.300 Winchester Magnum - Which is the best rifle?

[Wicked Ajax]

I am looking into purchasing a rifle chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum. What do you guys think would be the best rifle manufacturer for this round? Which company do you think makes the best rifle for this round? It will be used for a multitude of things. It needs to be an accurate piece, preferably with a detachable magazine, though that isn't as important. I may also change the stock to something a bit more tactical, possibly with a bipod. It will have a scope mounted.
Sorry if this is a topic which was already covered. If so please direct me the correct thread.

 

[iamkris]

Again, these kind of questions are nearly impossible to answer without more information. It's like asking "what is the best car?"

• What are you going to be using it for primarily? Target shooting? Hunting? Long range "sniping"? Plinking (that'd be pretty cool with a .300 WM)?
• How much money do you want to/can you spend? $500? $1000? $3000?
• Do you prefer controlled feed, push feed or a combination?
• Do you prefer "traditional" American brands, European, big names, small name manufacturers?
• Do you want forged steel, investment cast, aluminum receivers?

I could tell you what I think is the best but I have specific uses in mind. Based on the answers you provide to the above, I might recommend a Savage, a Remington, a Kimber, a Merkel, a Sako, a Cooper, an Accuracy International, or another.

 

[safetyjoe]

I got my sons Model 70 Winchesters from Walmart a few years ago. One was a .300 mag and the other a .270, they don't have CRF and are Tactical (read inexpensive) Black but are very good rifles. If you take off the cheap scopes and put on a quality one, they will do anything you wish. I like Winchester M70's (as you can probably tell) and Ruger M77's (not the Mark II). But Remington and Savage both make good rifles too, but I don't like them as well.

 

[hossdaniels]

Hard to beat an A-bolt for a hunting rifle, but there are more accurate and heavier options.

 

[critter]

I have a Win M70 in .300 that has served me very well indeed for many years.

 

[30-06 lover]

I suggest a Win 70 for hunting. Rem 700 for targets.

 

[Snipe315]

It will have a scope mounted

No kidding.

I hate to say it sounds like another Mall Ninja will be getting a rifle he can't properly use.

Maybe you should start out with a 22LR to learn the basics. Then decide what kind of centerfire rifle you'll need based on what kind of shooting you'll be doing.

 

[iamkris]

I hate to say it sounds like another Mall Ninja will be getting a rifle he can't properly use.

Why would you say that? I'll admit that his overall question wasn't given much context, and the note on the scope was a bit obvious, but there's nothing there to make you react like that.

 

[Winchester 73]

The Browning A -Bolt Weather Warrior would be my choice in the .300 Win Mag.
I have one in .270 Win.
Excellent quality and somewhat lighter weight than most other manufacturers.
Good recoil pad helps too.It gets a little stout for the recoil sensitive.But it'll certainly take out anything on the NA continent with the right 180 grain load.
I think you're making a fine decision with this great caliber.

http://www.browning.com

 

[Onmilo]

Best asthetic rifle for the caliber is the Winchester Model 70 of course.

Best rifle in my most humble opinion is the Harris Gunworks Signature Alaskan.

 

[birdbustr]

Remington 700. The detachable magazine version of the 700 will be labeled as DM, the BDL will have a hinged floorplate, and the ADL will have a blind box magazine. I'm surprised no one else has already said it as their first choice. The Browning A-bolt would be my second choice. Sounds like you have already made up your mind on the caliber, but why so much gun? There are many milder calibers that are better suited for North American game IMO. Well maybe if you hunt or frequently come across a Brown bear or Grizzly.

 

[iamkris]

OK, you asked for it

Accuracy International AWM .300 Win Mag[/B
Caliber .300 Win Mag
Stainless Fluted match grade Barrel length 26 inches with muzzle brake
Barrel twist 1 in 11
Magazine capacity 5 shot
Weight 14.3 lb / 6.5 kg
Overall Length 47 in / 120 cm
Color Black or Green
Two stage, fully adjustable Trigger
Alloy chassis enclosed by scuff resistant, reinforced nylon stock sides and fitted with 5 sling loops and adjustable butt spacers.

26" fluted bbl + std muzzle brake - *Base Price $5,900.00
26" fluted bbl + tactical muzzle brake - *Base Price $5,940.32

or

Sako TRG 42
Caliber 300 Win Mag
27 1/8" barrel
Composite stock/Blued metal
Mag capacity: 7 rounds
Rate of twist: 1:11
Weight 11 1/4 lbs
Base price $2,425.00

 

[peyton]

I think it will be hard to find a bolt rifle that has a detachable magazine (other than the ones pictured above). More info is needed for us to make recommendations. Are you a new shooter, old shooter, what is your price limit?

 

[Shawnee]

No matter what the Marketing Dept. and Gunzines say - "tactical is "schmacktical", and true versatility "for multuple uses" comes from the shooter, not from plastic and colors and gadgets.

The Browning A-Bolt or Remington 700 will do everything you can do.

Would suggest you buy a box of .300 WinMag ammo and do some shooting with someone else's .300 WinMag before you spend much of your money on that caliber. There's an excellent chance that a 7mm RemMag or .270 Winchester will do everything you can do also.

 

[trbon8r]

How about a nice clean used older Browning BAR? Here is one, and no this not my rifle I'm promoting.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=89780848

I have an older BAR in .300 Mag like this one. It's a great gun. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't touch one of those hideous looking new Short Track or Long Track models for purely aesthetic reasons, but that's just me. An older BAR is a classy gun that will serve you well.

 

[TX1911fan]

I have a Benelli R1 in 300 Win Mag that I absolutely love, but it is not a target rifle, that is for sure. I get three GREAT shots down a cold barrel, and after that the point of impact moves. I have to wait for the barrel to cool.

 

[iamkris]

I think the range of responses are an excellent testament to the fact that that you HAVE to know the intended purpose, price range, etc before you can actually answer the question.

All of the responses give so far are
1) absolutely valid -- and --
2) absolutely invalid

because each may be good for one criteria but not another. Shawnee is correct about the tactical stuff (I threw it in more as an illustration of the range of response), but even his suggestion may not be valid. A Browning A-Bolt or Remington 700 may be great...but what if you only have $250 to spend? Then a Savage package deal may be the best.

 

[elmo]

I got a Remington 700 SPS in the .300 WSM and love it. It came with a limb saver recoil pad from the factory . If I had to do it again I'd buy hte same gun( I also have a 7mm-08 in this same gun).

 

[7mmRemMag]

http://www.armalite.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=30M338&Category=0406c9ff-539d-4b4c-ae1f-d045b91324c3%20&ret_url=Categories2.aspx?Category=0406c9ff-539d-4b4c-ae1f-d045b91324c3