Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles What Rifle/Cartridge for Deer and Antelope? Max lb's 8 257 roy 6.5?

thousands of people running 24 inch Vanguards, including me. Still faster than anything else on the block. My Vanguard goes 8+, though, with a 3.5x10 Leup in Talleys. I think it was 8 lbs. 2 oz when I weighed it. empty, no sling.

My 24" Vanguard does fine the Wby factory ammo it is 75fps slower than advertised in a 26". I'm not a change the stock guy on synthetic. I don't have an issue with "tupperware" factory stocks on the 2 Vanguard synthetics I own. I did replace one with a B&C Medalist but gained zero accuracy, the green stock does look cool!

As far as getting the Mark V ultalight for the same money, gun genie tells me at my local shop the Back Country is $940 and the ultra is $1578, $638 is a chunk of change. I didn't pay near that for my 257 Vanguard sporter.

+1 for the .260, just bought another off the 'Fire a week ago. Also have the .25-06 and like it as well.

Cntrmass: There is a really beautiful Weatherby Vanguard stainless steel Rifle in 257 Weatherby caliber that has just come up for sale here in SW Montana.
Its at the Bitterroot Trading Post in Dillon, Montana.
Its a used but like new Rifle with quality rings and bases on it.
I have been debating whether to buy it for myself or not.
I think they are asking $400.00 for it.
I could check again on that price for you tomorrow.
The bolt face on this 257 Weatherby appears to be unfired!
There is NOT even a hint of brass recoil marks on it!
The phone number for the BTP is 406-683-9844 and the E-mail address is: btpdillonqwestoffice.net
Ask for J.D. - he is the owner and be sure to mention my name "Dale" if you call to inquire about the 257 Weatherby.
Anyway my favorite Antelope/Mule Deer Rifle is a bit heavier than your intended "8 pounder" but I feel its extra 2 pounds and 6 ounces above that 8 pound criteria mark of yours is poundage that can be a definite asset!
I have a Remington 700 Sendero in caliber 270 Winchester. This Rifle has a Leupold 8.5x25 variable scope on it and its exceptionally accurate!
This Rifle weighs 10 pound 6 ounces.
I have taken Antelope out past 425 yards with this rig (Leica lasered) and Mule Deer at just past 400 yards - these are actually "chip shots" for this Rifle and my Leica Laser Rangefinder!
The heavier mass of my Rifle REALLY helps maintain an absolutely still sight picture out there under field conditions!
There are 8 pound Rifles that shoot as well off of a bench rest as my 270 Sendero but there are VERY FEW 8 pound Big Game Rifles that shoot as well out in the field at game as my Sendero!
One of my "back-up" Antelope/Mule Deer is a Remington 700 VLS in caliber 260 Remington. This Rifle has a Leupold 6.5x20 variable scope on it. This Rifle has also taken game out past 400 yards. The Rifle alone weighs 9 pounds 6 ounces and the scope weighs 17 ounces thus with rings and bases this is about and 11 pound Rifle.
I took my 15 1/2" Antelope this fall using this Rifle and I knew it was going to be a one shot kill as the range was only 329 yards!
I don't mind trudging around with these somewhat heavier than the norm Big Game Rifles.
And I sure appreciate their mass when it comes time to take up on the trigger!
Best of luck with whichever Rifle you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

Guys: I checked on the Weatherby SS Vanguard in 257 Weatherby Magnum at my local pawn/sport shop and the "asking" price is $480.00 not the $400.00 like I originally posted.
The "8" in $480.00 did LOOK like a "0" but alas it wasn't.
The bases and rings are Leupold though.
The sales tag lists a "MSRP" of $702.00 so I am sure any buyer of this like new rig would be realizing a $120.00+ savings at least.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

25-06 is the easy choice.

257 Roy is the Loony Choice.

I get-er-done with the lowly 308 and 125 grain b-tips . . . . .

BMT

I like my Savage 116 in 270. If you want something faster you might look into a mdl. 16 in 270 WSM---fairly light and deadly accurate.

http://www.savagearms.com/16fss.htm

270

I guess I'll be the third to say "Buy a T3 Stainless Lite in 25-06" Can't really think of a better flatland Muley and Goat gun.

I've used a semi-custom Model 7 in 260 for that situation for years, and I have no complaints. But if you're not a handloader, go 25-06...

My suggestion:

M700 SPS in 25-06.

Replace the factory shroud and pin with a Callahan ($40), put Talleys on it ($40), Leupie VX II 3-9x40 ($250), adjust the trigger ($0 or $40), sand pressure point out, bed the stock. I also had my action and barrel squared and lugs lapped.

Mine weighs 7.5 lbs as set-up this way and shoots into an inch.