Sorry for your loss.
It's definitely a cartridge for handloaders. I'm on my 3rd 257 right now and will probably always have one. Great cartridge with a great MPBR. Brass is cheap as you can use 7RM or 264WM brass of various makes, but you must check your neck diameter and compare with loaded round neck diameter to determine whether or not neck turning is needed(IE my current 257 has a no turn neck, but still requires turning with R+P or Win brass. Norma 257 brass is much thinner and the only brass I've found that will work unturned. I turn Win 264 brass as it leads to outstanding concentricity). 100grain pills are all that's needed and R22, IMR7828, or R25 are great powders among many others.
Good Luck
loder
