270 WSM or 257 WM?

[Flash]

I've been considering replacing my Remington 7mag for a while now in search of a bit lighter, less recoiling rifle. I've been considering a Weatherby 257 Vanguard. It sounds like it's made for that occasional 400 yard shot. I've been really concerned about the $50+ boxes of ammo though and I don't plan on ever becoming a reloader. My buddy has been trying to convince me to get a 270 WSM instead. He knocked a bull dead in his tracks at 390 with a 130 grain bullet yards and feels it has less recoil than my 7 mag. I just found a Winchester model 70 for a good price and am wondering if I should go with it. More ammo choices, cheaper ammo, more energy, but I think the bulet drop is more than the Weatherby. I shoot when I can, but I'm not known for my accuracy, so any help I can get with a flat bullet will definitly benefit me. I try to limit my range, but sometimes topography can make a shot at a big coues buck without the option. Anybody out there have any experinces with either cartidge or advise? Thanks.

[bobbyo]

Grim,

Unless it is on a real heavy frame I seriously doubt a 270 short mag will kick less than a 7 mag. I believe it is a trade off. You can have a magnum that is light that will kick hard. Or a magnum that is on the heavy side that will kick moderately.A muzzle break is always a possibility. I remember when the short mag first came out they were marketed as lighter kicking. This may be true to the physics professor.Trouble is they are also marketed as a lighter rifle. The less weight in the gun means more foot pounds in the shoulder. All the short mags I have shot were on light frames (under 8#w scope) and felt recoil was significantly more than my heavy 7mag. I am no expert, just my experience.

Bob

ps Did I mention I did not get drawn for Elk.

[donniedent]

Have to agree there! Try the Hornaday 139 grain loads in your 7 mag and see if you don't change your mind. Of course I believe that one can never own too many guns. If you must choose, go with something a little more interesting like the 257.

 

Donnie

[fatfootdoc]

I bought a 300 wsm 2 years ago, bought a 257 weatherby mag last year and it instantly became my favorite caliber after my initial range session. Light kick, tack driver and I killed a coues at 470 yards last year and my buddy killed one with it at 400, all were instant kills, so was the antelope I killed in WY at 270. Sure it is expensive to shoot if you dont reload, but , you can always start!! I have the leupold b and c reticle 4-14 and the combo so far has been deadly, I would highly recommend it and you can get the vanguard relatively cheaply, just remember a 700 dollar rifle with a 100 dollar scope is a 100 dollar gun, make sure you can top whatever you buy with good optics!! good luck AG

[firstcoueswas80]

I love my 270wsm. it will produce tiny wholes and has knocked coues, jack rabbits, and coyotes dead in their tracks. mine has snappy recoil, but weighs about 9 or 10+ lbs so its not bad.

[Guest Ernesto C]

Ballistics on both are almost identicall. If you are planning to use it for elk only then I will suggest to go for the 270WSM becuase a heavier bullet. If you want to use it for deer only then I'll go for the 257 Wby Mag. It drops only 7 inches at 400 yards when sighted in at 300.It is a flat long range gun

 

Good luck and let us know what you get.

[DesertBull]

I've shot both quite a bit. IMO, the 7mag kicks harder but not much. Ballistically, they are both about the same, but you can go up to 175 grains in factory ammo with the 7mag.

 

The Weatherby is made for handloaders. At $25 a box, you'll shoot the 270 more, which is always good.

[Red Rabbit]

Save your 7RM brass as you can use it to easily make 257WBY brass.