.257 Weatherby Factory ammo - Any fans on here?

[Dave_45]

It’s an older chambering designed to solve a problem that no longer exists.
Most Weatherby cartridges are the same, designed 50 or more years ago at a time when accurate range measurements in the field were impossible, it was guess work, so Roy went for high velocities to reduce bullet drop over unknown distances.
We now have accurate range finder’s and we know what the trajectory is.
Add the high velocity with the associated hydrostatic shock and the likelihood of throwing the entire front half of the animal away, to a stalking culture that emphasises getting as close as possible and it’s just not a viable cartridge here.
Theres no role for it.
It’s also a barrel burner and I’d sooner carry a full set of golf clubs rather than a rifle with a 26” barrel plus moderator while stalking.
And all that for a cartridge thats hard to come by and has the square root of zero advantage over half a dozen other chamberings?
No thanks.

But think of the smiles per gallon rather than the mpg

 

[WeatherbyUK]

Your attached chart shows about 22" drop between the cartridges listed. I used that.~Muir

Thanks - just curious if it was against what you were using

 

[NullMac]

You are absolutely right. Its oddballs like me that it appeals to.

It’s an older chambering designed to solve a problem that no longer exists.
Most Weatherby cartridges are the same, designed 50 or more years ago at a time when accurate range measurements in the field were impossible, it was guess work, so Roy went for high velocities to reduce bullet drop over unknown distances.

Yes. 30-06, 308, 270 ...

We now have accurate range finder’s and we know what the trajectory is.

Still miles easier and faster to point and shoot. You can concentrate on the wind and your position rather than trajectories/dialling/holds or just send it.

Add the high velocity with the associated hydrostatic shock and the likelihood of throwing the entire front half of the animal away, to a stalking culture that emphasises getting as close as possible and it’s just not a viable cartridge here.

Barnes TTSX. You will get top quality expansion at all UK ranges and then some. It is well known that you need to use a well know bonded bullet with this one.

Theres no role for it.

I think there is; bit of a minority sport though. It is absolutely flat to 225, 250, 300 depending on the species. No need to hold/dial. If the deer moves/second deer is shot, then the flat trajectory/long danger space means the next shots are faster/higher probability.

So it's an excellent culling tool where it is about getting deer in the truck with the minimum effort and ideally without drama. Things that make the process simpler are valuable.

It’s also a barrel burner and I’d sooner carry a full set of golf clubs rather than a rifle with a 26” barrel plus moderator while stalking.

Your call of course, but just because you can't imagine a use doesn't mean there isn't one. Lots of English stalkers turn up in the Highlands with 300WM/7RM with 26" barrels to hump over the mountains for some reason, so other views are available.

And all that for a cartridge thats hard to come by and has the square root of zero advantage over half a dozen other chamberings?

I dont see that bit? It has a clear advantage over most of the common chambering in that it is 500fps + faster than the medium chambering and doesn't have the recoil associated with the bigger magnums? It's a hunting cartridge so you have to compare apples to apples and use cases. 65 PRC is outclassed at UK hunting distances but will win at long range. Is that what you are alluding to ?

Many people are now shooting 110gr TTSX out of 270/308 for large deer species. It's hard as hell and expansion drops off with range. Sako 270 110 TTSX says 3100fps on the box so 100gr at 3800 fps is a different class that will give full expansion of copper at all UK ranges.

 

[Dunwaters]

You are absolutely right. Its oddballs like me that it appeals to.


Yes. 30-06, 308, 270 ...

Still miles easier and faster to point and shoot. You can concentrate on the wind and your position rather than trajectories/dialling/holds or just send it.

Barnes TTSX. You will get top quality expansion at all UK ranges and then some. It is well known that you need to use a well know bonded bullet with this one.

I think there is; bit of a minority sport though. It is absolutely flat to 225, 250, 300 depending on the species. No need to hold/dial. If the deer moves/second deer is shot, then the flat trajectory/long danger space means the next shots are faster/higher probability.

So it's an excellent culling tool where it is about getting deer in the truck with the minimum effort and ideally without drama. Things that make the process simpler are valuable.

Your call of course, but just because you can't imagine a use doesn't mean there isn't one. Lots of English stalkers turn up in the Highlands with 300WM/7RM with 26" barrels to hump over the mountains for some reason, so other views are available.

I dont see that bit? It has a clear advantage over most of the common chambering in that it is 500fps + faster than the medium chambering and doesn't have the recoil associated with the bigger magnums? It's a hunting cartridge so you have to compare apples to apples and use cases. 65 PRC is outclassed at UK hunting distances but will win at long range. Is that what you are alluding to ?

Many people are now shooting 110gr TTSX out of 270/308 for large deer species. It's hard as hell and expansion drops off with range. Sako 270 110 TTSX says 3100fps on the box so 100gr at 3800 fps is a different class that will give full expansion of copper at all UK ranges.

If you like it, use it.
In my world it has no advantages and some disadvantages over my .270 out to 300yds/M so I’ll stick with that.
I suppose there is a certain cachet to using a niche rifle and cartridge combo, it can certainly stimulate a bit of lively conversation over the evening dram.
But its not for me thanks.

 

[WeatherbyUK]

You are absolutely right. Its oddballs like me that it appeals to.


Yes. 30-06, 308, 270 ...

Still miles easier and faster to point and shoot. You can concentrate on the wind and your position rather than trajectories/dialling/holds or just send it.

Barnes TTSX. You will get top quality expansion at all UK ranges and then some. It is well known that you need to use a well know bonded bullet with this one.

I think there is; bit of a minority sport though. It is absolutely flat to 225, 250, 300 depending on the species. No need to hold/dial. If the deer moves/second deer is shot, then the flat trajectory/long danger space means the next shots are faster/higher probability.

So it's an excellent culling tool where it is about getting deer in the truck with the minimum effort and ideally without drama. Things that make the process simpler are valuable.

Your call of course, but just because you can't imagine a use doesn't mean there isn't one. Lots of English stalkers turn up in the Highlands with 300WM/7RM with 26" barrels to hump over the mountains for some reason, so other views are available.

I dont see that bit? It has a clear advantage over most of the common chambering in that it is 500fps + faster than the medium chambering and doesn't have the recoil associated with the bigger magnums? It's a hunting cartridge so you have to compare apples to apples and use cases. 65 PRC is outclassed at UK hunting distances but will win at long range. Is that what you are alluding to ?

Many people are now shooting 110gr TTSX out of 270/308 for large deer species. It's hard as hell and expansion drops off with range. Sako 270 110 TTSX says 3100fps on the box so 100gr at 3800 fps is a different class that will give full expansion of copper at all UK ranges.

Very nicely put great to see a point of view from a fan of the cartridge - those are all excellent points and the reason the cartridge has endured for so long globally.

We’re reliably told there are at least several hundred users of this caliber in the UK - most appear to homeload due to factory ammo being hard to come by (though we’re hoping to change that!) - factory ammo arrives next month and will be available through your local dealer. It’s not gonna be cheap but no magnum caliber ever is - federal, Norma and hornady all chamber this cartridge so we’re working on getting some over here!

 

[Dave_45]

A friend has one

He uses solely Barnes 100gr ttsx in it.

Yes it’s not mainstream , maybe a bit dated and you can’t get factory ammo ,but it’s knockdown power at raaaaaange is unquestionable.

I’d own one no question.