Hello, Never owned one, but I think that the Roberts is one of those rounds that just has "class". One of those old and true rounds that still exists from days gone by.
------------------ Safety & Ethics,Accuracy, Velocity, Energy Joe M
Many years ago, I had a German-made short Mauser imported by Herter's in .257. I used Sierra 117 grain BT almost exclusively. With a strong charge of old original surplus H-4831 (which was closer to today's IMR-7828 than anything else), I would get velocities just under 3000 FPS (yes, chronographed) from a 23.5 inch barrel. The chamber was sufficiently long-throated to use all of the magazine length.
The gun was accurate, and I killed a couple of whitetails with it before, for whatever reason, I traded it off.
Posts: 13258 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001
I had one on a Sako action and regrettably let it go for a .257AI. It shot IMR 4350 with Sierra 117gr very well. I like the 115gr ballistic tip in the Ackley.
I really like the caliber, although I did get reamed on a trade for one. Thought I was getting a deal... The barrel on mine is toast. Its a Win mod 70 post. I need a new barrel and was wondering about recommendations for a high quality light weight hunting barrel. I want to shoot 115-120 grainers at mostly whitetails and antelope. Was looking at douglas or similar for barrel, also looking to open it up to ackley.
Reload, I think your twist rate maybe different than standard(?). Most of the .257's I've seen have liked the 100-120's better than the lighter ones. Not sure though, this is my only experience with smaller caliber guns. Mostly .338 and over.
Some of the older .257's had a one in 14 twist and wouldn't shoot the heaver stuff the one with a 1in10 twist handles them all so if you rebarrel go with the faster twist. Before you do make sure the barrel you have is clean some of the smaller stuff really starts throwing them with out to much copper fouling. I have a 243 that with keep them in .375 at 100 for 40 or so shots then they open up. clean it the groups are down there again.
Posts: 19692 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001
P Dog, I've tried the cleaning. It IS fouling out. The problem is it fouls out on the 4th shot, not the 40th one. 40 rounds I can live with happily, 3 I cannot. I've had it to a gunsmith and bore scoped, he says he's never seen one with a rougher bore, it's like shooting through a tube of sandpaper. The best copper solvents can't make up for a really bad bore. It's a real shame too, it looks really good on the outside, not a scratch, I think he stored it in his bathtub!LOL. So I decided to go all out, premium barrel, and an unbelievably pretty walnut stock waiting to be fitted. Was thinking douglas no 1 profile, or maybe a light, tapered octogon stainless barrel would look good with the blued reciever and walnut stock.
I never owned a 257 but I shoot a 250 savage alot. Some look at the 243 as stepping stone for varmits and deer... I have always liked the 1/4 bores myself. The 250 sav and roberts are just plain fun. scott
Posts: 2045 | Location: West most midwestern town. | Registered: 13 June 2001
Sounds like you need a good lap job. You can do it with an "old" cleaning rod. Wrap some rags 2" below the patch loop, until they just fit the bore. Insert it from the breech, and pour enough molten lead (pure as you can get) to make a plug just longer than the exposed tip of the rod. When the lead sets up push the rod forward until about 1" of the plug is exposed. Smear on some lapping compound, (pretty coarse from the sound of your fouling problems) say 200 grit. Pull the rod out till about 1" clears the leade. Push, pull, push, pull, you'll feel the bore start to loosen up. Clean up all traces of the compound. Repeat the whole process with 400 grit. When it feels really smooth, Clean it up again and follow up with 600 grit or JB paste. Sounds labor intensive, but it will be easier on your throat than fire lapping. And will save all the loading time. Your goal should be no "tight" spots. That ought to cut down on your fouling. No guarantees if the trouble is pitting.
Everybody seems to favour the .243 as a light deer calibre, but I have always thought that a .257Roberts with 117grn bullets should out shine it. It is a real mystery to me why this is not a more popular round especially in the States.
Posts: 5684 | Location: North Wales UK | Registered: 22 May 2002
I have always loved my 250 savage its such a classic and was the ORIGINAL 243 of cartridges. The only thing that has kept me from owning a 257 Roberts is the 25-06. The Roberts, especially the +P, comes so close to the 25-06 why bother. Even in a modern loading the 250 savage is close, though I load mine around 2900 with 100 grainers. So quiet and recoilless.
Posts: 2045 | Location: West most midwestern town. | Registered: 13 June 2001
120 grain Hornady HP is THE bullet for accuracy behind 48-50 gr. of RL22 in Win or Fed cases.Puts the Roberts on the heels of the great 270. Run 'em thru your chronograph and see for yourself. RL22 is an unbelievably effective powder in certain load combinations, this being one of them.
Took mine to my smith last week. It's getting Douglas premium barrel, and the walnut stock shaped and bedded (I hate plastic stocks!). The stock will take the longest, it's about 4 months away. Also having it blown out to Ackley Improved. Can't wait till it comes back home!
Folks, The .257 Roberts is one of the all time GREAT deer rifles. Its also T'rifffic on groundhogs, crows, and other such critters. I really miss the one I sold to help finance college Good Shooting HBB
Posts: 376 | Location: North Carolina | Registered: 27 February 2001
Don't have one - might not for some time but the specs look great
------------------ A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed !!
