257 WBY Velocities

[HereDuckyDucky]

I have been developing loads for my .257 wby (26") using (1) 115gr VLD w/H1000 and (2) 110gr Accubond w/H4831. So far, my upper-range velocities have been approximately 3300-3350 for both. I am not seeing any pressure signs, and my data (ES, SD, and groups) are a bit all over the map.

My question is this: what kinds of velocities should I be looking for in terms of both accuracy (i.e., what velocity nodes are people finding that work for them) and pressure (i.e., what velocities are people finding at / near their max loads)?

RW

 

[Jbumblebee]

This is what I've gotten for 117 Hornadys with 7828 SSC. I've also tried 92 gr Hammer Hunters with H4350. WBy Vanguard 26". I've tried Barnes 115 grains but nothing worth mentioning with them.

 

[FEENIX]

I have been developing loads for my .257 wby (26") using (1) 115gr VLD w/H1000 and (2) 110gr Accubond w/H4831. So far, my upper-range velocities have been approximately 3300-3350 for both. I am not seeing any pressure signs, and my data (ES, SD, and groups) are a bit all over the map.

My question is this: what kinds of velocities should I be looking for in terms of both accuracy (i.e., what velocity nodes are people finding that work for them) and pressure (i.e., what velocities are people finding at / near their max loads)?

RW

Contact Berger's Tech Support for their load recommendations for the 115/.257 WBY. I might have one at home. Phil Hoham is very responsive.

ADDED:

Sorry, I do not a 115 recommendation what from Berger Tech Support but here's picture from my reloading manual. Also with 110.

 

[cape cove]

Couple of years back I had a 257 Wea vanguard--24' barrel. One of the most accurate bullets in this rifle was the 117gr Sierra SBT. With this bullet the best powders I tried velocity wise were RL-26 and RL-33. With a max load of RL-33 velocity was 3380 ft/sec and with RL-26 velocity was 3371 ft/sec. Accuracy was MOA. The best powder with this bullet accuracy wise was the old H-450. With a max load in my rifle accuracy was 1/2 MOA and velocity was 3275 ft/sec with honorable mention going to RL-22 and Retumbo. Another powder that seemed to be real good was Norma MRP but I did not have enough to give it a good testing and could not source more .Two other bullets that also shot good in my rifle was the Hornady 120 gr HP and the Sierra 120 gr HPBT. Both have been since discontinued. Too bad.

 

[Greatgrandad]

I have been developing loads for my .257 wby (26") using (1) 115gr VLD w/H1000 and (2) 110gr Accubond w/H4831. So far, my upper-range velocities have been approximately 3300-3350 for both. I am not seeing any pressure signs, and my data (ES, SD, and groups) are a bit all over the map.

My question is this: what kinds of velocities should I be looking for in terms of both accuracy (i.e., what velocity nodes are people finding that work for them) and pressure (i.e., what velocities are people finding at / near their max loads)?

RW

Hmm, I am reaching 3,310 fps with the 110 AB in a 26" 25-06 using Retumbo, so you should be able to outdo that in a 257Wby. I'm pushing the 115 Berger at just over 3,200 fps in the same rifle.

In the 257Wby 26", I easily reached 3,450 fps with the 110 AB using 7828 and RL 22.

 

[HereDuckyDucky]

While each rifle is different, this confirms (at least anecdotally) my suspicion that I am just shooting too slow and should keep working up the charge. Thanks for the info.

RW

 

[Hoss50]

My last 257 barrel i shot 115gr berger over H1000. I didn't have a chrono then, so I don't know the actual velocities, but I believe based on drops it was over 3200fps, and that was the accuracy load, not the max load. 24" barrel.

I have worked with the 128gr Hammer and 135gr Berger in my new barrel which is 26" and I can get those bullets up over 3200fps. I have a hot hammer load that is over 3300fps, and just a starting load on the berger was clocking 3150.

H1000 was my go to, but Retumbo, IMR 7828SSC, or something in that burn rate area should be pretty good.

 

[Hoss50]

What brass are you using?

 

[436]

While each rifle is different, this confirms (at least anecdotally) my suspicion that I am just shooting too slow and should keep working up the charge. Thanks for the info.

RW

What make/model rifle are you shooting? Cheers

 

[FEENIX]

While each rifle is different, this confirms (at least anecdotally) my suspicion that I am just shooting too slow and should keep working up the charge. Thanks for the info.

RW

As with anything else, YMMV. As shown in #3, you are not far off than you think. What kind of accuracy are you getting with the current velocities? You might be in a stage where it might start opening up if you go faster, finding the best compromise between accuracy and velocity. The Nosler shows which powder tested most accurately (IMR 4350), but another powder generated more velocity (IMR 7828).

I have suppressed .257 WBY 22" 1:7," but my goal differs from yours. Mine was built specifically for the 131 Black Jack, 133/135 Berger, 134 Hornady ELD-M, 145 Black Hole, and the 163 Chinchaga. I am pressure-testing different powders I already have open to propel the 163 Chinchagas.

The fastest powder tested thus far is Retumbo - 66.5 = 2987 FPS and 67 = 3006 FPS.

Good luck!

 

[Gary in MD]

Your velocities aren't that low, probably can go a little higher.
In my 257, I've had the best accuracy and velocities using RL22 & IMR 7828.
Always use a magnum primer, the Feral 215s have always been the recommended ones and they have worked fine in mine for the past 30 years that I've been using the big 25.
Killed two bucks with the 110 Accubond, they ran farther than anything that I've ever shot with the 257. Abandoned those. That 115 Berger flattened the few deer that I've shot with it just like everything that I've shot with 100 grainers - Bang Flop.
Took the rifle to South Africa as my secondary gun this past year and killed a Red Hartebeest and a Blesbok with the 101 Barnes LRX. I like that bullet!
Good luck with your 257

 

[HereDuckyDucky]

Thanks guy! The accuracy is just under 1 MOA. I haven't been particularly happy with it, which is why I keep scratching my head and wondering if I bump up the charge.

RW

 

[Philward]

IMR4831, 115 NosBT, a little over 3200fps. Tried powders like 7828, 7977,MRP, but most accurate with IMR4831 and seated at 3.225. 24" barrel on Vanguard.

 

[436]

I have been developing loads for my .257 wby (26") using (1) 115gr VLD w/H1000 and (2) 110gr Accubond w/H4831. So far, my upper-range velocities have been approximately 3300-3350 for both. I am not seeing any pressure signs, and my data (ES, SD, and groups) are a bit all over the map.

My question is this: what kinds of velocities should I be looking for in terms of both accuracy (i.e., what velocity nodes are people finding that work for them) and pressure (i.e., what velocities are people finding at / near their max loads)?

RW

I was trying to determine whether the rifle was a "Weatherby MkV" with its factory "free bore" barrel. If it is then I think you might be able to goose it up a little, as long as you didn't move the bullet (seat) forward to far. It was the case in the .257 Wby 26" rifles I've had over the years. Cheers