The .257 Weatherby was one of Roy Weatherby’s earliest creations and quickly became his favorite. This flat shooting cartridge has grown to be one of Weatherby’s most popular rounds.
CARTRIDGE SPECS
Bullet Diameter: .257 (6.35mm)
Common Reference: 25 Caliber
Max Case Length: 2.549”
Developed: 1943
Production Start: 1945
Paul Kruger –
My parents bought me a MKV Deluxe 257 in 1986 as a college grad gift. I killed dozens of deer, antelope and one bear with it, a lot were culls for game management when you were double tagged in licence lotteries to control deer or antelope populations, we ate them all and none went to waste and in those days we did our own processing so I got a good look into the damage that calibre was capable of which at times was substantial. I used the Hornady 100gr spire point bullets (which I think the jacket has been toughened up since the early days) loaded to match the factory load velocity and had zero complaints how that combination performed even out to 500 yds. There seems to be absolutely no correlation between ballistic performance on paper and performance in the field on game with the 257, its totally an over achiever. I recovered about 15% of the bullets from game and at further distances and they mushroomed back to the interlock ring and weighed around 40 grains, but most were pass throughs and a lot of the game dropped on the spot and did not get up again. One time one of my sons was using my shoulder as a rest shooting at a whitetail and I saw the bullet hit the snow in the distance behind the deer a fraction of a second before the deer dropped on a broadside shot. I have since passed that gun onto one of my sons as his college grad gift and hes using 120gr Nosler’s to drop deer very effectively also. Amazing open country rifle and calibre combination that delivers when called on. I’m now using and enjoying a 270Wby that I inherited from my father.
john scafide –
I got an ultra lite 257 Weatherby with a barnes 6.5 to 20 scope that I have had for 8 years and have taken 5 moose and 4 caribou using partition 120 grain have found out the farther the better took one moose at about 150 yards looking right at me shot it at the base of its neck in the brisket took off the top of the heart liquefied its lungs and the liver love this gun but seems that up close the bullet is so hot you don’t get a lot of penetration. Shot one caribou at 400 yards running aimed in front of the shoulder and hit it in the heart so flat shooting and fast.
Chris schmidt –
I own 2weatherby mags a240,and 257 both are lighting fast . I do load my own ammo for both , both are great for mule deer here in Idaho but for elk the 257 is as good or better then the 7 rem mag I used to shoot .the 257 is my favorite love this rifle
Clay Benton (verified owner) –
Tried the 92 grain Hammer bullets and WOW. My MarkV has a custom Lilja barrel so it tends to like almost any round but it shot these into a .313 group. Of course the real test was on game. Had a medium size doe at 92 yards broadside, put it right behind her shoulder and she went straight down. Obviously that was a close shot for a .257. Traveled to SW Oklahoma and took a 5+ year old Buck. Shot was slightly quartered to me, put it right behind the shoulder and squeezed off at 247 yards. Bullet hit 1/2 inch behind shoulder and exited out the lungs on opposite side. Deer ran about 20 yards and piled up. Vitals were turned to liquid. Extremely quick, humane kill on a big bodied Buck. Don’t let the 92 grain weight scare you, put it where it needs to go and you will take home your deer period. These Hammer bullets are the real deal and Weatherby knows how to load extremely consistent ammo. Did a 300 yard cold bore test and bullet was literally within 1/4 inch of exact bullseye. Give them a try, if your rifle likes them I promise you won’t regret it.
Norman Miller –
Torgy did you reload the 120 gr. Nosier and if so would you be kind and post the load please. I am loading 120 gr Nosler partition with 65.56 grns of IMR 7828 ssc powder. I am also loading Hornady 117 gr sat with 66.56 grns of the same powder. Does anyone think these are too hot. Thanks guys. Norm.
Norm. In Alberta, Canada –
An old friend gifted me a 257 Roy and I was amazed with 5 shots over the truck hood because I forgot the gun vice. 4 were cloverleaf’s 5/16”c. to c. and I pulled the 5th @ 100 yds.
DR. DON L. CALLEN –
HAVE 4 WEATHERBY MAGS, 300, 7MM, 270 AND A 257. LOVE THEM ALL. HIT AN ANTELOPE WITH THE 257 300+ – ANIMAL DIDN’T FALL DOWN BUT WAS DEAD STANDING – FROZE SOLD. MY FAVORITE IS THE 270.
Ed B. –
I’ve owned a 257 weatherby of some sort since 1997. The first deer rifle I owned was a 25-06–it always dropped dear like lightning. Staring my first job out of college and hunting season looming—I bought myself a gift—it was a G. McMillian Talon in a 257 weatherby—it stepped up my “speed” game. Still have that lovely rifle, also with a super accurate weatherby accumark. We have taken everything from Dall sheep to African plains game with this cartridge…awesome speed and effectiveness on game.
Dave –
I’ve shot many whitetail, mulies, antelope, caribou and elk over the years. I have also had to eliminate many a varmint. I have shot competitively and reloaded my own. NEVER have I had a round hit so hard and kill so cleanly than the 257 ROY. This round was developed by someone who knew their SH&*%t.
Bob Fountain –
Traying to go a little heavier on the bullets for larger animals–Anyone have a good consistent load for the Weatherby .257 Mag using 120gr bullets. Please post
Craig –
I don’t bow hunt. The reason for that is that when I decide to send one down range, I don’t want to follow a wounded and suffering game animal for a distance into the brush. That’s why I chose the 257 Weatherby Magnum. Whitetails drop like they were struck by lightning and are dead before they hit the ground. The 100 grain spire point is my go-to. It’s sub MOA in all weather, all day long out of my Mark V Deluxe. Do yourself and the deer you harvest a favor and go with this venerable round. Roy knew it was special and that’s why it was his favorite. It’ll be yours too.
Pistol Pete –
Love the 257 Weamag! 100gr. Barnes TTSX hits like a lightning strike. My Backcountry 2.0 really likes this ammo and makes a great combination.
Dan Parker –
My favorite deer cartridge by far. My Vanguard Deluxe 257 Weatherby absolutely loves the Weatherby Select Plus ammo with 100 grain Barnes TTSX’s. This combination shoots sub MOA and is devastating on big Montana muley’s and whitetails. My longest shot on a buck has been 476 yards. One shot just above the heart and down he went. I’ve also taken 3 bull elk with my 257. The bulls have all been between 150-420 yards. I won’t hesitate to use it for elk every year. My favorite cartridge hands down.
Bob Hurley –
I bought a Mark V in .257 in the mid-70’s for a trip I was planning to Alaska to hunt sheep, goats, black bear and moose.The Alaska trip fell through, but I hunted groundhogs for years with the .257. The difference in terminal ballistics between the .257 and my buddy’s .25-.06 almost has to be witnessed to be believed. I’ll own another .257 if I live long enough.
Matt S. –
I have two 257 Weatherby’s both are tack drivers. Shoot factory loads in one 100 grain Spitzer and the other one I shoot 115 grain nosler partitions. Both deadly and drops deer in there tracks. Recommend this caliber to anyone just awesome.
John Minnich –
I have 3 Weatherby’s. My beautiful .257 Mark V Delux shoots .75”-1.00” 5 shot groups at 100yds. If your a reloader try 71.5gr IMR 7828ssc with a 100gr Barnes ttsx. Cartridge length 3.170”. My Lab Radar 3565fps. Awesome rifle, wonderful cartridge. Keep up the great work Weatherby.
CHRIS R SIZEMORE –
I bought my first .257 Weatherby in 1981, just added a Backcountry in .257. 100 gr. SP Bullets are like shooting Lightning Bolts. Many Muleys, Whitetail, & Antelope. Knees buckle and they hit the ground without the mass destruction of many other rounds. Roy made the best round for deer sized game and it is the .257 Weatherby Magnum.
Tom, BC, Canada –
I LOVE my .257, have downed several deer with no complaints or issue. I really want to use it on elk? Shots will be anywhere from 100 – 400 yards in my area of BC. So wish me luck. I honestly do not see and issue using this amazing caliber with either the 110gr or the 115gr.
Silverback –
Finally drew a tag for Kansas antelope rifle hunt. I purchased my 257 Weatherby specifically for this hunt. I chose the 100 grain spire point for my hunt. I last ranged the “goat” at 336 yards as he was walking on an angle further away. One shot later, I thought he vaporized. No where in sight. Gone. I knew he could only be down. 1 shot, on the strong side of 350 yards, that goat fell when the bullet hit him in the lungs. I’ve never attempted such a long shot, but felt I could make the shot. The combination of my Weatherby Mark V and Weatherby 100 grain spire point did the job. Don’t worry about Weatherby doing its job. You only have to worry about yourself. I’m purchasing the 115 grain for its superior coefficient, energy and trajectory on Whitetail/Mule Deer this season.
WESTERN MULE DEER HUNTER –
THE SPECTACULAR RESULTS FROM HUNTING WITH THE .257. 80GRAIN DOES ONE SHOT KILLS BUT NOT LIKE THE 100 TO 120 GRAIN. IF YOU LIKE DEAD IN THEIR TRACKS. 257 IS THE CHOICE. IT WILL CONSISTENTLY WOW YOU SHOT AFTER SHOT. I SHOT 50-60 DEER AND ANTELOPE (LOST COUNT) . IT COST A LITTLE MORE TO GO FIRST CLASS AND YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT. 4.5 X14 LEUPOLD IS MY FAVORITE ALSO.
jd –
highly accurate and pleasant. good for sambar deer of 180 kg
Chuck –
I have two 257 Mag Weatherby’s a custom and a standard mark 5, they have amazing killing power for game up and including Elk. Put away your 06 and your 7mm Rem Mag this does a better job with far less recoil the only drawback is that the ammunition is a bit pricey. So if you want the best…pay for it or start reloading!
beard –
257 with laser genetics subzero mounted to leupold 4.5-14
if u can see’em
u can kill’em
lethal out to 400 inn dead of night
Fatboy –
I’m 73 years old , so I don’t do much hunting anymore but I still love to shoot. I go to the range 5 or 6 times a year. I load my own shells for two reasons. Cost and they are more accurate. People complaining about the cost of shells must not be picking up their spent brass. Once you have your brass it’s not that much more per shell than any other round. Besides, you MUST pay for the finer things in life.
Old Man –
I have been shooting the 257 for what seems like forever. I have killed far too many deer, hogs, and coyotes to remember. T he salient point is that this cartridge has never failed me. Too, it is a real help that all factory bullets seem to shoot nearly to the same point of aim. I do not know how many different rifles I have owned and shot in this cal., but right now I am shooting the Mark V ultra light, and it is a joy.
Jhood –
Great flat shooting hard hitting .25 cal. Have one in a vanguard deluxe then had a custom rifle built in 257 wby as well. Can’t believe how flat it is and how well it kills . Used it on 20-30 whitetail over the years and not one have left their tracks. Kills better than my 06 and 7 win mag without the recoil. It has quickly become my favorite deer round and have used it out to 500 with just a hold over.
Groundpounder 69 –
The 257 Wby Mag will reach out and touch game animals out to 500 yards without any problems as long as you do your part holding the crosshairs still .
Every deer I hit drops like a rock . I use 110 grain accubond .
Jclark –
A few years ago I decided to find a new gun. I wanted something a little more enjoyable to shoot and after a little research I decided on the .257 weatherby and I couldn’t be happier. I’m using the 110 accubond and it is a absolute laser. My longest shot is 407 yards on a hog and a couple whitetail kills at close to 300 yards. I’ve never had an animal go more than a few yards. Its hard to explain until you experience for yourself. Don’t let the cost of ammo deter you from experiencing the incredible 257 weatherby
M Sharp –
I’ve taken over a dozen large Whitetails with my .257 at ranges from 75-367 yards. All have been quick, clean and humane. I’ve never had one take more than a few steps after impact!
If you do your part, the ammo will definitely do it’s part.
I shoot the 110 Accubond’s and I couldn’t be happier with the performance and accuracy! I can “cloverleaf” three shots at 200 yards from a bench. That is extremely impressive from factory ammunition.
Stu –
I purchased the Weatherby Backcountry in the .257 Weatherby Magnum rifle the year before last and it has become my favorite rifle by far. It is an extremely accurate rifle and the .257 Weatherby Magnum is a hard hitting round. The Weatherby rounds that I use are the ones loaded with the Barnes bullet. Shot a nice Whitetail on a Tennessee ridgeline last year and the rifle felt like a natural part of me; came to the shoulder well and shot placement was perfect. Highly recommend the Weatherby Backcountry chambered in the .257 Weatherby Magnum. The only downside is the cost of the ammunition. Great gun, great caliber!!!
TheDuke –
Started shooting the 257 in 2012 and have killed at least two white tail a year since with it. All have been 1 shot 1 kill and haven’t had to chase any of them more than 100 yards, (that was shooter error). I use the 100 grain Barnes TTSX. Shots have ranged from 75 yds to 375 yds. Primarily used in clear cuts and crop land! This is my favorite gun in my arsenal.
jd –
Excellent caliber at 280 yards
peck –
I hunt and shoot large whitetails in NW Ontario , Canada . of all my rifles I just cant help picking out the 257 for that big buck . ammo is scarce up here but still findable and always reloadable . I prefer 117 grn. weatherby factory its outstanding
Jay O. –
The .257 Weatherby Magnum cartridge is amazing in itself, and the rifles being produced in this chambering continue to amaze me with their accuracy when using factory ammo. Whether at the rifle range with my brother and his 50 plus year old Southgate Mauser .257 Weatherby Magnum or my not so old USA made Accumark .257 Weatherby Magnum, the quality from the very beginning to today, is very admirable of the dream Mr. Roy Weatherby had in mind when developing high velocity rifle cartridges. We have taken a number of long range whitetail deer and New Mexico pronghorn with theses rifles, and the results are devastating to say the least. We love our Weatherby rifles because of the repetitive success we have when the time comes to harvest our game animals.
Torgy –
I have replaced a number of my hunting rifles for the 257 Weatherby. This round out performs so many other calibers that I have used over the years.
I purchased my Weatherby rifle in 2012 and could not be more happy with it. I shoot mostly the 120 grain Nosler and I have killed several Antelope and 4 deer here in my home state of Wyoming and all have been a one shot kill.
Last Fall I shot a antelope buck at 425 yds and the antelope ran only 20 yds and dropped dead. That antelope scored 81.7 Boone and Crocket.
I am in the process now of purchasing another Weatherby mark V in 257.
John Henry –
I have hunted and shot everything in North America (except polar bear.). All of the game died on impact. The 257 weatheraby mag. Is the greatest.
J Piccer –
Great ammo.Dropped deer at 238 yards in its tracks.Through both shoulders
Tigger –
Well the problem here as in Alberta, Canada, we cant get rifle ammo and I am finding very hard to find any 257 weatherby ammo anywhere, so dont know what weatherby is doing, but not good for sure.?????