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Hunt whitetails mostly in the woods but want a 257Wby?

You already know you really like the mtn rifle stock, settles that.

I'd go 6.5CM, 23" fluted #3, McM mtn rifle Edge fill, Timney trigger. You'll be well under 8lbs scoped.

M700 is fine...just depends on how much cash you are going to dump into it. There comes a point where you're better off with a custom action. Seems like all the smiths want you to recut the whole action. $$$

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!

If you happen to want a 7mm-08 Kimber, let me know. Local store has one (2015 model w/o threaded barrel) on clearance for $1000. I'm sure they would transfer to a store in your area. Shoot me a PM for details.

I'm also thinking HARD about a straight 270 win. If the new numbers RL-16 is putting up are true, it's tough to pass. A 130 Berger with .496 BC moving at 3200 FPS is nothing to balk at.

http://www.smithscustomguns.com/index.htm

I pretty much detest all things Weatherby.
...long story.
Factory rifle.
Worthless..
But I will give the 257 its due as a good deer killer.
Run monos instead of that exploding Berger crap.
dave

Laughing.. Dave cuts to the chase. Gotta love it!

Hi Bob,
I like my meat unleaded.
http://huntingwithnonlead.org/lead_in_meat.html

dave

We don't want to be seen as alarmist on this issue because no evidence currently exists that shows that any person has gotten actual lead poisoning from eating game meat.

David

I agree on lead free for meat huntibg. I'm not paranoid, but I have 2 girls under 3.

I'd personally go 3+ on the bbl contour based on a bad experience with a #2 and several well known Smith's advice to stick with 3+. Sure, smaller can work and does for many, it's just hard to shake a bad experience. You can easily make your weight goal with a 3 or even a 4. You'll hear bad "balance" claims, but that hasn't been my experience(I don't call rigs that balance at the front action screw "bad"). Anywho, I built a 257Wby that weighed 8 with the following components: Borden Timberline, Fluted Rock #4 at 25", Rem metal, McM Hunter in edge fill(26oz), TLWs, Swaro Z5 3-18x44. That's quite a bit more than your budget, just trying to show a 2 is not needed for 8lbs.

Just about to send parts to Lee for another 257wby and anticipate it being a bit over 8 due to optic choice and lack of fluting: Blueprinted PTG SS 700, PTG one piece bolt, .187 PTG lug, Rem metal, Rem trigger, Rock 4 at 25", BC Ak Ti, TLWs, HD5 3-15x42. You could go #3 and your Leupie choice to bring that below 8lb if needed. That build is well less than your budget.

I wouldn't worry about fancy triggers for "2.5-3lbs," the Rem triggers will do that with ease. I've never had one that wouldn't and I have a decent supply

I can see your wants for the cart, there's just something simple about 100s at 3700 for 400 and in point and shoot capability.

Good Luck with your new rig.

Thanks guys, some very helpful replies so far. Good to know a lot of smiths recommend at least #3 barrel, ill be asking all the same questions of my smith, but you all will have helped me be a little better informed and more confident going into the discussion.

As Butch mentioned just naming a particular barrel contour/taper has ambiguity. You should probably decide how big a barrel, then find a barrel that matches it.

A Bartlein #3 will be too heavy. A Bart #2B would probably work.

A Hart or Shilen #3 will probably be good. Rock Creek #3 would work.

A Lilja #2 would be good also. A Pac Nor #2 would be fine. A Pac Nor #1 might be good.

Otherwise, if I were you I would get an Edge fill McMillan. Keep the barrel shank to 1 inch in front of the receiver. Crown at 24 inches. ADL or BDL, both are fine. Use a Timney, Shilen, or Rem trigger, they will all get to 2.5 lbs with a good pull.

If I were you I would get a Lilja #2 barrel, your choice of receiver, McMillan Remington Classic Edge or Echols Shrike Edge, 1 inch red pad, grey paint, your choice of scope rings/mounts, and either a Leupold 6x36 LRD or a 3.5-10x40. With a 700 I think you'll be around 7.5 lbs scoped.

Also just looking around this morning. One of Ruger's No. 1 Distributor Exclusive this year is at Lipsey's. It's chambered in 257 Weatherby.

It has a 28 inch barrel, but that's fine on a No. 1 as you don't have the receiver to worry about.

If I wanted a 257 Weatherby that'd be a good place to start!

Instead of going the custom route I would buy a Winchester model 70 pre 64 in 264 mag and doll it up to what you want it, ballistic are close enough, some guy's wait years to get there custom rifles back from the gunsmith,and when you get tired of it you can't get your money back that you put into it, at least with the Winchester you can.

Not sure who your using,but im sure I wont be using, who your using..
Tim Smith of Warren PA. is a excellent gunsmith and he wont be waiting...

dave

Bought the first piece last night. New Rem 700 LA MAG, SS. Looking forward to seeing Tim again and talking barrel options.

See if he can talk you out of a 257, and into a 264.

About as good as a 257WBY build gets...if I ever get to do one this will be my guide.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...s/1619783/Lightweight_257_Weatherby_Mag_


Duplicate that which you need/fits your budget and omit what you don't.