RE: .257 Weatherby Magnum
If you are getting a .257 wby, you need at least a 26" barrel. 28" would be better. Anything shorter than 26", and there will be little to no difference in performance from a .25-06.
You also can't just walk into any store and buy .257 wby. The .25-06 is a lot more common, so most stores that carry ammo will carry .25-06.