300 WSM vs 300 Win mag

[farmin4u_98948]

For back country hunting I know the wsm with shorter action and shorter barrel is gonna be a bit lighter. In reality  are the ballistics any different between  the 300 wsm vs 300 wm I’m shooting a 270 wsm now at 140 But need to shoot 160 or a bit heavier .  And.... I want to get myself a birthday present.  From me for me. .  .

[kentrek]

Not really, you might get an extra 30 yards of max distance with the win mag depending on your load.....if thats impirtant go with the win mag

[Biggerhammer]

The .300 WSM is no .300 Win Mag. I shoot both, a guy can't go wrong with a lighter, handier .300 WSM. Plenty of horse power. I prefer more speed with the .300 WSM, so I opted for the Nosler 165gr Accubond.

The .300 Win Mag shines with the heavies.

This is a 150gr Accubond, shot from a .300 WSM. Recovered from a Mule deer shot just shy of 400 yards. It was just under the hide on the off side. It was a Bang! Flop!

[bullfisher]

My savage 300wsm is about 50fps faster then my browning 300wm. But its two completely different barrels. Either way you will need a brake!

[The scout]

Also you will see no difference in performance with factory ammo. Both kill stuff

[BULLBLASTER]

There’s no doubts the win will be faster with the heavier bullets.
Don’t get too caught up in the weight savings of the short action, it’s a couple ounces and maybe a couple more ounces in the shorter barrel. I’ve never been hiking up a mtn and thinking “dang I wish my rifle was a short action” Remington lists a 3 inch oal difference and 1/4 lb difference between 300 wsm and win mag sps.
But yes both will kill very well and make a 30 cal hole

[Hot Lunch]

The main advantages of the short mag are shorter bolt pull and non belted cartridges. You lose a few fps with the WSM and like said above the 215 bullets shine out of a WM.

[BULLBLASTER]

I’ve never understood the issue people have with the belted cases. I’ve never had any kind of problem with loading for or shooting any belted cases.

[Buzz2401]

Really comes down to what you want out of your rifle. I own a 300wsm that is used mainly for hunting. I hike miles everyday and don't like using slings so the extra weight is noticeable by the end of the day.  If you like shooting really heavy bullets say 200gr plus and don't like putting up with heavy recoil and don't mind a heavier rifle then get a 300wm would be better suited for you.  There isn't really enough of a difference ballistically to say one is better then the other.

[Bob33]

I shoot both and have a slight preference for the WSM. I rarely shoot anything larger than 165 grains.

[Bofire]

  the WSM is just too short and fat, the WM is much more svelt and the belt gives it an added high light.  also my 300wm was born in 1962 and I see no reason to change, she has been around and kills everything.
Carl

[carpsniperg2]

Under 180 grain bullets, I would go wsm.
Over the 180 I would go a longer pipe and winny

[jasnt]

I’ve never understood the issue people have with the belted cases. I’ve never had any kind of problem with loading for or shooting any belted cases.

same here!

[Timberstalker]

Under 180 grain bullets, I would go wsm.
Over the 180 I would go a longer pipe and winny

Bingo.

[farmin4u_98948]

Thanks for the input HW. Love the different perspectives