The world of shooting sports and hunting has been revolutionized by the development of new cartridges that offer superior performance in terms of velocity, accuracy, and range. Two such cartridges that have gained significant popularity in recent years are the 257 Weatherby and the 270 WSM. In this article, we will compare the 257 Weatherby to the 270 WSM, examining their respective features and benefits.
Here is the short answer:
The 257 Weatherby is ideal for long-range hunting and varmint shooting, while the 270 WSM is better suited for medium to large game hunting and long-range precision shooting.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how the two cartridges compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 257 Weatherby
The 257 Weatherby Magnum was developed by Roy Weatherby in 1944 and was based on the .300 H&H Magnum case. It is a necked-down cartridge that fires a .257 caliber bullet at extremely high velocities. The Weatherby cartridges are known for their high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent long-range performance.
The 257 Weatherby delivers excellent performance, with a muzzle velocity of up to 3,825 feet per second (fps) and a maximum effective range of up to 1,000 yards. It has a relatively flat trajectory and produces minimal recoil, making it an excellent choice for long-range hunting and varmint shooting. The cartridge is also known for its accuracy, allowing for precise shots at long ranges.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 257 Weatherby with a 100-grain spitzer bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2900 | 1867 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.3 | 2719 | 1641 |
| 100 | 0 | 1.3 | 2545 | 1438 |
| 150 | -1.2 | 2.8 | 2377 | 1255 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 5.3 | 2216 | 1091 |
| 250 | -8.4 | 8.5 | 2062 | 944 |
| 300 | -14.9 | 12.6 | 1913 | 812 |
| 350 | -23.8 | 17.9 | 1772 | 697 |
| 400 | -35.7 | 24.4 | 1639 | 596 |
| 450 | -50.6 | 32 | 1513 | 509 |
| 500 | -69.5 | 41 | 1399 | 434 |
In-Depth Look at the 270 WSM
The 270 WSM was introduced by Winchester in 2001 and was designed to offer superior performance compared to the .270 Winchester. It is a short magnum cartridge that fires a .277 caliber bullet, making it ideal for medium to large game hunting and long-range precision shooting.
The 270 WSM delivers impressive performance, with a muzzle velocity of up to 3,250 fps and a maximum effective range of up to 1,000 yards. It has a relatively flat trajectory, making it ideal for long-range shooting. The cartridge also delivers significant energy on impact, making it an excellent choice for medium to large game hunting.
Here is a ballistic chart of a 270 WSM with a 150-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3060 | 3118 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.1 | 2962 | 2922 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2867 | 2737 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.3 | 2773 | 2561 |
| 200 | -2.8 | 2.4 | 2682 | 2395 |
| 250 | -5.9 | 3.8 | 2592 | 2237 |
| 300 | -10.3 | 5.5 | 2504 | 2088 |
| 350 | -16.1 | 7.5 | 2418 | 1947 |
| 400 | -23.4 | 10 | 2333 | 1813 |
| 450 | -32.4 | 12.9 | 2250 | 1687 |
| 500 | -43 | 16.3 | 2169 | 1567 |
In-Depth Comparison
When comparing the 257 Weatherby to the 270 WSM, several factors need to be considered. Both cartridges offer excellent performance, with the Weatherby delivering higher velocity and flatter trajectory, while the WSM offers significant energy on impact.
The 257 Weatherby is ideal for long-range hunting and varmint shooting, where accuracy and flat trajectory are critical. It is also an excellent choice for shooting small to medium-sized game at longer ranges. On the other hand, the 270 WSM is better suited for medium to large game hunting and long-range precision shooting, where significant energy on impact is crucial.
Conclusion
Both the 257 Weatherby and the 270 WSM are excellent cartridges with unique features that cater to different needs. The 257 Weatherby is ideal for long-range hunting and varmint shooting, while the 270 WSM is better suited for medium to large game hunting and long-range precision shooting. Ultimately, the choice between these two cartridges depends on the intended application. Shooters and hunters need to consider the size of the game, range, accuracy, and energy requirements before selecting a cartridge. Regardless of the cartridge, proper shot placement and bullet selection are crucial for success in the field.