The 6.5 Swede is a perfect cross of the 257 and the 270. I've got both, and thus can't really justify buying the Swede. Your original question was about a cartridge for your wife and kids to hunt deer and pronhorn. The 257 will absolutely shine at this, with plenty of power, great bullet selection, and the ability to load down for lighter practice/varmint loads. The Ruger 77 is a classy looking gun for the money, and generally shoots great with a little fiddling.
222Rem
