I have a 257 STW with an almost 26" barrel. I have had 100 grain bullets over the eyes of my Oehler at over 4000 fps. The best I've ever gotten with a Weatherby is around 3700 FPS. Both of the numbers are at well over maximum in both rifles, but no blown primers, just enlarged primer pockets with 2-3 loadings. I would pick the STW over the Weatherby in a flash. No free-bore, what a word to contend with, it means there is nothing in that area of the chamber. The bullet clears the case before it contacts the rifling, and I might add its probably crooked. One could safely say that is just the opposite of how a chamber is cut in a bench rest rifle, where there is no free-bore at all, most bullets are at or within .010 off the lands. The cases are much cheaper for the STW, and you will have a true 25 caliber laser rifle in your hands.
Dan
