Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 257 Weatherby Mag loads

I picked up a pretty Weatherby Vanguard Lazermark in 257 Weatherby Mag. I'll most likely use this for Antelope and whitetail, but may actually take it elk hunting someday.

What's the go to powders and bullets for this? I'll most likely fireform some Win or Rem 7mm RM brass since I have a bunch of it, but no 7 mag rifle.

I run 72grs of RL22 with 100gr Barnes XLC. RL22 is great and a bunch of folks like Ramshot Magnum also. Not sure on charges with it but it will be a few grains more than the RL22.

When I had my .257 Wea.s I used the same load as Steelhead except I used Nosler 100 grain BTBT..My use of it was limited to coyotes, deer, antelope, and sheep..Never used it on elk..

That works. Just watch neck thickness. You may need to turn necks for best accuracy. You already have the 7RM brass. If you were buying brass to make .257 Wby cases, .264 Win Mag may be a better choice.

DF

Coyotejunki,

I got the same velocity from 7828 and RL22. You may laugh about this, but the difference is RL22 kicks more.

I got my best accuracy and velocity from 7828 with every bullet I tried in my .257 Wby. R22 might work great for you. It does for most folks, seems. If it doesn't, give 7828 a try. Also, I got my best accuracy with pretty danged short OALs too, in the 3.140" range. That was with a SAAMI freebore.

John

Using 7828 here. Funny thing is, 7828 SSC doesn't group nearly as well.

Never tried the SSC version, but want to in my .260.

John

Mine loved 70 gr RL22, Fed 215, and 100 gr monometals including ETip & TTSX in Norma cases.

110 NAB & 50 gr Magnum worked nicely, too...

For fireforming of 7 (you said WM but I'm assuming you meant RM since you said RP & Win?) RM cases mine loved 67 gr H-4831 under 117 BTSP Interlocks. At 3250 fps I can't imagine it'd have been a problem killin' anything, either!

I worked with a couple brands of 7 RM brass but never had an issue w/ neck thickness.

Great rifle in a fantastic cartridge man!

Yes, my bust. I meant Rem Mag, corrected original post.

Is there an advantage with RL22 or 7828. Is one less temperature sensitive or give more FPS?

Interesting. I have had the opposite experience.

Nah they're pretty close on both counts. From what I've seen its a question of what your rifle likes best.

7828 and R25 are the best powders in my current 257wby. Having another put together this year, just waiting on Rock to finish the bbl.

71 of R22 and a 100tsx, Norma brass, Nosler 215 primer in my Rem 700

Fwiw...if forming from 7mm cases that have been fired I've found annealing is a great idea.
Figure 2.5 to 3 grains less powder in the 7mm cases will net same velocity as realnnorma/why cases.

I have had good luck with H1000 and 110 grain Nosler Accubonds in both of my .257 WBY's. 7828 would be my second choice, but H1000 delivered better groups and less velocity spread.

Recently worked up new load with RL-33 and moly coated 110 accubond. 28" 3 groove lilja with 750 rounds through barrel. Your results could vary.

83 3625 which slightly faster than old load with RL-25
83.5 3674 fps shot well two shots of four were same velocity
84 gr 3704 fps shot well two shots of four were same velocity
84.5 gr 3735 slight signs of pressure on one case of four this is max case capacity with drop tube

84 grains has shot well for four range sessions. This load makes a 91 fps gain over a max load of RL-25

Opinion: RL-33 should be used with 110 or heavier bullets.

Az- that's fast!

Sheittt, dang right Sako, hope ya can keep that Accubond outta the eating parts at that speed AZ.

Gunner