257 Roberts

[roc1]

Does this caliber offer any advantage over the 243 other than the 120gr bullets? I am looking at several different calibers including 257 Roberts 7mm-08 and 6.5mm Creedmore? Just like different ideas? I would use it for targets and deer mainly. I have a 22-250 and 243 already just something different.
Thanks
roc1

 

[Kernel]

The Robert's case, on average, holds 57 grs of powder. The .243 holds 54. Not even a 10% difference. These two are as similar as two different calibers can be. Based on what you already have, IMO you'd have to go to a 6.5mm, 7mm, or .30 cal to have a cartridge with properties that were significantly different. I vote for the 7-08.

 

[dakotasin]

the roberts advantage over the 243 is pretty minor. slightly heavier bullet, slightly bigger diameter. i like my 257 well enough, but i like my 7-08 a lot better.

targets and deer = 7-08.

 

[heeler]

Well since the .243 killed and buried both the Roberts and 6mm Rem. and has ammo available practically every where except maybe the moon that would be a far more logical choice.
Although if you handload a lot of performance can be had with the Roberts,or so I am told by the Roberts fans.

 

[mete]

One problem with the 257 Roberts is that it took 50 years to get an honest loading !!! 50 years from it's introduction Winchester finally came out with a 120 @ 2800 load - too little too late.
I hunted deer with a 6.5x55 for 25 years and it never failed me .That cartridge is screwed upnow. Factory loads are wimped out and the American ammo makers are using a 308 based case , .473 " dia instead of the larger European one .I no longer recommend the 6.5x55.
At this point I would highly recommend the similar 7mm-08.Like the 6.5x55 it's accurate,perfect performance for deer and guns and ammo are now readily available !!

 

[oneounceload]

The 7-08 or 260 get my vote - both are accurate, modern cartridges with modern factory loadings, not ones made to accommodate much older rifles.

 

[nulfisin]

I actually prefer the Roberts because you can hand load the rounds a bit hotter than the .243 and it shoots about as flat. That said, I see no reason to own both guns.

 

[Float Pilot]

I love the 257 Roberts, but not sure I would get one if I already had a 243 Win.

Personally I would jump up to something like the 260 rem, 6.5x55 Swede Mauser (my new favorite), the 7mm-08 or 7x57mm.

 

[TXHORNS]

257 Roberts is great but not worth it if you have a 243, which is also great.

I also say 7mm-08. Light recoil, great performance for deer.

 

[Maverick223]

Does this caliber offer any advantage over the 243 other than the 120gr bullets?

Yes, it offers a little more energy and slightly more energy...but the .243 and .257 are superfluous IMO. I believe a 7mm-08, .260, or perhaps move up to .270 or .30-06 (with a noticeable increase in recoil, but tolerable for most) to add a little more versatility. Honestly I believe the .22-250 and the .243 are a bit redundant as well.