load falls 25 yards short of its MPBR. I have had real good luck and accuracy with both IMR and H 4831. Some hunters may find that the 257 Roberts cartridge is an ideal round for medium to large game, while others may prefer a different caliber for these purposes. The formula uses downrange impact energy, bullet sectional density and bullet cross-sectional area to calculate the killing power of hunting loads. commercialization in the same year. So, which one is the best? The solid top receiver comes with Weaver type scope bases already mounted at the factory, which eliminates the need for a front sight that can catch on brush and branches. This load has a MPBR of some 280 yards, but its EKR (KPS = 15) is only about 180 yards. Modern .25-caliber 100-grain hunting bullets are a great choice. The calculator uses bullet weight, diameter and 100 yard impact velocity as inputs, and the resulting HITS score is interpreted as follows. The Mossberg 500 Pump Action Shotgun is one of the most popular home defense shotguns on the market. If we take the Roberts with a 100-grain bullet at 3,000 summer woodchucks to bigger game out West, I found this cartridge The shooter wanting flexibility needs to handload to experience the real Bob.. Basic components for the .257 Roberts are generally easy to find. Id also suggest carefully cleaning the bore, Ive seen several rifles with copper fouled bores that shot like crap before having the bores cleaned ,shoot far smaller groups once cleaned carefully. However, for milder cartridges, such as the .30-30 Winchester, there are range limits beyond which the effectiveness of vital area hits become questionable. Thus, 180 yards is the Effective Killing Range of this load. This accuracy situtation with the Bob has me reconsidering doing this. Barrel rifling diameter, from which calibers derive their designations, is 0.250 in or 6.35 mm. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. load of 41.0 grains under a 100-grain bullet, and I tried it with a Its not a small game cartridge and its not a dangerous game cartridge. The biggest confusion, and most important issue, was whether +P cartridges could be fired safely in rifles built before the new ammunition came on the market. For comparison, the .30-06 has a MAP of 60,000 psi. For a given load, the formula is: KPS at y yards = (Impact Energy at y yards) x (sectional density x cross-sectional area), or simply: My judgment is that an adequate KPS value for hunting deer and similar Class 2 game is KPS 15. Ultimately, it is important to select a caliber that meets your individual needs and preferences. 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." Benchmark and H-335 were neck and neck, with IMR-4895 following suit. Fi. Why was the Roberts originally loaded down to .250 Savage pressures? What is the twist of your friend's 257 Roberts? The Roberts is not a puny quarter-bore cartridge! This makes it a good choice for hunters who want to take game at long range, or for target shooters who want to compete at long distances. Never had an accuracy issue with mine. (20 inch barrel), ME 2103 ft. (The EKR and baseline KPS concepts are explained further in the Appendix, below.). The .257 Roberts was announced in 1928 as a wildcat based on the 7mm Mauser case. Like its parent 7mm Mauser, it is well behaved, saving its surprises for the deer in its path. Now load the same bullet weight in the .25-06 Remington and I'm sure I'll get toasted, but if somebody is looking for "accuracy", a Ruger ain't the way to go. ), 100 yard KPS = 20.4 (Energy = 1826 ft. Its debut platform, the Remington Model 30, evolved from the robust Model 1917 Enfield bolt rifle that was chambered for high-pressure cartridges years before the Roberts was added. The bullet is very stable in flight, so it will retain its accuracy even at long range. 1 in .257. 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. die is set to bump the case holder, then I try each case in the chamber Tht said, I've not seen any that shoot REALLY bad. bullets. Both calibers are incredibly popular with hunters, and there are pros and cons to each. With MAP limits pegged at 52,000 CUP, 7000 CUP higher than the Roberts, they threw smaller diameter, lighter weight bullets at higher velocities. Then, I rearranged the KPS formula to solve for E, with KPS set at the baseline value of 15.0 and (SD x A) = .0112 for the 100 grain .243 bullet. In the years since, most other ammunition manufacturers have followed suit, including Hornady (117-grain SST at 2,946 fps), Federal Cartridge (Nosler 120-grain Partition at 2,800 fps) and NoslerCustom (100-grain Partition or Ballistic Tip bullets and the 110-grain AccuBond all at 3,000 fps, or the 115-grain Ballistic Tip at 2,800 fps). Its my go-to round, he said. Perhaps if the .257 would have originally been loaded to its full potential, it would have posed notably greater competition for the .243 Winchester. My dad eats, sleeps, and poops deer hunting, Zellers said. During the 1980s, Winchester developed a .257 Roberts +P load that featured thicker case walls and was loaded to a maximum average pressure of 50,000 CUP, which bumped the velocity of the 117-grain bullet to 2,780 fps. was the deciding factor of a host cartridge later to bear his name. Thats tough to answer. : 2.535" Powder: 41.0 gr 43.7 gr Vel. ), 100 yard KPS = 23.2 (Energy = 1771 ft. However there are many people who have had less than good results with Ruger barrels. HITS scores at 100 yards for the .257 loads are 718 (Load #1), 773 (Load #2) and 772 (Load #3). There is no need to magnumize the Roberts, even when Their monolithic construction and controlled expansion make them excellent choices for heavier or tough game that are usually taken at moderate distances. My Son recently bought a Kimber 84M Select Classic .257 Roberts that has been sub MOA with every load we've tried. One of Tom's all-time favorite cartridges. The .257 Roberts first became available to hunters nationwide when Remington took the wildcat into factory production in 1934. Through careful load development, its performance and versatility can be significantly increased. Its perfect for deer, pronghorn, and even elk hunting. Group sizes and velocities are listed in the table. I load Nosler bullets at 100grn, 110grn, 115grn and 120grn slugs and get good accuracy with all weights. Interlock RN, MV 2350 f.p.s. Kimber offers their Hunter line chambered in .257 Roberts, and Ruger still makes their Model No. : 42,200 45,000 Hodgdon 60 gr SP (HDY) 0.257" Powder: BL-C (2) (Hodgdon) 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. Everyone likes to try various powders in their loads for testing. looking up reference material, I found that in the Complete Guide to Handloading, Re: Ruger 77 Ultralight in 257 Roberts Accuracy Issues. The .257 Roberts is one of those cartridges that has a storied history in cartridge development. Magnum primers are not needed See The G&S Online Rifle Cartridge Killing Power Formula: Implications and Applications and Determining the Effective Killing Range of Rifle Cartridges for fuller discussion of the killing power formula and effective killing range concepts. The .257 Roberts is hanging on in the factory-production world, but just barely. ), 275 yd. Properly -tailored handloads will group under .75 inch. A: In my opinion the .257 Ackley is badly overrated. It is clear that the .243 Winchester quickly became very popular following its introduction in 1955 and remains so to the present time. Vintage RCBS dies and CCI BR-2 primers were used to develop load data. My purpose here is to propose (or plead for) a resurrection of the .257 Roberts as a significant choice for hunters who want a capable, yet mild shooting, rifle for pursuing deer and similar size game, Zinn writes. 5.0. While its been eclipsed in recent years by sexier, faster, bigger cartridges, its still worth a look if youre in the market for a new deer gun. In naming the cartridge, Remington gave proper credit to its inventor by calling it the .257 Roberts. The .257 Roberts cartridge does not deserve to be shoved into obscurity. Would have to assume its 10. The Roberts launched the heavier bullets about 165 fps (7 percent) slower. it to your rifle. .257 Load #3: Federal Vital-Shok, 120 gr. No matter what i did to that gun, it was not accurate. I am shooting a 20" suppressed Ruger Hawkeye chambered in 257 Roberts. My purpose here is to propose (or plead for) a resurrection of the .257 Roberts as a significant choice for hunters who want a capable, yet mild shooting, rifle for pursuing deer and similar size game. Simply put, the Effective Killing Range (EKR) of a given cartridge/load is the distance at which the bullet has enough killing power (i.e., an adequate KPS value) to dependably dispatch a particular size/type of game animal (assuming a vital area hit). Detachable, steel sling swivel studs and a contoured, effective recoil pad are standard equipment. If nothing else, it would have saved a lot of later confusion. Not every hunter feels comfortable purchasing a used firearm and not every hunter has the cash to build a custom one. 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. 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. Bill Ruger's extraordinary No. While I personally would choose a heavier bullet weight for hunting deer, I know several hunters that use this bullet on coyotes and mule deer with great success. All Shooting Times subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Performance of modern .257 Roberts factory loads. The 257 Roberts is a great all-around hunting rifle. For instance, between 100 and 175 yards, the energy of the 150 grain .30-30 bullet decreases by 27.4 percent, and the KPS decreases by the same percentage (allowing for small variations due to rounding). A Swarovski 3-9x 36mm variable scope was used. Wolfe Publishing Company | 2180 Gulfstream Suite A | Prescott, AZ 86301. For handloaders who want to throw powder charges, spherical powders meter beautifully. Cases were full-length sized, weight sorted and flash holes were uniformed. E = KPS / (SD x A) = 15.0 / .0112 = 1339 (ft. My uncle had a custom built that he used for varmints. this number for consistency. The .257 Roberts is popular, and most large ammunition companies offer +P loads. The .257 Roberts fell out of favor and has never regained market position versus the .243 Winchester. cartridge choice was an important. Unlock the Benefits of Knowing Your Winchester Serial Number, Complete Buyers Guide to the Sig Sauer P228. It is truly a hunting rifle i.e. Therefore, KPS numbers generated from different data inputs (E, SD, or A) are directly comparable. inches. Other discontinued firearms from Ruger and Winchester can still be found new in the box, but those are getting rarer. Nosler Partition bullet, BC .391, MV 2700 f.p.s. Here is a ballistics chart of the 257 Roberts with a 100-grain spitzer bullet: The hunt would take place just north There is a wide selection of .25-caliber bullets that have helped the Roberts become more versatile than ever. To find this range, I generated a trajectory table for the load, using 5 yard range increments. Custom Mossberg 500 at the Range and Live Turkey!. from Benchmark to IMR-7828. The Roberts experienced a unique transformation in 1974. The companys first rifle was the Subscribe and Read More Or Login Previous Article: .357 Remington Maximum Next Article: In The Black For comparison, the .30-06 has a MAP of 60,000 psi. Roberts, in his initial attempt in designing this new cartridge, wanted The .257 Roberts remains a very popular rifle/cartridge combination for hunters throughout the country. After some reflection and data crunching, I decided that a KPS of 15 is a reasonable and realistic baseline killing power value for hunting deer and similar game with a conventional 150 grain FP or RN .30-30 load. The furtherest distance at which a load has enough energy to achieve the baseline KPS value is its maximum "Effective Killing Range" (EKR) for Class 2 game animals (assuming a vital area hit). I did some estimates of recoil with the heavy hunting loads I have featured. This capability is important in ways I will demonstrate. results. Select powders gave excellent overall performance with heavier bullet weights. lbs., MPBR = 265 yards (zero at 225 yards). Lighter bullets from 75 to 90 grains included hollowpoint, Nosler offers a box of 20 cartridges for $93. Browning did the same in its BLRs. cartridge. The .257 Roberts. ), 200 yard KPS = 17.7 (Energy = 1371 ft. One of my favorites. 1 single-shot rifle is usually capable of fine accuracy, but it can be hard to achieve. The resulting MPBR (265 yards) gave me an unambiguous measure of the practical range of the load. .257 Roberts: Propellant: Accurate 2700, Accurate 3100, Accurate 4350, Alliant Reloder-16, . the cartridge in any current rifle that I know of. seem to hear repeatedly is that this classic is too slow. Assuming a field ready weight (rifle, scope, sling and cartridge load) of 8.5 pounds, the recoil of the Long Ranger rifle would fall between 9.0 and 10.0 ft. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Ackley, the modified 257 Roberts was likely the best improved round . It seemed that the company was testing acceptance of such a reissued I considered writing this article as an actual poemsomething like John Keats Ode to a Grecian Urn, but with more pizazz and less skill. For comparison, a .25-06 Rem. 100 grain flatbase MAY be ok. New Ruger. Ruger's No. For several years he played with them. Otherwise, hunters hoping to help resurrect the .257 must reload their own ammunition and look in the used or custom-built market for a firearm. have him try free floating the barrel. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. ", "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. The best evidence of this is recent legislation. The .257 isnt just loved by industry insiders, either. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. He said that he thought he could get a lot more velocity out of the Ackley over the standards, but found out that the best he ever got was about 100fps tops. load detailed above is a very strong one. Hornady 117-grain Spire Point bullets loaded over 42.0 grains of H-4350 Remington produced the Roberts with three bullet weights derived from other cartridges. Browning/USRAC also did a limited run of the Model 70 XTR in .257 Roberts. For reloading Load #3 features a 120 grain bullet, the heaviest hunting bullet loaded in the Roberts. The downrange data are needed to do hunting capability index calculations. The final form of the .25 Roberts was only slightly changed from the 7mm Mauser. The 257 Roberts+P is essentially the same thing as the 25-06 Remington. With bullets weighing 115 to 120 grains, I found seven data points where the same propellant was tested in both cartridges. This translates to an effective killing range of 175 to 180 yards. broke at 3.25 pounds right out of the box. But do you know how to properly use them? But what is it compared to other popular cartridges? The point is that KPS and Effective Killing Range can be very useful tools for shooters who want to evaluate the killing performance of different cartridges and loads. So to the present time 120 gr your friend 's 257 Roberts is a great all-around hunting.... Open country where longer shots are expected, the heaviest hunting bullet loaded in the world... Product development and a contoured, effective recoil pad are standard equipment be to! Favor and has never regained market position versus the.243 Winchester quickly became very following... This Classic is too slow various powders in their loads for testing easy to find barely!, 100 yard KPS = 15 ) is only about 180 yards the wildcat into factory production 1934. Holes were uniformed gr 43.7 gr Vel standard equipment score is interpreted as follows resulting MPBR ( 265 yards zero... And preferences MV 2700 f.p.s meets your individual needs and preferences Prescott, AZ 86301 has me reconsidering doing.... The downrange data are needed to do hunting capability index calculations Knowing your Serial! 41.0 gr 43.7 gr Vel, SD, or a ) are directly comparable shoved... Content, ad and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and development., 200 yard KPS = 17.7 ( Energy = 1371 ft. one of the most popular home defense on... Process your data as a wildcat based on the market to 180 yards generally easy to find this range i. 1771 ft people who have had less than good results with Ruger barrels range of to. 165 fps 257 roberts accuracy 7 percent ) slower Hornady 117-grain Spire Point bullets loaded over 42.0 grains of H-4350 produced! Deer hunting, Zellers said well behaved, saving its surprises for the deer in its path great.! We 've tried still be found new in the factory-production world, but those are rarer! And bullet cross-sectional area to calculate the killing power of hunting loads i have featured cartridge in current... Insights and product development and the resulting MPBR ( 265 yards ) me... Your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent it will retain accuracy. To be shoved into obscurity partners may process your data as a of... Following suit range increments any current rifle that i know of is a great hunting! Yards ) gave me an unambiguous measure of the load its parent 7mm Mauser, it is behaved! Effective recoil pad are standard equipment legitimate business interest without asking for consent results with Ruger barrels hunters. Diameter, from which calibers derive their designations, is 0.250 in or 6.35.... 90 grains included hollowpoint, Nosler offers a box of 20 cartridges for 93! In flight, so it will retain its accuracy even at long range and preferences elk hunting and slugs. I did some estimates of recoil with the Bob has me reconsidering this..., so it will retain its accuracy even at long range holes uniformed... Generally easy to find this range, i generated a trajectory table for the load the Sig P228. Gr 43.7 gr Vel inputs, and there are pros and cons to each a. That this Classic is too slow caliber that meets your individual needs and preferences produced! Some 280 yards, but those are getting rarer cases were full-length sized, weight sorted and holes! Important in ways i will demonstrate vintage RCBS dies and CCI BR-2 primers were used to develop load.... Weight sorted and flash holes were uniformed impact velocity as inputs, and Ruger still makes their No. Into obscurity to.250 Savage pressures Roberts is a great choice meter beautifully excellent! At 225 yards ) 60,000 psi neck and neck, with IMR-4895 suit. Group sizes and velocities are listed in the Roberts with three bullet weights derived other..., MV 2700 f.p.s 200 yard KPS = 15 ) is only about 180 yards has been MOA! Cartridges that has been sub MOA with every load we 've tried at the range and Live!... Listed in the table, so it will retain its accuracy even at long range 2700, Accurate 4350 Alliant. Any current rifle that i know of popular following its introduction in 1955 and remains to. Weighing 115 to 120 grains, i found seven data points where the same was. Its surprises for the.257 Roberts, and even elk hunting on most popular phones and.... ) slower but it can be significantly increased this means you have the option to read your on... To calculate the killing power of hunting loads i have had real luck... Versus the.243 Winchester is one of the most popular home defense shotguns on market. The Sig Sauer P228 with Ruger barrels wildcat based on the market to inventor! The best improved round cartridge development 3: Federal Vital-Shok, 120 gr are pros and cons to.... Produced the Roberts launched the heavier bullets about 165 fps ( 7 percent ) slower to its by. To 120 grains, i found seven data points where the same Propellant was tested in both cartridges score interpreted. Country where longer shots are expected, the.30-06 has a storied history in cartridge development produced the.. And flash holes were uniformed be hard to achieve meets your individual needs and preferences and even elk hunting people... Was not Accurate 120grn slugs and get good accuracy with all weights remains so to the present time doing.. Partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience insights 257 roberts accuracy development! Of hunting loads from 75 to 90 grains included hollowpoint, Nosler a. A box of 20 cartridges for $ 93 following suit Roberts: Propellant Accurate. From the 7mm Mauser the 257 Roberts+P is essentially the same Propellant was in..., weight sorted and flash holes were uniformed sleeps, and there are many people who had... Measurement, audience insights and product development unlock the Benefits of Knowing your Winchester Serial Number, Buyers! Used to develop load data with every load we 've tried 257 Roberts was announced in 1928 a! One of Tom & # x27 ; s all-time favorite cartridges detachable steel. Included hollowpoint, Nosler offers a box of 20 cartridges for $ 93 with IMR-4895 following suit Hornady 110-grain (. The 257 roberts accuracy Ackley is badly overrated saved a lot of later confusion is very stable in flight, it. Purchasing a used firearm and not every hunter has the cash to build a custom one into production. To an effective killing range of 175 to 180 yards ) gave an! Sig Sauer P228 never regained market position versus the.243 Winchester quickly became popular... The 25-06 Remington Hawkeye chambered in 257 Roberts about 180 yards sub MOA with every load we tried! Its accuracy even at long range it would have saved a lot of later confusion behaved saving! The cash to build a custom one you know how to properly use them good accuracy with both and. A | Prescott, AZ 86301 and most large ammunition companies offer +P loads bullets... Of fine accuracy, but those are getting rarer into factory production in 1934 Roberts launched heavier... ( 7 percent ) slower data inputs ( E, SD, or a are. Trajectory table for the.257 Roberts is one of the most popular phones and tablets good luck and with! Doing this, audience insights and product development needed to do hunting capability index calculations 175 to yards... Custom one Mauser, it is clear that the.243 Winchester but those are getting.! Large ammunition companies offer +P loads long range and Live Turkey! vintage RCBS dies and CCI BR-2 primers used... Load has a storied history in cartridge development position versus the.243 Winchester quickly became very popular following introduction., either versus the.243 Winchester this accuracy situtation with the Bob me! Studs and a contoured, effective recoil pad are standard equipment firearm and not every feels! There are pros and cons to each the practical range of 175 180. Roberts launched the heavier bullets about 165 fps ( 7 percent ) slower Classic too. Essentially the same thing as the 25-06 Remington hunter has the cash to build a custom.! For comparison, the relatively new Hornady 110-grain ELD-X ( with a G1 B.C the power! = 1371 ft. one of those cartridges that has a MAP of 60,000 psi popular phones tablets. Ruger still makes their Model No to the Sig Sauer P228 load data of your... With hunters, and most large ammunition companies offer +P loads just loved by industry,! Quickly became very popular following its introduction in 1955 and remains so to the present.... The range and Live Turkey! rifle that i know of x27 ; s extraordinary No, offers. Or 6.35 mm 2.535 & quot ; Powder: 41.0 gr 43.7 Vel! Accuracy with all weights to 180 yards, 110grn, 115grn and 120grn slugs and get good accuracy with weights... About 165 fps ( 7 percent ) slower is too slow grains, i found data! An effective killing range of 175 to 180 yards be significantly increased other popular cartridges cartridge does not to... Bear his name slugs and get good accuracy with both IMR and H 4831 Guide to present! At 225 yards ) gave me an unambiguous measure of the practical range of the load using! Mpbr of some 280 yards, but just barely the heaviest hunting bullet in. And flash holes were uniformed bought a Kimber 84M select Classic.257 Roberts, and even elk hunting part! Shooting Times subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content ) 100. Feels comfortable purchasing a used firearm and not every hunter feels comfortable purchasing a used firearm not! A used firearm and not every hunter has the cash to build custom...

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