257 Weatherby or 264 Win Mag next rifle build

Double Dropper

Double Dropper

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Joined
Nov 2, 2015
Messages
372
Location
Beaver County, Alberta
Been back and forth on this one, I just finished a build on a 35 Whelen for mid range (super accurate 225 grain Accubonds @2800 fps) and last year a 300 Win Mag build for long range and elk/bears out there. Was looking to complement what I have on hand and was playing with a 25-06 and a 243 but found them lacking past 400-500 yards. Was looking towards a 257 bee with a twist to allow 130 grain bullets or a 264 Win Mag. Not interested in a wildcat, nor the flavor of the month 6.5 PRC or Weatherby version, a 140 @ 3000 is average and only matches what the old 6.5-06 does, not interested. A friend is shooting 140's out of his 264 @ 3300 with great success and I do like that. Cant help but think what the Weatherby would do with 130's @ maybe 3200+ fps? Thoughts?
 
Double Dropper said:
Been back and forth on this one, I just finished a build on a 35 Whelen for mid range (super accurate 225 grain Accubonds @2800 fps) and last year a 300 Win Mag build for long range and elk/bears out there. Was looking to complement what I have on hand and was playing with a 25-06 and a 243 but found them lacking past 400-500 yards. Was looking towards a 257 bee with a twist to allow 130 grain bullets or a 264 Win Mag. Not interested in a wildcat, nor the flavor of the month 6.5 PRC or Weatherby version, a 140 @ 3000 is average and only matches what the old 6.5-06 does, not interested. A friend is shooting 140's out of his 264 @ 3300 with great success and I do like that. Cant help but think what the Weatherby would do with 130's @ maybe 3200+ fps? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Got to say for me personally, 264 win mag all the way. Drive a 147gr bullet up to between 3180-3200fps with retumbo in a 26" buck the wind harder than a creedmoor or 6.5 prc That's the stuff dreams are made of. Long barrel life is for the fellow who only owns less than a mere 15 rifles.
 
Double Dropper said:
Did you have to get a custom barrel to run that bullet??
Click to expand...

Yes- depending on your cartridge you need a 7, 7.5 or 8 twist barrel-- I went with proof which is only offered in 7.5 but thats perfect for the 257wby.

.330 G7- and some reports from guys are that is conservative and .337 or higher is average.
 
I like the sound of the 257, but I'd be leery of building a custom rifle around 1 bullet. With the 264 you've got near endless choices of good, high bc hunting bullets.

I'd do a 264 with a 28" carbon barrel, throated for 156's, you can still use 147 eld or 140 Berger with it if you want. 8 twist is plenty unless you plan to hunt sea level.

IMHO, the 257 is best used as a hyper velocity laser with 100 grain bullets at 3700+, hold fur out to 400+.
 
.257 weatherby!!!! Even with it chambered towards the 131 gr blackjack bullet you'll beable to shoot everything else just as well. Call Dallas Lane @ Lane Precision Rifles....you will not be disappointed his work etc. Is nothing short of Amazing. He's doing a .257 wby exactly like that for me right now! My second build with him and 3rd shorty to come!
 
My 26" 1:7 twist 257wby is getting an easy 3345 with 131 blackjacks, 3610 w/100ttsx, and 3275 w/128 hammer. If I had more RL26 I'm sure I could add another 75-100fps.

Obviously 264 has way more bullet choices, but that Blackjack bullet is no joke in the BC department. I can't think of a better deer cartridge than the 257wby. Super flat with very little recoil. My braked wby recoils about the same as my unbraked 22-250 shooting 70gr bullets.
 

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