Several weeks ago I made a post about my 257 classic going 3,050 fps with 45.0 gr of H4350 & patterning rather than grouping. I resolved the grouping problem by cleaning the bore. Today I finally got back to the range with some book loads of 100 & 117 gr bullets. The same 117 Sierra 117 pro hunters with 42.5 gr of IMR 4350 clocked 2891,2883,&2875. I also shot the old load & was just over 3,000 fps. The IMR grouped 3/4" which is fine with me. I shot some 117 Hornadys with RL19 but either the chrono didn't work or I did a poor job of reloading..2965,2900,& 2794. This yielded a 1.5" group. 100 Hornadys with 45.0 gr of IMR 4350 yielded 2994,2974, & 3035 with a 1.5" group. This barrel is some what faster than the lilja 3 grove in my custom 257 but I think I'm in safe ranges.

Good news!

What are you going to hunt with your 257?

Deer & Hogs.. I'll probably just load it with 120 gr partations as it shoots them very well.

How much RL19did you load with the 117grn Hornady's? Just curious if you were at book max or upper end.

I used RL19 and the 117grn for a couple years but never shot them through a chrono. Thanks.

My load book is at the farm but I am sure I was at the max load.

Thanks. Hornady manual has 47.2grn as max with RL19. It shot good for me, but was on the hot side in my rifle.