Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 08:27:26 AM

Title: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 08:27:26 AM: I did some mild searching and didn't see anything recent on this specific question.

I am picking up a new .300wsm on Wednesday. Talking with a few guys and doing a little reading, the camps seem split in half. 1 camp says shoot 180s for everything. Antelope/whitetails up to elk. The other camp says either shoot 165ish for everything, or use 165s on everything up to deer then move to 180s.

Anyone here with serious .300wsm or even good ol .300wm that could chime in, it'd be much appreciated.

Lastly, I fully realize either will work, need to find what shoots best, etc....Just doing some research and looking for a place to start.

Thanks!
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: jackelope on May 11, 2020, 08:33:58 AM: Quote from: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 08:27:26 AM
I did some mild searching and didn't see anything recent on this specific question.

I am picking up a new .300wsm on Wednesday. Talking with a few guys and doing a little reading, the camps seem split in half. 1 camp says shoot 180s for everything. Antelope/whitetails up to elk. The other camp says either shoot 165ish for everything, or use 165s on everything up to deer then move to 180s.

Anyone here with serious .300wsm or even good ol .300wm that could chime in, it'd be much appreciated.

Lastly, I fully realize either will work, need to find what shoots best, etc....Just doing some research and looking for a place to start.

Thanks!

You already know the answer.

I shoot 180 grain Nosler Accubonds for everything. Shoot a good quality bullet that stays together and hit them where you're supposed to. You won't make them too dead.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: headshot5 on May 11, 2020, 08:40:16 AM: :yeah: 180 accubonds will do all you need.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Taco280AI on May 11, 2020, 08:43:34 AM: For a 300 I'd try a 175 LRX
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: RockChuck on May 11, 2020, 08:51:27 AM: My 300 wsm shoots best with 165 so that’s what I use, I continue to test other combos out to see if I can improve it though
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: jrebel on May 11, 2020, 08:53:07 AM: One bullet for everything.......switching one rifle back and forth between loads is a huge PITA. I personally like heavies in my 300. I would look for 212 eldx or 200 accubonds.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: BULLBLASTER on May 11, 2020, 08:53:16 AM: I use one bullet and load combo for everything. More of a pain having to change things over between hunts or seasons. For factory 300wsm rifles i think the 180-190 grain range provides a good balance of speed and weight.

For the win mag, in my opinion, there is no better bullet than the 215 grain berger. :twocents:
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Bob33 on May 11, 2020, 09:01:45 AM: I use 165 grain TTSX bullets in a 300 WSM for everything and have no complaints about performance.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Buzz2401 on May 11, 2020, 09:09:47 AM: 165 ttsx for my wife's finnlight and it's taken deer and elk with zero issues.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: starbailey on May 11, 2020, 09:23:18 AM: Find the best shooting load and use it for everything.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 09:30:24 AM: Before I answer I'd like to know what rifle you got.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 09:39:52 AM: Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 09:30:24 AM
Before I answer I'd like to know what rifle you got.

Wichester M70 Extreme Weather SS.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: James on May 11, 2020, 09:44:39 AM: Another vote for one load for everything.

I have gone to copper (Hornedy GMX) bullets, they hold up better than almost anything to shoot Roosevelt elk at point blank ranges, and are good on deer till about 400ish yards depending on which rifle/cartridge.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on May 11, 2020, 10:00:26 AM: I am currently loading 181 grain hammer hunters for my 300 WSM. I switched from AB's due to needing lead free to do the ONP goat hunt. 🐐

I am a firm believer of one solid load per rifle.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: bobcat on May 11, 2020, 10:01:52 AM: Performance on game is more due to bullet construction rather than weight, and of course bullet placement trumps everything else. In my mind the main advantage of a lighter weight bullet is less recoil, and a heavier bullet gives you a better ballistic coefficient, which results in better performance for extreme long range shooting. In the 300 WSM I'd probably choose a 165 in a bonded bullet, or in a monolithic (copper) bullet I'd go with 165 or 150 grain. I'd be tempted to start with a Barnes 150 grain ttsx. Less recoil and the speed of a 150 grain bullet in the 300 wsm would ensure reliable expansion of the bullet. The BC of that bullet won't be good but if you're not planning to shoot further than 4 to 500 yards, it's irrelevant.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Stein on May 11, 2020, 10:17:23 AM: Working up a load can take some time and cost, so doubling or tripling that for me is a no-go.

I shoot 168 TSX for everything, it's more than necessary for antelope, but it doesn't make any bigger of a hole than it does on an elk.

One powder, one bullet, one primer on hand as well as one scope chart, one velocity and weight going into ballistics apps, much simpler for me.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 10:24:43 AM: Quote from: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 09:39:52 AM
Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 09:30:24 AM
Before I answer I'd like to know what rifle you got.

Wichester M70 Extreme Weather SS.
should be a nice rifle for you. I agree with everyone else just pick a bullet and run with it. I've shot more 300wsm rounds than most folks. Lots of 165 accubonds, 150 ballistic tips, 180 accubondd, 190 LRAB, 200gr accubonds, 185 bergers, 215 bergers, 212 eldx, and the list goes on. Without a brake just cross off the heavies. Sub 190gr my all time favorite bullet is the 185gr berger Hunting VLD. Shot a lot of stuff with that bullet and it has been sensational at all distances from 40 yards to a long ways away. Second up would be the 165gr accubond.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 10:28:09 AM: Quote from: Wetwoodshunter on May 11, 2020, 10:00:26 AM
I am currently loading 181 grain hammer hunters for my 300 WSM. I switched from AB's due to needing lead free to do the ONP goat hunt. 🐐

I am a firm believer of one solid load per rifle.
oh man that's pretty confident to switch this early. You know something we don't? :chuckle:
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 10:29:13 AM: Appreciating all the feedback so far. Certainly helping me narrow down what to start with.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 10:35:02 AM: Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 10:24:43 AM
Quote from: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 09:39:52 AM
Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 09:30:24 AM
Before I answer I'd like to know what rifle you got.

Wichester M70 Extreme Weather SS.
should be a nice rifle for you. I agree with everyone else just pick a bullet and run with it. I've shot more 300wsm rounds than most folks. Lots of 165 accubonds, 150 ballistic tips, 180 accubondd, 190 LRAB, 200gr accubonds, 185 bergers, 215 bergers, 212 eldx, and the list goes on. Without a brake just cross off the heavies. Sub 190gr my all time favorite bullet is the 185gr berger Hunting VLD. Shot a lot of stuff with that bullet and it has been sensational at all distances from 40 yards to a long ways away. Second up would be the 165gr accubond.

Hope so. Been using a 1946 M70 in 30-06 for a few years now. It has been (as one would expect) nothing but solid. Looking to lighten the pack load up, and take advantage of the innovations in bullet tech. May or may not do some accurizing dependent on performance out of the box. I'll spend $ when needed, but in the end it's a hunting a rifle. Guessing it'll be fine.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 10:40:34 AM: Solid plan! I cringe when I see people start doing things to a rifle before even shooting it. Deal with issues as needed vs fixing problems that may not even exist
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Bofire on May 11, 2020, 10:45:21 AM: Hunting with 300WM since 1972 shot loads of deer, elk, antelope, coyotes and Black Bear. Shoot 180 for everything.
Carl
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: lewy on May 11, 2020, 10:45:33 AM: Been hunting the 300wsm hard as my primary gun for about 15 years. The 180 accubond is fantastic
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Jonathan_S on May 11, 2020, 11:13:00 AM: Currently loving the 185 hunting VLD in my factory WSM. Can get right at 3000 with a 24" barrel with an overall length of 2.965"
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 11:18:40 AM: you guys shooting the Berger VLDs. Assume you're hand loading these? I can't find any factory in .300wsm.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: kselkhunter on May 11, 2020, 11:23:34 AM: Quote from: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 11:18:40 AM
you guys shooting the Berger VLDs. Assume you're hand loading these? I can't find any factory in .300wsm.

HSM loads them. Cabelas carries that brand in stock usually. Not sure who else for physical stores, but you can buy it online from various distributors. It's the HSM Trophy Gold line.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: kentrek on May 11, 2020, 11:23:52 AM: Lots of love for the bergers....for a reason...but I will still toss out the hammer option...166 gn hammer at 3050 fps is being pretty nasty for such a little bullet...so far my favorite deer load...need to kill a few more elk yet to come to a conclusion, might be a little light for my preference
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: WSU on May 11, 2020, 11:35:28 AM: I shoot 200 grain gamekings. They shot well and my dad and I bought a case or two of them years ago. I'll keep shooting them until I run out. We've had great luck on deer, elk and bear.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on May 11, 2020, 11:36:47 AM: Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 10:28:09 AM
Quote from: Wetwoodshunter on May 11, 2020, 10:00:26 AM
I am currently loading 181 grain hammer hunters for my 300 WSM. I switched from AB's due to needing lead free to do the ONP goat hunt. 🐐

I am a firm believer of one solid load per rifle.
oh man that's pretty confident to switch this early. You know something we don't? :chuckle:

Overly optimistic. 181 Hammers will work well for elk, mule deer, bears and everything that rifle is for anyway.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on May 11, 2020, 11:56:41 AM: 165/180 accubond would do great for ya. Depending on what the rifle likes. My one bullet for all in my 300wsm is the 180 accubond.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: HillHound on May 11, 2020, 01:51:27 PM: I use bonded 165 in mine. I’ve shot everything from coyote’s which is obviously pretty devastating, Bears, deer, elk, and a moose and they have performed well on all of them. Moose was high shoulder shot, bullet held almost all weight and rested against the opposing skin I’ve had bad luck with some of the fast shooting lighter grain Softpoint bullets blow up on contact. Shot a bear with Winchester whitetail 150s and I think pretty much flattened out on contact leaving the exit size hole upon entry. The bullet shattered and barely even made it into the vitals with a small piece of it luckily severing the artery on his heart otherwise I would’ve had a very angry wounded bear on my hands
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Sakko300wsm on May 11, 2020, 03:29:46 PM: Yes 180gr Accubonds for everything and you’re all good! That’s what I shoot in all my 300wsm’s = lights out
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Apples on May 12, 2020, 01:56:28 PM: I have been shooting the the Nosler 190 long range foe everything, they fly true and hit hard.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: JoeE on May 12, 2020, 02:05:09 PM: Quote from: stlusn30-06 on May 11, 2020, 09:39:52 AM
Quote from: Karl Blanchard on May 11, 2020, 09:30:24 AM
Before I answer I'd like to know what rifle you got.

Wichester M70 Extreme Weather SS.

I have the same rifle. I use 180 grain accubonds for everything from whitetail to moose.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: huntnnw on May 12, 2020, 04:56:24 PM: 180 gr Accubonds out of mine.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: yorketransport on May 13, 2020, 09:45:40 PM: You guys are all too boring! I use a different load for every day I hunt. :chuckle: Nothing adds to the adventure like having to remember what load you've got with you every day.

I'd probably go for any of the solid coppers in the 165-180gr range.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: shootem on May 13, 2020, 10:55:21 PM: Find one load so there is no thinking at crunch time. Point and shoot. 300 wsm for 15 years. I shoot factory loads. 180 Accubonds have killed everything. I have shot lots from antelope, deer, elk, up to shiras moose and eland. Plenty in between. Short or long distance nothing went far. Keep it simple. Find a quality bullet that fires from your gun and stick with it.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: Buckblaster on May 14, 2020, 02:05:21 PM: I add one more vote for 165 gr bonded bullets for everything. More speed and less recoil than 180's. Have used them on everything from deer to moose with most being one shot kills. That being said, if you prefer 180's, use them. It's all preference on behalf of the beholder.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: NWShooter on May 15, 2020, 08:51:15 PM: Shoot a 150gr Nosler Accubond and call it good. The .300 WSM is no match for a .300 Win Mag. Shot both plenty. Taken game with both plenty. The 150 Accubond gives you the speed, it’s flat shooting and a solid performer on game.
Title: Re: .300wsm 1 bullet for everything or break up depending on game size?
Post by: NWShooter on May 16, 2020, 08:44:07 AM: 165gr Accubond across the board.