My friends and I have a total of five 257 Roy semi customs. All have 3 groove lilja SS barrels. Two are #5 profile and three are #3 profile. A Pacific Tool and Gauge reamer was used with Dave's special leade angle and freebore which is different than the original weatherby specs. Two rifles use a .125" jump the other three use .070" jump to lands. All rifles are using RL-25 with moly coated 115 Berger VLDs, Norma brass and Fed 215 match primers.
Work up to max load listed for 115 BT shown in Nosler loading manual which is 72 grs. The Berger VLD with is minimal bearing surface can work with more powder than the BT. Add moly and you can go even higher.
The rifles had different length barrels: One 24", two 26" and two 28" barrels. Velocities ranged from 3575 for the short barrel, 3625 or so for the 26" and 3650 or so for the 28" barrels. Remember all used moly coated Berger VLD bullets.
Some of the rifles were able go to 74 grs. The 74 gr loads were worked up in 85 degree temps. Outstanding accuracy in all these rifles.
For what it is worth your results may vary due to a different chamber, not using moly, number of grooves in barrel and mixing components.
I just rebarreled the 257 Roy as the barrel is worn out at round count 1100. Began using RL-33 with 115 Berger VLD. 27 1/2" Lilja three groove, moly coated 115 VLD, Fed 215 primer, Norma brass. 83 gr of RL-33 for velocity of 3680 fps @ 70 degrees. (Magneto speed tested) Drop chart testing verified chrono readings out to 550 yds. Used Berger's BC: G7 .247
Please work up your load starting around 77 gr of RL-33 to see how your rifle responds.
Last edited by Azshooter; 11/25/16.
