The Ultimate Guide to Weatherby Select Plus .257 Weatherby Magnum 120 Grain Nosler Partition Ammunition

For the dedicated hunter and precision shooter, the quest for ammunition that delivers uncompromising performance in the field is a perpetual pursuit. You need a cartridge that not only offers incredible accuracy but also provides devastating terminal ballistics to ensure an ethical and swift harvest. If you've ever asked yourself, "What is the best ammunition for long-range big game hunting?" or "How can I achieve consistent, reliable knockdown power on animals like elk and deer?", then the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Weatherby Magnum 120 Grain Nosler Partition is precisely the answer you've been seeking.

This premium factory-loaded ammunition is meticulously engineered to provide superior velocity, a remarkably flat trajectory, and the legendary controlled expansion that hunters trust. It's designed for those who demand excellence from their equipment, ensuring that when the moment of truth arrives, their shot placement translates into maximum effectiveness. Whether you're targeting elusive deer across open plains, pursuing challenging elk in mountainous terrain, or seeking any medium to large game, this ammunition offers the confidence needed to make that critical shot count.

Unleashing Unrivaled Velocity: The .257 Weatherby Magnum Experience

The foundation of this exceptional cartridge lies in the .257 Weatherby Magnum itself, a caliber synonymous with speed and power. Conceived by the legendary Roy Weatherby in 1944, this cartridge was designed to push the boundaries of rifle performance, offering velocities previously unheard of in a .25 caliber. Weatherby's vision was to create a cartridge that delivered such high speeds that it would minimize bullet drop and reduce the need for extensive holdover at longer ranges, a critical advantage for hunters in vast, open landscapes.

What makes the .257 Weatherby Magnum truly stand out?

• Blistering Muzzle Velocity: It consistently achieves velocities far exceeding other .25 caliber cartridges, often reaching speeds of 3,300 to 3,400 feet per second (fps) with a 120-grain bullet. This extraordinary speed results in a shorter time of flight, which inherently means less bullet drop and wind deflection.
• Laser-Flat Trajectory: The high velocity translates directly into one of the flattest trajectories available in a commercial hunting cartridge. This characteristic simplifies shot placement, particularly at extended distances, allowing hunters to focus more on range estimation and less on complex ballistic calculations in the field.
• Potent Energy Delivery: Despite its relatively light bullet for magnum calibers, the sheer speed of the .257 Weatherby Magnum imparts significant kinetic energy upon impact, contributing to its impressive stopping power. This energy transfer ensures rapid energy dump into the target, leading to quick and humane incapacitation.

For hunters facing vast open country or those who prefer to engage game at longer ranges, the inherent speed and flat shooting nature of the .257 Weatherby Magnum minimize variables and increase the probability of a successful, ethical shot. It's a caliber that rewards precise shooting with spectacular downrange performance.

The Heart of Performance: Nosler Partition 120 Grain Bullet

While the .257 Weatherby Magnum provides the engine, the 120-grain Nosler Partition bullet is the precision instrument that executes its power. The Nosler Partition is not just a bullet; it's a hunting legend, trusted by generations of hunters for its consistent, reliable performance on a wide spectrum of game animals. Invented by John Nosler in 1948, its revolutionary design addressed the critical need for a bullet that would expand reliably yet retain sufficient weight for deep penetration.

How does the Nosler Partition achieve its renowned performance?

• Unique Dual-Core Design: The Nosler Partition features a lead front core separated from a heavier, rear lead core by a solid partition of the copper jacket. This design is the secret to its success.
• Controlled Frontal Expansion: Upon impact, the unjacketed lead tip and front core expand rapidly and violently, creating a wide wound channel and delivering a significant hydrostatic shock. This initial expansion ensures maximum energy transfer and tissue damage in the vital organs.
• Guaranteed Deep Penetration: The solid partition acts as an internal stopping point, preventing the complete disintegration of the bullet's rear section. The heavier, rear core and robust jacket base maintain their integrity, driving the bullet deep through muscle and bone to reach vital organs on larger game, often providing desirable exit wounds for tracking.
• High Weight Retention: The partition ensures that a substantial portion of the bullet's original weight is retained, often 60-70% or more, even after passing through tough hide and bone. This weight retention is crucial for deep penetration and maximizing the destructive effect within the animal.

When asking, "What bullet provides reliable expansion and deep penetration for hunting?" the Nosler Partition is consistently at the top of the list. The 120-grain weight in the .257 Weatherby Magnum is an ideal balance, heavy enough for significant impact and penetration, yet light enough to capitalize on the magnum's blistering velocity for a flat trajectory. This combination makes it exceptionally versatile for a variety of medium to large game animals.

Weatherby Select Plus: Engineered for Excellence

The "Select Plus" designation in Weatherby ammunition signifies a commitment to quality and consistency that hunters can depend on. Weatherby takes immense pride in manufacturing ammunition that lives up to the reputation of their firearms—precision, power, and performance.

• Premium Components: Every component of Weatherby Select Plus ammunition, from the brass casing to the primer and propellants, is selected for its superior quality and consistency. This meticulous component selection contributes directly to the ammunition's accuracy and reliability.
• Rigorous Quality Control: Weatherby employs stringent quality control measures throughout the manufacturing process. Each round is subject to precise loading and inspection to ensure uniform performance from shot to shot, box to box, and lot to lot. This consistency is paramount for hunters who rely on predictable ballistic performance in varying conditions.
• Optimized Performance: The Select Plus line is specifically tuned to extract the maximum ballistic potential from the .257 Weatherby Magnum. This optimization ensures that hunters realize the full benefits of the caliber's velocity and the Nosler Partition's terminal effectiveness.

Choosing Weatherby Select Plus means choosing factory-loaded ammunition that has been engineered and tested to meet the demanding standards of serious hunters. It eliminates variables, allowing you to focus on your shot, knowing your ammunition will perform flawlessly.

Real-World Applications and Hunting Scenarios

This ammunition isn't just about impressive numbers on a ballistic chart; it's about real-world results in the field. For what hunting scenarios and game animals is the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Weatherby Magnum 120 Grain Nosler Partition truly ideal?

• Deer Hunting (Whitetail, Mule Deer): For most deer species, this cartridge delivers phenomenal performance. The high velocity and rapid expansion of the Nosler Partition ensure quick, humane kills, even with less-than-perfect shot angles. Its flat trajectory is a significant advantage in open fields or clear-cut areas where shots can stretch beyond 200 yards.
• Elk Hunting: Many hunters successfully use the .257 Weatherby Magnum with 120-grain Partition bullets for elk. While often considered a minimum for elk by some, its superior velocity and the Nosler Partition's deep penetration capabilities make it a formidable choice when shot placement is precise. It excels in mountain hunting where longer shots across canyons or valleys are common.
• Antelope and Sheep Hunting: This is where the .257 Weatherby Magnum truly shines. The incredibly flat trajectory and high speed are perfectly suited for hunting these animals in vast, open landscapes where shots are frequently at extended ranges and precision is paramount. The Nosler Partition ensures enough energy and expansion for quick incapacitation without excessive meat damage.
• Black Bear and Caribou: For black bear, the deep penetration of the Nosler Partition is critical for reaching vital organs through thick hide and muscle. Similarly, for caribou, its balance of speed and controlled expansion makes it a highly effective choice.
• Long-Range Precision: Beyond specific game, this ammunition is built for accuracy at extended distances. If you're hunting in areas where shots beyond 300 yards are likely, the combination of the .257 Wby Mag's inherent ballistics and the Nosler Partition's consistency minimizes bullet drop and wind drift, giving you a greater margin for error and a higher probability of success.

When considering "How to achieve consistent performance on a variety of game?" or "What ammunition offers a flat trajectory for open country hunting?", the answer lies in the proven design and engineering of this Weatherby Select Plus offering. It provides hunters with confidence, knowing their ammunition is up to the challenge.

Unpacking the Ballistic Prowess: Data and Performance Metrics

Understanding the raw numbers behind the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Weatherby Magnum 120 Grain Nosler Partition further solidifies its reputation. While exact figures can vary slightly based on barrel length, atmospheric conditions, and specific rifle characteristics, the following represent typical performance metrics:

• Muzzle Velocity (MV): Approximately 3,300 - 3,350 feet per second (fps). This incredible speed is the primary driver of the cartridge's flat trajectory and high kinetic energy.
• Muzzle Energy (ME): Roughly 2,900 - 3,000 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). This significant energy ensures proper bullet performance and decisive terminal effects on game.
• Ballistic Coefficient (BC): The G1 Ballistic Coefficient for a 120 grain .257 Nosler Partition bullet is typically around 0.390 - 0.400. A higher BC indicates less drag, which means the bullet retains velocity and energy better downrange, leading to less drop and less wind deflection.
• Sectional Density (SD): The Sectional Density for a 120 grain .257 caliber bullet is approximately 0.259. Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its cross-sectional area, and it directly correlates with penetration potential. A higher SD generally means better penetration, which is vital for larger game.

These ballistic characteristics collectively illustrate why this ammunition is so effective. The high velocity and respectable ballistic coefficient ensure a flat flight path, while the excellent sectional density and the Nosler Partition's design guarantee deep, controlled penetration and reliable expansion, culminating in superior terminal performance. This is the data that underpins the trust placed in this cartridge by discerning hunters worldwide.

Why Choose Weatherby Select Plus from DEGuns?

When investing in premium ammunition like the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Weatherby Magnum 120 Grain Nosler Partition, selecting a reputable supplier is as important as choosing the right cartridge. DEGuns is your trusted source for high-quality firearms and ammunition, ensuring you receive genuine products with excellent service.

By choosing Weatherby Select Plus, you are selecting ammunition that embodies:

• Proven Performance: Generations of hunters have relied on Weatherby's commitment to speed and power, combined with the legendary terminal performance of the Nosler Partition bullet.
• Unwavering Consistency: Every round is manufactured to exacting standards, providing the consistent accuracy and reliability necessary for ethical hunting.
• Exceptional Versatility: Capable of handling a wide range of medium to large North American game, this ammunition reduces the need for multiple specialized loads.
• Confidence in the Field: Knowing you are shooting one of the most effective and reliable factory-loaded cartridges available allows you to focus on the hunt, not the uncertainty of your equipment.

This ammunition empowers you with the ultimate combination of speed, accuracy, and terminal effectiveness, providing unparalleled confidence for every shot.

Conclusion: Confidence in Every Shot

For the serious hunter who refuses to compromise on ethical performance and accuracy, the Weatherby Select Plus .257 Weatherby Magnum 120 Grain Nosler Partition ammunition stands as a pinnacle of cartridge design. It answers the fundamental questions of reliability, precision, and terminal effectiveness that define successful hunting. From the blazing speed of the .257 Weatherby Magnum to the controlled expansion and deep penetration of the Nosler Partition bullet, every aspect of this cartridge is optimized to give you the decisive edge in the field. When you load your rifle with Weatherby Select Plus, you're not just loading a round; you're loading confidence.

Product Specifications Table

Feature	Detail	Value
Caliber	.257 Weatherby Magnum
Bullet Type	Nosler Partition (NP)
Bullet Weight	120 grains
Muzzle Velocity	Approximately 3,300 - 3,350 fps
Muzzle Energy	Approximately 2,900 - 3,000 ft-lbs
Ballistic Coeff	G1 BC: Approximately 0.390 - 0.400
Sectional Dens	Approximately 0.259
Rounds Per Box	20
Boxes Per Case	10
UPC	747115020225