.257 Roberts Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.257 Roberts: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Hunting, Target Shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1934 |
.257 Roberts: Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
- ✘ Less common than other popular hunting calibers
- ✘ Limited factory ammunition options
- ✘ Not suitable for large, dangerous game
- ✘ Less powerful than some magnum cartridges
- ✘ May be overkill for small game hunting
.257 Roberts: A Versatile Medium-Bore Cartridge
The .257 Roberts, also known as the '.257 Bob', is a medium-bore rifle cartridge known for its versatility and efficiency. Developed in the 1930s, it offers an excellent balance of power, accuracy, and low recoil, making it suitable for a wide range of game from varmints to medium-sized big game. The .257 Roberts has earned a reputation among hunters and target shooters for its flat trajectory and impressive performance at medium ranges.
History and Development
The .257 Roberts was developed by Ned Roberts, a renowned gun writer and experimenter, in the early 1930s. Roberts based his design on the 7x57mm Mauser case, necking it down to .257 caliber. His goal was to create a cartridge that could handle a wide range of hunting situations while maintaining manageable recoil.
Remington Arms Company commercialized the cartridge in 1934, standardizing it and introducing it to the market. The .257 Roberts quickly gained popularity among hunters who appreciated its versatility and effectiveness on medium-sized game such as deer and antelope.
Throughout its history, the .257 Roberts has maintained a loyal following, particularly among hunters who value its combination of flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and sufficient power for medium-sized game. While it has faced competition from newer cartridges, the .257 Roberts continues to be appreciated for its efficiency and versatility.
In the 1980s, Remington introduced the .257 Roberts +P, a higher-pressure loading that enhanced the cartridge's performance. This development breathed new life into the cartridge, expanding its capabilities and renewing interest among shooters and hunters.
Ballistic Performance
The .257 Roberts is known for its excellent ballistic performance. It typically propels a 100-grain bullet at velocities around 3,000 feet per second, providing a flat trajectory and good energy retention at medium ranges. The cartridge is capable of taking medium-sized game effectively out to 300 yards, with some loads maintaining effectiveness beyond that range.
One of the key advantages of the .257 Roberts is its efficiency. It achieves its performance with relatively modest powder charges, which contributes to its low recoil and makes it an excellent choice for recoil-sensitive shooters or those using lightweight rifles.
Timeline of .257 Roberts Development:
.257 Roberts Performance Characteristics
The .257 Roberts offers a balance of power, accuracy, and low recoil. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,000 fps (100-grain bullets)
2,800 fps (117-grain bullets) Velocities based on standard loadings |
| Energy | 1,900 ft-lbs at the muzzle (100-grain bullets) Sufficient for medium-sized game at moderate ranges |
| Effective Range | 300-400 yards Optimal for medium-sized game |
| Recoil | Low to moderate Manageable in lightweight rifles, suitable for recoil-sensitive shooters |
| Accuracy | Sub-MOA potential in quality rifles Known for excellent accuracy at medium ranges |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .257 Roberts loads.
.257 Roberts: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .257 Roberts ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer Hunting | 0-300 | Excellent for medium-sized game, good balance of power and recoil |
| Varmint Hunting | 0-400 | Flat trajectory makes it ideal for long-range varmint control |
| Target Shooting | 0-500 | Low recoil and good accuracy make it popular for target shooting |
| Antelope Hunting | 0-350 | Flat-shooting characteristics suit open country hunting |
| Black Bear Hunting | 0-200 | Adequate for black bear at closer ranges with proper bullet selection |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .257 Roberts is known for its flat trajectory and moderate recoil, making it a versatile cartridge for various hunting applications. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .257 Roberts
The .257 Roberts' balanced performance profile makes it suitable for a range of hunting and shooting applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .257 Roberts' place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .257 Roberts
The .257 Roberts is a versatile medium-bore cartridge known for its flat trajectory and moderate recoil. This table compares the sectional density of various bullet weights commonly used in .257 Roberts loads.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .257 Roberts | 100 | 0.234 |
| .257 Roberts | 117 | 0.274 |
| .257 Roberts | 120 | 0.281 |
| .257 Roberts | 87 | 0.204 |
| .257 Roberts | 75 | 0.176 |
Note: The .257 Roberts uses a .257 inch diameter bullet. Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The .257 Roberts offers a range of bullet weights suitable for various hunting applications, from varmints to medium-sized game.