257 WBY MAG, Enough?

[crossfire3006]

Thoughts on a 257 WBY MAG for plains game. Is this enough caliber for Kudu and Gemsbok?

 

[SFRanger7GP]

With the proper bullet, absolutely.

Safe hunting

 

[375Fox]

Maybe not optimal but with the right bullets it is. Barnes would be a good choice something that won’t break up on a shoulder shot at high velocity. There are areas where many shots will be 200 yards plus it would be reasonably well suited for. There are other areas most shots will be under 150 yards many under 100 it’s not as well suited for.

 

[375Fox]

Something to consider for Africa. Bullet construction means more than in North America. The vitals are further forward and shot placement is on the shoulder not behind so you need a more heavily constructed bullet that holds up on bone to reach vitals.

 

[steve white]

McClelland's Gunshop in Dallas was at one time doing a number of rechamber jobs to the 257 Weatherby (Roy Weatherby's favorite?). I can't remember what their favorite conversion was, but it was a surprise to me at the time.

 

[BryceM]

Absolutely deadly with TTSX on critters up to kudu and probably gemsbok. For zebra and eland, it can work, but something in the .300 range is better. .338 is not overkill for zebra or eland. They’re tough! As always, see what your PH thinks.

As others have said, inside of 100 yards the .257 Wby is incredibly fast. You need the best bullets. Don’t be surprised if you get some big exit wounds and cape damage at close ranges on springbok & impala. I completely destroyed a pronghorn cape with a .257 Wby at 50 yards. The bullet hit the chest and split the cape clear up to the jaw.

 

[pilar]

My dad’s buddy mr blocker , did 4-5 safaris shooting every plains game with nosler partition, 257 bob ,

 

[Hogpatrol]

It'll work. Just use Bergers and go for the double lung shot.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

@One Day... has used it before

 

[BeeMaa]

@One Day... has used it before

Quite extensively.

 

[Ruraldoc]

Use a Barnes TSX or a Nosler Partition and take lots of pictures.

Like just about every other rifle, place these bullets carefully and you will have good results.

 

[ftrovato]

Great cartridge and I've taken several caribou out to 400 yards with it.

I suspect it may do a fine job on larger animal.

But personally, If I were going to go all the way to Africa it wouldn't be my first, second or third choice for anything that big.

 

[Andrew62]

100%

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

If you shoot it accurately; sure, it should enough…

 

[BeeMaa]

Use a Barnes TSX or a Nosler Partition and take lots of pictures.

Like just about every other rifle, place these bullets carefully and you will have good results.

IMO the NP is best left at home when it comes to the 257WBY. Reason being is the same reason the cartridge was invented…speed. Jacket/core separation and bullet tumbling through the game animal are much more likely.

I’d be much happier with the first bullet you mentioned. The Barnes TTSX will create a devastating wound channel with straight line penetration and reliable expansion.

 

[One Day...]

A number of threads are dedicated to this subject, crossfire3006, although they may be difficult to find, the search engine being a bit unpredictable... See here under for example

My own experience after several safaris including several dozens PG, is that the .257 Wby with 100 gr TTSX factory Weatherby ammo is absolutely deadly up to ~600 lbs animals (Roan in my case), and I now use it more than any other caliber in Africa. This is the default barrel for my Blaser R8. The .257 Wby 100 gr TTSX will be fine on Kudu, Wildebeest, Hartebeest, Gemsbok, Waterbuck, etc. for all but a deliberately through-the-hip three quarter back angle shot at 500 yards; it is rolling Warthogs and all classes of Impala, Springbok, Nyala, Bushbuck, Reedbuck, etc. like bowling pins; and will reach out to Vaal Rhebok and Klipspringer across a Karoo canyon.

The .257 Wby has a well deserved reputation in the US too for killing way out of its class, and a number of folks use it with great satisfaction on Elk.

Post in thread 'Which one should be my third rifle and why...'

Oct 11, 2024

For your reading pleasure...

In Praise Of The .257 Weatherby Magnum
by Layne Simpson | January 4th, 2011

From mice to moose, the .257 Weatherby Magnum does it all.
By Layne Simpson

Of the many cartridges developed by Roy Weatherby, the .257 Magnum was his favorite. Many other hunters have felt the same way down through the decades. Based on annual sales of the various Weatherby cartridges, the .30-378 Magnum is in first place followed by the .300 Magnum, .257 Magnum, .270 Magnum, and 7mm Magnum. Weatherby developed his big .257 in 1944, but before settling on the...

• One Day...

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[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thoughts on a 257 WBY MAG for plains game. Is this enough caliber for Kudu and Gemsbok?

@crossfire3006
There's an excellent hunt report by @One Day... And his PG hunt with a 257 Weatherby loaded with 100gn TTSX at 3,500 fps. It absolutely flattened everything he shot usually with one shot.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

It'll work. Just use Bergers and go for the double lung shot. View attachment 696343

@Hogpatrol
I personally wouldn't use Berger's at those speeds in game.
Bob

 

[One Day...]

Per Bob Nelson 35Whelen

Thread 'SOUTH AFRICA: A Return To Huntershill Safaris - Even Better Than Last Year!'

Aug 10, 2019

As many of you know, I had gone to Huntershill in August 2018 for a plains game 12 days / 14 animals hunt. At the time I was just a client, and I had a fantastic time. I posted a report on the hunt on AH (https://www.africahunting.com/threa...faris-august-2018-plains-game-paradise.45017/).

During my two weeks at Huntershill in 2018 I developed a friendship with Greg Harvey the owner, and Jason Olivier, the Head PH, as well as the entire crew. Maybe it is me - I do not show up in camp with preset expectations, I avoid like the plague “guiding the guide,”...

• One Day...
• Replies: 97
• Forum: Hunting reports Africa

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