Spotlighting a Modern Classic

Brian Pearce

The Vanguard Series 2 Synthetic chambered in 240 Weatherby Magnum is an excellent combination for hunting deer and antelope in open country.

In addition to checking accuracy with factory loads, Brian developed 240 Weatherby handloading data that improved accuracy and performance.

D uring the 1940s, Roy Weatherby developed several magnum cartridges that were based on the 375/300 H&H Magnum belted case but necked accordingly and blown out to increase powder capacity. Next, he began building rif les on Mauser Model 98, Winchester Model 70, Schultz and Larsen, Brevex Magnum, Mathieu (left-hand) and other actions, but in 1957, he ultimately designed his famous Mark V rif le that was large, strong and easily housed large cartridges up to the 460 Weatherby Magnum.

Success was sweet, but by comparison to other domestically manufactured rifles, Weatherby rifles were expensive, as well as factory-loaded, proprietary ammunition. This possibly limited potential sales and Roy recognized the need for a lower-priced rifle that would accept a standardized Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) cartridge, but was still a quality rifle. In the late 1960s he contracted with Howa Machinery (located in Japan) to manufacture a new bolt-action rifle that would be formally announced in 1970 as the Vanguard and carried a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of less than $200 – a price that was similar to the Winchester Model 70 and Remington 700. Now, more than a half century later, the Vanguard has proven reliable, accurate, versatile and it remains in high demand and is a hugely important part of Weatherby rifles.

The Vanguard Synthetic 240 Weatherby proved accurate with many factory loads and handloads, including the Nosler 100-grain Partition bullet pushed to 3,365 fps using Alliant Reloder 22 powder. The 240 Weatherby has a maximum overall cartridge length of 3.100 inches.

During the early 1960s and 1970s, Weatherby Mark V rifles could be readily recognized even from a distance. Even the most basic models featured walnut stocks (often beautifully figured) with pronounced Monte Carlo stock, rosewood forend and pistol grip cap, a white diamond on the bottom of the pistol grip, white-line spacers, cut checkering and high-gloss finish, while the barrel and action had no sights (unless special ordered) and a high-polish blue finish. Roy had created a new fashion in rifle appearance (with several competing manufacturers more or less copying his rifle’s styling) and the Vanguard shared many of the same cosmetics as the Mark V. Sales were strong and the Vanguard was quickly recognized as a great rifle that could readily compete with more traditional U.S. bolt-action hunting rifles.