I inherited a .257 WBY Mag Mark 5. Has a place in my heart as it was my Grandfather's. Ammo is expenisve if you shoot a lot. I do not get to shoot it nearly as much as I like so the cost is not a deal breaker to me. Recoil is not rolling you over, which adds to accuracy and the speed of the bullet definetly gives you extended range. I would not hesitate to use this gun, with the right ammo, up to and including elk. May want to stick with the synthetic stock if you are going to be hunting in harsh climates. The barrel heats up very quickly when doing range work, keep an eye on that.

Get it and enjoy it. I would be surprised if you came back here saying that it was a mistake.