300 wsm fn bolt gun?

[jerryrigger]

so i have searched the forum and researched this caliber alot, but i wanted to ask for myself...im considering buying a bolt gun that comes in either 308 or 300 wsm, likely an fn psr (or possibly an spr, or pbr, damn these acronyms, or maybe a remington 700 variant). all seem to be excellent rifles, so i'm not overly concerned about the gun itself. however, there is quite a disparity between these two rounds that these guns are offered in. im looking for a cartridge with the ability to shoot to 800yrds and beyond, and i think the wsm has more potential for that kind of range. just to be clear, i know that practice will have much more bearing on ability at long range, but i want to get a cartridge that will allow me to be able to shoot over 800 as i improve. this will mostly be a range rifle, and i certainly will never hunt anything at those ranges, but i would like to have the ability to get anything from deer (lighter loads) on up to moose (heavier loads). i wish they (fn) would offer a little more in standard magnum calibers so i could get a 7 rem mag or a 300 win mag to have ammo that wasnt handloaded more readily available, but such is life. does anyone own a 300 wsm? what are its virtues, and where does it lack? ballistics seem to state clearly that it is head and shoulders over 308...is that really the case, or is it less practicality and more "magnumitis"? any and all help is appreciated, as well as opinions on rifles and possibly other calibers. thanks in advance!

 

[NCsmitty]

The 300WSM burns about 30% more powder for about a 10% increase in performance over the efficient 308. Regardless, it is a potent round and about the equal of the 300Win Mag. I do not own nor expect to own any of the mentioned cartridges as I have an FN Mauser in 308 Norma Mag, the equal of either 300 Win Mag or 300WSM.
I would suggest that 7MM WSM or 7MM Remington Mag would give you everything you want in a long range game getter.
The 308 Winchester won't punish you like the Magnums and it still delivers the goods as far as you will probably shoot. Ideally, it would be nice to try some of these rounds and make a informed decision from that.

NCsmitty

 

[haldir]

FN wsms are awesome, I am looking at a 300 wsm PBR. Lightweight, but has the pre-64 control feed, 20 moa bases installed, and a great stock, all in a SA.

 

[aubie515]

NCsmitty gave some sound advice about picking a 7mm over a 30cal bullet for better BC.

I would also add that the WSM will burn out your barrel a lot faster than a 308. If you do not reload, 308 is the clear choice. You will have a larger selection of factory loads with the 308.

I had a 300WSM..it was alright, but my next long range rifle will be something in 7mm or the 6.5 creedmoor.