Black Bear and a .25 cal rifle???

[JD338]

Guy,

The 115 gr PT is a tough bullet, it will easily take out shoulder bones and give you plenty of penetration even at 257 Bee speeds.

JD338

 

[Desert Fox]

I'm sorry, but with velocity in excess of over 3400 fps, I don't think I can put my trust on any lead core bullet even the bonded cores. That's just way too much velocity.

Me and my buddy Frank is going to hunt pig here in the next couple of weeks, and I will use his 257 to see how the 115 grain Barnes TSX will perform on pig.

 

[SJB358]

Isn't the early 257 Wby's the reason Hornady has the 117gr RN. I think that was the bullet loaded in WBY factory ammo for the 1-12" twist early WBY's? Don't know, just what I have read over the years. I would think this would be a good chance to try out the 100gr ETip's Guy! They have them for 12.00 on SPS right now. It almost makes me want to get a .257 cal just so I can add some more bullets to the bench!! Scotty

 

[R Flowers]

You guys are right, the early .257 Wby Mag's had a 1 in 12 twist and would not stabilize heavy bullets unless they were round nosed.

The new versions seem to all have a 1 in 10 twist nowdays. That 1 in 10 is marginal for some really long bullets like the 115 grain TSX, though. My dad and I have identical Remington 700LSS rifles chambered for the .257 Wby Mag. Dad's shoots the 115 TSX quite well, while mine tends to keyhole with that bullet. My dad does drive them faster than any of the loads I tried, that is probably the key. (Barnes recommends a twist of 1 in 9 or faster.)

In regard to the 100 grain .257 Barnes TSX, I have a friend who has shot two black bears in the last two years using factory Federal ammo loaded with the 100 grain TSX in his 25-06. Good performance both times.

 

[nomosendero]

You guys are right, the early .257 Wby Mag's had a 1 in 12 twist and would not stabilize heavy bullets unless they were round nosed.

The new versions seem to all have a 1 in 10 twist nowdays. That 1 in 10 is marginal for some really long bullets like the 115 grain TSX, though. My dad and I have identical Remington 700LSS rifles chambered for the .257 Wby Mag. Dad's shoots the 115 TSX quite well, while mine tends to keyhole with that bullet. My dad does drive them faster than any of the loads I tried, that is probably the key. (Barnes recommends a twist of 1 in 9 or faster.)

In regard to the 100 grain .257 Barnes TSX, I have a friend who has shot two black bears in the last two years using factory Federal ammo loaded with the 100 grain TSX in his 25-06. Good performance both times.

I loaded the 115TSX for 2 Sendero's & they were quite accurate, they were hot loads by std. 25-06 Standards, but well under 257 Wea. I don't know of any keyholing problems with that bullet at 25-06 speeds or faster, I would say your problem was quite unique unless loaded very light.
Now if they made that bullet in 120, that would be different.

 

[nomosendero]

Here is an article concerning the excellant 115 Nosler Partition:

http://www.buckmasters.com/buckmasters- ... s.aspx?art

I have used the 120 Partition with great success & used the 115TSX with devastating results as well, the wound channels were dramatic & penetration complete with both bullets, I would see which one groups the best.

 

[JD338]

nomosendero

Good info on the 257 cal 115 gr PT. It is a great bullet for sure.

JD338

 

[Powerstroke]

That is a great read !
Always interested in some of the older history of how and what came to be.

 

[SJB358]

That was a pretty good article. Makes me wanna go out and get a 25-06! Scotty

 

[Guy Miner]

So what's stopping you? :grin: In the past five years I've taken five mule deer from 30 - 400 yards with my .25-06 and have really fallen for it as my near-perfect deer rifle...

 

[SJB358]

Well, I guess you kinda got me there. I wanted a .458 cal, a .264 cal and a .257. I have finally gotten the Guide Gun, and now I would like to get the 25 or 26 Cal. I am kinda unsure what 25 cal I want. I am sure there will one in my safe before too long. Scotty

 

[onesonek]

My general rule of thumb is,,,,when in doubt, use a Nosler Partition!!!!
They open quickly initiating hydrostatic shock, and even when shedding the front core, the rear more importantly continues momentum well !
You don't need a massive frontal area if you have the momentum. That is also the main reason I will go slightly heavy for caliber, with bullet weight choice. Personally in the .257 Wby. I would use the 120gr. NP for your Black Bear hunt.
Dave