Hunters and shooters are always looking for the right rifle and cartridge combination for their needs. Two popular options are the 257 Roberts and the 308 Winchester. While both cartridges have their own strengths and weaknesses, choosing the right one ultimately depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. In this article, we will compare the 257 Roberts to the 308 Winchester, looking at their histories, ballistics, performance, and other factors to help you make an informed decision.
Here is the short answer:
The 257 Roberts is a light and fast cartridge that is ideal for varmint and small game hunting. On the other hand, the 308 Winchester is a versatile and powerful cartridge that is suitable for big game hunting, tactical applications, and target shooting.
Now that we have looked at the short answer we can look at the ballistics and uses of each cartridge, see how they compare in-depth, and see which cartridge is better.
In-depth Look at the 257 Roberts
The 257 Roberts was developed by gun writer Ned Roberts in the 1920s, based on the 7x57mm Mauser case necked down to accept .25 caliber bullets. The cartridge gained popularity among hunters and shooters for its flat trajectory, low recoil, and deadly accuracy on small game and varmints. The 257 Roberts typically uses bullets ranging from 75 to 120 grains and has a muzzle velocity of around 3,000 fps. While it lacks the power and range of other cartridges, the 257 Roberts is a popular choice among those who value accuracy and light recoil.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 257 Roberts with a 100-grain spitzer bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3016 | 2020 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2868 | 1827 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.9 | 2726 | 1649 |
| 150 | -1 | 2.1 | 2587 | 1486 |
| 200 | -3.2 | 3.8 | 2453 | 1336 |
| 250 | -6.9 | 6.1 | 2323 | 1198 |
| 300 | -12.2 | 9.1 | 2197 | 1071 |
| 350 | -19.3 | 12.7 | 2074 | 955 |
| 400 | -28.4 | 17 | 1956 | 849 |
| 450 | -39.7 | 22.1 | 1841 | 753 |
| 500 | -53.9 | 28.2 | 1732 | 666 |
In-depth Look at the 308 Winchester
The 308 Winchester, also known as the 7.62x51mm NATO, was introduced in 1952 and quickly gained popularity among hunters, military, and law enforcement agencies. It is based on the 30-06 Springfield case necked down to accept .308 caliber bullets. The 308 Winchester is a versatile cartridge that can be used for big game hunting, tactical applications, and target shooting. It typically uses bullets ranging from 110 to 180 grains and has a muzzle velocity of around 2,500 fps. The 308 Winchester has a reputation for being accurate, reliable, and easy to shoot.
Here is a ballistics chart of a 308 Winchester with a 165-grain soft point spitzer bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2700 | 2671 |
| 50 | -0.1 | 0.2 | 2599 | 2475 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2501 | 2291 |
| 150 | -1.3 | 1.7 | 2405 | 2118 |
| 200 | -4.1 | 3.1 | 2310 | 1955 |
| 250 | -8.5 | 5.1 | 2218 | 1803 |
| 300 | -14.7 | 7.5 | 2128 | 1660 |
| 350 | -22.8 | 10.3 | 2040 | 1525 |
| 400 | -32.9 | 13.7 | 1954 | 1399 |
| 450 | -45.2 | 17.6 | 1870 | 1281 |
| 500 | -60.3 | 22.3 | 1789 | 1173 |
In-depth Answer
When it comes to choosing between the 257 Roberts and the 308 Winchester, there are several factors to consider. First, consider the intended use of the rifle.
If you plan to hunt varmints or deer at relatively short distances (100-300 yards), the 257 Roberts may be the better choice due to its flat trajectory and light recoil. However, if you plan to hunt big game or use the rifle for tactical or target shooting, the 308 Winchester may be a better choice due to its versatility, power, and availability of ammunition.
Another factor to consider is the type of rifle you prefer. The 257 Roberts is typically used in lightweight and short-action rifles, while the 308 Winchester is commonly used in medium to heavy-duty rifles and combat rifles.
Additionally, consider the cost and availability of ammunition. While the 257 Roberts may be less expensive to shoot and reload, it may be harder to find ammunition in some areas. The 308 Winchester, on the other hand, is widely available and relatively inexpensive to shoot.
Conclusion
Both the 257 Roberts and the 308 Winchester are popular cartridges among hunters and shooters. While the 257 Roberts is a light and fast cartridge that excels at varmint, deer, and antelope hunting, the 308 Winchester is a versatile and powerful cartridge that can be used for big game hunting, tactical applications, and target shooting.