I am SLOWLY rebuilding a 98 mauser in .257 Roberts. It was built in the 50's as a sheep rifle, and I bought it at an estate sale several years ago. I have always wanted a good .257 as a combination varmint and deer rifle, but found this one would not shoot. I replaced the stock, scope, trigger, scope bases, etc, and it will not group better than 3" @ 100 yards. I have bought a hand lapped Wind River Rifle octagon barrel in .257 and plan to build the gun up with a new high grade walnut stock and nice furniture over the next couple of years. Some of the decisions I have to make are in regards to the throat length, type of stock, and barrel length. I really like the mannlicher type stocks, but that would limit me to a 18-20 inch barrel, I am wondering if the Roberts would take well to a barrel that short. If I do not go with the mannlicher stock, I will use a clasic style, no roll over cheek piece. In that event I would probably have the barrel cut to 24". I would primarily shoot 75 to 87 gr. bullets, and am thinking I should specify a throat short enough to reach the lands with the lighter bullets. I reload, and could adjust the heavier bullets, and powder to compensate for the shorter throat. Am I thinking backwards here? should I go with a longer throat for the 120 gr. bullets, and live with the longer throat and lighter bullets? I also need to find a gunsmith who could do a good job threading, chambering and crowning an octagon barrel for this action. I would appreciate any advice on any or all of the above issues.
