Obsolete is: no one really chambers this cartridge anymore because something else has come along that is easier to deal with and performs just as well if-not-better. Kinda like the 7x57 Mauser or 7mm STW or 300 H&H.
Dan,
Ruger is still chambering the .257 Roberts, 6.5x55, 7x57, and .300 H&H.
Savage is also still Chambering the .250 Savage and the .300 Savage.
CZ 500 in the 6.5x55 and 9.3x62 can also be bought here in the US.
Yeah, the 257, 6.5x55, 7x57 and 300 H&H are available in some rifles. And mostly in special runs at that. I had to look a long time before I even found a Ruger No. 1A in 7x57. Of the four cartridges, the 257 Bob is probably the most available and if you don't want a Ruger M77 or Kimber 84M, you're SOL.
If they aren't chambered in nearly EVERY MAJOR factory offering, you gotta wonder. I think the only reason the 257 Bob hangs on is that the 25 Souper isn't a factory cartridge. If it were, there goes the Bob. Even the 243 has nearly eliminated the bob in that niche even though its in a different bore size.
I'm not saying that obsolete cartridges aren't cool. This thread is to demonstrate how cool they are. Not to say they should go the way of the dodo. But they have been rendered obsolete by more efficient and practical designs.
You won't see me giving up my 7x57 any time soon. Not even for a 7mm-08!
