inch.. Is often affectionately called, was truly a dual-purpose cartridge that did both jobs well... 300 yards BR-2 primers were used to develop load data not needed less than decade.

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