Thoughts on 257 Ackley build

[Pat Byrne]

Good info.. I loaded some 115 Bergers but that's as heavy as I went.. For me this is a hunting gun so use mostly 100NBT's and the afore mentioned Bergers. I think it's the Lapua brass that makes this setup click. BTW, my barrel is a 10 twist so the heavies are out with this rig.

 

[VinceMule]

Those 115's are killing deer real dead for us, 257 Weatherby 9T, and Sendero 10 twist, unreal groups at 500 yds.

Pat, I hope that the war does not suck up all of Berger's bullet-making ability for the civilian market. I should have bought more of them when they were available. 110g Nosler accubonds are working well, also, but they are scarce as pixy dust.

Years ago, I had great luck in a 12T German Weatherby Mark 5 in 257 Weatherby and a 12 Twist Shilen 25/06 with the 100g Speer flat base, I may have to get some of them.

 

[slikmrc]

Speers are as bad to find around here as the Noslers. Going to work up loads for a couple 117 grain Hornady bullets in the 25-06

 

[Pat Byrne]

I hear you... Seems like Hornady is the only one able to supply the civilian market, at least to some degree.
Have a .25-06 AI reamer, every barrel done with it has shot very well. They are all fun!

 

[MagnumManiac]

I had both and never could get that 257AI to even come close to the 25-06.
Both rifles were Rugers', the 257AI was a re-barreled M77 and the 25-06 is a M77 MKII custom.
If I was doing another 257AI I would not consider anything other than a long action.
Maybe a better proponent would be a 25-284 on a short action.

Cheers.

 

[VinceMule]

Magnum, I don't think that the 257 AI will top the 25/06 with the powders available today. We are pushing 3400 with the 100's in the /06, 26" Remington Sendero. My 257 AI is a rock chuck outfit.

 

[WTOBob]

I have a 257AI and its a go to gun. I would not use a short action on it. Had mine built on a Remington 700 LA BDL and haven't regretted it. I run Nosler 100gr Partions run max. It flat loves this load and have dropped Mule deer with it.

 

[AkleyFan]

Question for you guys. Is all factory 257 Roberts brass built to the +P pressure specs? Assuming they beefed the brass up for +P.

I have WW +P and RP standard brass - they're all primed with CCI 200 primers. I've weighed 6 pieces of each for your review - weight is in grains:

WW Super +P 257 Rob
177.1
176.6
179.0
177.2
176.8
176.8

RP 257 Rob
173.9
174.0
174.6
174.4
172.4
173.5

The WW brass is a few grains heavier than the RP on average. Brass varies so much by manufacturer that I believe this is typical and not attiributable to a +P "standard". This is a very small sample size, but these are the only two types I have on hand. Hope this helps.

 

[VinceMule]

I formed the +P into 6 Rem AI, neck turned the brass. Pressure indicators were the same in std Win and +P.

 

[slikmrc]

I haven't dealt with much Remington for a while but in the past the Rem brass has generally been a little heavier than Winchester. Interesting info, thanks AkleyFan.

 

[VinceMule]

different runs of brass can be different, also.

 

[std7mag]

If you planning on using a short action, i'd go with 250Savage, 250SavageAI, or 25 Souper.

My 250 Savage barrel is now on a Savage Axis II using the short action magazines.
Load up the 115gr Berger VLD with no problems.

My 257 Roberts is a Ruger 77 MKII.

My 257 Roberts AI is a Savage 111.

And at least for the time being, forget the 131gr Blackjack.
They are not being made.

 

[MagnumManiac]

Interesting note for you all to consider…..every piece of Remington brass I have sectioned has had thinner webs and thicker case walls. Every Winchester case, especially WW-SUPER cases, have had thick webs and thinner case walls in regard to almost every other brand. This is why Winchester brass takes more loadings before fatigue sets in over most other brands.

Cheers.

 

[BALLISTICJESUS]

25 Creedmoor 1-7 and done. Throated for Berger 135's but rocks the Berger Hunter 115's @ 3178 spooky accurate.