Getting geared up to load the .257 Bee

[Shaun_257]

With my new .257 on the way, I have been doing lots of research on different loads, bullets, powders, etc. I'm in Canada so stuff isn't as readily available as it is in the states. Stopped by Cabela's in Ottawa today and was happy to see they have some Weatherby 100gr Spitzer in stock @ $65/box. (And Nosler for $112/box )Will probably end up getting that to get my scope dialed in, then start reloading once I get some brass.

Going to get the Barnes TTSX 100gr and Nosler 110gr Accubonds. Already have some 75gr hornady HP, and 87gr nosler (ballistic tip I think) from when I used to load .25-06, so I may experiment a bit with those. Would be really cool to touch that 4000fps mark with a quarter bore.

Only thing I'm trying to make my mind up on is powder. 7828? RL22? RL25? H-1000? Retumbo? Again it will come down to what I can find. I did see on a local gun classified site a guy has an 8lb keg of IMR 7977 and mentioned he got it to substitute for H-1000, and is selling it for $230 which is over $100 off buying in the store. Anyone use that stuff before?

Rifle is a Remington 700 CDL SF, 26" barrel.

[canadian reloader]

I have a 257 Vanguard and have used bullets in the 117-120 gr class. Used all of the powders you mentioned and then some and although all worked well, I found RL-22 to be the best in mine with 117 gr and 120 Sierra in terms of velocity and accuracy.

[Ldsh_Tanker]

Hello to a fellow Canadian!
My 257 loves the 100gr ttsx’s with factory wby brass with H1000.

[.257]

I use RL-25 and the 100 TTSX Barnes
Also got good velocity and accuracy with 117 sierra, 117 Hornady, 115 Berger. The Berger shot good out to 1000 yards
But l settled on the Barnes load

[PARA45]

The Spitzer ammo is not bad at all.  I've been using it on most of my Weatherbys with great success.  I don't how it is in Canada, but the Spitzer ammo is cheaper to buy than new brass.  That is why I have been using it.   

[BB340]

I have been using RE25 with the 115grn TSX. I want to swap to a more temperature stable powder though. So I loaded some up with AR2217 which sells over there as H1000. I only got to fire 3 shots out of it the other day at my range before getting rained out. It was a middle of the road load yet produced a 3 shot average velocity of 3445 fps. Don't know what the accuracy was like as I was adjusting the scope to get it sighted in.
I have some 100 grain TTSX's loaded with it too. So will test them when I get to the range next. The heat is back after the rain so not sure when I will get to test them.

[rockville]

The Spitzer ammo is not bad at all.  I've been using it on most of my Weatherbys with great success.  I don't how it is in Canada, but the Spitzer ammo is cheaper to buy than new brass.  That is why I have been using it.   

My vanguard loves them and deer hate them. So do coyotes.
I used rl22 to reload 100 grain NBT’s.

[catskinner]

I had pretty good results with Imr 4831, 7828ssc, MRP, RL 19,22, and 25. For some reason I've never had good results with H1000, but I know lots for have.

I'm curious was the CDL you brought, the one on gunpost?

Rob

[Shaun_257]

Yes it was Rob, ended up doing a trade with him. They are still in transit. Was hoping they would have arrived to their new homes by the weekend. Oh well. Should be here early next week.

[catskinner]

when you said you was Canadian and picked up a CDL in 257 Wby, I had a feeling which one it was lol

Rob

[Shaun_257]

Could have had a deal with a guy on gunnutz, it was an XCR II RMEF edition. But it had the black stainless barrel. I like the silver better so lucky for me this guy wanted to trade. I see the XCR is still available for $850 CDN.

[Redneck8888]

Brass can be obtained reasonably at Canada Brass cheaper than buying loaded ammo.  Good Luck with your new toy.

[Shaun_257]

Brass can be obtained reasonably at Canada Brass cheaper than buying loaded ammo.  Good Luck with your new toy.

Yes I saw a site that has Hornady for around $100 for 50 plus shipping. Basically $120-$125 by the time it gets to me.

Been shooting the Weatherby select 100gr from Cabelas. It's $65/box. Put a whole box through it yesterday. 16 getting the scope dialed in, then 4 at a running coyote who met his maker. First kill under the belt!

[.257]

Very nice
Roger would say, you can't out run a .257 😎

[Dino82520]

I don't know if there is any problem with cross border shipments but you might want to check this out.

https://brassmanbrass.com/