McPatrickClan

I was recently digging into this relatively uncommon cartridge (the .257 Weatherby Magnum) and found wonderful write-ups on it. Flat shooting, reasonable power, etc. I have always thought the .308 to be best all-around (mostly hunting, good in a SHTF scenario) cartridge. Once I started researching the comparisions between these two, a lot of people said they were like apples & oranges.

I realize the .257 is really expensive ($2+ a round!) but I am going to reload, so I think that will really keep my long-term costs low. It seems like .308 ammo is at least a buck a round anyway!

What do you guys think? Are these two totally different cartridges? Or are there reasons to choose one over the other for the same applications?

gilliland87

To me that's like comparing a Porsche or Ferrari to a chevy or ford. The .257 is gonna be your Porsche hard to find but if you have a .308 and are looking to enjoy/tinker with a new round go for it you'll like what the .257 weatherby is capable of. There is a lot to be said for the .308 and all the information out there supporting the round.

SleepingZ

Whats the main "application"??? Need to know what you are going to do with it to give good advice.


Z

__________________
9 out of 10 engineers agree that 1 out of 10 engineers are idiots.

McPatrickClan

Mostly deer & hog hunting...

gilliland87

You'll get the same outcome with less hassle out of the .308 round. My question is are you looking to be talked into or out of the .257?

McPatrickClan

Well, that's part of what I am thinking through... the .257 has fantastic write-ups... I really like what I have read. I did read someone referring to it as a "wildcat" round which was a term I was not famililar with.

The .257 is uncommon, I know, but since I reload, I figure that is a non-issue. The .308 is the standard in many applications and I already have a lot of that bunkered away.

I am mostly looking to be talked out of the .257, but honestly, I am just curious if you guys like/dislike it and why. It seems like a good cartridge but according to my searches of the boards, it doesn't seem like there has been much discussion of it.

Cuda66

Well, if you're going to be handloading anyway...look at .257 Ackley Improved.

Not quite as hot as the Weatherby, but regular .257 Roberts ammo can be used in it in a pinch...and also a little easier to find, perhaps (.257 AI uses .257 Roberts brass...)

Personally, though, for a quarter bore....25-06.

But yeah...kinda an apples and pears comparison.

__________________
One man's theology is another man's belly laugh. --RAH

McPatrickClan

OK... I think I am starting to understand.... cartridges that start with 25 are quarter bore? Meaning their diameter? Is that about right?

And that is how the 30-30 and the .308 are "related?"

TOF

My .308 has provided many 1 shot kills on everything from prairie dog to Elk. If you want a solid performing "General Purpose" rifle that would also be suitable in an SHTF situation as mentioned in your opening statement get a .308. You can get ammo anywhere for the .308 whether you are at home at your reloading bench or not.

If you want a more limited application screamer get the .257.

You might also consider 1 of each.

__________________
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." - Thomas Jefferson

gilliland87

A wildcat is just a term used to designate a non standard/experimantal round. (probably not a complete definition but gets ya the idea)

As for quarter bore it refers to the .25 which will represent the diameter of the bore.

The 30-30 and.308 even .303 .300 savage .338 ect ect are all referred to as thirties which corresponds to the bore diameter as well and the so forth. The slang only gets deeper from there.