257 Weatherby Question.

[Baz460]

Hi.
Do any forum members reload for the 257 Weatherby?
And if there are any, has anyone used the Nosler 100 grn Ballistic tips?
I just received 100, and read on the box not to push them over 3200 fps, so have I waisted my time, 5 months to get some, if they can't go over 3200.
I will use the 257 on Pigs and Dogs, so went for the lighter 100 grn projectile, and would like to get them out at least 3600fps, I had a 25/06 for many years and used the 90 grn HP's, with devastating results out to 300 yds, and no problems.
The guys at the Barn loaded up and sighted in my rifle in with Nosler 110grn Accubonds, Fed 215 Primers and 66.5 grn's of ADI 2213SC Powder, it put 3 shots touching at 100 yds, but am thinking they might not be explosive enough on critters.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Baz.

[gunnnie]

Hey mate. I load mine with 95gn BT. Don't know what velocity as I don't have a chrono. Seem to explode 4Lt water jugs at 400m pretty well.

[brett1868]

I have a of Weatherby Mk.V's and my favourite load for the .257 is below. Not sure you'll get over 3500fps from a 100Gr projectile as a few manuals I looked at show a max velocity around 3500fps. I use the .257 with 100Gr pill on almost everything, for bigger game I step up to the 300 Wby Mag.

Projectile Sierra #1628 100Gr HPBT
Primer CCI 250 LMR
Powder AR2213SC 68Gr
Velocity 3328 fps - Measured on MagnetoSpeed Chronograph
Seated .001" off the lands
Groups 1/3 moa or better consistently

Another winner
Projectile Hornady #2520 75Gr HP
Primer CCI 250 LMR
Powder AR2213SC 75Gr
Velocity 3836 fps - Measured on MagnetoSpeed Chronograph
Seated .001" off the lands

Groups 1/3 moa or better consistently.

[Baz460]

Thanks guys, I think I will give the Nosler 100 grn ballistic tips a go and drop them back to around 3400 .

Cheers Baz.

[Baz460]

S..t forgot, I have around 50 rounds loaded up with Barnes TTSX HP's, but with the copper build up that happened in the barrel running in, not to sure what to do with them, probably won't use them now.

Baz.

[brett1868]

S..t forgot, I have around 50 rounds loaded up with Barnes TTSX HP's, but with the copper build up that happened in the barrel running in, not to sure what to do with them, probably won't use them now.

Baz.

Kinetic bullet puller and load them a little slower, possibly the excess copper fouling is from trying to drive them too fast.
Good luck and report back what you learn, think there's only you and I that shoot the .257 which is a little disappointing as it's a great round.

Regards
Brett

[No1Mk3]

G'day Baz460,
If Nosler say don't exceed 3200fps for that particular pill it would be wise to take the bullet makers advice. Perhaps these pills have jacket separation problems at higher velocities, perhaps fragmentation in flight? Contact Nosler for the reasons or use one of the other makers .25 caliber 100g, such as Speer or Hornady. Having said that, the Nosler Custom Ammo loaded for 257 Weatherby uses the 100g ballistic tip and show the velocity as 3520fps! A mystery indeed, Cheers.

[sandgroperbill]

I believe that 3200fps is the maximum velocity they reccomend for optimal terminal performance, ie, optimum expansion is between 1800 and 3200 fps. At least, that's my understanding of it.

[sandgroperbill]

And a .257 wby would definitely interest me. Perhaps in a nice mark v...

[gunnnie]

Buzz, there's three of us in the Roy Weather by 's favorite cartridge fan club. Mine is a series 1 Vanguard, synthetic stock .I recently put a Vortex 4-16X50 on it as a replacement for the Taco Target 8-32x. Have yet to shoot it with the new glass.
I'm sticking with 95gn pills to maximise on velocity & trajectory efficiency. I was considering the heavier Barnes pills but will use them in my Browning BBR 257 Rob Imp.
Am a fan of the quarter bore calibre & reckon I can cover just about anything here in Australia with my 25cals as long as I use the right pills & place my shots.

[Aussier]

Having said that, the Nosler Custom Ammo loaded for 257 Weatherby uses the 100g ballistic tip and show the velocity as 3520fps! A mystery indeed, Cheers.

3520 at the muzzle though, not the target.

From what I've seen it's the weight retention that suffers at excessive (> 3,200?) velocities, not in-flight issues.

Haven't put it through the calculator but at practical hunting ranges the 3520 will have dropped to an appropriate velocity I think.