257 Weatherby

[Canhunter35]

250 shots?

In all seriousness, they really don't have as long a barrel life as folks would think. That's a lot of powder being stuffed through a 1/4" diameter hole.

I've got about 750 shots through mine. Curious how long it will go? I shoot slow and clean it often.

 

[MudRunner2005]

I've got about 750 shots through mine. Curious how long it will go? I shoot slow and clean it often.

I've got between 500-750 through one of my STW's and the barrel still looks perfect, and shoots as good as it ever has. I think the trick is shooting slow, keeping it cool, and wiping it out with a jag & wet patch (rem oil) doesn't hurt, but I don't think using a brush every time is necessary until it starts throwing shots.

Just seems like unnecessary wear to scrub it to the white every time, especially since modern powders are non-corrosive.

Just personal opinion.

 

[baconeater20]

My group with the factory 90 grain Hornadys GMX.

 

[snox801]

I think you found what you need.

 

[WildRose]

My group with the factory 90 grain Hornadys GMX.

That's with factory ammo too isn't it?

If so, you can probably cut that in half tuning your own handloads. Either way, you have the bullet you need already.

 

[cape cove]

I think rl33 is just the right speed for the longer .257 tubes like mine. At 28" I think it gives enough time to burn. Like you said prob a bit slow for a 24"

No doubt you would get amazing speed from this powder in a 28" tube. If you try it let us know. In my Vanguard I worked up to 81 grs and pressure signs were absent,and the pressure ring measurement would allow maybe a grain or so more, but I found the load compressed to much for me.

 

[baconeater20]

Yeah it shoots well but the performance was lacking. Horrible blood trail. Maybe need to just put it in the shoulder.

 

[Canhunter35]

Yeah it shoots well but the performance was lacking. Horrible blood trail. Maybe need to just put it in the shoulder.

My vanguard shot the same size of groups with the factory 90gmx as yours and they performed like yours did on game. Try some different bullets. I've got my vanguard shooting .3moa groups. I'm sure urs is capable of it too.

 

[baconeater20]

Pics

 

[snox801]

Blood trail is very nice to have for sure. I've had that with a few mono bullets. I get nice trails and great performance with the 115 bt that's why I've stuck with them.

 

[baconeater20]

Blood trail is very nice to have for sure. I've had that with a few mono bullets. I get nice trails and great performance with the 115 bt that's why I've stuck with them.

I think thats what I am going to get and they are rather cheap.

 

[snox801]

I just packed up 30 more for Texas in a few weeks. Plus if you get the Winchester combined tech ones they look really cool. Cool factor makes them that much more effective on game.

 

[Canhunter35]

I shoot the black ones too lol

 

[Rhino Hunter]

use the 110 accubond. you wont be disappointed. I had a roy vanguard that spit them out at 3250, slightly mild for that cartridge but it shot extremely well for a plain factory vanguard.

I can't respond directly to the OP since I don't reload. But I have tried quite a few different cartridges with different results. Recently I tried Weatherby's 110 Gr Accubond with very good results. I was luck enough to take this buck in Alberta last November from 390 yards with the Accubond. (It's nowhere as far as most of you shoot.) I shoot an Accumark V with a factory brake on it. One shot, and he went about 15 feet and dropped. I was impressed with the results.