257 roberts or 25-06

[Deerhunter#1]

Just wanted some opinions on the two for eastern deer. I have a 2506 but am intrested in the rob also. What twist is needed for 120 grain bullets for the rob . I have plenty of 120 grain bullets and guess if i had to use 100 grain I would just use my 243.

[charles p]

If barrel length is not a problem, then take your pick.  But the .257 Roberts seems to me like it would perform better with a shorter barrel than a 25-06 would.  Some 25-06 rifles carry 24" and 26" barrels.  The Rob might do just fine in a 22" but I don't know because I only own a 25-06.  Mine is heavy.

[rbursek]

1 IN 9 SEEMS TO DO BETTER THEN THE 1 IN 10 for the 120s sorry about the caps, previous poster seems to have a reading comprehesion problem!! In my 2 sons 257AI they have kill lopes to elk and black bears with the 115gr Nosler Partitions, that is all they will let me load for them, I wanted to do 100gr NPTs for deer and lopes and 120s NPT for elk and BB, they say dont mess with success!! Granted it was an AI but the 257Bob+Ps loads are equal to them as far as game knows. All have been 1 shot kills and only the bear and elk went anywhere and that was about 30  yards. All were hit in the in the lungs, except the bears, front shoulder shots, and broke the first shoulder and the shots were angeled to hit the lungs.

[the jigger]

I have both; 25/06 24", Roberts 22". Both are 10 twist. Neither likes 120gr bullets. Both shoot 100gr (choose one) bullets
MOA or better out to 200yds. I haven't had occasion to shoot farther. With a Sierra 100gr SBT the Roberts took a 211 pound Red Deer cull at lasered 188yds. DRT.
For Eastern whitetails the Roberts is an excellent choice.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!
 

[Deerhunter#1]

Well I decided I am just going to stick with the 25-06 and 243 I already have. the 243 shoots the 100 hornady btsp I reload great with just under max load of h4350 for about 2900 ft second. My 25-06 handi rifle has a 26 inch barrel and am shooting h4350 in that also. middle of the powder load getting me about 2800 ft second. After thinking about it I can load it down about 100 ft per second and be basically at the max of the ability of the bob with 120 grain bullets I am loading but I can also switch powders and take it above the 3000 ft mark. I quess the 25-06 just gives me the best of both world and in the handi rifle even with the 26 inch barrel it is still 2 inches shorter in overall length then a standard 22 inch bolt action. thanks for the help.

[Rock Home Isle]

I owned a .257 Roberts long time ago...My uncles hunted with them on occassion, and I have always wanted to replace the one that I sold. Came across a beautiful Winchester M70 .257 Roberts the other day...I came so close to buying it right then and there. When I went back to get it, it was gone.
 
DANG! 

[shot1]

Get you some 117gr Sierra Pro Hunter bullets for that 25-06 and run them around 3000 fps or so with 49 grs IMR 4350 or 52 grs H-4831 which ever is more accurate in your rifle and just see what they do to a deer. BANG FLOP. Been using this bullet for a long time. Super accurate and terminal effect is awesome. Never had trouble with 120 gr Speer grand slam bullets in a 10" twist 25-06. Just about bench rest accurate in my rifle 26" Shilen barrel. Bullet was too tough for my liking for eastern WT deer. Would be the bullet I would choose to shoot elk or BIG body 300lb or large deer.

[Deerhunter#1]

I am shooting the 120 speer hot core. They have discontinued them for the new deep curl they shoot great so bought a bunch. Have yet to shoot anything but paper to see the performance.

[redneckly33]

I own a Ruger 25-06 and have Deer Hunted in the State I live in, for the last 10 years or so.  My experience with this Rifle has been all good.  I have noticed, even with Factory Ammo, such as Remington Corelocks, 100 grn.it seems to turn the insides to Jello.  I tried Ballistic Tips, but discontinued using them, due to the fact, It destroyed to much Meat.

[Lloyd Smale]

257 is loaded real anemicaly by the factorys but i see your a handloader so thats not an issue. About any cup and core bullet between 100-120 will work fine in either. What it would come down to for me is range. the roberts is a good killer out to 300 yards with proper loads the 2506 in my experience will tack on another 50 to a 100 yards.

[ceadersavage2]

Yes an I would say the 243 with a 100 gr bullet is not a good round lighter is better for 243. Also on the 257 Roberts or 25-06 with 100 to 120 is best . I use to go with 100 gr now I shoot 117 Federal premium Killed deer to 345 yards. An my guns are Savage & H&R

[LHitchcox]

I am a 25 caliber nut and have a .25-06. One day I will have a 257 Roberts. If you are a reloader, take your pick, if not stay with a .25-06. There are many more loads available for it, although neither are really economical compared to '06 and 270 ammo. 257 Roberts ammo may be hard to find in many places. And has been stated, the 257 Roberts loads are mostly loaded down to handle weaker mil-surp rifles that were rechambered to the 257.

[RevJim]

 I like the 80-95gr bullets in a .243, I can't imagine a .257 roberts being any different on deer. I used a 25.06 one one mule deer doe, the Federal Premuim 117 Sierra, and it was great, bullet didn't blow up either. Shot her low in the brisket ( I was in a hurry and used the factory trigger, 6# or so,ha) at 80 yds. She ran downhill for about 60yds, layed down. I slipped up on her and at 50yds shot her in the head. I later had that rifle rechambered to .257 Weatherby. I'm nuts that way, ha. A 25.06 with a 26" barrel can be heated up very close to the .257W or slowed down to the Bob's velocity, lots of options for you.