257 Weatherby vs 26 Nosler

[Remington92]

Hey guys wanted to pick yalls brain. My current main hunting rifle is a 300wm also have 7mags but I’m looking for something a little smaller for a 500yd and in laser beam for antelope and muleys. Most the guys I hunt with run 257 Weatherby with fantastic success. Locally on armslist there’s a decent deal on a 26 Nosler so I was kicking around that idea also but think it’s overkill for what I’m wanting and not as flat shooting in closer ranges. Do y’all have any input on either of these as well as other cartridges to consider?

ps I’ve had 2 creedmoors that didn’t impress me and went down the river so please don’t suggest that, also not sold on the prc.

 

[unclericco]

I’ve had both and I prefer my 26. Bullet selection is horrible for .25 caliber. I’d be interested in a 257 if they ever make some heavies and fast twist barrels for it!

 

[eLightfoot]

I’ve had both and I prefer my 26. Bullet selection is horrible for .25 caliber. I’d be interested in a 257 if they ever make some heavies and fast twist barrels for it!

Check out Blackjack 131ace bullet. Plenty of custom fast twist .257s now

 

[Dcrafton]

I agree with the 257 does not have good options for bullets but I’ve heard and read that the 26 is a barrel burner. I would really look at the 6.5 prc.
That being said, I have friends that have the 257 and others have the 26.
Both have had good success with them.


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[unclericco]

Yeah I talked to Shilen at SHOT and they're making fast twist barrels now. I'd like to see a little heavier bullet and more selection before going that route I think though.

 

[Remington92]

I was looking at either 115gr ballistic tip 257 loads or 129 gr Noslers

 

[WRO]

Under 500 I'd be looking at a 25-06 with 100 - 110 grain bullets.

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[Bater]

Have both, love both. No need for high bc when you’re talking that yardage. I run 100gr Sciroccos @ 3550 out of the Roy and 500 is child’s play. The 26N will offer better long range ballistics and bullet options but at the cost of recoil (close to your 7RM) and spendier components if you reload. Ultimately comes down to personal preference but I’d go 257Roy given your parameters.

 

[TomAZ]

26 Nosler! Tons of great bullets. Love the Barnes lrx as a hunting bullet. Minimal adjustment out to 500 yards.


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[MT257]

257 will fit your needs and is also a realistic option for elk.

 

[Remington92]

Looking at 257 options is there anything really to gain with the mark V asides from prestige? I know Howa builds solid rifles

 

[Wyatt.Carter]

Under 500 the 257 wby is a Lazer! Yes, bullet selection isn't the best..yes, bullets aren't super high bc..but a 110 accubond loaded hot is hard to argue with 500 and under

 

[JBradley500]

Hell, don't forget the 6.5-300 wby.

If you're going to go overbore, you might as well go fully overbore! I think that's an Ivan Drago quote.

 

[Steve O]

A couple years ago I was looking at both of those along with the 6.5-300. In the end I found the 264 Winchester was my best option. I quickly ruled out the 257 and the big 6.5s use a ton more powder to get not that much more velocity. I am really pleased with my decision. Of those two you listed I would go 26 Nosler.

 

[Kotaman]

Any of the "BIG" long action .25's are major powder burners. IMO, they are horribly inefficient, and they take a 26" barrel to burn it all. I'll take a short action, short barreled 6.5 like the PRC any day over these big bang 25's. If you gotta have one, I guess I'd go 26 Nosler. My long action of choice in this class is the 6.5 Weatherby RPM.

 

[unclericco]

It's hard not to suggest other cartridges than what someone asked about and their application listed lol. So i try to just answer the question asked but I do love the idea of a 257 once there are alot more options for it. I'm using a LB muzzle brake and 26" Proof CF tube with a Pachmyr pad and honestly don't think the recoil is bad at all on my 26. It burns alot of powder for an extra +- 150 FPS though.

 

[Remington92]

I am open to other options just looking for something blazing fast with minimal hold over to 500 in a smaller caliber for smaller game. If I’m going farther than that I’ll dig out the Cooper 300 wm with Berger’s.

 

[Dcrafton]

I am open to other options just looking for something blazing fast with minimal hold over to 500 in a smaller caliber for smaller game. If I’m going farther than that I’ll dig out the Cooper 300 wm with Berger’s.

If that’s the case, I would really look hard at the 6.5 PRC. Hands down.


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[unclericco]

My 6.5 PRC is my top of the rotation ace for deer/antelope, I was going to suggest that lol. Love that rifle, only thing that would make it better is better quality brass.

 

[Formidilosus]

I am open to other options just looking for something blazing fast with minimal hold over to 500 in a smaller caliber for smaller game. If I’m going farther than that I’ll dig out the Cooper 300 wm with Berger’s.

So why not a fast .224 or 6mm? A 22 Creedmoor and 22” barrel with a 7” or 7.5” twist will do 3,300-3,500fps with a good BC, and 3,200+ FPS with 88gr ELD-M’s and 90gr ATIP’s with great BC’s while absolutely crushing Mule deer and Antelope far past 500 yards. It matches full tilt 26 Nosler 129gr ABLR in wind drift and nearly in retained velocity, and far better than the 257 Bee in drift/impact speed.