I know this issue has probably been discussed ad nauseum, but I would like the opinion of those with experience with a 25 caliber. This 257 Ackley Improved is relatively new to me. For open country Mule Deer hunting what would be the best load for this gun?

Mind you, I've only shot a couple whitetails and hogs...

I'd go with a 110 AB at 2900fps + in the AI. Assuming it's shooting accurate. Or a 117 SGK would be a good choice.

110 AB at around 2950 - 3,000fps. Nosler lists 47.5 gr of IMR 4350.

Pretty good starting point right there.

Having used the .257 Roberts and the 25-06 IMP on mule deer any of the cup and core conventional 120gr. bullets in your rifle will get the job done. The Nosler 120 gr. partiton would probably be a better choice at near 3000fps. roger

Mine is the 110 Accubond at 3,000 in my 25" .257 Ai. Very nice combo. H4831 works well

In a strait roberts I like the 100 grain barnes tripple shock. Asa matter of fact I highly recomend it for all .257 caliber deer hunting.
I plan to shoot it again this year in my .257 weatherby mag at near 3600 MV.
In my Roberts I was getting 3100 with 46,grs of H-414.
I have an AI too.
I like 100 grain bullets in the 25s
...tj3006

I have used Sierra's 100gr. FB spitzer for many years with excellent results.

Stepchild

Gentlemen, thank you for your replies. Your thoughts were pretty much in line with what I was thinking, but just looking for confirmation. I have had great success with both the accubond and the triple shock in other calibers. I have also had good luck with ballistic tips with 130 gr in 270, so was just thinking that a Gameking or Ballistic tip might give those quick kills. I guess I will see what shoots best in my gun and go with that. Thanx again for the input.

308Sako, what is your powder and charge for the Accubond. That does sound like a deadly and effective load for a 257AI

Schrodinger's Cat:

I have several loads which achieve that velocity in my 25" barreled custom chambered .257 AI. Therefore I can only recomend the powders and judicious use of a chronograph to achieve my results. R22, H & IMR 4831 and IMR 7828. I am using Old white box Winchester 7x 57 brass and a Hart barrel.

Even my avatar can testify to the effectiveness of the .257AI! Along with more than 25 head of big game. Bullets used to take game were 110 Accubonds, 115 & 120 Partitions, and the very special 115 Trophy Bonded BC's as made for me by Jack Carter, RIP. This British Columbia Mulie was a victim of the 115 grain TBBC, range 325, and a tad more, perfect toadstool mushroom.

My load of 50 grs. IMR4350 using a 100 gr. Nosler Partition has shot superbly in my rifle and has been very effective on mule deer, whitetails and antelope.