257- STW

[ChasinElk]

Looking for loads or info for the 257 STW??

 

[hvyw8t]

I use 84 grains of ramshot magnum and a 100 grain Nosler BT good for 3950FPS out of my 30 inch 257stw. I also use 80 grains of ramshot magnum and a 110 accubond. Remember to reduce 10% and work up and have fun.

 

[Brute]

I have Layne Simpson's article For Shooting Times on the 257STW.Shoot me a pm with your address and I'll send you a copy of his data.Hopefully, my smith will complete my 257STW in a couple of weeks and we can compare reloading results.
Brute

 

[ChasinElk]

Brute- PM on the way!! Thanks

 

[wildcat]

What-is-your-barrel-life-like.-A-100grn-Ballistic-Tip-at-3950;-that-has-to-be-devastating-on-varmints.-I-was-thinking-about-going-with-a-7mm-STW-using-the-140grn-Ballatic-tip.-I-am-thinking-I-would-get-close-to-3700-fps-out-of-my-30"-barrel.-However;-it-looks-like-I-am-going-to-go-with-the-7mm-WSM;-but-I-still-have-plenty-of-time-to-change-my-mind.-I-am-just-wondering-what-kind-of-barrel-life-I-would-get.-Also;-does-Norma-make-brass-for-7MM-STW?

 

[ChasinElk]

Hvyw8t- It sounds like you like the Ramshot magnum powder for the 257 stw, is it very temp sensitive? Thanks for replying

 

[Freebore]

wildcat,
No body makes brass other than WW or Remington for 7 STW. Even Nosler loads their custom ammo in 7STW using WW brass. There has been some Federal loaded ammo using using 150 Nosler that was cheap last year, I think it is still avaiable (but not as cheap) from Midway. The STW is the 8mm Rem Mag case necked up or down.

 

[wildcat]

Thanks-for-the-info.

 

[oldfamily]

what velocity are you getting out of your 30 in barrel? That is almost the same load that I use for the 110 accubond. Love that bullet.

 

[Centre Punch]

Wildcat,
Many 7mmSTW shooters like to form their cases from full length Norma 300 H&H brass in order to get the quality they are looking for.

Ian.

 

[Brute]

Wildcat
Been shooting the 7 STW since it was a "wildcat".I've used all kinds of factory brass Win, Rem., Fed, plus formed it from several other rounds.In my experience Win 7STW brass serves me well.I've got one lot I've loaded 7 times and primer pockets are still fine.Course I don't run on the ragged edge with my charge weights/pressures.I've found the "7" to be easy to get to perform accuracy wise and nice and flat at "my" hunting ranges(400-600yds-max)I realize this is short to med. range for this group of hunters,but see no reason 168 Bergers at 3000-3100 won't work on out to long range. I hope to have similar luck with the 25 STW.Time will tell.Good luck on your build whichever caliber you go with and keep us posted.
Brute

 

[.30-378]

Why would someone tell you to us brass other that 8MM Rem Mag or 7MM STW brass, I don't know. You don't run into the fireforming garbage related to using something else...and yes my friend who doesn't know, .257 STW brass is available here: http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=291676

 

[Brute]

I agree that factory 7 STW brass is the way to go.The necking up or down plus fireforming is a total pain.However some folks are less than thrilled with the quality of available 7 STW headstamped brass.Also some of the first rifles chambered for STW (when it was still a "cat")varied in dimensions due to reamer specs differing slightly.So in search of a better mousetrap,so to speak, we tried a lot of different recipes.With brass available now I see no reason to spend time ,components ,and barrel life to form brass from other sources.But, heres the catch. 7 STW brass is a little scarce at times.It is my understanding that Win and Rem have designated it a seasonal item which means it isn't readily available year round.Being this is the best route to 257 STW (necking down 7 STW)if you find it you might ought to buy it.One other option for STW brass 7 and 257 is Quality Cartridge Brass from Midway,but it is kinda expensive and I've heard less than glowing reports about the quality.That being said I plan to try a sample for 257 STW and see for myself.If anyone has tried Quality Cartridge Brass I'd be lnterested in your opinions.
Brute

 

[ChasinElk]

Brute, I have heard about the same /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif, on the Quality Cartridge Brass for the 257 STW and for that reason I have not tried it. If anyone has used any please keep us posted with your results.