.257 Roberts Ammo

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Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

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: At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Excellent balance of power and recoil
  • Flat trajectory for accurate long-range shooting
  • Versatile for medium-sized game hunting
  • Good barrel life due to moderate pressures
  • Efficient powder burn in short-action rifles

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:

Year Event
1980s Remington introduces the .257 Roberts +P, a higher-pressure loading that enhances performance.
1940s-1970s The .257 Roberts maintains popularity among hunters and target shooters.
1934 Remington Arms Company commercializes and standardizes the .257 Roberts.
Early 1930s Ned Roberts develops the .257 Roberts cartridge based on the 7x57mm Mauser case.

.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.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.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:

Medium Game Hunting
  • Excellent for deer, pronghorn, and similar-sized game
  • Good balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil
  • Effective at ranges up to 300 yards for most hunters
Varmint and Predator Hunting
  • Flat trajectory makes it suitable for long-range varmint control
  • Versatile enough for coyotes and other medium-sized predators
  • Can be loaded with lighter bullets for reduced pelt damage
Target Shooting and Competition
  • Popular for long-range target shooting due to its accuracy
  • Low recoil allows for comfortable extended practice sessions
  • Used in some vintage rifle competitions
All-Around Hunting Cartridge
  • Versatile enough for a wide range of North American game
  • Can be used for everything from varmints to black bear with proper loads
  • Popular choice for hunters seeking a single rifle for multiple 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:

.257 Roberts vs. .25-06 Remington ▼

.257 Roberts vs. .243 Winchester ▼

.257 Roberts vs. 6.5 Creedmoor ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 100-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .257 Roberts with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .257 Roberts cartridge?

A: The .257 Roberts is a medium-powered rifle cartridge developed in the 1930s. It is based on the 7x57mm Mauser case necked down to .257 caliber (6.5mm). It offers a good balance of power and low recoil, making it popular for deer hunting and target shooting.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for .257 Roberts?

A: The .257 Roberts typically uses bullets weighing between 100 and 120 grains. The most common bullet weights are 100, 115, and 117 grains, with 120-grain bullets being less common but still available.

Q: What is the effective range of the .257 Roberts?

A: The .257 Roberts is effective for hunting medium-sized game out to about 300 yards. For target shooting, it can be accurate at even greater distances. Its flat trajectory makes it particularly suitable for open country hunting.

Q: How does the .257 Roberts compare to the .25-06 Remington?

A: The .257 Roberts is less powerful than the .25-06 Remington. The .25-06 typically has higher muzzle velocities and more energy, but also more recoil. The .257 Roberts is often preferred for its lower recoil and is suitable for lighter-framed rifles.

Q: Is the .257 Roberts still popular today?

A: While not as popular as it once was, the .257 Roberts maintains a dedicated following. It's appreciated for its versatility, moderate recoil, and effectiveness on medium-sized game. Several major ammunition manufacturers still produce factory loads for this cartridge.