Wetherby Vanguard S2 .257

[Xiph0id]

So as per my previous post with me asking about the hunters using the .257 caliber, I am now curious about this rifle.

I was in a store yesterday and absolutely loved the feel of the synthetic/stainless Vanguard S2 with a 24" barrel.

My only 2 issues might be that this rifle only comes with a drop plate and I've read that the .257 is best used with a 26" barrel.

I know you can get a clip kit but not in .257
Is the 24 barrel a concern or is it fine?

Should I just get the 270 win and solve all my problems?

[roger]

in my tests, the 26" will net you an approx extra 50fps per inch.
if you adhere to the 'all hail velocity' rule every inch is better.
im not a real fan of removeable magazines especially for hunting but its a attractive option for sure.
its it a range certified version?

[Xiph0id]

Originally Posted by roger

in my tests, the 26" will net you an approx extra 50fps per inch.
if you adhere to the 'all hail velocity' rule every inch is better.
im not a real fan of removeable magazines especially for hunting but its a attractive option for sure.
its it a range certified version?

Please explain your opinion about removable magazines.

[roger]

mainly its the risk of losing the removeable part, thats why they sell replacement ones.
things go missing, get lost, and invariably find the deepest darkest corner to hide in under the truck seat or back pack etc. it always seems to be this when you need them most. some here may not agree but a succesful hunting rig usually follows the KISS principle, the less moving/detachable parts the better.
example, for the same investment a bipod would return higher divedends
they do add weight to gun but if its not a sheep gun it doesnt matter.
but, they are the best for truck hunting, slide to a stop...slam in a clip and your tossing rounds downrange as soon as you clear the door.

rimfires are a different story of course, but even then, they tend to migrate from each other.

[Xiph0id]

Originally Posted by roger

mainly its the risk of losing the removeable part, thats why they sell replacement ones.
things go missing, get lost, and invariably find the deepest darkest corner to hide in under the truck seat or back pack etc. it always seems to be this when you need them most. some here may not agree but a succesful hunting rig usually follows the KISS principle, the less moving/detachable parts the better.
example, for the same investment a bipod would return higher divedends
they do add weight to gun but if its not a sheep gun it doesnt matter.
but, they are the best for truck hunting, slide to a stop...slam in a clip and your tossing rounds downrange as soon as you clear the door.

rimfires are a different story of course, but even then, they tend to migrate from each other.

From experience hunting I hate having to cycle the rounds through my lever action rifle. I suppose a bottom plate would still be more efficient than a lever but same in the loading.

I mostly hunt from blinds but from time to time to do road hunt.

I've never used a bipod, so I can comment on its usefulness.

[fordtruckin]

[QUOTE=roger;2621922]in my tests, the 26" will net you an approx extra 50fps per inch.
if you adhere to the 'all hail velocity' rule every inch is better.
im not a real fan of removeable magazines especially for hunting but its a attractive option for sure.
its it a range certified version?[/QUOTE]

Pretty sure all the new Vanguards are guaranteed 1 MOA 3 shot groups. Not sure why you'd spend the extra coin to get a Range Certified one except for a different stock and a cool engraved floor plate....

I also second the floor plate over the mag. I mean how many times do we see on AO a thread from someone who is looking to buy a mag for their Sako or Tikka that they lost, OR someone who was out hunting and found a mag laying on the ground...

[silver lab]

My s2 with a 24" barrel and 115 bt are at 3350fps. Those are hand loads, if I had to buy ammo for a 257 wby I would sell it. If you can wait for the after hunting season sales you will be way ahead.

[bulletman]

s2 Vanguard's are on sale @ Wholesale Sports this week, 75.00 off!
I have the stainless version. Limited use so far, wish it had a 26 inch barrel, otherwise it gets a passing mark from me. Hope to give it a better work-out next year!

[leo]

Other than the mushy trigger I liked the gun. The one I had was a real shooter, it would dump 100 TXS bullets into just under a 1/2" with a full dose of IMR 4831

[bobinthesky]

You could do much worse than a Vanguard in 257 (I had one) if the trigger bothers you, buy an after market one and don't sweat the 24 inch barrel.

[saskpikeman]

we chronographed the 80 grain factory barnes ttsx loads at over 3900 fps, you probably dont need the 26" pipe. this was out of a S2 vanguard stainless.

[tacomama]

Heard great stuff about the Weatherbys, picked up an S2 in 270 Win at WSS on sale a couple days ago. My .02, stick with the 270 if thats what you are leaning towards, cheaper more available ammo, well maybe not at the moment LOL, only CTC on Macleod had decent 270 ammo left last night....

[score]

I have a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in .257 and really like the rifle. Great for the price IMO. I like the 2 stage trigger and mine can be set quite light. The 24" barrel is just fine. If you reload, the sky is the limit but there is a good selection of ammo available for the .257WM and contrary to popular opinion, can be had for the same cost as other premium ammo. It probably won't be found at every ole country store however.
Good bullets are available for any big game you want to pursue with it. Nice to shoot.

[Xiph0id]

Originally Posted by saskpikeman

we chronographed the 80 grain factory barnes ttsx loads at over 3900 fps, you probably dont need the 26" pipe. this was out of a S2 vanguard stainless.

Damn, that's fast.
My 45/70 is about 1900!

[rembo]

Check the velocity of the factory loads in both rifles in this article.

Now handloads may push the 26" tube faster but the factory loads give up nothing in 24"

http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/am...magnum_031706/

[Xiph0id]

Originally Posted by rembo

Check the velocity of the factory loads in both rifles in this article.

Now handloads may push the 26" tube faster but the factory loads give up nothing in 24"

http://www.shootingtimes.com/ammo/am...magnum_031706/

That was a very good read.
Thanks for the link.