GTA
All Springer/NP/PCP Air Gun Discussion General => PCP/CO2/HPA Air Gun Gates "The Darkside" => Big Bore AirGun Gate => Topic started by: etnhunter on August 05, 2019, 03:16:15 PM
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I am debating whether or not to purchase a .257. I have a couple 25's (Wildcat and RAW hm1000x) and several others in 22 and 177. In big bore, I have a Bulldog, a Texan in 457 and a Slayer 357 on order. My question to those who own 257's is what are the pros and cons of this caliber? I like the fact the slug options fill the void between 25 pellets and the 357. I suppose a 257 would be a viable option for coyotes and longer shots at crows, etc. If I get a 257, my uses with it would be split 50/50 between bench time and hunting with 200 yards being the max, but most shooting would be 100 yards or less. Please chime in your thoughts, experiences with a 257.
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I have two dedicated .257 rifles . One that shoots the .257420 and lighter 63 grain bullets at 110 FPE. That is a converted Winchester 357-70 model. The other is a modified discovery with a Cothran valve capable of 160 fpe at 3000 psi. This one shoots the 257420 and heavier ,up to about 85 grain .
Because of the hunting laws where I am , the .257 cal is the best choice for larger game up to coyote/wolf sized . The caliber is capable of reaching way out there with slippery bullet designs . Anyone interested in long range with an air rifle should look at the .257 first . Even in the PB world 6.5 creedmore has the reputation for best ballistics . When converted to standard that equals .257 “
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The only con I see is it is a LONG range round. Yes it is a "BB" gun but you have to know the background behind your shot.
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That Raptor I have been looking at is sounding more promising.
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That Raptor I have been looking at is sounding more promising.
At least with the Raptor, you have the ability to swap calibers. .257/.30
sounds like a winning combination for short and long range.
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Seeing the .257 Texan's accuracy first hand I can say that is a tack driver out to 200 yards. I would consider it almost boring at that range from a bench. I say that smirking, but when you are consistently sub-3" at 200 yards from the bench it can get that way.
I have the .308 Texan and when shooting side by side with Steveoh and his .257 I think that the .257 groups better. At longer range (out to 400+ yards) it's still really good. When there's a breeze the .308 does as good or little better but that's to be expected.
I have a Raptor prepaid/coming (in .22 with a TJ barrel) and the options available are a big +. If it's all it's supposed to be, it could be a game changer.
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Yah, I like my .257 Texan and it’s all Steelhead’s fault. Put that idea in my head and the next thing I knew I was a new owner.
I like the power of the .257 as it makes a little under 200fpe with the 257420. It makes that power but is pretty economical in terms of lead usage in a casting session. My other bigbores use massive amounts of lead and air.
That’s the other thing, the Texan compared to my DAQ .458 LA Outlaw sips air. I can pretty much shoot all day with one big tank with the Texan.
I have another .257, the custom Citrus. It’s a beautiful Airgun with its custom stock made by John Bowman. The rifle not worthy down the air compared to the Texan. It makes about the same power too. Accuracy is pretty good though I will admit I need more time with it before showing off its capabilities. I hope to knuckle down on next shoot and get both .257’s to qualify for NUAH. I think it is doable.
I am very happy with the .257’s.
Seeing the .257 Texan's accuracy first hand I can say that is a tack driver out to 200 yards. I would consider it almost boring at that range from a bench. I say that smirking, but when you are consistently sub-3" at 200 yards from the bench it can get that way.
I have the .308 Texan and when shooting side by side with Steveoh and his .257 I think that the .257 groups better. At longer range (out to 400+ yards) it's still really good. When there's a breeze the .308 does as good or little better but that's to be expected.
I have a Raptor prepaid/coming (in .22 with a TJ barrel) and the options available are a big +. If it's all it's supposed to be, it could be a game changer.
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.257 excels at reaching out there an touching something. ;D
Ultra accurate. Mine, under 1/2 inch at 100. Many-many groups under 1/4 inch at 100 yards.
Knife
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.257 excels at reaching out there an touching something. ;D
Ultra accurate. Mine, under 1/2 inch at 100. Many-many groups under 1/4 inch at 100 yards.
Knife
Under 1/2 inch at 100 is impressive with any gun be it air or powder! Is there any magic FPS range for the best accuracy? 900 - 950? More? Less? Varied by slug weight? I know no two guns are the same and experimenting is required, just curios what works best for you.
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Honestly, other than doing the conversion ($$) and maybe having to cast your own (more $$), you're really not going to find many cons with the .257. Sure it's overkill for small game, but if you've got the room behind your target, it's perfect for varmints up to and including coyote. It's a caliber that's been proven to be accurate and powerful in many different platforms, so there's no shortage of choices. There's years of shooting data available to back up the accuracy...
I guess I'm saying, the real question is: Why NOT go to a .257? That list of reasons is far shorter.
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I guess I'm saying, the real question is: Why NOT go to a .257? That list of reasons is far shorter.
I agree. AND, I placed my order this morning for Raptor in .257 LOL! Its only money, right?
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I guess I'm saying, the real question is: Why NOT go to a .257? That list of reasons is far shorter.
I agree. AND, I placed my order this morning for Raptor in .257 LOL! Its only money, right?
Congratulations! I'm not far behind you.
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I guess I'm saying, the real question is: Why NOT go to a .257? That list of reasons is far shorter.
I agree. AND, I placed my order this morning for Raptor in .257 LOL! Its only money, right?
Eeexcellent!! TBH, for the money, the Raptor is hard to beat. My preference is the AF line- but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Raptor!! Please post when you get it!!
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Eeexcellent!! TBH, for the money, the Raptor is hard to beat. My preference is the AF line- but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Raptor!! Please post when you get it!!
I will. They say six weeks, hopefully it will be ready when they say. We shall see.
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I seem to get the best accuracy with the 14 to 1 twist TJ's between 880 adn just a hair over a grand. It is very forgiving! 8)
Solid for heavier game. Hp for med. game, and my modded HP's for vermin. Relly no downside I can see.
Once you start casting, and using bullet traps, the lead is recycled, so shooting eventually becomes virtually free. Kinda hard to beat a combo like that! ;) 8)
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What would be some disadvantages of the .257 over the .30 cal and vice versa. I'm trying to decide between the two on a Raptor. I really don't need anything extremely long-range since I hunt in heavy cover. 100 yards tops for yotes, coons, turkeys and bobcats mainly. Deer and hogs will be treated to a .357 in the 275 FPE range.
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If you're talking a .30 cal pellet shooter, the big advantage is not having to cast your own.... The 45 & 50 gr. JSBs are both accurate pellets, and at 90-100 FPE will lay a smackdown on any of the critters you mentioned, out to 100 yards.... They won't have the ability of a .257 to buck the wind, and won't have the downrange energy.... but you won't have to roll your own, either....
Bob
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If you're talking a .30 cal pellet shooter, the big advantage is not having to cast your own.... The 45 & 50 gr. JSBs are both accurate pellets, and at 90-100 FPE will lay a smackdown on any of the critters you mentioned, out to 100 yards.... They won't have the ability of a .257 to buck the wind, and won't have the downrange energy.... but you won't have to roll your own, either....
Bob
Thanks Bob! I actually prefer to "roll my own" being I am already setup to do so. I should have been more specific. I was referring to slug shooters, but do appreciate your view using pellets.
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I have 2 currently:
A .257 Condor with a Noble Valve and a 34" barrel.
A .257 Factory Texan
AND a third on the way: .257 Raptor
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I have one downside for .257, availability of suitable and reasonably priced barrel liners outside the USA. TJ makes suitable liners but can't export them. LW has barrels but they are real blanks with 30mm something in diameter. Custom barrel makers are big $$$.
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I have one downside for .257, availability of suitable and reasonably priced barrel liners outside the USA. TJ makes suitable liners but can't export them. LW has barrels but they are real blanks with 30mm something in diameter. Custom barrel makers are big $$$.
So there you have it. The biggest disadvantage is living in the EU. Here on the other hand, Woo-Hoo!!! ;D
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What would be some disadvantages of the .257 over the .30 cal and vice versa. I'm trying to decide between the two on a Raptor. I really don't need anything extremely long-range since I hunt in heavy cover. 100 yards tops for yotes, coons, turkeys and bobcats mainly. Deer and hogs will be treated to a .357 in the 275 FPE range.
The reason I did not even consider .30 cal is in TN, AG hunting regulations state .25 cal and smaller for small game and .35 cal and larger for big game. So, .30 cal isn't legal for anything other that paper punching. Go figure, got to love law makers.
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I seem to get the best accuracy with the 14 to 1 twist TJ's between 880 adn just a hair over a grand. It is very forgiving! 8)
Solid for heavier game. Hp for med. game, and my modded HP's for vermin. Relly no downside I can see.
Once you start casting, and using bullet traps, the lead is recycled, so shooting eventually becomes virtually free. Kinda hard to beat a combo like that! ;) 8)
Thanks for the info. Once I get the Raptor, I intend to play around with various speeds and bullets and you have provided the blueprint for me. I haven't cast anything, yet . . .
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I am new to big bore shooting. I have a Texan LSS in .257. The furthest target I can place in my backyard is 75 yards. Can hit that quite consistently. The rifle is zeroed for 52 yards on a hanging steel silhouette chicken so it is a matter holdover to hit the 75 yard steel turkey. The one thing I noticed is that the gun shoots harder as it approaches 110 bar from a 200 bar fill. The ammo it prefers is H&N Barracudas and both JSB pellets. I have not tried any slugs yet. Any suggestions on slugs? I was thinking any weight from 55 to 87 grains.
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I am new to big bore shooting. I have a Texan LSS in .257. The furthest target I can place in my backyard is 75 yards. Can hit that quite consistently. The rifle is zeroed for 52 yards on a hanging steel silhouette chicken so it is a matter holdover to hit the 75 yard steel turkey. The one thing I noticed is that the gun shoots harder as it approaches 110 bar from a 200 bar fill. The ammo it prefers is H&N Barracudas and both JSB pellets. I have not tried any slugs yet. Any suggestions on slugs? I was thinking any weight from 55 to 87 grains.
I have no experience with a .257 yet but Nielsen Specialty Ammo has several different slugs in this caliber and their products are superb. I won't likely shoot any pellets in mine after I receive it.
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Those NSA .257 boat tails are awesome!
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Posted in another thread but heres a picture I took yesterday at the range
OK, went to the range again and this time took a pic
5 shot groups, 50 yards
Note the flyer on the left group was when the guy beside me let off a shot unexpectedly with a centerfire rifle just as I was pulling the trigger on mine.
The red dot is .750, the right group is .550 top to bottom (outside to outside)
Pulled valve spring, hammer set at 3/4 adjustment, fill to 3000.
Had fire-lapped the barrel by loading up the grooves on some cast bullets with JB Non-embedding Bore cleaner and shooting 40 shots. Wiped with Ballistol damp patches before shooting.... bore was mirror clean at end of 100 round shooting session.
NSA 85gr BTHP were coated with Rooster Jacket and let dry (a water soluble wax that dries in-soluble)
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I am new to big bore shooting. I have a Texan LSS in .257. The furthest target I can place in my backyard is 75 yards. Can hit that quite consistently. The rifle is zeroed for 52 yards on a hanging steel silhouette chicken so it is a matter holdover to hit the 75 yard steel turkey. The one thing I noticed is that the gun shoots harder as it approaches 110 bar from a 200 bar fill. The ammo it prefers is H&N Barracudas and both JSB pellets. I have not tried any slugs yet. Any suggestions on slugs? I was thinking any weight from 55 to 87 grains.
A .257 Texan was not made to shoot pellets . To start , the bore size is completely wrong and second the velocity even tuned down is way too fast for pellets . Sure there are exceptions where the barrel will shoot some pellets alright , but not in the same catergory as a well designed bullet . Get yourself some NSA bullets . Do yourself the favour .
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Posted in another thread but heres a picture I took yesterday at the range
OK, went to the range again and this time took a pic
5 shot groups, 50 yards
Note the flyer on the left group was when the guy beside me let off a shot unexpectedly with a centerfire rifle just as I was pulling the trigger on mine.
The red dot is .750, the right group is .550 top to bottom (outside to outside)
Impressive groups! My .45 Texan is lucky to put 5 inside one of those grey boxes at 50 yards. I bought some .457, 220 grain NSA slugs to try out this weekend. I have not been happy at all with any of the Air Venturi slugs I have been shooting.
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Air Venturi slugs are A) just too hard to shoot well B) usually not very consistent in weight with voids and poor fillout which leads to larger groups.
My .457 Texan, off the bench on sandbags will group 1-1/2" at 100 with several NSA slugs and some of my cast slugs if the weight is between 250 and 320gr.
Doug Noble valve, one of his hammer springs, snug fit barrel bushings and a sized to fit exactly in the action to center the valve spinloc valve collar
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Air Venturi slugs are A) just too hard to shoot well B) usually not very consistent in weight with voids and poor fillout which leads to larger groups.
My .457 Texan, off the bench on sandbags will group 1-1/2" at 100 with several NSA slugs and some of my cast slugs if the weight is between 250 and 320gr.
Doug Noble valve, one of his hammer springs, snug fit barrel bushings and a sized to fit exactly in the action to center the valve spinloc valve collar
Good to know. I really haven't fooled with my Texan in a couple years due to an air leak. I finally sent it to AF for repair two months ago and had it returned about a week ago. I haven't modded mine any, except for the Mad Dog Stock.
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Not to hi-jack the thread but try these
https://nielsenspecialtyammo.com/collections/45-cal/products/254-grain-hollow-point-air-rifle-pellets-45-caliber-best-texan-all-slug-swaged (https://nielsenspecialtyammo.com/collections/45-cal/products/254-grain-hollow-point-air-rifle-pellets-45-caliber-best-texan-all-slug-swaged)
And I get sub-MOA groups with my Accurate 46-364B bullets at 327gr (see pic) {Yes, I asked Bob to design me a bullet then had Accurate make the mold THEN sent it to http://www.hollowpointmold.com/ (http://www.hollowpointmold.com/) to make a massive HP for hogs n deer hunting... the sound it makes when it hits is such a KaWHOP!!!}
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Once you start casting, and using bullet traps, the lead is recycled, so shooting eventually becomes virtually free. Kinda hard to beat a combo like that! ;) 8)
I will probably start casting after I get the Raptor. What starter kit can you recommend? Also, what molds?
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Once you start casting, and using bullet traps, the lead is recycled, so shooting eventually becomes virtually free. Kinda hard to beat a combo like that! ;) 8)
I will probably start casting after I get the Raptor. What starter kit can you recommend? Also, what molds?
I myself put a kit together , Lee bottom pour ten pound pot , an ingot mold , a good quality thermometer and use a big stainless spoon for mixing the lead in the pot . As for molds , I beleive the Raptor mags are close to .550 “ in length so you’ll be somewhat limited in bullet lengths . I’ve had really good luck with the NOE 260-63 FNGC mold and it should fit the magazine. With that being said , you’re going to want to size bullets . For this you need a press , again I use a cheap Lee press , and then the sizing system from NOE . That consists of a die body , a push pin for the caliber and a variety of sizing dies. All together if you’re frugal and look for deals can be had for less than 300$ and probably closer to 200 $ if you buy some items used from eBay and the likes .
Be sure to check with JSAR on the bullet length before buying molds .
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The NOE 260-63-FN-AR4 in GC is a fine shooter for me too but there aren't any in stock right now.
[Sorry, I bought the last one as a birthday gift]
You could contact Al there and request one be made (maybe) and if so try to get the HP version.
I also have these molds and they shoot well in unchoked .257
NOE 260-63-WFN-GC
NOE 257-64-FNBT
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Once you start casting, and using bullet traps, the lead is recycled, so shooting eventually becomes virtually free. Kinda hard to beat a combo like that! ;) 8)
I will probably start casting after I get the Raptor. What starter kit can you recommend? Also, what molds?
I myself put a kit together , Lee bottom pour ten pound pot , an ingot mold , a good quality thermometer and use a big stainless spoon for mixing the lead in the pot . As for molds , I beleive the Raptor mags are close to .550 “ in length so you’ll be somewhat limited in bullet lengths . I’ve had really good luck with the NOE 260-63 FNGC mold and it should fit the magazine. With that being said , you’re going to want to size bullets . For this you need a press , again I use a cheap Lee press , and then the sizing system from NOE . That consists of a die body , a push pin for the caliber and a variety of sizing dies. All together if you’re frugal and look for deals can be had for less than 300$ and probably closer to 200 $ if you buy some items used from eBay and the likes .
Be sure to check with JSAR on the bullet length before buying molds .
Sounds like a lot to learn. I have a friend that lives nearby who casts .38 for his revolver PB. He told me he would cast for me if I provided the mold. So, I may just start with the mold and watch how he does it and then I should know how to move forward. Thanks for all the advice.
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A little .257 shooting this evening at 100 yards.
Shooting my cast 86gr bullets.
(https://i.imgur.com/mzzTpCZ.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/RY9BcWU.jpg)
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Sounds like a lot to learn. I have a friend that lives nearby who casts .38 for his revolver PB. He told me he would cast for me if I provided the mold. So, I may just start with the mold and watch how he does it and then I should know how to move forward. Thanks for all the advice.
Im happy to help if I can. Im just down the road in Sweetwater and I've been casting for awhile. I need to finish up my .257 build. Im building it for the same reason, in Tennessee you cant hunt coyote with anything larger than .25. That and I have the room to shoot further now that I am back in the country.
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Sounds like a lot to learn. I have a friend that lives nearby who casts .38 for his revolver PB. He told me he would cast for me if I provided the mold. So, I may just start with the mold and watch how he does it and then I should know how to move forward. Thanks for all the advice.
Im happy to help if I can. Im just down the road in Sweetwater and I've been casting for awhile. I need to finish up my .257 build. Im building it for the same reason, in Tennessee you cant hunt coyote with anything larger than .25. That and I have the room to shoot further now that I am back in the country.
+1 Me too, but I haven't been casting long, but do feel I've got the jest of it.
I want to say I have been to Sweetwater when I took my wife to the Lost Sea cave. We hopped in a glass bottom boat and traveled out to feed some large fish way down in there. Pretty neat adventure.
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I don't know just why so many people carry the AV slugs. Some of the worst bullets money can but.
However, NSA, and Varmint Knockers are excellent.
I've been casting for the .257 form what,8+ years now. Maybe longer. At my age, everything is just the other day. LOL!
Muine will print consistently at 1/2 moa at 100 yards all day long in fairly good conditions. It is a true laser.
The spire point will go under 3/8 the 1/4". amazing accuracy. Tofazfou on youtube has the same results, as has Doug Noble, (Dyotat100) and RoachCreek. (Lani52)
My barrel is tight, and wil shoot pellets well. But that is the exception rather than the ruled. They are not designed as pellet shooters.
However, with the factory AF .257's who nows. They have completely ignored what works and what doesn't in barrel twist and bore dimensions. A shame! They have a long reputation of blissful- arrogant- ignorance. They prefer to put their money in clueless celebs rather than research. Even when it has already been done for them. ::)
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Midwayusa always has a killer deal on the lee press and full kits. ;)
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Midwayusa always has a killer deal on the lee press and full kits. ;)
When I get ready to start, I will check them out. Thanks. I submitted the attached today for NUAH qualification, first time using this target at 100 yards. Used my RAW hm1000x in 25 cal with NSA's 34 grain slugs. I didn't take as much time as I should but I am happy with the result for first attempt. I am confident a .257 can do better.
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Sounds like a lot to learn. I have a friend that lives nearby who casts .38 for his revolver PB. He told me he would cast for me if I provided the mold. So, I may just start with the mold and watch how he does it and then I should know how to move forward. Thanks for all the advice.
Im happy to help if I can. Im just down the road in Sweetwater and I've been casting for awhile. I need to finish up my .257 build. Im building it for the same reason, in Tennessee you cant hunt coyote with anything larger than .25. That and I have the room to shoot further now that I am back in the country.
My Brother-In-Law's family is from Sweetwater! Just down the road, actually closer than the private farm I went to today (in Grainger County). I have a membership at Oak Ridge Sportsman's Association too but its nice to go private and not have to contend with powder burners right beside you all the time.
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Its a nice area and growing quickly. You always spend a good bit of time sharing why you need a range to shoot a BB gun when you are at a public venue. Until you show them the lead you are slinging.
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Air Venturi slugs are A) just too hard to shoot well B) usually not very consistent in weight with voids and poor fillout which leads to larger groups.
My .457 Texan, off the bench on sandbags will group 1-1/2" at 100 with several NSA slugs and some of my cast slugs if the weight is between 250 and 320gr.
Doug Noble valve, one of his hammer springs, snug fit barrel bushings and a sized to fit exactly in the action to center the valve spinloc valve collar
Good to know. I really haven't fooled with my Texan in a couple years due to an air leak. I finally sent it to AF for repair two months ago and had it returned about a week ago. I haven't modded mine any, except for the Mad Dog Stock.
I tried some NSA 220 grain slugs with my Texan yesterday. What a difference compared to the Air Venturi slugs! I managed to get 3 shots MOA at 100 yards and the 4th dropped 2 inches. So, I refilled to 3000 psi and tried a 220 grain AV slug to compare - that slug was much looser fitting into the barrel and it shot a foot left and low. 2nd shot missed the whole target and hit my metal frame, busting the weld. I guess I have a couple hundred AV slugs on hand that will be used for lead supply whenever I start casting LOL.
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Not even sure they are great for that.... they may be too hard for airgun use.... If you can't scratch them with your fingernail, use 'em for fishing weights....
Bob
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I don't know how many times I have said this, but it bears saying again. Stay away from AV slugs. You can't do worse. And they have the audacity to charge real money for such garbage!
If you Don't/Can't cast for your self, we have people who make outstand bullets for our guns. And don't charge an arm and a leg.
AND they Shoot Well!
Knife
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I don't know how many times I have said this, but it bears saying again. Stay away from AV slugs. You can't do worse. And they have the audacity to charge real money for such garbage!
If you Don't/Can't cast for your self, we have people who make outstand bullets for our guns. And don't charge an arm and a leg.
AND they Shoot Well!
Knife
NSA is hard to beat. When I first purchased my Texan 4 years ago, I didn't know any better. PA was selling the AV slugs supposedly to match the 457 Texan. I tried 3 different weights plus round balls. NONE of them would group worth a &^^&. Average 3 - 5 inch groups at 50 yards. Live and learn. I should have joined GTA a long time ago. Very educational.
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knife maker : what gun are u shooting the 1/2" groups at 100 yds. in 257?
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knife maker : what gun are u shooting the 1/2" groups at 100 yds. in 257?
I can’t speak for Knife but I can add from my experience . A properly machined and prepped TJ’s liner in 1:14”twist and a properly sized bullet ( Arsenal mold ) 257420 or lee 257420 among other bullets will shoot sub MOA . You will of course need a platform with enough power to push that bullet . About 150fpe should do quite nicely. I’ve read the Texan is capable of the power , but I have not seen any groups .
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I’m dying for a 36” match grade 1:12 or 1:13 but I’ll stick with the NSA 65 from LW 1:14 at first & maybe for good.
Since I’ve had incredible results with .22 & .25 slugs for targets to 300 yards, and financially I have to wait. Plus windless mornings I don’t mind 10-12’ of drop with JSB 18.13’s or Kodiaks at 200 yards. Heck even some wind is fun & enlightenment.
In saying all of that my down sides are reality. I won’t shoot a .257 into adjacent fields as there’s a 400 yard distance between me & some hidden homes going up the mountain. Pellets and even small slugs are fine to 200-300 but I’d need a different angle to get to the 600 yard field and that isn’t plowed so no visual report from hits or dust blowing in winds direction. Varmints & small game are legal but in reality I MIGHT see 2 Coyotes a year in daylight within 200 yards. I just wouldn’t use it that much.
Being when I would, I want a step down in-line reg for it also so we’re looking at $1500 to start & $3000 with match grade barrel & reg.
I’m looking at Raptor for no choke .177 because they won’t offer the length I want in .257 and it’s a lightweight rig. I don’t compete so no restraints. I’m looking for a heavy build.
The Cothran 160ftlb Discovery must be hard to hold tight groups at any range. I didn’t even think that receiver could handle such power. Must be heavily modified but still, I’d think it’s a lightweight hunting rig. I want 18-22lbs or more for bipod on edge of field and night vision or thermal. Use neighbors expensive electronic call and start whacking the chicken coup raiders.
In all seriousness I’m worried about safety with this big heavy slow slugs. I’d have much less concern of a .17HMR V-Max going anywhere but where sent. A slow heavy slug could hit a buried rock, and rocket off lord knows where. So that’s my only down side to seeing these emerge.
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I don't know how many times I have said this, but it bears saying again. Stay away from AV slugs. You can't do worse. And they have the audacity to charge real money for such garbage!
If you Don't/Can't cast for your self, we have people who make outstand bullets for our guns. And don't charge an arm and a leg.
AND they Shoot Well!
I actually own a .253” Sumatra that put old AV solid CB 50 grainers in 1/4” groups at 40 yards.
They’re discontinued and nobody makes .253”. I’d have to buy NOE mold or getting GMI Engineering to make me a single wire swaging mold. Hope they shoot as well. I’m thinking better since I’ll be sorting with scale.
If not it’s still crazy good with heavy JSB Diabolos. Just not as much fun seeing dirt strikes at 200 yards.
Knife
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I’m dying for a 36” match grade 1:12 or 1:13 but I’ll stick with the NSA 65 from LW 1:14 at first & maybe for good.
Since I’ve had incredible results with .22 & .25 slugs for targets to 300 yards, and financially I have to wait. Plus windless mornings I don’t mind 10-12’ of drop with JSB 18.13’s or Kodiaks at 200 yards. Heck even some wind is fun & enlightenment.
In saying all of that my down sides are reality. I won’t shoot a .257 into adjacent fields as there’s a 400 yard distance between me & some hidden homes going up the mountain. Pellets and even small slugs are fine to 200-300 but I’d need a different angle to get to the 600 yard field and that isn’t plowed so no visual report from hits or dust blowing in winds direction. Varmints & small game are legal but in reality I MIGHT see 2 Coyotes a year in daylight within 200 yards. I just wouldn’t use it that much.
Being when I would, I want a step down in-line reg for it also so we’re looking at $1500 to start & $3000 with match grade barrel & reg.
I’m looking at Raptor for no choke .177 because they won’t offer the length I want in .257 and it’s a lightweight rig. I don’t compete so no restraints. I’m looking for a heavy build.
The Cothran 160ftlb Discovery must be hard to hold tight groups at any range. I didn’t even think that receiver could handle such power. Must be heavily modified but still, I’d think it’s a lightweight hunting rig. I want 18-22lbs or more for bipod on edge of field and night vision or thermal. Use neighbors expensive electronic call and start whacking the chicken coup raiders.
In all seriousness I’m worried about safety with this big heavy slow slugs. I’d have much less concern of a .17HMR V-Max going anywhere but where sent. A slow heavy slug could hit a buried rock, and rocket off lord knows where. So that’s my only down side to seeing these emerge.
Jimmy, JSAR Will make it at any barrel length you want. The TJ's standard barrels top out at 27 inches. However, will make longer on request. Travis can fit any barrel you want. It is only money after all. (Like I had some) LOL!
J
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My early .257 is a early effort involving Dyotat100 and R&L Airguns. It has a 1in 14 twist TJ's barrel, at 24 inches long. Fire lapped, honed and finely crowned. It can reach 200 fpe when full on out of the 4500 psi carbon bottle shooting at 3600 psi.
It wears a stock by MadDog and has a fully adjustable rear monopod made by Atlas. Heck, that alone was nearly 100 bucks. GRRRR!!!
Scope is by Zeiss.
I'll see If I still have a few pics of targets around. It often shoots well under 1/2". Many-many groups at 3/8 to 1/4".
Thinking seriously of selling it. Just more gun than I need. It weighs just under 16 lbs.ws
Knife
Here is one. ;) Click on pic for full size.
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I am new to big bore shooting. I have a Texan LSS in .257. The furthest target I can place in my backyard is 75 yards. Can hit that quite consistently. The rifle is zeroed for 52 yards on a hanging steel silhouette chicken so it is a matter holdover to hit the 75 yard steel turkey. The one thing I noticed is that the gun shoots harder as it approaches 110 bar from a 200 bar fill. The ammo it prefers is H&N Barracudas and both JSB pellets. I have not tried any slugs yet. Any suggestions on slugs? I was thinking any weight from 55 to 87 grains.
Just how good are your groups with pellets?
I have a .308 Texan SS that shoots .300 pellets like a laser. I am curious as to whether the .257 Texan is the same with .250 pellets.
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I just got a Texan LSS .257 a few weeks ago, I put it in a MadDog /Bulldog stock, took out the valve spring and the auto safety and exchanged the Airforce tank for a TalonTunes 3600 psi carbon fiber tank, then topped it off with a 25lb hammer spring from Dyotat100.
It is not my first .257 though.
That honor went to a Haley Scandalous .257 In 2013 I was posting groups on the old Yellow forum of moa at 300 yards, what I am saying is not 3x1.03, but 5 shots under 1.03 at 300 yards. At the same time ! made video’s of the Haley busting 12 oz coke cans at 500-550-615 yards, they are blurry video’s, we used a Sony Handycam, but you can access them by googling them.
I bought the Texan to shoot 200 yards on my sons property.
I was able to chronograph a shot through mine yesterday, using the tried and true 257-420 Dropping at 75 grains cast of 100-1 and lubed with the Imperial wax I sized them with, @ 6 feet from my chronograph I got 1101 FPS/201 fPE. It was shot # 2 from a 3600 psi fill.
I was hoping for about 30 FPS more as that was what I shot the 257-420 in my Haley.
The Haley opened it’s valve at 3600 psi and at that tethered pressure it hit 1235 FPS, so I had to turn my Mako regulator down to 3300 psi for 1130 FPS, for everything else it was 3600 PSI.
Maybe I can get the Texan to 1030 FPS with proper lube and tuning but at 200 yards and 1100 PSI it should be a stellar performer.
Here is something that will impress those who are not versed on a hot 257’s ca0abilities. I have not done this on the range, but only with AA Airgun Coassifieds calculator. Put in a BC of .12, bullet weight 75 grains, velocity of 1130 FPS, 100 yard range, sighted in at 88 yards, you get a point blank trajectory of 1.6 at 50-60 yards and ar 100 yards your 1.6 or so inches low. What mass production airgun does that?airgun
When I did the 615 yard cola can video, I had a midrange trajectory that would clear my 2 story house.
A note on the Texan trigger, it can cause grief. I put in the 25lb spring after watching Mr Hollowpoints and the AAO video, both warned about tipping the gun and the “butterfly” getting out of place. Well I tipped it, the infamous butterfly flipped over and started a 3 day ordeal to get it back together, I called AF eventually, posted 3 posts for help and still did not get it together.
Then Doug, Dyotat100 read. My plea for help, called and we had it together, sans the auto function in less than 30 minutes, Doug has always been their for me and I could not ask for a better friend.
Regards,
Roachcreek