Reloading 257 STW

[hank shaper]

I am thinking about having a 257 STW built. 28" bbl and 100 gr. pills. Other than being a barrel burner, what can you tell me about powders and reloading this cartridge.

Thanks,

Hank

[oldfamily]

retumbo and wildcat 125, and 130 bonded.
110 grain accubonds with Ramshot Magnum powder.

[dirtball]

Originally Posted by hank shaper

I am thinking about having a 257 STW built. 28" bbl and 100 gr. pills. Other than being a barrel burner, what can you tell me about powders and reloading this cartridge.

Thanks,

Hank

Hank
Give some thought to neck diameter, AND the bullets you want to shoot as most rental reamers will have to large a neck for good long range accuracy, plus the freebore will be way to long for most VLD or ULD bullets.
I am no gunsmith, just talking from experience my 257 stw has a .285 neck which I am happy with, but the freebore is about .20" which is WAY to long for Wildcat 115's and 115 Bergers, I am getting good groups from the 125 Wildcats, but I am seating them out to a 3.81 COL. Glad it is a single shot. Why is it that all of life's lessons have to be learned the hard way?

Maybe Kirby or some one else could provide more guidance on freebore length.

Dave