257 Roberts "-P"

[CatskillCrawler]

This is a new cartridge for me and I'm looking to use applicable powders I have on hand for the moment which include H-4831SC, IMR-4064, Varget, H-4350, and IMR-4350. I will be using 100gr NPs for this venture This will be out of a M70 Fwt with a 22" barrel.

My first priority is to get a load for the 100gr NPs that is very tame. I'm thinking 2650-2800fps will probably suffice. Eventually I'd like to get the 110gr NABs barking out of this rifle but this year I need a mild load developed.

Based upon my load books and research I think I'll start with the Varget and H-4831.

I searched for reloading threads on this cartridge and found posts but couldn't get them to appear due to my "selected time frame ". Not sure how to change that but I guess it only displays posts within one year. Anyways...

Your thoughts and experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

[DrMike]

CsC,

I assume this means that you picked up the rifle Tom told us about. Congratulations. It will be a great rifle, I have no doubt. The cartridge is a classic, and the rifle was just made for that cartridge. I don't believe you'll have any trouble achieving the velocities you set for yourself. I've had some good success with 115 grain PTs and 100 grain Hornady SPs and IMR8208XBR. Keep us posted as you work up your loads.

 

[257 Ackley]

R19 has been the best powder for me, for both velocity and accuracy in my AI version. 4831 may be a tad slow, especially for the lighter bullets. You will like the caliber!

 

[nvbroncrider]

I'd use IMR 4895 it's a perfect powder for that cartridge. If that is a long action rifle you will surprize yourself on how close you will come to 25-06 velocities since you will be able to seat your bullets farther out especially the 100-120 gr bullets.

 

[rick smith]

I use IMR-4064 with a 100gr NBT. Don't have the velocities or load here at work but that load has taken quite a few whitetails.Rick.

 

[Bruce Mc]

Of the powders you listed, 4895 and 4350 is what I have used in the past. IMR-4895 is an especially good powder for the Bob and 100 grainers at the moderate velocities you are looking for.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Thanks for the ideas!

I just finished going over this rifle after cleaning it. Max OAL due to magazine length will be 2.875"

For 110gr Accubonds this will mean a minimum jump distance of .040".

For 100gr Partitions the min jump distance will be .010".

For 117gr BTSP Interlocks the min jump distance will be .027"

I'm going to concentrate on the 100gr NP's this season with the limited time element. Going to try 47.0 - 49.0 gr H-4831SC and 37.0 - 39.0gr IMR-4064 with OAL of 2.860" which will put me .015" off the lands.

 

[tddeangelo]

I'll have to look, but I think I have about the same length constraint.

My load for this fall is 41.0gr of IMR4350, chrono'ed at 2650+ with a 110gr AB, and groups of 1.13" to 1.25".

 

[JD338]

CatskillCrawler

Congratulations on the new 257 Roberts. It is a fun round to play with.
IMR 4350 is a great powder to use with the 100 gr bullets. My M700 Classic shoots the 100 gr BT and 100 gr PT in the .5" with 45.0 grs IMR 4350.

The 115 gr BT and PT shoots the same with 43.0 grs IMR 4350. The 110 gr AB does well with 48.0 grs RL 22. Avg vel is 2974 fps, ES 16, SD 8 and .75" accuracy.

JD338

 

[tddeangelo]

Just ran some ballistics.....for the load I listed, I'm looking at running out of gas for the purposes of deer hunting (I like to see 1000ft.lbs. or better) at 300 yards. If I could get it to 2900fps, I could extend that another 100 yards, although I'm not sure it's really necessary. I'll take something else to hunt if I feel I want to be able to shoot 400 yards on a deer.

Trajectory would be +2" at 100 for a 200 yard zero, yielding a 9" drop at 300.

Recoil with that load is NOT stiff. I should mess with seat depth and I bet I can pull in that group a bit, but for now, it'll be just fine.

For your stated goals, might be a good place to start with your Bob.

 

[JD338]

Give the 110 gr AB a try with RL 22.
With a 200 yd zero, its 8" low at 300 yds with more energy. Recoil and muzzle blast are a non issue in the 257 Roberts.

JD338

 

[tddeangelo]

Give the 110 gr AB a try with RL 22.
With a 200 yd zero, its 8" low at 300 yds with more energy. Recoil and muzzle blast are a non issue in the 257 Roberts.

JD338

Have load data for RL22? Not showing on the Nosler site....

 

[JD338]

Give the 110 gr AB a try with RL 22.
With a 200 yd zero, its 8" low at 300 yds with more energy. Recoil and muzzle blast are a non issue in the 257 Roberts.

JD338

Have load data for RL22? Not showing on the Nosler site....

Nosler RG #6 has load data

257 Roberts
110 gr AB
Start 42.0 grs
Mid Load 44.0 grs
MAX 46.0 grs

My rifle is a long action so I am able to use a COL of 2.965" and increase my load to 48.0 grs.

JD338

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Hmmmm. Maybe I'll load the IMR-4350 instead of the H4831. I've read sooo many good things about both for the Bob. The IMR-4064 really fits the velocity window I'm looking for. I should probably just stop worrying about recoil with this cartridge and just load it as if I am hunting with it.

LOL - I'm gonna think myself into an irrecoverable spin.

Either way, tonight I'm loading for the 358Win so I'll have plenty of time to hash things out.

 

[CatskillCrawler]

Just ran some ballistics.....for the load I listed, I'm looking at running out of gas for the purposes of deer hunting (I like to see 1000ft.lbs. or better) at 300 yards. If I could get it to 2900fps, I could extend that another 100 yards, although I'm not sure it's really necessary. I'll take something else to hunt if I feel I want to be able to shoot 400 yards on a deer.

Trajectory would be +2" at 100 for a 200 yard zero, yielding a 9" drop at 300.

Recoil with that load is NOT stiff. I should mess with seat depth and I bet I can pull in that group a bit, but for now, it'll be just fine.

For your stated goals, might be a good place to start with your Bob.

I eventually want to use the 110gr NAB but the light load is really my overriding goal this year. Max shot taken will not be over 125 yds and my 80yr old father will appreciate the light kick of a 100gr NP @ 2700 - 2800fps.

I would agree that if you're looking to push out beyond 300yds, there are other options available to you.

 

[tddeangelo]

Give the 110 gr AB a try with RL 22.
With a 200 yd zero, its 8" low at 300 yds with more energy. Recoil and muzzle blast are a non issue in the 257 Roberts.

JD338

Have load data for RL22? Not showing on the Nosler site....

Nosler RG #6 has load data

257 Roberts
110 gr AB
Start 42.0 grs
Mid Load 44.0 grs
MAX 46.0 grs

My rifle is a long action so I am able to use a COL of 2.965" and increase my load to 48.0 grs.

JD338

Sweet! I'll run some loads of RL22 for the upcoming range trip. Can't hurt to try it.

 

[ROVERT]

Careful, Tom. I started using some RL-22 and now I'm questioning all of my painstakingly developed loads with other powders. The RL-22 just seems to provide the velocity with ease. I've good loads for my .30-06 and .280 with IMR 4350, but I have to admit I'm tempted to try the RL-22 in them. The fact that I just bought 8 lbs of 4350 tempers this temptation a bit.

Sweet! I'll run some loads of RL22 for the upcoming range trip. Can't hurt to try it.

 

[Bruce Mc]

I switched to Reloder 22 in my Bob some years ago and haven't looked back. I get 3000+ fps with 49 grains with the 110 AccuBond. The first load I worked out with Reloder 22 was the 115 Ballistic tip and it too got 3000+fps and accounted for several deer and one bobcat. That was with 48 grs of Reloder 22. I use Remington Nickel brass (they are throwbacks to 1981 when Remington made a bunch of +P ammo to send out with the 700 Classics). While it is a low recoiling rifle it does kick a little and has a pretty good muzzle blast. I can see why you want a sub load for your father. The 100 grainer at 2600-2700 fps will me more than he needs for the ranges you stated. Good luck. Hope your dad has some good hunts and polishes a little extra special on your rifle for ya.

 

[tddeangelo]

Chrono was a no-go today, unfortunately. Any guesstimates on velocity for 45.0 of RL22 under a 110AB?

Initial group was sub-moa for that load.

 

[SJB358]

Chrono was a no-go today, unfortunately. Any guesstimates on velocity for 45.0 of RL22 under a 110AB?

Initial group was sub-moa for that load.

Tom, I just looked at the Alliant Data and my guess would be the 2800 range. Again, I am just guessing but I imagine it would be in there, plus or minus a 100ft/sec. Scotty