Article by Denny McDaniels, Duck Creek Sporting Goods
A project I have been working on is developing a load for a 450 Bushmaster. The barrel I used to assemble the upper is a Bear Creek Arsenal 16 inch that has a 1 in 24 inch twist. The brass is Starline and the bullets are the Rainier 250 grain .452 dia Flat Point. Cartridge overall length 2.25 inches.
Original testing was with Hodgdon Lil’Gun. Hodgdon’s Manual list a starting load of 25.2 grains, Lyman #50 lists a starting load of 34.0. Both produced a under gassed round. A powder charge of 36.0 grains demonstrated that the action was cycling but not really effectively ejecting the spent case and had several stove piped unless the rifle was fired with one round in the magazine..
Investigation into the gas system revealed a gas port of .070 inch. Several inquiries with Bear Creek revealed they to experienced a lack of gas issue and later barrels being manufactured wit .076 inch gas port. Later trips to the range with the barrel modifications produced better results with the 36.0 grain charge only.
I finally have success with a functioning rifle. Two changes was made, the gas port was enlarged to .082 inches and H-110 powder was used, still shooting the Rainier bullets. Powder charge of 38.5. This round shot consistent and had zero cycling problems with the 50 founds fired at the range that day Average velocity measured 2068 fps, max spread of 81 fps
Later test will be conducted with lighter loads and revisit the use of Lil’Gun powder. I will post my findings here on this article when I learn more.
257 Roberts brass for sale
Article by Denny McDaniels, owner Duck Creek Sporting Goods
One of the most popular rifle calibers sold at duckcreeksportinggoods.com is the 257 Roberts. We place extra effort in attempting to maintain stock on hand, either Winchester or Remington. Two years ago Winchester produced a batch of 257 Roberts +P, that supply was gone by Christmas. In 2018 Remington was available starting in the summer months and Duck Creek sold the last of the
inventory during the Holiday Seasons.
Currently on hand is Winchester 257 Roberts brass (QTY 50) item #WSC257PU, the PU letters from
Winchester is designated as Plus P, the package label reads “257 Roberts” (Winchester only catalogs +P )
The SAAMI maximum pressure for the Roberts is 54,000 PSI where the standard maximum pressure for the +P is 58,000 PSI, brass specifications are the same regardless what the head stamps reads. Just like any other cartridge, max pressures should be reached with caution and never considered in early actions that was rebarreled or rechambered for the 257 Roberts.
As for Duck Creek’s ability to re-supply only time will tell if Winchester or Remington will run another batch, both manufactured classify this caliber as seasonal, which can refer to a variety of combinations such as every other year, once a year, twice a year. Based on the last two years sales history I would be surprised if there is enough inventories to last into the coming fall.
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