First Impressions of Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition M25792HCB $1.90 Off
The Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition M25792HCB promises a potent combination of Roy Weatherby’s classic cartridge design and modern, solid-copper bullet technology. Weatherby advertises exceptional consistency and terminal performance thanks to the Hammer Bullets’ CNC-turned construction and unique hollow point design. This ammunition aims to deliver devastating results on game while maintaining flat trajectories at long ranges.
I’ve been chasing a more ethical and effective solution for medium game hunting in my area. My current .257 Weatherby load, while accurate, lacked the consistent terminal performance I desired on whitetail and pronghorn at varying distances. I needed a bullet that would expand reliably at both close and extended ranges, minimizing the risk of wounded animals.
Upon receiving the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum ammunition, the first thing that struck me was the meticulous packaging. The brass casings gleamed, and each round appeared perfectly uniform, a testament to the quality control Weatherby and Hammer Bullets tout. The solid copper Hammer Bullets themselves felt substantial and exuded an air of precision.
Compared to my usual .257 Weatherby load with a traditional lead-core bullet, this offering felt significantly more premium. I considered trying similar solid copper offerings from Barnes and Nosler, but the combination of Weatherby’s reputation and the custom nature of the Hammer Bullets swayed my decision. Ultimately, I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this ammunition would live up to its claims of superior accuracy and terminal ballistics.
Real-World Testing: Putting Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition M25792HCB $1.90 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a facility with covered benches and targets out to 300 yards. I wanted to assess accuracy and velocity consistency using my Weatherby Mark V rifle with a 26-inch barrel. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for testing.
From the first shot, I noticed significantly less felt recoil compared to my standard load. The ammunition cycled flawlessly through my rifle, and extraction was smooth and consistent. I experienced no failures to feed or eject during the initial 20-round test.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range sessions and a dedicated pronghorn hunt, the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum ammunition has proven exceptionally reliable. I’ve put approximately 100 rounds through my rifle without a single malfunction. The ammunition consistently delivered sub-MOA accuracy from a stable platform.
The brass casings show no signs of excessive pressure, and the primers remain intact. Cleaning my rifle after using this ammunition is remarkably easy, due to the reduced copper fouling compared to lead-core bullets. This ammunition has drastically outperformed my previous loads in terms of both consistent accuracy and ease of cleaning.
Breaking Down the Features of Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition M25792HCB $1.90 Off
Specifications
The Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition features several key specifications that contribute to its performance. It is chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum, a cartridge known for its high velocity and flat trajectory. Each round contains a 92-grain Hammer Bullet, a solid copper, boat tail hollow point (BTHP) projectile.
The ammunition uses a high-quality brass case and a centerfire primer. Weatherby claims a muzzle velocity of 3700 FPS, with a ballistic coefficient of .322 (G1). These specifications translate to a potent combination of speed, accuracy, and terminal performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum ammunition excels in delivering consistent accuracy and impressive terminal ballistics. The 92-grain Hammer Bullet proved incredibly accurate in my Weatherby Mark V rifle, consistently producing sub-MOA groups at 100 and 200 yards. The high muzzle velocity translates to a flatter trajectory, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop at longer ranges.
The Hammer Bullet’s unique hollow point design ensures rapid expansion upon impact, creating a devastating wound channel. The only potential weakness is its price point. It does precisely what it should, and that is reliably and ethically taking down game.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Weatherby Select Plus ammunition is exceptional. The brass casings are clean and consistent, and the bullets are meticulously seated. The ammunition feels well-balanced and loads smoothly into the magazine.
The only potential drawback is the solid copper bullet construction. This does make it more expensive than traditional lead-core ammunition. Overall, the design and ergonomics of the ammunition are well-executed, contributing to a smooth and reliable shooting experience.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid copper construction of the Hammer Bullets ensures excellent durability and minimal fragmentation. The brass casings are reloadable, extending the life of the ammunition.
The reduced copper fouling associated with solid copper bullets simplifies rifle cleaning and maintenance. These factors make the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum ammunition a durable and easy-to-maintain option for serious hunters.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum ammunition itself doesn’t have many customization options, as it is a complete cartridge. However, you can adjust your rifle’s optics and sighting system to take full advantage of its flat trajectory and accuracy.
It’s compatible with most standard .257 Weatherby Magnum rifles and magazines. While the ammunition performs best in rifles with appropriate twist rates for stabilizing the 92-grain bullets, no specific accessories are required for optimal performance.
Pros and Cons of Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition M25792HCB $1.90 Off
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups, increasing confidence in shot placement.
- Devastating Terminal Performance: The Hammer Bullet’s rapid expansion creates a massive wound channel, ensuring quick and ethical kills.
- Flatter Trajectory: High muzzle velocity minimizes bullet drop, simplifying long-range shooting.
- Reduced Recoil: Noticeably less recoil compared to heavier, lead-core bullets, improving shooting comfort and control.
- Clean Burning: Solid copper bullets reduce copper fouling, making rifle cleaning easier.
Cons
- Higher Price: Solid copper bullets are more expensive than traditional lead-core options.
- Limited Availability: Due to its specialized construction, the ammunition may be harder to find in some areas.
Who Should Buy Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition M25792HCB $1.90 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for experienced hunters seeking a premium, high-performance load for medium-sized game. Hunters who prioritize ethical kills, long-range accuracy, and reduced recoil will greatly benefit from the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum. It’s also well-suited for reloaders looking for high-quality brass casings.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who primarily hunt at close ranges might find cheaper, lead-core ammunition more suitable. Shooters new to the .257 Weatherby Magnum cartridge may also want to start with more affordable options before investing in this premium load. A quality rangefinder is a must-have accessory to take full advantage of the ammunition’s flat trajectory at longer ranges.
Conclusion on Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition M25792HCB $1.90 Off
The Weatherby Select Plus .257 Magnum 92 Grain Hammer Custom Brass Cased Centerfire Rifle Ammunition is a premium offering that delivers exceptional performance in terms of accuracy, terminal ballistics, and ease of maintenance. While the price point is higher than traditional ammunition, the results on game and the added confidence in shot placement make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters. I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a top-tier .257 Weatherby Magnum load.
If you value ethical kills, long-range precision, and want a cleaner shooting experience, give Weatherby Select Plus a try – you won’t be disappointed. Step up your hunting game and experience the difference!