Deer load for .257 Roberts

[Joven]

What would be a good factory load for small to medium sized Texas hill country deer? (I don't reload)
Thanks for your advice.

[fisherman66]

Oh, come on! If you're gonna ask about such a classic cartridge you should at least tell us a little about the rifle. I have dreams of finding a tang safety M77 Mannlicher stocked BOB with a butter knife bolt handle.

[Joven]

Sorry fisherman66, it's not your dream gun but I like it. It's a M70 Featherweight.

[fisherman66]

Put a full stock on her and I'd probably never notice it's not my dream BOB.

[FirstFreedom]

Heck that ain't too shabby either! I'm jealous. I want a featherweight in 6.5x55 - shoulda bought one before USRAC shut down, dangit!

I'd imagine any softpoint bullet in the 90-117 grain range will do well if you do. :)

[Hello123]

Hornady light magnum rounds with interlock bullet.

[Joven]

Are thge +P loads the way to go? Or is standard pressure OK?

[ligonierbill]

FirstFreedom, I did. Classic Featherweight 6.5x55. Honestly, I wonder how many of those were sold. I almost went for the .257 Roberts, though. In answer to the original question, I like the heavier bullets in a given caliber. Usually better ballistic coefficient to carry downrange, and better penetration when it gets there.

[crowbeaner]

I had a .257 Featherweight and accuracy was disappointing to say the least. I tried several handloads and factory ammo and the only ammo that would group under 2 inches was the WW 117 gr. Silvertip. If you don't handload, that is what I'd try.

[samsmix]

Fisherman,
Stop talking dirty if you are not going to post pics!


As I have said before, Dick Brown, of Shepherd, MT, bullet71hotmail.com, can provide you with anything you will ever need for your .257, and at a very reasonable price.

On smallish southern whitetails, pick a 100 grain SP and enjoy. These are nearly 25-06 like in trajectory.


For larger deer a 100gr partition or any 117/120 grain load will serve. Hornady Light Magnum 120gr stuff is pretty stout @ a claimed 2900 fps

In tight cover go with Rem. factory 117gr RNSP. They are very mild, but adequate, similar to the .250 Savage.


I have used them all in Montana, and not been disappointed.

[fisherman66]

Sammy, I haven't found my BOB yet. I do have its pappy 7x57 though.

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24532&d=1180102058

[Hello123]

Any factory load with a decent deer bullet will be sufficient.

[samsmix]

Oooh! Kinky! Sammy Likes!