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Weatherby Ammo
Weatherby B257100TTSX Select Plus Barnes Tipped TSX Lead Free 100 Grain .257 Weatherby Mag 3570 fps
$101.97 - $371.60 -
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Weatherby Ammo
Weatherby .257 Weatherby Mag Select 100gr Hornady Interlock JSP Ammo
$65.27 - $586.00 -
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Weatherby Ammo
Weatherby M25792HCB Select Plus Hammer Custom 92 Grain .257 Weatherby Mag
$0.00 - $468.65
.257 Weatherby Mag 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 Weatherby Mag: At a Glance
Key Characteristics | |
---|---|
Firearm Type | Rifle |
Primer Type | Large Rifle |
Used For | Big Game Hunting, Long-Range Shooting |
Case Design | Belted, Bottleneck |
Year Introduced | 1944 |
.257 Weatherby Mag: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Extremely high velocity and flat trajectory
- ✔ Excellent long-range performance
- ✔ Versatile for various medium to large game
- ✔ Low recoil for its power level
- ✔ Good barrel life compared to other magnum cartridges
Cons
- ✘ Expensive ammunition
- ✘ Limited availability of factory loads
- ✘ Requires a magnum-length action
- ✘ High muzzle blast and report
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game animals
.257 Weatherby Magnum: A Powerful Cartridge
The .257 Weatherby Magnum is a high-performance rifle cartridge developed by Roy Weatherby in 1944. Known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, it's a popular choice among long-range hunters and shooting enthusiasts. The cartridge is based on a .300 H&H Magnum case necked down to .257 caliber, offering impressive ballistics and energy retention at extended ranges.
History and Development
Roy Weatherby developed the .257 Weatherby Magnum in 1944 as part of his series of high-velocity magnum cartridges. It was one of the first cartridges in the Weatherby line and quickly gained popularity among hunters for its flat trajectory and long-range performance. The cartridge was designed to push the limits of velocity for a .25 caliber bullet, achieving speeds that were unprecedented at the time.
The .257 Weatherby Magnum is based on a .300 H&H Magnum case that has been necked down to accept a .257 inch (6.5mm) bullet. This design allows for a large powder capacity, which contributes to the cartridge's high velocity. The case also features Weatherby's signature double radius shoulder, which is claimed to improve cartridge performance and reliability.
Initially, the .257 Weatherby Magnum was only available in Weatherby's own rifles. However, as its popularity grew, other manufacturers began chambering rifles for this cartridge. Today, it remains a favorite among hunters who appreciate its flat trajectory and high energy, particularly for long-range shooting of medium-sized game.
Performance and Applications
The .257 Weatherby Magnum is known for its exceptional ballistic performance. It can propel a 100-grain bullet at velocities exceeding 3,500 feet per second, resulting in a very flat trajectory. This makes it an excellent choice for long-range hunting of medium-sized game such as deer, antelope, and sheep.
Due to its high velocity, the .257 Weatherby Magnum also delivers significant energy on target, even at extended ranges. This makes it effective for larger game as well, although bullet selection becomes crucial for ensuring adequate penetration. The cartridge's performance comes at the cost of increased recoil compared to standard .25 caliber cartridges, and barrel life can be shorter due to the high pressures and velocities involved.
While primarily used for hunting, the .257 Weatherby Magnum has also found a niche in long-range target shooting. Its flat trajectory and resistance to wind drift make it a capable performer in this arena, although it's less common than some other calibers due to the specialized nature of Weatherby ammunition.
Timeline of .257 Weatherby Magnum Development:
.257 Weatherby Magnum Performance
The .257 Weatherby Magnum offers exceptional ballistic performance, making it a popular choice for long-range hunting and shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
Characteristic | Performance |
---|---|
Velocity | 3,500-3,700 fps (100-grain bullets)
3,300-3,500 fps (120-grain bullets) Measured at muzzle with 26-inch barrel |
Energy | 3,000-3,400 ft-lbs at the muzzle (100-120 grain bullets) Provides excellent performance for medium to large game |
Trajectory | Extremely flat trajectory at long ranges Effective for hunting beyond 400 yards |
Recoil | Moderate to high, depending on rifle weight Higher than standard .25 caliber cartridges due to increased powder charge |
Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for long-range precision shooting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .257 Weatherby Magnum loads.
.257 Weatherby Magnum: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
---|---|---|
Big Game Hunting | 0-500 | Excellent for medium to large game, flat trajectory |
Varmint Hunting | 0-600 | Overkill for small varmints, but extremely effective at long range |
Long-Range Target Shooting | 0-800 | Capable of extreme accuracy with proper loads and conditions |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .257 Weatherby Magnum is known for its exceptional velocity and flat trajectory, making it a top performer for long-range shooting and hunting. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .257 Weatherby Magnum
The .257 Weatherby Magnum's high velocity and flat trajectory make it suitable for several specific applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .257 Weatherby Magnum's 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 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .257 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .257 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .257 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .257 Weatherby Mag
The .257 Weatherby Magnum is a high-velocity cartridge known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range performance. This table compares the sectional densities of common bullet weights used in this cartridge.
Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
---|---|---|
.257 Weatherby Mag | 100 | 0.208 |
.257 Weatherby Mag | 115 | 0.239 |
.257 Weatherby Mag | 120 | 0.250 |
.257 Weatherby Mag | 87 | 0.181 |
.257 Weatherby Mag | 110 | 0.229 |
Note: The .257 Weatherby Mag offers a range of bullet weights, typically from 87 to 120 grains. The higher sectional densities of heavier bullets contribute to better penetration and energy retention at longer ranges, making this cartridge popular for long-range hunting and target shooting.