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Common uses: Hunting, Varmint
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 120gr Federal Premium Vital-Shok Nosler Partition |
| Muzzle velocity | 2780 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2060 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.391 |
| Case length | 56.72 mm |
| Overall length | 70.61 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 54000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:10" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2780 | 2059 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2546 | 1727 | 0 |
| 200 | 2324 | 1439 | -3.9 |
| 300 | 2114 | 1191 | -14.2 |
| 400 | 1914 | 976 | -32.4 |
| 500 | 1728 | 795 | -60.1 |
At 1,000 yards, .257 Roberts (120gr at 2780 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 41.8 MOA / 12.1 MIL, retaining 1072 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2114 | Supersonic | -14.2 | 4.5 | 1.32 |
| 400 | 1914 | Supersonic | -32.4 | 7.7 | 2.25 |
| 500 | 1728 | Supersonic | -60.1 | 11.5 | 3.34 |
| 600 | 1555 | Supersonic | -99.4 | 15.8 | 4.60 |
| 700 | 1400 | Supersonic | -153.3 | 20.9 | 6.08 |
| 800 | 1266 | Transonic | -224.8 | 26.8 | 7.80 |
| 900 | 1155 | Transonic | -318.1 | 33.8 | 9.82 |
| 1000 | 1072 | Subsonic | -437.4 | 41.8 | 12.15 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .257 Roberts is a mild-recoiling, inherently accurate quarter-bore that occupies a comfortable middle ground between varmint and big-game work. Lighter bullets make it a capable long-range varmint and predator round, while heavier 100- to 120-grain loads handle deer, pronghorn, and similar medium game cleanly at moderate ranges. It is well regarded for its pleasant manners, efficiency, and versatility, traits that earned it a devoted following among traditional hunters. Its main limitation is a relatively conservative factory loading history, since standard-pressure ammunition leaves velocity on the table; handloaders and +P offerings unlock its real potential. Though largely eclipsed commercially by the .243 Winchester and 6.5mm rounds, it remains a respected classic with a loyal niche among those who value refinement over raw power.
The .257 Roberts grew out of a wildcat developed in the 1920s by gunwriter and experimenter Ned Roberts, who necked the 7x57mm Mauser case down to accept .25-caliber bullets. Remington standardized and commercialized the cartridge in 1934, sharpening the shoulder angle from Roberts' original design. It earned a lasting reputation as one of the classic American "quarter-bore" cartridges, prized by hunters through the mid-20th century, and later gained new life with the higher-pressure +P loadings that helped it keep pace with modern rounds.
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