I know what you mean. I bought one in 300 weatherby. I prefer the longer barrels for more stable off hand shooting ,plus the added bonus of more velocity. I will be putting a 27" barrel on my Vanguard and putting the Vanguard barrel on a 30/221.

If I liked the rifle and the round I sure wouldn't let the maximum potential of 50-70FPS stop me. The most acurrate load is often not at the maximum velocity anyway. I doubt a deer shot with a 115gr nosler would know the difference between 3615 and 3565FPS. (loadtech data)

Why in the world is Weatherby making the Vangard in a 257 with only a 24 inch barrel? It just seems to me that a 257 really needs the 26 inch barrel to shine. I would own one in a heartbeat if it had a 26 inch barrel, I really like the stainless one....

All things being equal, the shorter barrels tend to be more accurate than the longer barrels. I wouldn't let the few FPS scare you off.
I would be more worried about brass, as no one makes cheap 257 wby brass anymore. Maybe if we can get enough people buying these, Remington will start making them.

I purchased one of those "short" Weatherby Vanguards in Stainless Steel. You couldnt pry it from my hands I love that rifle so much. I have worked up two different loads with it using 100 gr TSX and 115gr TSX and RL-22, Fed 215 M match primers. Been raining so cant chronograph it, but what I hear from gun people who understand this cartridge, is you usually really only loose 20 to 30 fps per inch of barrel. Both of these loads easily shoot under 1 inch at 100 yards. I believe Howa makes a good rifle, and the 257 wby is doing well.

I know many say a shorter barrel can/is more accurate than a longer barrel but that isn’t my experience. I have tried more than a few different calibers, such as the .257 & .300 Weatherby Magnums along with other calibers, and in all cases the longer 26“ barrels were more accurate, gave higher velocities and were easier to shoot off handed. Oh and one other thing, the longer barrels had less muzzle blast. Lawdog

I too like the longer barrels, they have always seemed to be more accurate for me but my experience is limited. If I want a short-barrel rig, it would be something in an ultra-light rifle for stalking.

If you are still wondering about the short barreled Vanguard, mine is all over 3600 fps with 100 gr TSX, and groups 1/2 inch. Take a look at Ramshot Magnum powder, mine likes it alot, in addition to RL-22.

Thought I would give you some real world info instead of "what I think" info.

[QUOTE] I believe Howa makes a good rifleQUOTE]
HOWA rifles are Weatherby Vanguards.....my vanguard stock even has Howa stamped on the inside.

quote:

Originally posted by Taupo Hunter:
HOWA rifles are Weatherby Vanguards.....

I think you meant the other way around?