The .257 Weatherby is a factory caliber with a reputation for fairly short barrel life. It can make 3600 fps with 100 grain bullets and almost 3400 fps with 117 gr. bullets. Brass is relatively expensive if you wish to handload. And so is factory ammunition. Great long range caliber for deer and caribou. With certain bullets and in the hands of a good shot, it is an adequate elk rifle.

The .257 STW is a caliber that is only suitable for experienced handloaders. You make cases my necking down 7 STW brass, and you need to outside neck turn each case. It offers about 200 fps more speed than the Weatherby. Very loud bark. Barrel life is about 800 rounds tops with full throttle ammo. Trajectory for long range shooting is almost off the charts. Only premium bullets are recommended for this rocket. Standard bullets will often blow up on close and medium range impacts.