Author Topic: 257 Weatherby (Read 6278 times)

Tylermtech · « **on:** October 22, 2008, 05:12:47 PM »

Anyone shoot a 257 Weatherby? I have been lusting for one for about 15 years now, and am thinking about building one. I looked at the Accumark, and it seems a a little overpriced to me. I am thinking along the lines of a sendero, nice HS stock, Medium heavy barrel, Remington action. What do you think? I know the 25-06 is almost as good, I just have no intrest in this caliber.

Thanks
Tyler

trotterlg · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2008, 05:17:44 PM »

I just picked up a new in the box Smith and Wesson I Bolt rifle in 25-06 for $249.00 local in town, they have as many as you want. Bet that Weatherby is double that. Larry

nomosendero · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2008, 04:27:47 AM »

Basically you are looking at 200-250fps diff. in the 2 if you have a 24" or longer tube for both & with quality
reloads for both. You will have more diff. than this with factory ammo Overall because the 257Wea.
ammo is loaded closer to full potential. I have a 26" Sendero which received the "Ackley" treatment & with this tube I am easily within 100fps of the Wea. & useing better brass, yet able to shoot 25-06 ammo if needed. It works for me, but would not be best for you unless you are a dedicated reloader. I like both factory rounds, it depends on your goals.

yooper77 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2008, 04:31:33 AM »

Remington Model 700 LSS in 257 Weatherby Magnum.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/premier_dealer_exclusives/model_700_LSS.asp

yooper77

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2008, 05:40:41 AM »

What do I think? It really does not matter, do what you can afford and want. There is only one person you need to satisfy and that is you. Good Luck and Good Shooting.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2008, 05:48:08 AM »

Quote from: yooper77 on October 23, 2008, 04:31:33 AM

Remington Model 700 LSS in 257 Weatherby Magnum.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/premier_dealer_exclusives/model_700_LSS.asp

yooper77

Shoot one? No. Got one? Yes.

This is the one I have:

I've not taken mine from the box yet but do have the bases/rings and somewhere once I figure out where I put it for safe keeping I have the scope for it. I got a box of factory ammo and set of dies so yeah I'm set up just haven't made it happen yet. Mine is the LSS limited edition as shown in the quoted post.

I used to have a Vanguard but it wasn't very accurate so I traded it off.

yooper77 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2008, 09:14:35 AM »

Also look at:

Model 700 CDL SF in 257 Weatherby Magnum

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/centerfire_rifles/model_700/model_700_CDL_SF_specs.asp

I handload for the 257 Weatherby for a friend, but I don't shoot it myself.

yooper77

Tunaman · « **Reply #7 on:** October 23, 2008, 10:16:01 AM »

I have a Vanguard sub moa and I have to say that I really love that rifle. I hunted with it a lot last year and a fair amount the year before. 2 years ago, most of my shots were right at or under 100 yards. Both deer fell pretty much where they stood when hit. Last year I took 2 within 100, one at 180 and one at 280 yards. I was shooting 115 gr ballistic tips in factory ammo because I have not yet duplicated factory ammo in this caliber. I was originally shooting 120 Partions but I ran into a problem of deformed tips from the recoil in a relative light rifle. The only deer that has required any hold over at all was the one at 280 and I only held a couple of inches higher than I normally would. That deer spun around as if hit by a sledge hammer, took 2 steps and fell. I own several rifles in 257, and I can honestly say that the Weatherby is the king of them. You pay for the performance in recoil and the expense associated with powder and brass but if you are planning on long shots, it is worth it. There is no problem with a 25/06, it is a great round but past 250 I would prefer to have a weatherby. On the other hand, for soft recoil and shots under 150, I would prefer the 257 Roberts. My daughter will be shooting the Bob this year. She will be limiting her shots to 100 or less but the rifle is capable of much more. Good luck and remember, You can load a weatherby down to 25/06, in fact that is the best that i get with my loads, but you can't load the 25/06 up to the weatherby.

hankster76 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 23, 2008, 10:48:30 AM »

I shoot one in a Vanguard and it it very accurate. I have taken 6 deer with it so far and I have not had one take a single step. I am shoot 115grn ballistic tips and it is like the hammer of Thor on PA Whitetail. I was a Weatherby skeptic and would own one until I won this one on a raffle ticket. I will be carrying every year first day of buck season. My buddy just took it West 2 weeks ago and went 3 for 3 with it taking a 5 x 6 mulie and a really nice pronghorn as well as a nice doe pronhorn as well. Averaging about 300 to 375 yards amoung the 3. I have taken 1 doe at 475 with it and it was a bang flop. Mine shoots about 1" with factory ammo and about 1/2" with reloads. It is sweet you won't regret the WEATHERBY. Good luck!!

saltydog · « **Reply #9 on:** October 23, 2008, 02:39:20 PM »

So what's not to like. No need to apologize for wanting one - the 257 Weatherby is one cartridge that creates alot of interest. Elgin Gates and Roy Weatherby shot everything in Africa with the 257 and 300 Weatherby to prove they were worthy cartridges. It helps to be a reloader and keep velocities down a bit for practice and varmit shootings and save the barrel for hunting mid-large game.

Tylermtech · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2008, 05:22:18 PM »

Thanks for the input everyone, I still havent decided what to do yet. I saw a rem 700 ADL in 7 mag the other day for a decent price and thought it would be a good action to start with. I read an article by Ross Seyfried once when I was about 15 and have wanted a 257 since then. A 25-06 would be much cheaper and more pratical, it just does not have the emotional appeal to me.

Thanks
Tyler

Tylermtech · « **Reply #11 on:** October 23, 2008, 05:24:57 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard on October 23, 2008, 05:48:08 AM

Quote from: yooper77 on October 23, 2008, 04:31:33 AM
Remington Model 700 LSS in 257 Weatherby Magnum.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/premier_dealer_exclusives/model_700_LSS.asp

yooper77

Shoot one? No. Got one? Yes.

This is the one I have:

I've not taken mine from the box yet but do have the bases/rings and somewhere once I figure out where I put it for safe keeping I have the scope for it. I got a box of factory ammo and set of dies so yeah I'm set up just haven't made it happen yet. Mine is the LSS limited edition as shown in the quoted post.

I used to have a Vanguard but it wasn't very accurate so I traded it off.

You could send it to me and I would be glad to mount the scope and break it in for you.

I would even do this no charge.

yooper77 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 24, 2008, 02:42:16 AM »

Graybeard,
-does your Remington have the freebore found in Weatherby chambers? I am guessing it does so factory ammo can be used without being over pressure.

Tylermtech,
-if you choose a custom chamber for the 257 Weatherby it might not have the freeboring and factory ammo will be over pressure.

Might be safer and cheaper to just buy one of the Remington rifle that are chambered in 257 Weatherby.

Guys, please correct me if I am off mark here.

yooper77

Graybeard · « **Reply #13 on:** October 24, 2008, 03:46:52 AM »

I dunno is the only honest answer I can give you. I've not even opened the box since bringing it home. I could call Remington and ask I suppose or if I had some cerrosafe (which I don't) I could do a chamber cast.

I think I'll just trust Remington to have made it safe to use with factory ammo as that's what I have rat now for it but it will likely be the only box of factory ammo it ever sees.

yooper77 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 24, 2008, 03:58:30 AM »

I agree, I am sure Remington put in the free boring.

The only factory ammo in the 257 Weatherby that I am aware of is made by Norma for Weatherby.

It would be nice to see Remington make factory ammo for it.

yooper77

Graybeard · « **Reply #15 on:** October 24, 2008, 04:02:14 AM »

I really expected them to as in the past when they chambered for a Whby round they did but so far I've seen no indication they plan to for the .257.

Tylermtech · « **Reply #16 on:** October 24, 2008, 05:13:46 PM »

Quote from: yooper77 on October 24, 2008, 02:42:16 AM

Graybeard,
-does your Remington have the freebore found in Weatherby chambers? I am guessing it does so factory ammo can be used without being over pressure.

Tylermtech,
-if you choose a custom chamber for the 257 Weatherby it might not have the freeboring and factory ammo will be over pressure.

Might be safer and cheaper to just buy one of the Remington rifle that are chambered in 257 Weatherby.

Guys, please correct me if I am off mark here.

yooper77

Thanks for the tip, but I havent bought any factory rifle ammo in almost 10 years, I guess I am to cheap. That and I really like to reload

Lone Star · « **Reply #17 on:** October 24, 2008, 05:17:23 PM »

Since the .257 Weatherby is a SAAMI cartridge and Remington is a SAAMI member, their rifles will have the freebore just like their .300 WM did. Remington's 2008 press release for the rifle stated:

Quote

Madison, N.C. – The tremendously-popular line of Model 700 CDL (Classic Deluxe) SF (Stainless Fluted) bolt-action rifles has a new chambering for 2008 – the high performance 257 Weatherby Magnum...For peak performance and accuracy, partner this Model 700 CDL SF in 257 Weatherby Magnum with our latest 115 gr Core-Lokt® load.

Remington offered a different load for sale with the following product number:

ER25WBB 257 WBY 122 ER *EXC*20/10

However, I do not see either ammunition currently listed on Remington's site.

.

yooper77 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 25, 2008, 07:03:14 AM »

Tylermtech,

I am willing to bet a custom made 257 Weatherby Magnum chambering with a Remington 700 action will be much more expensive than the factory offerings from Remington.

Plus it will most likely lack the freeboring, so that calls for only hand loads, since factory ammo will be over pressure.

yooper77

Explorer1 · « **Reply #19 on:** October 25, 2008, 01:40:00 PM »

I hunt with a 257 Weatherby and love it. Its a lightweight Accumark and it a great rifle. I point, it makes noise, and I need to go to work.

Its hard to justify the added expense as there is only one verison of dead and the 25-06 will do nearly the same.

That said, you make your choices and pay for it. I do not regret having bought a Weatherby.

Lone Star · « **Reply #20 on:** October 26, 2008, 05:00:43 PM »

Quote

Plus it will most likely lack the freeboring....

Nope. I once built a custom .257 Weatherby without the freebore. The gunsmith I chose had reamers with and without the freebore....but the reamer without the freebore was specially made, more expensive, and I discovered that very few 'smiths have one. The SAAMI specs for the cartridge include the freebore so that is what most 'smiths will use. Ditto for most all the Weatherby cartridges.

.

bubbadoyle · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2008, 03:50:29 AM »

Quote from: Lone Star on October 26, 2008, 05:00:43 PM

Quote
Plus it will most likely lack the freeboring....

Nope. I once built a custom .257 Weatherby without the freebore. The gunsmith I chose had reamers with and without the freebore....but the reamer without the freebore was specially made, more expensive, and I discovered that very few 'smiths have one. The SAAMI specs for the cartridge include the freebore so that is what most 'smiths will use. Ditto for most all the Weatherby cartridges.

.

Lonestar, I am currently having a 257 Weatherby built without the freebore. I am wondering how much you dropped the powder charges to start load workup. Any help is appreciateded. Thanks.

roper · « **Reply #22 on:** October 27, 2008, 12:00:14 PM »

Quote from: bubbadoyle on October 27, 2008, 03:50:29 AM

Quote from: Lone Star on October 26, 2008, 05:00:43 PM
Quote
Plus it will most likely lack the freeboring....

Nope. I once built a custom .257 Weatherby without the freebore. The gunsmith I chose had reamers with and without the freebore....but the reamer without the freebore was specially made, more expensive, and I discovered that very few 'smiths have one. The SAAMI specs for the cartridge include the freebore so that is what most 'smiths will use. Ditto for most all the Weatherby cartridges.

.

Lonestar, I am currently having a 257 Weatherby built without the freebore. I am wondering how much you dropped the powder charges to start load workup. Any help is appreciateded. Thanks.

[/quote

I did a 300Wby with no freebore and I reduced loads by 5% also I had barrel marked to show no freebore only reason if something happen to me and wife sold rifle. Well good luck

jro45 · « **Reply #23 on:** December 18, 2008, 03:27:29 AM »

I have the Weatherby 257 Model V That rifle is one sweet rifle. I use RL25 powder and go by the load book for it. And those bullets really move in FPS. The groups aren't bad either. I haven't had it out hunting in a couple years.

rifle_man · « **Reply #24 on:** December 20, 2008, 06:56:57 AM »

Quote from: Tylermtech on October 22, 2008, 05:12:47 PM

Anyone shoot a 257 Weatherby? I have been lusting for one for about 15 years now, and am thinking about building one. I looked at the Accumark, and it seems a a little overpriced to me. I am thinking along the lines of a sendero, nice HS stock, Medium heavy barrel, Remington action. What do you think? I know the 25-06 is almost as good, I just have no intrest in this caliber.

Thanks
Tyler

The 257 Weatherby is one great caliber

Old English · « **Reply #25 on:** December 21, 2008, 01:52:03 AM »

Buds Gun Shop has the Vanguard blued synthetic in 257 Roy for $390 right now, go indulge yourself!!

DLEB · « **Reply #26 on:** December 23, 2008, 08:10:10 AM »

I have the Vanguard Sporter with Timney trigger, free floated barrel and 6.5 x 20 Simmons. I love this thing. It has shot sub .25" with factory 100 grain sp ammo.

gjn · « **Reply #27 on:** December 23, 2008, 04:19:05 PM »

I bought a Remington 700 LSS in 257 Weatherby and used it deer hunting in Montana this year. The rifle has the freebore and I worked up a load with RL-25 and the Nosler 110 accubond.I shot a nice 4x6 whitetail at 472 yards and it fell within 10 feet of where it was standing.It was the farthest shot I have taken and the nicest buck. Needless to say I am extremely pleased with the rifle and the cartridge.Put one together with a medium to heavy 26" barrel and I think you would be hard pressed to come up with a better long range antelope and deer rifle.

nomosendero · « **Reply #28 on:** December 23, 2008, 04:46:14 PM »

Quote from: gjn on December 23, 2008, 04:19:05 PM

I bought a Remington 700 LSS in 257 Weatherby and used it deer hunting in Montana this year. The rifle has the freebore and I worked up a load with RL-25 and the Nosler 110 accubond.I shot a nice 4x6 whitetail at 472 yards and it fell within 10 feet of where it was standing.It was the farthest shot I have taken and the nicest buck. Needless to say I am extremely pleased with the rifle and the cartridge.Put one together with a medium to heavy 26" barrel and I think you would be hard pressed to come up with a better long range antelope and deer rifle.

That's a fact!

Lone Star · « **Reply #29 on:** December 24, 2008, 04:14:25 AM »

Ditto to Nomo. I haven't shot game at near that range, but if the rifleman is up to it the cartridge surely is. While I prefer the Hornady 120HP over RL-25, I'm sure that no animal could tell the difference....

.