I built my .257 AI 30+ years ago. I bought a Mark X barreled action in .25-06 and had a smith cut and re-chamber it to .257 AI. I then put into Fajen walnut that I finished and checkered. It's been one of my favorite rifles.
About 4 years ago, I bought a .300 Weatherby Vanguard and I re-stocked in AA Fancy Feather Crotch Claro Walnut from Richards. The first stock that they sent me looked several grades below the AA Fancy ones pictured in their advertisements.
I sent that one back and the second one that they sent me was more of what I wanted.
I pillar and glass bedded the action, glassed the barrel channel, floated the barrel, installed a mechanical recoil reducer in the stock, fitted a Limbsaver pad, and checkered the stock with my favorite multi-panel pattern. I think I put around 100 hours into that project.
Good luck with your project.