Anybody got a pet load for antelope hunting with a 257 Roberts AI? Rifle is a Win 70 Featherwieght

Tried this posting in reloading but didn't get many hits so I'll try here, getting good advice on bullets, how about powder loads?

Well, I love my 257AI. It is one helluva goat gitter! I use the 90 gr. Sierra HPBT with a really stout charge of IMR 4350, which I won't post, since it is far over book. But this combination really is hell on speed goats!

I use this rifle as my "truck gun" as well, and have shot everything from prairie dogs to a big Mulie buck with it. The results are always the same. Bang/flop.

I too run the 257 AI beyond the book, but it works for my rifle. The bullet is the Nosler 110 AB and the powder R22. Primers are Federal 210 match and the speed is 3,000 ft/sec in my rifle with a 1 in 10 twist Hart barrel of 25".

Mudstud & 308 Sako, what brass do you use?

I'm having some issues with WW brass; may just be me, I'm switching to neck sizing in case I was over re-sizing with my F/L

I use Winchester 7mm Mauser which gives me a bit thicker neck, and better quality from the old white box brass.

308, assume the process is to neck size & then fire form?

Abob,
Get a can of Norma MRP or RL22 and work up to what the rifle likes. I have 2 rifles in this chambering and have been called a liar by a couple of members here regarding velocity facts.
It flat gets it done! Call me(989-735-3801) or e-mail me at stepchild61@hotmail.com.
Vapordog my offer is still open. That's MBS airport from wherever. And i'll buy the round-trip ticket for you and that other dunb ass from Omaha if my rifle doesn't perform as advertized. I don't appreciate being called a liar by you or anyone else! you'all have a nice day'

Stepchild

I have a .257 AI and can't get it to shoot any better than my former parent chamber. What am I doing wrong?

Stepchild 2, thanks

What C.O.A.L do you use for your 257 AI

quote:

Originally posted by Abob:
308, assume the process is to neck size & then fire form?

Yes, and of course there is the oppotunity to leave a slight shoulder for the case to fill out to in the process.

Regarding the R22 and a post above. This cartridge is capable of significantly more than the average Ackley ized cartridge. P.O. Ackley himself affirmed that. I am sure that pressures are running high, but safe and brass lasts for 8 to 10 loadings, so I am making the great assumption that I am not pushing it too hard. My avatar can attest to the speedy lil .25's potency.

Performance is awesome, that is all.

Not that it'll make any difference to you, but mine is 2.870"
I should have included that i'm using 100gr.FB Sierra's, Winchester cases and usually CCI BR primers.
+ 1 on the 90gr.HPBT, my Brother used one on a large mule deer out of a .257 Roberts and it bounced when it hit the ground! The lungs were 100% liquid.

Stepchild

Stepchild

Pretty close, I was being a little conservative,
smoked the bullet, watched for rifling marks & then seated a little deeper

quote:

Originally posted by rolltop:
I have a .257 AI and can't get it to shoot any better than my former parent chamber. What am I doing wrong?

Probably nothing. Folks that maxed out the parent cartridge prior to screwing up their chambers by reaming to AI have discovered the truth about the myth of AI and that's that it does very little for you.

Probably more appropriate for posting in reloading, but since I have you attention, do you use a bullet comparator?

quote:

Originally posted by Abob:
Probably more appropriate for posting in reloading, but since I have you attention, do you use a bullet comparator?

No...I do not.