Converting to 257 Roberts

K

KS1911

New member
I was talking with a friend and we were discussing our favorite caliber, the 257 Roberts. This got me to thinking that I need another rifle in this caliber but I decided to go with something different this time. I was thinking of converting a savage to the 257. What would be involved in having this done? I figure that I will have to get the barrel reamed by a smith and some other work.
Would it be best to start with a 243, 25-06, or something else?

Thanks for your help.

KS1911
 
You will need a long action Savage, the .257 is too long to fit in a short action (.243 or .308) so go with something based off of the .30-06 case. If you buy the .25-06 I think there is enough barrel shank left to set it back and ream the chamber out to .257 Roberts. I remember reading some where a guy did this with a Stevens model rifle. The other option is to buy a barrel nut wrench, go/no-go gages, and a barrel in .257 from Midway and switch it out yourself.
 
I've also thought about the .257 for a deer round. Why don't you just use it as an excuse to buy a new rifle?

Ol#2 gets PO'd at first but gets over it in 3-4 weeks. I roll a few pieces a month which makes her mad at me all of the time, she leaves the house in a huff and I get peace and quiet. Can you show me a downside to this?
 
Taylor,

So I would just need purchase a new barrel and put it on the 25-06 reciever, wouldn't there be more involved?

Swamp, nothing is ever wrong with buying a new rifle, I just didn't find a selection that I liked in the 257 other than the ruger I already have and the cooper that I will order one day. I really am after a synthetic stock and I like the savage fit and feel.
 
Ruger has M77 in 257 Roberts.

I often wondered why someone hasn't made a .308-based .25 caliber or a short magnum .25 caliber. Winchester made the .25 WSSM, but that thing is fat!

I've seen 2 Improved versions of 257 Roberts that look pretty sweet.
One is in the Nosler reloading book. The other was in a magazine and looked like an AI (40degree shoulder?).

I guess an Improved .257 is halfway between 257 Roberts and .25-06 Remington.
 
One of the very best actions for the 257 Roberts is the Model 98 Mauser. The cartridge itself was derived from the 7mm Mauser necked down to .257 caliber. It feeds like grease through a goose, the action is plenty long enough for any bullet you might want to use, and there is an element of nostalgia when operating a slick old Mauser that you just can't get with anything else. Here is the action I used for my latest 257 Roberts. The finished product is in the photo below (I decided to change the bolt handle between the time of the two pics.)
BoltHandleWelding020.jpg

Gunsmithing43008012.jpg


Clemson
 
Taylor,

So I would just need purchase a new barrel and put it on the 25-06 reciever, wouldn't there be more involved?
Click to expand...

You can do this one of two ways.

#1. Buy a new barrel, barrel nut wrench, and go/no-go gages from Midway and switch out the barrel yourself. I've never done this myself, you might even need to have a barrel vise to do this. I've got a few gunsmithing books for refrence on things but I rarely try anything other than cleaning myself.

#2. Take a Savage .25-06 to a gunsmith, have him remove the barrel and cut off a couple threads and ream the chamber to .257 Bob. Like I said I think there is just enough barrel shank to do this. If the gunsmith doesn't have to rent the reamer this might be cheaper than doing it yourslef.

Hope this answers some of your questions.
 
How do you flip the safety with the scope that low?
Click to expand...

DakotaModel70Handle.jpg


The original safety has been replaced with a Buehler safety. It is two-positon, and it stays on the right side of the eypiece and clears the scope easily.

Clemson
 
conversion

Clemson
Sir, that is a beautiful job on that Mauser, and Thank You for your service to our country. You look happy and proud, I am glad you find such joy in your work.
I, also love the 98 Mauser. Glad people like you are on the Forum.

Harry B.
P.S. How do you do your fine looking bolt modification.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Harry. That is a Dakota bolt handle. I cut off the original Mauser handle and welded on the replacement. I personally prefer a welded handle to a forged one.

Clemson
 
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