Discuss the Weatherby Vanguard® Sporter SS

[admin]

For a strikingly different and distinctive combination of metal and wood, we proudly offer the Vanguard Sporter SS.

[waterboy452]

I am considering buying a new Vanguard Sporter SS chambered in .308 winchester caliber. I am also considering a Vanguard Deluxe in .30-06 caliber. I'm having a bit of trouble making up my mind as to which one I want the most. On average, would you think that the .308 win would be more accurate than the .30-06 in the Vanguards? From what I have read lately, that is the general consensus, that the .308 is the most accurate big game hunting round we have available. Also, the last Vanguard I "had" was a Sporter in .30-06, blued, and was a shooting machine! Really wish I had hung onto that rifle. All experiences and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Especially, to those of you who have shot and or own either or both of the aforementioned rifles and calibers. I do handload my own ammo, and have considered the .257 Wby mag, but it appears to be cost prohibitive even for a handloader because of the high brass prices. It sure would be nice if they were more in line with the standard magnum caliber brass prices. If they were, the .257 would be my first choice, no doubt about it. A good friend of mine once had a .257 MkV Fibermark, that I shot a one hole group with using his Partition handloads. I really like the .257, just very expensive to feed. Thanks. Howard.

[dubyam]

Even taking into account the differences in brass cost, the actual cost of handloading is only about $.12-.22 per round more for the Weatherby round than a standard round.  I just finished doing this comparison for a friend who was of the same mind as you, and it certainly changed his mind about getting a 300Wby versus a 300WinMag.  I suspect the 308 will be closer to the $.22 cheaper end of the spectrum, but then again, you can shoot lower cost projectiles (that aren't of sufficient construction to hold up at Weatherby velocities) so the issue is do you want a premium round that will really reach out there, using premium bullets and match grade brass, or do you want a run-of-the-mill round using el-cheapo brass and cheaper bullets, that probably won't give you the phenomenal accuracy you expect until you upgrade the loading components (and thus spend more money anyway)?  If you shot 25rds per trip to the range, and you went frequently (2-3 times a month) you'd still only have $120-180 annually in extra cost for the Weatherby, and that includes the cost of the brass (which apparently is just about the only cost, other than the cost of a few extra grains of powder per load).  Your decision, I just wanted you to know the truth before making a purchase.  I love the Norma brass I have for my 270Wby, and it shoots great.

[RRogers]

Just bought one of these yesterday in 300 weatherby. Target looks good at about .562". I am hoping I can best that with handloads.

[piove]

Waterboy,
I have a stainless sporter in .308win.  This is probably the most poular calibre there is where I am from.  I find it accurate, hard hitting enough for a range of game, relativley cheap to run and versatile.  It is a great choice.  Nothing wrong with the .30-06 either.
Both will do what you need