When it comes to hunting rifles, there are many calibers to choose from. Two popular choices among hunters and shooters are the 257 Roberts and the 270 Winchester. Both calibers are known for their accuracy and versatility in the field, but how do they compare to each other? In this article, we will take an in-depth look at both calibers, compare their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for your hunting needs.
Here is the short answer:
The 257 Roberts is known for its flat trajectory and light recoil, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized game. The 270 Winchester, on the other hand, has more power and a longer effective range, making it a great choice for larger game at longer distances.
With the short answer out of the way, we can look in-depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare in depth.
In-depth look at the 257 Roberts
Designed by Ned Roberts in 1934, the 257 Roberts is a highly iconic American hunting round that has been embraced by members of the hunting community due to its excellent accuracy and mild recoil. This makes it particularly suitable for taking down medium-sized game animals such as deer and antelope. Moreover, because of its ease of reloading capabilities, this cartridge can be personalized to meet an individual shooter’s needs.
The 257 Roberts is renowned for its versatility, being able to be equipped with bullets of all weights from light varmint loads up to those required for heavier big game. This lends itself as an exceptional option for hunters who desire the flexibility of varying bullet types regarding the particular target shooting at. As far as accuracy is concerned, numerous shooters are known to report that when fired from a rifle barrel crafted of superior quality, the 257 Roberts offers admirable precision.
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 270 Winchester
The 270 Winchester is one of the most widely utilized hunting cartridges in America. It was first introduced by Winchester in 1925 and has since become a beloved choice among hunters as well as shooters. The 270 Winchester is recognized for its precision, flat trajectory, and manageable recoil that make it ideal for hunting medium to large game animals like deer, antelope, elk, sheep, moose, bear or hogs. Moreover with the correct scope setup this round can be employed for target shooting up to 500 yards distance.
The 270 Winchester is a distinguished choice for varied hunting situations. It delivers notable ballistics out to 500 yards and stays within bearable recoil levels when coordinated with an appropriate rifle configuration. Furthermore, it has been existent for so long that there are numerous aftermarket components available to customize your gun’s performance in order to accommodate specific necessities or inclinations.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 270 Winchester with a 130-grain jacketed soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3060 | 2703 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2929 | 2477 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2803 | 2267 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.8 | 2679 | 2072 |
| 200 | -3 | 3.2 | 2560 | 1891 |
| 250 | -6.3 | 5.1 | 2443 | 1722 |
| 300 | -11.2 | 7.6 | 2329 | 1566 |
| 350 | -17.7 | 10.6 | 2219 | 1421 |
| 400 | -25.9 | 14.2 | 2111 | 1286 |
| 450 | -36 | 18.3 | 2006 | 1161 |
| 500 | -48.3 | 23.1 | 1904 | 1046 |
In-depth comparison
When comparing the 257 Roberts to the 270 Winchester, there are some key differences to consider. The 257 Roberts has a smaller powder capacity and lighter recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately. However, the 257 also has more drop and more wind drift.
When it comes to hunting, the 270 Winchester has more power and a longer effective range than the 257 Roberts. It is better suited for larger game at longer distances and has become a popular choice among big game hunters.
When it comes to ammunition availability, the 270 Winchester is more widely available than the 257 Roberts. It is also available in a wider variety of bullet weights and styles, which you more options when it comes to selecting the right bullet for their specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the contention between the 257 Roberts and 270 Weatherby cartridges will continue due to their shared potency and efficiency. The former cartridge is more appropriate for medium-sized game such as deer when taken at close to mid-range distances; on the other hand, the latter caliber would be preferable for larger quarry including elk and moose or game encountered from greater ranges. Both calibers demonstrate exceptional ballistics performance provided they are used correctly.