A 257 weatherby with a 26" barrel for hunting woods...seems like a poor choice.
I realize this wont be an ideal woods gun. I have plenty of rifles to suit my hunting needs in the thick hills. Im interested in the cartridge, and this wont be my only build.
Works for me.
I have a custom in 257 Wby very similar to what you're proposing. With a #3.1 @ 26" in a Bansner Sheep Hunter stock - and the same scope/rings you're pondering, it's a wee shy of 8lbs IIRC.
A #2 in a regular fill McMillan might get you close to your target weight but I'd not bet the farm on it. FWIW, the camo gel coat you mentioned is not an option with an Edge fill.
A #2 fits nicely in a MR stock but I can't say how a Rem Mag or #3 contour would work.
If doing mine over, I'd find a SS #3 or Rem Mag contour in whatever brand is readily available (#2B if Bartlein), bob @ 25", drop it in a Classic stock with Edge fill and go slay critters. On second thought, if doing my 257 Wby over, it'd probably be a 7mm mag.
Good luck with your project!
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/X0n16mr.png)
