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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 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:

Year Event
2023 The .257 Weatherby Magnum continues to be popular among long-range hunters and shooting enthusiasts.
1998 Weatherby introduces the Mark V Accumark rifle, often chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum, further popularizing the cartridge.
1960s Other rifle manufacturers begin offering firearms chambered for the .257 Weatherby Magnum.
1945 The .257 Weatherby Magnum is officially introduced to the public.
1944 Roy Weatherby develops the .257 Weatherby Magnum cartridge.

.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.

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

.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:

Big Game Hunting
  • Excellent for medium to large game such as deer, antelope, and elk
  • Flat trajectory allows for precise shot placement at extended ranges
  • High velocity provides deep penetration and rapid energy transfer
Long-Range Varmint Hunting
  • Devastating on prairie dogs, coyotes, and other varmints at extreme ranges
  • Minimal bullet drop allows for easier long-distance shot placement
  • High velocity creates dramatic terminal effects on small targets
Long-Range Target Shooting
  • Popular for long-range shooting competitions
  • Minimal wind drift compared to smaller calibers
  • Capable of sub-MOA accuracy with proper handloads and rifle setup
Specialty Hunting
  • Used for mountain hunting where long shots are common
  • Effective for African plains game hunting
  • Suitable for hunting in windy conditions due to high ballistic coefficient

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:

.257 Weatherby Magnum vs. .25-06 Remington ▼

.257 Weatherby Magnum vs. .270 Winchester ▼

.257 Weatherby Magnum vs. 7mm Remington Magnum ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .257 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 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 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-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 Weatherby Mag 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 Weatherby Mag 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .257 Weatherby Magnum?

A: The .257 Weatherby Magnum is a high-velocity rifle cartridge developed by Roy Weatherby in 1944. It is based on a .300 H&H Magnum case necked down to .257 caliber (6.5mm).

Q: What is the typical muzzle velocity of the .257 Weatherby Magnum?

A: The .257 Weatherby Magnum typically achieves muzzle velocities between 3,400 and 3,700 feet per second with 100-120 grain bullets.

Q: What is the effective range of the .257 Weatherby Magnum?

A: The .257 Weatherby Magnum is effective for long-range shooting and hunting, with an effective range of up to 400 yards for most game animals.

Q: What type of game is the .257 Weatherby Magnum suitable for?

A: The .257 Weatherby Magnum is suitable for medium to large game, including deer, antelope, and mountain goats. It can also be used for larger game like elk with proper bullet selection and shot placement.

Q: How does the .257 Weatherby Magnum compare to other .25 caliber cartridges?

A: The .257 Weatherby Magnum offers higher velocities and flatter trajectories compared to other .25 caliber cartridges like the .25-06 Remington or .257 Roberts. However, it also generates more recoil and requires a magnum-length action.