Shooting Steel with the 257 Roberts

[JD338]

I may have created a monster!
I introduced my girl friend to shooting and hunting. She has taken a liking to the 700 Classic 257 Roberts and is doing quite well with it. After working up a load with the 115 gr BT, it is shooting lights out.

Sue took her first "long range" shots at a couple water jugs at 150 yards and was 2/2.
A few weeks later I took her out to the club where she shot 200 yds and 300 yds. Sue did well and
hit the steel gong at 200 yds with ease so the next step is to go longer.
This past weekend Sue shot steel at 300 yds and 400 yds. She is able to read the JBM drop chart and make her own adjustments.
Here is Sue with the 300 yds gong.

Sue with the 400 yard gong. Those two hits are 2.0" c/c. The wind was picking up and her first shat went slightly left.

I have already verified the 257 Roberts at 600 yds on steel so I will get her out to the farm to shoot 600 yds and then do some crop damage deer hunting in a few weeks.

Oh man, I think I am getting myself in trouble. :grin:

JD338

 

[DrMike]

It would seem that Sue is doing very well, indeed. Good on her for ringing the steel; and good on you for taking time to teach her the ropes.

 

[Guy Miner]

Outstanding!

Seems she's a mighty fine shot!

 

[Wis65x55]

You have only created a monster that you will have a hard time controlling when Sue is regularly able to out shoot you in long range competition. Or she wants to purchase the "Bob" from you. I hope you are teaching her how to roll her own ammo?
Keith
P.S. Can Sue give my gf some shooting instructions?

 

[JD338]

I could see her getting a M48 Legacy in 257 Roberts or a M48 Professional in 260 Rem. 8)

JD338

 

[Dwh7271]

Ha!
Trouble for sure. :grin:
Good for Sue. Bet she rings that 600 gong too.
Good for you too Jim.

 

[JD338]

Dewey,

I have no doubt that she will ring steel at 600 yards. I will also
have her shoot the 280 AI at 800 yds just to build confidence.

JD338

 

[ScreaminEagle]

Oh man! Your in trouble now!

 

[gerry]

That's looking really good JD, she looks to be a great shot. Those deer are in some serious trouble.......

 

[Oldtrader3]

No flies on the Roberts. All it needs is the right bullets!

 

[nvbroncrider]

That's awesome. The Bob so underrated!!

 

[SJB358]

Very nice Jim! She is hammering that steel! Who says the 257 Roberts won't get it done at LR.. Man, that is an incredible load buddy..

Congrats to Sue.

 

[JD338]

Very nice Jim! She is hammering that steel! Who says the 257 Roberts won't get it done at LR.. Man, that is an incredible load buddy..

Congrats to Sue.

Scotty,

Thank you for your assistance in working up this load! I've loaded some of the brass 5 times now and the primer pockets on the R-P brass are still tight!

When I was shooting this load at 600 yds, I had the chance to spot when my buddy did some shooting at the steel. It was pretty cool to watch the bullets vapor trail and I noticed that it was pretty darn flat. I would have shot it at 800 yds for grins but I don't have enough elevation with the CDS as its only 1 full rotation. Still enough to get to 700 yds but at 600 yds I think I'm at the lower limit for killing deer as the speed and energy are getting low. At 600 yds the velocity is 1938 FPS and the energy is at 959 FPE.

JD338

 

[sask boy]

Jim, I think it is great that you have your girlfriend introduced to shooting. She looks to be turning into a very competent shot and will be a great hunting partner as well.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[SJB358]

600 yards is a serious deer killer. Especially when you factor in the size of the case and powder used. Very impressive.

 

[JD338]

The 115 gr BT put an impressive crater in the steel at 400 yds. For a comparison, the 338 RUM with the 250 gr AB goes through it.

JD338

 

[Oldtrader3]

I have shot deer with my older (Model 70) .257 Roberts at 400 yards with the 100 Partition at 3100 fps and it always dumped them in their tracks.

 

[SJB358]

I sorta figured you would enjoy this Charlie. Really breathes some life into the 257 with slow powders and slick bullets. I know JD and yourself got me thinking a 257 Roberts wouldn't be a bad rifle to have around.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Flying the 110 grain, .257 Bob, AB's with a BC of .418 @ 3150 should carry the load for a ways on deer.

 

[SJB358]

Heck yeah Charlie. That's a smoker.