Hey Guys,
Really appreciate the quick replies, I wasn't expecting so much support ! Some really useful opinions here.
I would love the opportunity to send it back to Weatherby for a re-barrel, however the freight and import / export issues take this option off the table. Second hand Weatherby parts - like a good barrel do not exist here, and are a big problem to import.
As far as legal requirements are concerned here, leaving it in .257 WM is the easiest path.
The smith has quoted $1050 AUS (about $750 USD) for a Stainless barrel (fitted) with a 1 in 9 twist, he also has a carbon steel 25 cal barrel in 1 in 10 twist, but this will be dearer as it will need to be blued.
Both options were a profile or 2 heavier than the standard Weatherby barrel - not sure if that helps with heat dissipation ?
I need to check what brand barrels these 2 options are ! PS - I love the bluing on the old barrel !
As the barrel was shot out before I got it, I cant comment on how it was treated or how many rounds it may have seen.
The smith advised that the first approx 6"of rifling were basically gone, and there were large pits and copper fouling issues. The current accuracy is approx 6"groups at 100 yards. Occasionally it shoots an ok group, 1.5" but this is not repeatable.
Going by the serial number it is a mid 1980's Japanese made rifle.
After understanding the issues with this barrel, and having done some load testing, I can see how important heat management and copper removal are in this calibre.
I am reloading, and have invested in 257 dies and brass, with this calibre in WA there is no factory load option.
You are giving me some more confidence in the .257 decision (there is a lot of love out there for the .257 roy), comments like this are the real world info i was looking for -
"I've got well over 1000 rounds in mine and still shoots good, It's not a match barrel so I'm not comparing the accuracy to a bench rest rifle but rather a normal hunting rifle, it still shoots 1/2 " @ 100 yds" As for game here - it is normally on the smaller side - Goats, Pigs small deer etc. But occasionally we may get onto Donkeys and Camels - that is where a flat shooting hard hitting calibre is really handy.
I do take your point - I am not looking for a range rifle. The range is just a good place to get a hunting rifle zeroed !
Keen for comments on the barrels - stainless or carbon steel - twist rate - profile
?