7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag for elk

[N7XW]

Thinking of getting either one of these for elk hunting.  I know they have been compared to death over the years 

Leaning toward the 300 due to larger diameter bullets.  Any suggestions or advice one way or the other?  Will be shooting factory ammo but will eventually handload.  Thanks 

[Woodchuck]

Both will kill elk graveyard dead, I've seen 'em do it. Don't think any of the elk knew the difference. See if you can find someone to let you take one of each for a test shoot and choose the one that feels best to you and buy with confidence. 

[Blacktail Sniper]

I have used both over the years, lots of good factory loads with premium bullets to choose from these days, so finding one that shoots shouldn't be a problem.

Recoil can be an issuse depening on the individual rifle, but all things equal, the .300 may be a little more stout.

Both will do the job if the shooter does his part and ammo is pretty easy to come by just about anywhere.

That being said, I tend to like the .30 caliber a little more than the 7mm, but would not feel handicapped with either.

[bobcat]

It really makes no difference. Both will be good, and plenty of factory ammo is available for both. Slightly heavier bullets for the 300, slightly less recoil for the 7mm. You might also consider a cartridge that doesn't have a belt- the 300 Winchester Short Mag. (WSM)

[N7XW]

What's the downside to a belted magnum?  Or disadvantages vs. a short magnum?

[jackelope]

What's the downside to a belted magnum?  Or disadvantages vs. a short magnum?

I think I've heard the only difference comes from a reloading standpoint. Someone will say for sure.
I can say that the size of the hole the bullets will make is a non-factor. I killed my goat this year with my .300, the entry hole was a solid inch across. The difference between a .280 and a .308 caliber bullet is non-existent.

[N7XW]

I can say that the size of the hole the bullets will make is a non-factor. I killed my goat this year with my .300, the entry hole was a solid inch across. The difference between a .280 and a .308 caliber bullet is non-existent.

Good point.  Thanks.

[Woodchuck]

I can say that the size of the hole the bullets will make is a non-factor. I killed my goat this year with my .300, the entry hole was a solid inch across. The difference between a .280 and a .308 caliber bullet is non-existent.

Good point.  Thanks.

But the neighbor guy that owned that goat was NOT impressed. 
 

[kselkhunter]

Up to 175gr bullets there isn't a huge difference between the two calibers.  But, 300WM is definitely better for going to heavier bullets, 180gr and above. 

Both will kill elk just fine.

[N7XW]

I can say that the size of the hole the bullets will make is a non-factor. I killed my goat this year with my .300, the entry hole was a solid inch across. The difference between a .280 and a .308 caliber bullet is non-existent.

Good point.  Thanks.

But the neighbor guy that owned that goat was NOT impressed. 
 

I almost spit water all over my keyboard 

[bullfisher]

I grab the 7 over the 300 every time.

[Dan-o]

 

[jasnt]

I'd go with the 300 if not hand loading yet. I do hand load and still chose the 300

[trophyhunt]

.300 win mag all day. Had a friend use his 7mm on a big bull in the water shed, hit it in the front shoulder, flipped it over, and we never found it. One of the guards saw it cross the road with a slight limp, it went up hill and didn’t die.  My .300 would have dropped that sucker. I know, if you shoot it in the lungs it’s dead, but I’ll stick with my .300 just Incase.

[Biggerhammer]

The 7mm Magnum with a 160gr Accubond is a wicked combo for Elk but it's no .300 Win Mag.