GUNS Magazine January 1960

Long range with remaining energy of .257 Condor was
proved by tvlacFarland in long shots at plains antelope.
W
HEN A COMPETENT ENGINEER decides to design a wildcat
cartridge, some old ideas are given some new twists. The usual
wildcatter reshapes an existing case, uses existing components, and the
gunsmith chambers an existing barrel. Sometimes the loads are actually
chronographed; and, rarely pressure tests are made. Sensational figures
are arrived at, the new cartridge is given a fanciful name, and the proud
originator is in business with a new wildcat.
The story .on the .257 Condor is quite different. In 1946, Dr. Ramon
Somavia conceived the idea that a projectile of unusually high sectional
density would exhibit unusual ballistic characteristics, and he set out to
prove it. Now, fifty barrels and many years later the .257 Condor is a
reality and no longer a wildcat. The name is copyrighted, patents have
been applied for on the design; and the cartridges, the cases, and the
special bullets are readily available to the shooter or the handloader here,
from Norma-Precision, Inc., South Lansing, New York.
The Somavia Ranch near Hollister, Calif., is one reason for the Condor
design. Deer are numerous on those rolling grassy hills, but the choicer
ones always seem to be five hundred yards out, with little cover from
which to stalk them. Hence, the first requisite was a cartridge which
would show a flat trajectory. Second, since Dr. Somavia does considerable
hunting in Alaska, and Canada, the cartridge must be certain on heavy
game animals. Flat trajectory must be achieved without the excessively
high velocity which blows up 8-bullet on the hide or the first large bone
encountered. Deep penetration was wanted. Muzzle velocity is impressive
on paper, but velocity which counts is that delivered to the animal a few
hundred yards out.
Hunters have noticed that the 7x57 Mauser 175 grain bullet, and fhe
6.5 mm. Mannlicher·SchoenaueF l€JO-g-rain bullet exhibited kil-ling qualities
out of all proportion to their size or paper ballistics. They also showed
a lot of remaining velocity, compared to modest (Continued on page 42)
GUNS JANUARY 1960
The varmint-flat,
moose-strong
.257
CONDOR
THEY SAID YOU COULD
NOT GET FLAT TRAJEC­
TORY WITH A HEAVY BALL
AT MEDIUM VELOCITY­
BUT HE DID IT
By HAROLD E. MACFARLAND
In high country new rifle got workout.
took mulie successfully with big bullet.
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