6.5CM, 280 AI, and what else

[Boreal]

As a recent Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Life Member, I get to choose a Weatherby Vanguard, which is a fun thing. I've got a 6.5 CM and 280 AI already, and am looking at the Vanguard options to add to that lineup. Basically, I'm considering whether I want to pick up a fast 30 (300 WIN or 300 WBY), or go with the smaller bore (257 WBY), or go real wild and choose the 6.5-300 WBY. I reload, so will plan on picking up the appropriate dies, etc. so factory ammo isn't really an issue.

What does the hive-mind say?

 

[HaydenLane]

I’d get something light and fast for varmints and predators. Unless you plan on doing guided hunts and have to keep caliber restrictions in mind, I don’t see a need for big 30s. Your 280 ai will do pretty much anything you ask it to. Of course, this is just personal preference.

The hive mind will say you’re either an anti-gun liberal or ignorant.

Maybe this is just incredible bait? Either way, enjoy your new rifle.

 

[elkguide]

.300 WM fanboy here.
Handloaders dream. lightweight to the heavies.
Great all around choice.

 

[JakeSCH]

.300 WM fanboy here.
Handloaders dream. lightweight to the heavies.
Great all around choice.

+1

Drop down to a 124 HH at 3600 FPS or up to 215 Bergers (if they make more! lol). I know 280ai is plenty on elk, but I still feel more comfortable with my 300 WM.

 

[AZ_Hunter_2000]

You’re technically covered. But I’d go with the 6.5-300 just to be able to kill deer way way out there.

 

[Warrior27]

My vote would be a 30. You can’t go wrong with the Win mag!!

 

[Aviator]

300 Win Mag

 

[sndmn11]

300wby

 

[LightFoot]

Definitely the 300 wby or win....

26...
28...
Now 30...

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[z987k]

You're already covered with what you have so either go way bigger, like something in the 458 range. Or go way small and fast... 220 swift.

 

[.270]

.300 win just for the accessibility of loaded ammo or components to reload.
That being said, I chose the .300 wby for myself just to have something different. Cost of components go up with a wby. Not a lot of choices for brass in the wby cartridges. Peterson and Nosler make brass for the 300 wby buts its harder then hen's teeth to find.
The .257 wby could be fun to play with if it came with a fast twist for the new 130s but with the standard 1:10 twist your limited to the classics.
6.5-300 would just be a fun gun. Burn out that barrel and rechamber it in .300 wby.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Dang a vanguard??? I remember when they used to give you a Kimber mountain ascent with your lifetime membership.

I’d get a 300 win mag or a 30-06.

 

[sndmn11]

Dang a vanguard??? I remember when they used to give you a Kimber mountain ascent with your lifetime membership.

I’d get a 300 win mag or a 30-06.

At least he didn't ask us which yeti bowl color for the lifetime membership of his dog.

Throw a BC stock on that First Lite Vanguard and it's a lifetime rifle.

 

[BjornF16]

go for a .30 cal...say 300 Wby Mag

 

[Boreal]

At least he didn't ask us which yeti bowl color for the lifetime membership of his dog.

Throw a BC stock on that First Lite Vanguard and it's a lifetime rifle.

HA HA HA! If you've got a recommendation on the bowl color...

Like the idea of restocking the rifle, the Monte Carlo has never really fit me well.

 

[MThuntr]

+1

Drop down to a 124 HH at 3600 FPS or up to 215 Bergers (if they make more! lol). I know 280ai is plenty on elk, but I still feel more comfortable with my 300 WM.

101HH at +4200fps! Though not an elk round I bet it would make short work of any antelope or deer.

 

[JakeSCH]

101HH at +4200fps! Though not an elk round I bet it would make short work of any antelope or deer.

Depending on impact velocity, i bet it would still do a number on an elk. Sooo much speed.

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

The 240 Weatherby covers some territory the others don't.

 

[sndmn11]

HA HA HA! If you've got a recommendation on the bowl color...

Like the idea of restocking the rifle, the Monte Carlo has never really fit me well.

I have red, blue, and the turquoise. Red looks nice.

 

[Boreal]

Ended up going with the 300 Win Mag for the reloading flexibility. Ordered a few sample packs of the Hammer Hunters in 152, 166, and 180 gr. I'll run a few ladders and see what I come up with for each of them in terms of speed nodes, check ballistics downrange and make a decision. Steve at HammerBullets really likes the 166 out of the 300 WM, so I'm pretty stoked to give that a try. Now I only hope I have the right powders.