Loading Nosler 100 grain BTSP in .257 Roberts

[Blkram]

Count me among the 257 Roberts fans, I too have one of the 700 Classics as well as a Ruger 77 lightweight and a Ruger 77 Mk 2. One of these days I’ll add a Win 70 Fwt to that list.

Right now there is both a Rem 700 Classic and a Win Model 70 XTR in 257 Roberts, both in great condition, for sale here in Canada. Both at pretty healthy prices (in my opinion; not sure what they should be going for), although I know both are hard to find.
If I wasn't a lefty, I would be all over one for the rebarrel to the 1:7.5 twist for the 257 AI (Improved).
(I really loved my Rem 700 Classics in 6.5x55 when I had them.)

 

[Blkram]

I have a #1 RSI in 257 Robert’s and it loves 80gr TTSX. I do have have some 110gr Accubonds that I want to try. Previous owner said it shined with 120gr Partitions.

When I had my Lipsey's Edition No. 1 RSI in 257 Roberts, it liked the Nosler 110 gr AccuBond ammo.0.768' groups at 100 yards for 3 shots. It was slow in that 20" barrel; 220 fps below what Nosler spec'd the ammo for (3050 fps). It did not quite as well with the Federal 120 gr Partition ammo, with groups at 1.398". It too was slow; 198 fps less than the spec'd 2800 fps.

 

[GregoryB.]

When I had my Lipsey's Edition No. 1 RSI in 257 Roberts, it liked the Nosler 110 gr AccuBond ammo.0.768' groups at 100 yards for 3 shots. It was slow in that 20" barrel; 220 fps below what Nosler spec'd the ammo for (3050 fps). It did not quite as well with the Federal 120 gr Partition ammo, with groups at 1.398". It too was slow; 198 fps less than the spec'd 2800 fps.

I have several hundred of the 110gr Accubonds that I plan to work up a load for the #1 for this fall. What powder did you use with the Accubonds?

 

[Blkram]

I have several hundred of the 110gr Accubonds that I plan to work up a load for the #1 for this fall. What powder did you use with the Accubonds?

I never got around to handloading for the RSI, just shot the Nosler factory ammo in it.

In my newly acquired new-to-me custom LH Sako 591 I have worked with Re-22, Re-17, and H-414 with the 115 gr Ballistic Tips so far, with more work needed with 49.0 gr of Re-22 as showing potential, with a velocity of 3068 fps (max according to QL is 49.5 gr for 3103 fps) out of its 22" Shilen barrel with 1:10 twist. I had two almost touching and a flier I called, and a SD of 2.9.
All other loads were in excess of 1.4". The best SD of the test loads was 1.4 from 44.6 gr of H-414, at a velocity of 2992 fps, and a group size of 2.518"...not an acceptable accuracy load for my hunting accuracy standard of MOA or better. Will load more of this load and try again for accuracy.
Issue is a short mag box on this rifle for handloading as I cannot load out close to the lands. I will also try the 115 gr Partitions to see if a flat based bullet will help.

It does like the Nosler 110 gr AccuBond ammo, producing 0.768" 3 shot group at 100 yards and getting 2989 fps out of the 22" barrel. SD of 12.4. If I cannot improve with handloads, I will be happy to shoot the factory ammo in this rifle.This rifle will be used for pronghorn and deer.

 

[JD338]

I never got around to handloading for the RSI, just shot the Nosler factory ammo in it.

In my newly acquired new-to-me custom LH Sako 591 I have worked with Re-22, Re-17, and H-414 with the 115 gr Ballistic Tips so far, with more work needed with 49.0 gr of Re-22 as showing potential, with a velocity of 3068 fps (max according to QL is 49.5 gr for 3103 fps) out of its 22" Shilen barrel with 1:10 twist. I had two almost touching and a flier I called, and a SD of 2.9.

I use the same load in my 700 Classic. This is a long/magnum action and a 24” barrel. I seat the bullet out to a COAL 2.900” and get 3100 fps and .3” groups.

JD338

 

[Blkram]

I use the same load in my 700 Classic. This is a long/magnum action and a 24” barrel. I seat the bullet out to a COAL 2.900” and get 3100 fps and .3” groups.

JD338

JD, what are these rifles selling for in the US right now?
Or the Model 70 XTR?

 

[JD338]

JD, what are these rifles selling for in the US right now?
Or the Model 70 XTR?

Gil
There are not many 700 Classics for sale so they get top dollar. They are going for $1200-$1500 depending on condition and chambering. The 257 Roberts is highly sought after.

JD338

 

[Blkram]

Gil
re are not many 700 Classics for sale so they get top dollar. They are going for $1200-$1500 depending on condition and chambering. The 257 Roberts is highly sought after.

JD338

Thanks!
I guess his asking price wasn't too high, but definitely at the top end.
I think I read somewhere that there were just over 6200 Classics chambered to 257 Roberts in 1982...

 

[Hunter26]

I think everyone got a little off track on this thread. I don't believe he was asking for other loads, but how to get his to work.

@Reloader2025 any luck with trying a different sizing die or something else?

 

[Blkram]

Now back to regularly scheduled programming...