Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: muzzleman on November 25, 2014, 07:31:28 PM

Title: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 25, 2014, 07:31:28 PM: I am trying to decide if I want a the WSM or the Win Mag? Does it really make a difference, and are both shells equally available? I don't want my next rifle to stop me from hunting anything in North America. I was initially thinking 7mm vs 300. I decided on the 300 now I see they have 300WSM, 300 weatherby mag and 300 win mag. So many options
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Bob33 on November 25, 2014, 07:33:57 PM: Unless you are shooting very heavy and long bullets, they are almost ballistically identical. I prefer the WSM because of the shorter action and slightly reduced recoil. Ammunition is ready available for both, although the Win Mag is probably more popular.

You can't go wrong with either as a great all-around cartridge.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: wannabhntr on November 25, 2014, 07:48:47 PM: I have the exact same dilemma. I think I have narrowed down to a savage long range hunter or Remington sendero. Sendero isn't available in 300 wsm but the long range hunter is. Decisions decisions.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: barracuda163 on November 25, 2014, 08:02:51 PM: Second that on the recoil. My Tikka wsm has minimal recoil and ammo has actually came down in price. Both are comparable in price, but all copper ammo is less than traditional lead. I'm happy with my Tikka ss t3 .300 wsm
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 25, 2014, 08:16:35 PM: I'm going with the Tikka T3 or the Sako A7. I want a drop magazine I'm getting lazy in my old age.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: trophyhunt on November 25, 2014, 08:31:27 PM: I have the 300win mag, a good friend has the 300wsm. Like already said, almost the same ballistics but the wsm is a bit smaller and lighter, easier to carry around. If I could trade my 300 win for a 300 wsm, it would be a tough decision but might have to do it.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Emptyhanded on November 25, 2014, 08:36:18 PM: I have no complaints on my tikka 300 wsm. It's been a great gun!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 25, 2014, 08:49:01 PM: Both great calibers to have. I have both, prefer the WSM just because it costs less to reload and has a shorter action.

Can't go wrong with either one of them. Unless you're Yorke_Transport who'd probably recommend a .30-378 as a minimum :chuckle:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Alchase on November 25, 2014, 08:54:00 PM: I love my 300 win mag, I also could see an advantage to the shorter 300wsm.
Now my .243 wssm takes short to a whole new level. Those stubby little power pills are ablast to shoot, but can be difficult to load or unload from the top.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Magnum_Willys on November 25, 2014, 09:04:12 PM: For elk, bear, moose .325wsm.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 25, 2014, 09:10:13 PM: We would expect that from "Magnum Willys" :chuckle:

.300 is more than enough for our big game here in Washington
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 25, 2014, 09:15:46 PM: I have a Tikka 300 WSM, T/C Encore 300 Win Mag and a Remington 300 RUM.They all kick like mules, period. Don't let anybody fool you.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: bobcat on November 25, 2014, 09:19:24 PM: It really just depends on if you want a short action (300 wsm) or a long action (300 win mag).

The short action will be slightly lighter. The 300 Win Mag will give slightly higher velocity.

You could also consider the 30/06 as it's just barely behind the 300 WSM in velocity, and will do just as well on game until you get out beyond 400 yard shots.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Jonathan_S on November 25, 2014, 09:20:01 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on November 25, 2014, 09:15:46 PM
I have a Tikka 300 WSM, T/C Encore 300 Win Mag and a Remington 300 RUM.They all kick like mules, period. Don't let anybody fool you.

Never shot the RUM but I agree with you on the other two, they get pretty jumpy :chuckle:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Huntboy on November 25, 2014, 09:38:23 PM: Had the same thoughts a couple of weeks ago. Went with a Sako A7 in 300 win mag.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 25, 2014, 09:41:37 PM: I currently have a 30-06 top load with no drop. I am so tired of loading and unloading every time I get out of my truck. I love the idea that i can have a magazine load. I want to be able to feel comfortable with a long shot 400yds or more knowing i can knock my animal down. I love all the input. It is sounding like I can't go wrong either way.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 25, 2014, 09:44:03 PM: Quote from: Huntboy on November 25, 2014, 09:38:23 PM
Had the same thoughts a couple of weeks ago. Went with a Sako A7 in 300 win mag.
Thats what Im talking about Huntboy. What kind of scope did you go with? That will be my next step.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Huntboy on November 25, 2014, 09:51:13 PM: I had a Nikon Monarch 5-20x44, that I wasn't using. Not sure that it will stay that way though.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: lokidog on November 25, 2014, 09:59:37 PM: Quote from: Jonathan_S on November 25, 2014, 09:10:13 PM
We would expect that from "Magnum Willys" :chuckle:

.300 is more than enough for our big game here in Washington

I used my guides .300 wsm for my moose, ranged at 310 yards... he tasted good! :tup: If I was in the market, that is what I would go for. I didn't like shooting my dad's .300 win mag, though it was just at targets. :chuckle:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: idahohuntr on November 25, 2014, 10:08:29 PM: Can't go wrong with those calibers imo...i'm partial to the short mags though...similar performance in a more compact gun.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: zike on November 25, 2014, 10:09:05 PM: Quote from: CAMPMEAT on November 25, 2014, 09:15:46 PM
I have a Tikka 300 WSM, T/C Encore 300 Win Mag and a Remington 300 RUM.They all kick like mules, period. Don't let anybody fool you.
I've got the 300WM and even with 200gr bullets in my BAR its not bad. Now my 340 Weatherby is like being kicked by an Clysdale.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 25, 2014, 10:11:17 PM: Quote from: lokidog on November 25, 2014, 09:59:37 PM
Quote from: Jonathan_S on November 25, 2014, 09:10:13 PM
We would expect that from "Magnum Willys" :chuckle:

.300 is more than enough for our big game here in Washington

I used my guides .300 wsm for my moose, ranged at 310 yards... he tasted good! :tup: If I was in the market, that is what I would go for. I didn't like shooting my dad's .300 win mag, though it was just at targets. :chuckle:
:tup:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 26, 2014, 06:02:26 AM: Quote from: muzzleman on November 25, 2014, 09:44:03 PM
Quote from: Huntboy on November 25, 2014, 09:38:23 PM
Had the same thoughts a couple of weeks ago. Went with a Sako A7 in 300 win mag.
Thats what Im talking about Huntboy. What kind of scope did you go with? That will be my next step.

:yeah: :tup:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: BULLBLASTER on November 26, 2014, 06:34:22 AM: I would go 300 win. I like long actions.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on November 26, 2014, 06:56:58 AM: I believe in the tikka they are all built on a long action they just have a stopes on the short action cals.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: ELKBURGER on November 26, 2014, 07:29:12 AM: Which one would Chris Kyle have picked?????
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Kittman on November 26, 2014, 08:06:54 AM: If you reload your own the WSM would be better choice. Brass for belted magnums cases tend to stretch a lot right forward of the case belt.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 26, 2014, 08:17:21 AM: A muzzlebrake will tame any of the above mentioned 300's down. I only have a brake on my 300 RUM. Another thing is, they are all synthetic stocks, which doesn't help with not hurting your shoulder.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: WoodlandShooter on November 26, 2014, 08:21:47 AM: Quote from: ELKBURGER on November 26, 2014, 07:29:12 AM
Which one would Chris Kyle have picked?????

the one that's easier to spell!!!

IMHO, the Tikka T3 in a left hand bolt is really looking good. in 30WSM...love the feel of cycling the bolt with my left hand and keeping sight picture and cheek weld with my right when shooting from the dirt...
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Damnimissed on November 26, 2014, 08:29:23 AM: I have the 300wm and the wife has the 300wsm. I now prefer the wsm. It's a more compact rifle with the same performance, and I use around 10 grains less powder with the short mag when reloading.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on November 26, 2014, 08:33:09 AM: Advantages of a short action.... WSM.
If you reload -atvantage win mag. Don't let anyone tell you that they are equal cartridges. All of the magnums kick hard.

-Steve
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: bobcat on November 26, 2014, 08:53:08 AM: Quote from: JackOfAllTrades on November 26, 2014, 08:33:09 AM
Advantages of a short action.... WSM.
If you reload -atvantage win mag. Don't let anyone tell you that they are equal cartridges. All of the magnums kick hard.

-Steve

:yeah:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Bob33 on November 26, 2014, 08:56:54 AM: I admit it. I'm a recoil sissy. I don't like it. It leads to flinching that I have to constantly fight.

I own and have shot extensively both the 300 Win Mag and the 300 WSM. My Win Mag is in a 7.5 pound model 70. The WSM is in a Browning X Bolt that weighs about 6.5 pounds without scope, etc.

I firmly believe my WSM recoils less than the Win Mag with equivalent loads, even in the lighter gun.

If I can shoot a 300 WSM in a light gun without problem, then most adult shooters should be able to. :twocents:

Your mileage may vary.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Bofire on November 26, 2014, 09:23:17 AM: Tikkas do not come in short action. I have 300WM shot it for 30 years loveit. Have shot and seen shot 300wsm, I see no reason to trade my 300wm for one.
If you reload 300wm holds more powder. 300wm was a great 1000yard competition cartridge for many years.
personally I do not like handling the 300wsm ammo, but that is a petty beef!! :chuckle:
Carl
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Curly on November 26, 2014, 09:37:25 AM: I had that dilemma about 15 years ago when I decided to buy a new rifle. Short mags were the new thing then and I really struggled trying to decide between the 300 WSM and the WM. I ended up with the Win Mag. But I think today if I had to make that decision again I might choose the short mag.

My opinion is that the 300WM is likely better suited to shooting heavier bullets. So, if you want to shoot long range with the high bc bullets like 230 gr Bergers.....then 300WM would be a better choice than the 300WSM.

However if you just want a rifle to shoot at normal hunting ranges (out to say 500 or so yards) then 300WSM with 165/168 or maybe 180 gr bullets may be a better choice than the 300WM. Some of the new powders available today (that weren't available years ago when I made my WM decision) can get more velocity out of the WSM with 165 gr bullets than can be had in the 300WM.

The WSM is a more efficient cartridge, so what isn't to like about using less powder to achieve the same velocity as the other cartridge. Less powder equals less recoil and less cost to reload. Seems like a win with the WSM.

(Maybe I should trade one of my 300WM rifles for a 300WSM)............hmmmm :-\
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: LEN on November 26, 2014, 10:44:18 AM: I would guess the recoil is close to the same for both. Accelerate a given bullet for both to about the same speed recoil will be near the same. Felt recoil is a different story. I've shot both in several guns and the stocking, brake and recoil pad makes the difference. I like the 300WM and unless you shoot competition you won't see enough reloading to matter much for case life(for the best hunting loads I fire form neck size and load). For store bought ammo in any give shop the 300WM will have more choice and if bullets needed far and away it will be on the shelf.

LEN
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Bob33 on November 26, 2014, 04:01:38 PM: Quote from: LEN on November 26, 2014, 10:44:18 AM
Accelerate a given bullet for both to about the same speed recoil will be near the same.
Powder charge (how many grains) is one of the factors in recoil calculations. More powder equals more recoil. A 300 WSM needs less powder to accelerate a bullet the same speed than a 300 Win Mag does.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 26, 2014, 04:36:58 PM: Thanks for all the input. I am going to look for the best deal and not let the wsm or wm sway which way I buy. I don't reload so I will be looking for what the best store bought load will be for me
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: raydog on November 27, 2014, 07:03:35 AM: I have never shot a 300wm. But i really like my wsm. They stubby bullet was hard to get used to. :chuckle:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Rob on November 27, 2014, 10:46:40 AM: If you do not reload, I would lean heavily towards the 300 WM.

1. The cost of ammo is generally less-especially if we ever go into another ammo shortage situation (actually, are we out of the current one yet??)
2. you are more likely to find it on the shelf when you need it.

#2 is especially important. The way we have ammo shortages these days, the more mainstream the cartridge, the more likely you are to find it when you need it. Also, if you travel via air to hunt, you will need to pack ammo and guns separately. If the ammo bag gets lost or delayed, then you will be faced with trying to find ammo in a remote location. finding WSM ammo will be much more challenging than WM ammo. Conversely, if your gun is delayed and you have ammo, it is far more likely that you will find a camp gun in 300 WM than WSM.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Rob on November 27, 2014, 10:53:10 AM: regarding recoil... I'm not so sure the difference is very significant. a FAR bigger factor is the weight of the gun. lighter the gun, heavier the recoil for a given cartridge. WSM's shoot a short action which tends to be lighter. ergo a WSM could potentially have more recoil than an equivalent WM round. At a minimum it probably close to cancels it out.

My 300 WM Rem 700 Alaskan TI (~7 lbs with scope, sling and loaded) kicks a heck of a lot worse than my standard wood stocked win model 70 300 WSM (probably around 8 or 9 pounds in the same config)
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Buzz2401 on November 27, 2014, 11:11:04 AM: I'll never buy another 300 win mag. There is no noticebale difference in velocities and feel the WSM is easier and cheaper to reload. You can squeeze maybe a 100-200fps more out of the Win mag but it comes at the cost of short case life. I actually like the 325 WSM better then both but I don't think its gonna last.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: The100Road on November 27, 2014, 12:05:24 PM: i have a browning x bolt 300 win mag hunter and love it. the butt is awesome and i think eats up a lot of the recoil. the kick doesnt bother me at all.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 27, 2014, 12:41:17 PM: Quote from: Rob on November 27, 2014, 10:46:40 AM
If you do not reload, I would lean heavily towards the 300 WM.

1. The cost of ammo is generally less-especially if we ever go into another ammo shortage situation (actually, are we out of the current one yet??)
2. you are more likely to find it on the shelf when you need it.

#2 is especially important. The way we have ammo shortages these days, the more mainstream the cartridge, the more likely you are to find it when you need it. Also, if you travel via air to hunt, you will need to pack ammo and guns separately. If the ammo bag gets lost or delayed, then you will be faced with trying to find ammo in a remote location. finding WSM ammo will be much more challenging than WM ammo. Conversely, if your gun is delayed and you have ammo, it is far more likely that you will find a camp gun in 300 WM than WSM.

:tup: I think you make very good points rob. As my brother lives in Texas and I plan to go hog hunting down there sometime.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: coachcw on November 27, 2014, 03:27:27 PM: Just find the rifle that fits you best. The two are a toss up
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Biggerhammer on November 27, 2014, 10:30:32 PM: I've shot big game with both chamberings, I prefer the .300 Win Mag but all the game I have shot with either died just the same, violently quick! :tup:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on November 28, 2014, 09:52:58 AM: :yeah: :tup:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: ELKBURGER on December 05, 2014, 06:52:52 AM: All in all, you wont go wrong getting either one :tup: Have fun with whichever you decide.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: TommyH on December 05, 2014, 08:31:35 AM: Can't go wrong with either, id just look around and which ever fits you best or which ever you can find the best deal on. :twocents:
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Hornseeker on December 05, 2014, 08:49:17 AM: I think you are onto something with just finding a good deal on one or the other. There simply isn't enough difference in rifle offerings, kick, ballistics, etc... to mean anything.

I can say this confidently... my Model 70 WM has the Boss break on it. Ive never messed with the "Boss" adjustments... yet... But... that gun does NOT kick. Ive never shot an "Unbroke" one... but I have heard they kick. My dads savage 7mm kicks hard... my 30-06 kicks a "little"... my 300 does not kick... I love it for that. I HATE it for the noise though.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: muzzleman on December 05, 2014, 08:19:41 PM: I went with tikka t3 300 win mag. I will post pics of it when it arrives. I thank everyone for all of their input. I Found a good deal on the 300 win mag so that is what I ended up with. If I found the same deal on the 300 wsm I would have bought that. I got it off of gunbroker.
Title: Re: 300WSM vs 300 WIN MAG
Post by: Jason on December 05, 2014, 08:43:25 PM: You won't be disappointed :tup: