lead free 257

[nitis]

Ok been thinking about this whold lead free thing here in California as it will likely take over the state sooner than later. I currently have no plans of hunting the lead free zones but since I am developing a load for a new rifle I was thinking of trying to beat them to the punch!

I have played with a few loads in this new 257 wby 26" and found it really likes 100 gr ballistic tips. I want something a little tougher. I have tried a few accubonds with some success. I also tried a few 120 gr partitions and it was not good. So I am thinking my rifle likes the lighter bullets 1-10 twist.

This concerns me with the lead free but should it? Lead free supposedly retains more weight but will the lighter bullet fly as well?

I am awaiting the release of the GMX 110 and am also interested in the 100 gr etip and tipped TSX there is a 115 gr tsx but the length scares me as I already had problems with the 120 gr partitions.

What would you try?

Or would you just get the accubonds rolling and worry about it later especially with the price of them things dang

 

[Guy Miner]

If you need, or want the mono-metal bullet, there are at least good options now.

The TSX and the tipped version of it, have proven dramatically better than their X bullet predecessors for me. I've taken a couple of mule deer with the little 100 gr Barnes TSX loaded over H4350 for 3340 fps mv from my .25-06 Rem 700. Both were instant drop/kills. The bullet is accurate enough for 300+ yard shooting, expands well, penetrates like a carbide drill bit, and is very destructive.

I have not yet tried the .25 cal Nosler E-Tip, but I expect it to do at least as well. After all, it's a Nosler.

Regards, Guy

 

[R Flowers]

I would suggest you try the Barnes TSX and Tipped TSX in your .257 Wby Mag.

I own a 25-06 and it shoots the 100 grain TSX quite well. I have taken some really big hogs with it, some at over 300 yards, no problems.

I have not shot any game with them yet, but my gun also shoots the 80 grain Tipped TSX quite well.

Last fall I saw my dad shoot an antelope at a lasered 586 yards with his .257 Wby Mag using an 80 grain Tipped TSX. That buck never even kicked, just dead right there!

I worked up some loads for a friend who inherited a German made Mark V in .257 Wby Mag that had a 1 in 12 twist. The only bullet I could get to shoot worth a darn was the 80 grain Tipped TSX.

My friends and I have shot a bunch of hogs with the Barnes TSX bullets in several calibers, they have worked well for us.

Hey, I would still be shooting Nosler Partitions if it were legal, but it isn't.

 

[30-338]

I've had very little experience with the 257 Wby and never too old to learn. I had a 257Wby build gave it to my nephew who lives in Calif set up for the lead free bullets. He live up north but has some property he can hunt in the lead free zone and he also thinks their going to make the ban at some time for the whole state.

I use a 1/9 twist barrel for the 115gr TSX and I shot some 117gr Hornady about the best the 115gr TSX would do 3 shot groups would be in the .3's 3400fps plus out of a 24" barrel. He used that rifle last year just before he came out here on a Nevada mulie finally got drawn and took a nice 4pt he use that rifle this year in Calif and may use on Wy antelope hunt.

I would think that Barnes 100gr bullet would be the one to try Barnes has the COAL at 3.160". Well good luck

 

[JD338]

The Nosler 257 100 gr E-Tip has not been released yet but should prove to be a winner.

JD338

 

[DrMike]

The Nosler 257 100 gr E-Tip has not been released yet but should prove to be a winner.

I'm definitely planning of securing some of these to test in my 257 Bob. I agree that it should be a winner.

 

[Guy Miner]

Yeah, I'd like to try those puppies when they're avail. Am thinking the Nosler plastic tip should give it pretty good BC, and also help make sure it expands properly.

Gilding metal instead of pure copper should foul the barrel less too.

Looking forward to trying the E-Tip...

 

[FOTIS]

I will try it in my 25-06 #1

 

[JD338]

I will ping Nosler again to find out the BC and timing for production and let everyone know.

JD338

 

[cloverleaf]

I have a box of old 90 gr Barnes expanders. Developed a load of 41 Gr. of 4350 for my 250-3000 Savage. It shoots really well and should be a little faster than the 100 Gr BT. I know people had a lot of trouble with coper fouling. Ihavent shot them enoughto make it an issue. I am saving them for a really big Muley and I am avoiding buying more on principal. The lead poisioning is propaganda BS for the most part and I am sad to see Nosler cave in to capitalize on the No-lead market. My sympathies for you living in California. Minnesota is trying. CL

 

[CAhunter]

I live in the lead free zone. I am shooting the 100gr Barnes tipped over ramshot magnum. Shoots very good. Took a blacktail this year. Dead in its tracks. My dad took it to WY with us and took an antelope n whitetail. Both ran about 30 yards. Give them a try. Ill look up my load and let you know the particulars if you want.

 

[nomosendero]

I will ping Nosler again to find out the BC and timing for production and let everyone know.

JD338

Please do, I have a Sendero 25-06AI ready to play.

 

[nitis]

I think I am going to play with the accubonds for now they showed some promise early in load development. I am afraid to go too much longer with the bullets as it really did not like the 120 gr partitions plus accubonds are affordable.

but then again a 100 gr barnes probably has as much or more retained weight going through the animal than the heavier AccuBond.

 

[JD338]

nitis

I haven't seen anything on the new 257 100 gr E-Tip yet but I am guessing that it will be about as long as the 110 gr AB and 115 gr BT.

After testing the 7nn 150 gr and 338 200 gr E-Tips, I would think that the 257 100 gr E-Tip should retain about 96-97% of its weight.
I sure hope Nosler starts production soon, I have 50 cases in 257 Roberts prepped and primed awaiting the E-Tips.

JD338