.257 Caliber Pros and Cons

[etnhunter]

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.

[Hobbyman2007]

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 “

[Blacktalon6]

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.

[etnhunter]

That Raptor I have been looking at is sounding more promising. 

[triggertreat]

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.

[Steelhead]

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.

[steveoh]

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.

[KnifeMaker]

.257 excels at reaching out there an touching something.


 Ultra accurate. Mine, under 1/2 inch at 100. Many-many groups under 1/4 inch at 100 yards.
Knife

[etnhunter]

.257 excels at reaching out there an touching something.


 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. 

[YEMX]

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.

[etnhunter]

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?

[triggertreat]

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.

[YEMX]

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!!

[etnhunter]

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.

[KnifeMaker]

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! 


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!

[triggertreat]

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.

[rsterne]

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

[triggertreat]

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.

[T3PRanch]

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

[rkr]

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 $$$.