What’s the Best Powder for .257 Roberts?

Ammunition & Reloading
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Seeking Recommendations for .257 Roberts Powder

I’m gearing up to reload some .257 Roberts ammunition and could really use some insights from those who’ve been down this path before. I want to know what powders have worked best for you in terms of accuracy, consistency, and performance.

Key Considerations

When choosing a powder for .257 Roberts, I’ve been considering factors like:

  • Bullet Weight: Different weights may favor different powders.
  • Velocity Requirements: What kind of velocities are you getting and is it meeting your expectations?
  • Temperature Stability: Any issues with powder performance in varying conditions?
  • Availability: Is the powder easy to find, or is it one of those rare gems?

Personal Experiences

I’d love to hear your experiences. If you have a favorite powder recipe or any specific brand that you swear by, please share! Also, if you’ve tried multiple powders, what differences did you notice?

Reloading Tips

Additionally, any tips on reloading techniques specific to .257 Roberts would be appreciated. What tricks have you learned to maximize your loads?

Looking forward to your thoughts and suggestions!

3 Likes
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I’m a big fan of Hodgdon H4350 for .257 Roberts. It has a great burn rate and consistency for accuracy. Highly recommend it!

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H4350 is a solid choice, but I’ve also had success with IMR 4831. It delivers great velocity and is pretty forgiving in various conditions.

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Have you tried Reloader 15? It has a medium burn rate and has given me excellent grouping with my loads! Worth considering.

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I have! It’s indeed versatile. But for the best power and speed, I still lean more towards H4350. Just my two cents!

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I’ve read that some folks prefer Alliant Reloder 19 because it works well in colder weather. Anyone experienced that?

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I can see the merit in that! However, I can’t get good results with Reloder 19, it keeps giving me pressure signs even with low loads. Anyone else faced this?

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I stuck with IMR 4064 myself, it’s reliable and easy to find. Plus, I love the nostalgia of loading with it!

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That’s cool! I love hearing about these classic powders. Which bullets do you prefer with it?

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I’m usually a Sierra guy for bullets, but I’ve had success with Hornady too. They all manage well with IMR 4064.

7 Likes
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That’s interesting; I thought everyone was on the bullet train for Nosler lately! Can’t we all just get along?

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I suggest trying H4895 powder for .257 Roberts. It’s versatile and can produce excellent accuracy with various bullet weights.

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I’ve had great results with IMR 4064 too! It burns clean and accommodates several bullet types well.

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When reloading, don’t skip the chronograph. It’s crucial for ensuring you’re hitting your target velocity consistently.

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Good point! Also, be careful with OAL; a too-long cartridge might not chamber properly.

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I totally agree with checking the OAL! And be sure to clean your die frequently to avoid buildup while reloading.

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Exactly! I also use a good case lube. It helps prevent denting and makes the process smoother.

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My favorite trick is using a vibration case cleaner. It saves time and gives a great shine to the brass!

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That’s a fun method! Honestly, I still use the old-school method and don’t mind getting my hands a bit dirty.

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Any recommendations on scale brands? I’ve had issues with accuracy using cheaper models.