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I've looked at the .257-300WSM and .257-300 SAUM, and while their performance is impressive most find them to still be a little overbore.
So, I've already started work on what I think will be the ideal high velocity short-action .25cal cartridge dubbed the .257 Baker. It's simply the new .300 Ruger Compact Magnum case necked to .25 caliber. Based on some simulations I have run using the RCBS Load software it should fall right between the .257 Weatherby Mag and the .257-300 WSM in terms of velocity.
The slightly smaller body diameter should help with longer barrel life compared to the 257-300WSM and .257-300SAUM wildcats, and it will be a true non-belted short-action cartridge that doesn't require CRF. Most importantly though, it should feed very well from existing WSM magazines with minor (if any) tweaking of the feed lips.
3400-3500fps with a 110gr bullet should be easily attainable, and the lighter 85 & 87gr bullets should come in at over 3800fps.
All I'm waiting on right now is .300 RCM brass and bushing dies to make up my dummy rounds to send to PT&G for a reamer. Steve Hornady supposedly has brass on the way to me, just waiting to hear back from RCBS about the bushing dies.
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