To the OP. I have a Model 70 XTR in .257 Roberts. It was my first rifle, given to me by my father. It also took my first deer. Mine shoot 120 partitions into tight little groups. Not that you need a 120 grain partition for whitetail. I really love the cartridge and would recommend it to anyone. It's usually the rifle I use to introduce friends into centerfire rifles after they get used to a 22LR.
