Took my custom MK X out yesterday for it's maiden range trip. 257 WBY loaded up some 115 NBT's. Sited in at 50 yds.
first adjustment went dead center on the bull. I then shot 5 at 100yd target. In a fairly good breeze got .517 group. I am more then thrilled after hearing so many negatives on this caliber.

That's called Weatherby Envey mate

257 is a great caliber. I own a 25/06 ruger 77 tang safty. I looked at the loads for it and the magnum; and I got to say that I think in my own opinion I like the 25/06 a little better for the reason of less powder to get the same velocity out of the barrel. All of my books state that an 87gr spitzer needs 60+ grains of IMR 4350 to get 3400fps and my little 06 only needs 52. I will keep my extra 8 grains of powder and load 8 rounds per the magnums 7. I know that someone is going to say that the magnum is capable of 3700+fps but will a coyote know the difference. For the guy that started this thread, the 257 in any shape is a great varmint gun and will work well for whitetails. Mine has dropped coyotes and a couple of brave chipmunks that decided that they would defend the 100yrd bench. I can't wait to drop some deer with it this fall.

Ray

Varmint Guy, My new Wby 257 is is a mark 5.With synthetic black stock with Blued barrel 26" weight is 6.5 Lbs.

I get 3500 fps with the 100gr bullet that I reload. I don't think you can get that kind of velocity out of a 25/06. The reason for more velocity is so you can reach out a long way and still have the killing power from your gun. Thats the way I see it.

My Ruger Mark II in 25-06AI shoots 100 grain Partitions at 3550 and 75 grain V-Maxes at 3950. The Weatherby with a 26" barrel will do an easy 3700+ with 100 grainers. The factory ammo goes over 3600. Someday a new 257 Accumark will be my new heavy varmint rig.

Hired Gun What load book did you get these loads from. You see I never load a shell that isn't in a load book. My book shows 3500 for my 100gr bullets if you can show me a book that says different I'll load it.

Just a quick look this morning before work. The P.O. Ackley Handbook Vol II. Page 355 shows two loads for 100 grain bullets 3600 or better. They don't show IMR 7828 powder and that is the one for speed in a 26" Weatherby. You must use Weatherby brass to get to 3700. I don't know for sure you will find anything for 3700+ in a major loading manual but many have done it very safely. If your not an experienced loader you should stick to what your doing. I'm thinking the old Speer number 8 may show a load for those speeds but can't find mine right at the moment.

jro45,

Barnes #3

100 grains Barnes XLC Data only

Max loads in 24" barrel

72 grains aa3100 = 3659 fps
72 grains RL19= 3744 fps
74 grains RL22 = 3680 fps
76 grains RL25 = 3756 FPS
79 grains H1000 = 3610 FPS
79 gains Big Boy = 3713 FPS

Just to name a few in a reloading book over 3500 FPS.

My load 76 grains H1000, 100 grain Barnes XLC, Federal 257 WBY case, Fed 215 primer, chrono'ed velocity 3616 FPS, 26" barrel, WBY MKV Weathermark.

regards,

Bob