Bullet choice for whitetails with .257 Roberts

[cwh]

My Win M70 .257 Roberts shoots 100 gr Nosler Partitions and 117 gr Sierra Boattails equally well.  Velocities run 2,800 to 2,900 fps.  I've never taken a deer with this piece, but plan to this fall.  I'm sure both of these bullets will work fine, but I need to pick one.  Our deer aren't real big and typical shots are 50 yards in the thick stuff to maybe 150 yards.  Thoughts?


Chuck

[TNrifleman]

The 257 Roberts is a fine whitetail deer cartridge. For the hunting you describe, I'd recommend the Nosler Partition.

[rickt300]

Both bullets will work just fine. Some hold the 117 Sierra in very high esteem and justifiably so.

[Lawdog]

Go with the 100 gr. Nosler Partitions and don't look back.  Lawdog
 

[dirtdobber47]

I like the sierra 100 gr. sbt, it has never let me down.

[jro45]

I have Nosler 100gr bullets loaded for my 257 also

[cwh]

Thanks for the thoughts, gentlemen.  The .257 has been on my wish list for some time and I finally came across a nice one at a gun show earlier this year.  It's sweet and a fine shooter.

I've been hunting with a .35 Remington and .45-70 for the last few years.  Now that I'm "downsizing" to the Roberts, those little bullets look awfully small!  Anyway, I don't think I can make a bad decision with the Sierra or Nosler, but I'm going with the Partitions this year "and never look back."  Gotta love that confidence!  Thanks again for your comments.

Chuck

[John R.]

The Partitions will work great. I would also consider the new Nosler 110 gr. Accubond. Excellant shooter out of my 25-06. :grin:

[contender hunter]

Was considering the 100 gr. ballistic tip for deer in the .257 its not a varmit bullet according to there chart its what they classify as a hunting bullet and thought it would be alright , whats everybodys opinion is it constructed to light and maybe not penetrate enough

[Buckfever]

Sir, would you please give some more details on the 25-06 and the 110gr accubond.  Ballistics, and any actual hunting results on game.  Thanks  
Buckfever

[jnclement]

I'd shoot ballistic tips. I shot a couple of the smaller Texas/OK type whitetails with my 257 Roberts and Partitions, and the exit hole wasn't much bigger than the entrance hole. I've gotten much better results with the cheap Core-Lokt style bullet. Not much need for a premium bullet on something like a Whitetail, unless you're farthur north.

[MT4XFore]

[Coyote Hunter]

Got a .257 Roberts a couple years ago and love it, but the only game it has taken so far is a pile of coyotes.

Nevertheless, I have my big game hunting loads ready to go.

110g Accubond @ 3100fps (H4350)
115g TSX @ 2958fps (H4831SC)
120g Grand Slam @ 2899fps (H4831SC)
120g Partition @ 2904fps (H4831SC)
120g A-Frame @ 2947fps (H4831SC)

If I ever go after elk with this rifle the A-Frame will be in the chamber.   For mule deer any of them should work.

[JD338]

100 gr Nosler PT in the 257 Roberts is an excellent choice for deer.

JD338

[cwh]

Took hogs and deer with other rigs this year.  It just never worked out when I carried the .257.  I'm planning for 2006 to be the year of the Roberts.  So many loads, so few tags...

Chuck

[257 roberts]

I USE FACTORY Hornaday Light Mag. 117gr. its pure death on deer.

[longwalker]

I'll chime in for the 100 grain jacketed bullet. I have yet to recover one of these bullets after they hit the intended target expanded and passed through.  I like Speer SPBT bullets.

longwalker