Weatherby Nation

I have the itch for a .257 weaterby.Vanguguard is more of my price range.But I like the 26 inch barrel and adjustable trigger.Can anyone compare them for me as how the triggers are on the Vanguard and how many fps I lose with the 24 inch barrels?Also, what are the handloads are you using and how fast are they.Thanks.

Just like everyone else let your wallet guide your decision.  You only lose aproximately 100 fps per inch of barrel loss.  I have heard that sometimes the Vangard triggers arent the best out of the box.  Weatherby says that if you arent happy you can send it to them to be adjusted correctly.  I havent had a problem with either MarkV or the Deluxe triggers.  My hand loads for the .257 are on parr with factory velocities.  I personally prefer the Deluxe model over the Vangard because I feel that the Deluxe is what makes Weatherby a "Weatherby".

My 257 is a Vanguard Stainless. I ponied up the extra cash for their ultralight Vanguard stock, what a difference. I absolutely love my gun. When I sent the rifle in to have the new stock installed they performed a trigger adjustment and now the let off is light and crisp - no creep at all. My Vanguard produces unbelievable accuracy (cover a 3-shot with a dime) and I really couldn't be happier, especially at the price.
That being said, my next Weatherby (and rifle for that matter) will be a Mark V in 300Wby. But, I'm going to have to save a while for that.
So, my recommendation is to get a Mark V if you have the cash on hand, but if it would stretch you, or you'd have to wait, buy the Vanguard.

I have the Vanguard sporter in 257 and the accuracy is great. The factory target was just over one inch. It will shoot about everything sub moa. I even hit one load with a 115 BT that is sub .5 moa. I believe the trigger issue has been fixed for the most part. I have bought 2 Vanguards in the last 3 months and triggers are very good out of the box, I also have a Mark V deluxe in 300 and it is the finest rifle I own. It is a .5 MOA rifle with a trigger that is out of this world!

terminator, Velocity out of the 24" barrel is excellent. Layne Simpson done a article in Shooting Times and shot both the Mark V and the Vanguard, velocity was within 50 to 70 fps in most loads and a couple were actually faster out of the Vanguard. So don't worry you will not lose 200 fps with a 24" barrel. In most test 30 fps per inch was about the average in most guns. I have the Stainless Sub MOA and all loads have been under MOA so far with the 100gr TSX.  However, I have not chronographed yet. I have a friend with a regular Vanguard and he is getting 3,500fps out of a 110 Accubond, not bad! I would recommend a Timney trigger and you will love it, mine is set at 1.5# and no creep. Good Luck.

Thanks everyone for all the information.I guess I am leaning toward the Vanguard and seems like it is doing a great job.I was worried about not getting every thing out of the .257 round with the shorter barrel but dont have the bucks for the Mark V right now.Anymore comments, keep them coming as I will not be getting anything for a week or so.

I bought a .257 Weatherby Magnum SS laminate Vanguard a couple of months back and couldn't be happier.  I just took my first deer with it this past Sunday.  As for the performance difference there might not be one.  I always post a link to this article when the .257 subject comes up it is very insightful:
http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammunition/ST257weatherbymagnum_031706/

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks Daniel.What did you get and what bullet and ammo were you using.

Sorry it took so long to reply.

The deer was a nice 3x3 buck that produced about 90 lbs of cut up meat.  Not too shabby for the Central Sierras were I hunt.

I was using factory loaded Weatherby 100gr. Barnes TSX  ammunition.

Thanks for all the info.I bought the vanguard in .257 weatherby.I love it.Using factory weatherby 100 grain spire point I shot 3 in high at 100 yds with a 1 in group.This shot 4 in high at 200,2.5 in high at 300, and 8 in low at 400.Pretty much what other articles had said except for the 400 yd which had been reported as -4.May have been me the shooter though as this was first time I have ever shot that far.Just wanted to give a report back.

Daniel, I'm glad you are enjoying good shooting success with your Vanguard .257wby.  Great rifle!  I have the Sporter model and enjoy it.  Just wanted to tell you that if there is a difference in velocity due to the 24" barrel, it's negligible in the hunt.  Handloading can improve things a bit, too.  Here is some rough field data from my shooting today:

112yds +2.70"
425yds -5" 

Load:
Sierra GameKing 100gr btsp
Re22 71gr
CCI250
OAL 3.331

In the past week for pre-season tuneup it shot a .50"@112yds, 2.343"@350yds, 3.25"@425yds.  You've got a great rifle in a great round.  Good luck on future hunts!

Daniel, Congratulations on your new .257 Weatherby.  I know you will not be disappointed.  After you have had a chance to use it for awhile let us know what you think.

Ed Weatherby

Thank you Ed!!!!

My Laminate Vanguard is a real beauty and quite the shooter...I have shot steel rams out to 550yds. with it and it is delight due to the light recoil.

I liked my Vanguards so much I went and bought a Mark V.  I got a really good deal on a Mark V Synthetic in .340 Weatherby Magnum with a Burris 3-9x on it.  I am sure it will live up to the expectations I have for all of your fine products.

Phil,
  Do you know what weight your 257 is? I want to lighten mine, 257 Vanguard deluxe.My guns factory target was 3/4, I shot a 3/8 " at 100 with Barnes 115 tsx at 3000 fps.