I think if you will use the Hornady 120 gr. HP, you will wonder why you ever used anything else on deer. I'm basing this on personal experience. Others will tell you that's not what they are designed for but, give it a try . Out of a 257 Roberts work your load up slowly watching for signs of pressure. Accuracy seems to be best up against a Max load, and this particular bullet loves speed. You will be amazed how fast it drops animals in their tracks.