Q on factory loadings for 257 Weatherby

[mshootnit]

There apparently are two factory loadings for 257 Weatherby 115 gr. Nosler BT. One is the usual listing for 70-83 dollars, the other loading is the (newer?) "Select Plus" loading selling for 40-55 dollars. These have different manufacturer #s as well.
Are these actually the same load just with different boxes and prices? Or something different? One better than the other?
MPN# N257115BST
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1001820473
MPN # WBYN257115BST
https://www.swfa.com/weatherby-ammunition-257-wby-nbt-115-gr-20-rd-box.html

 

[GooseGestapo]

As far as I can tell, it’s only a difference in packaging. The SWFA listing shows an older style box. UPC code is the same.

FWIW, I can’t recommend that load for big game, (ie: deer, antelope, or larger). In 2007, I shot a ~ 120lb doe in the shoulder at about 90yds. She dropped immediately, then 30sec later, jumped up and ran off! There were strips of meat resembling strips of jerky, some with hide and hair, hanging from nearby shrubs. The bullet literally blew up on the shoulder.

Coyotes dined well that night. Load was 70.0gr RL25 @3,275fps m/v, Weatherby brass.

The 117gr Hornady Interlok is much better. Most of the deer I’ve taken with the .257, to include the .257Roberts have been with the 100gr Hornady Interlok. Recovered 117’s and 100’s have always been against hide on far side, and retain ~65% weight.
Old Roy and Joyce Sr. knew what the were doing... (Roy Weatherby and Joyce Hornady).
I can also endorse the Norma 100gr PtSpt load. They were selling for $2 a box LESS than boxed Weatherby OFB! I bought several boxes! Still have several unfired. VERY accurate! 1/2moa from my Vanguard.

 

[mshootnit]

I had the exact same thing happen, but with the factory Hornady 100 gr. I just figured it comes with the territory when a cartridge is that fast, and resolved to go for the neck next time up close.
We were about 80- 90 yds from a buck, on the other side of a barbed wire fence. Broadside shot. 257 Weatherby Vanguard. Fired at the shoulder and heard a resounding CRACK. Buck went down momentarily and got back up. Second shot SMACK. Buck disappeared. Tracked up there within a couple minutes only to find an area of matted down or thrashed grass soaked with about a gallon of blood. Chunks of fur and meat. No deer. It was getting dark, and trail went into a corn field. Not going in there with a 4 yr. old in tow too far. They found him with the combine.

 

[mshootnit]

I had one more lung shot buck get back up, but he didnt go anywhere, after that I went away from the factory 100 gr. I have shot a few at longer ranges and the 100 gr. just drops them.