mc223
Member
What are your Opinions of the 300WSM now that it has been around for a while.
300 WSM Opinions
- Thread starter mc223
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There is nothing wrong with it and it offers magnum performance in a short action. There is no belt and it takes advantage of a short uniform powder column. I do not shoot 300 WSM but I do shoot 270WSM and it is fantastic.
I think it gets down to personal needs. If you are rangey and long rifles dont bother you, and if you dont reload much just get a 300 Win mag. But if you value a light handy rifle and reload go for 300WSM.
I think it gets down to personal needs. If you are rangey and long rifles dont bother you, and if you dont reload much just get a 300 Win mag. But if you value a light handy rifle and reload go for 300WSM.
wayne in boca
Member
When I bought my Winchester Model 70 Classic .300 WSM,I got it for the power and range potential.I was very pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the round.This thing will shoot.
Lloyd Smale
Member
decent round if you don't buy into the fact that it outpaces the win mag. I have one in a browning but to be honest don't see what it doesn't that my other 300 mags don't do better.
Short version, you get 300 WM performance in a 308 size package with 30-06 recoil.
It was never intended to outperform 300 WM. I fell into one simply because I found a rifle chambered in it at a price I couldn't turn down and have come to really respect the round. Needing it is another question. In reality I will likely never need anything bigger than my 308, but I do like the round and the rifle I have.
I've owned 300 WM's in the past. If I had one that I liked I'd probably not trade it for a WSM, but I'd never choose a 300 WM over a 300 WSM after owning both.
If you compare it to standard a standard 300 WM you'll find that with factory loads it will equal anything a 300 WM will do. With the best handloads a 300 WM will beat it by around 50 fps with bullets 180 gr or less. If you move up to 200 gr or heavier bullets the difference is closer to 100 fps. Factory ammo is usually priced about $2-$3 higher, but handloads actually work out a little cheaper. At one time ammo availability was a concern. I haven't seen a store that carried 300 WM that did not also carry 300 WSM in several years.
But... the 300 WSM will give you 99% of a 300 WM speed with about 15% less powder. This translates into noticeably less recoil. Anyone who can tolerate 30-06 recoil will never notice the difference if they move up to the 300 WSM.
It also does surprisingly well from shorter barrels. Several guns have been offered in 300 WSM with 16-22" barrels and it does very well with 22-24" barrels. The belted 300 magnums often fall well short of published numbers unless they are fired in 26" barrels. It is proving to be more accurate as well. A new 1000 yard bench rest record was recently set using a 300 WSM.
The round was intended to be used in lighter guns designed to be carried in rough country and give performance close to 300 WM, not beat it. It accomplished that goal very well. Recoil from a 300 WM in a lightweight mountain type rifle is just too much. It is much more tolerable in the 300 WSM. The real shame is that so few rifles from the factory are configured to use the WSM's advantages.
I ended up swapping my stock for a McMillan Edge and using lighter bottom metal. Total weight including scope and mounts is just under 7.5 lbs. It shoots 180 gr accubonds @ 3000 fps with MOA accuracy. Recoil is almost the same as my 30-06 weighing about 1/4lb less.
It was never intended to outperform 300 WM. I fell into one simply because I found a rifle chambered in it at a price I couldn't turn down and have come to really respect the round. Needing it is another question. In reality I will likely never need anything bigger than my 308, but I do like the round and the rifle I have.
I've owned 300 WM's in the past. If I had one that I liked I'd probably not trade it for a WSM, but I'd never choose a 300 WM over a 300 WSM after owning both.
If you compare it to standard a standard 300 WM you'll find that with factory loads it will equal anything a 300 WM will do. With the best handloads a 300 WM will beat it by around 50 fps with bullets 180 gr or less. If you move up to 200 gr or heavier bullets the difference is closer to 100 fps. Factory ammo is usually priced about $2-$3 higher, but handloads actually work out a little cheaper. At one time ammo availability was a concern. I haven't seen a store that carried 300 WM that did not also carry 300 WSM in several years.
But... the 300 WSM will give you 99% of a 300 WM speed with about 15% less powder. This translates into noticeably less recoil. Anyone who can tolerate 30-06 recoil will never notice the difference if they move up to the 300 WSM.
It also does surprisingly well from shorter barrels. Several guns have been offered in 300 WSM with 16-22" barrels and it does very well with 22-24" barrels. The belted 300 magnums often fall well short of published numbers unless they are fired in 26" barrels. It is proving to be more accurate as well. A new 1000 yard bench rest record was recently set using a 300 WSM.
The round was intended to be used in lighter guns designed to be carried in rough country and give performance close to 300 WM, not beat it. It accomplished that goal very well. Recoil from a 300 WM in a lightweight mountain type rifle is just too much. It is much more tolerable in the 300 WSM. The real shame is that so few rifles from the factory are configured to use the WSM's advantages.
I ended up swapping my stock for a McMillan Edge and using lighter bottom metal. Total weight including scope and mounts is just under 7.5 lbs. It shoots 180 gr accubonds @ 3000 fps with MOA accuracy. Recoil is almost the same as my 30-06 weighing about 1/4lb less.
urbaneruralite
Member
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- Oct 28, 2007
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I think I'd like to see factory power level loads that take it from .30/30 to .308 to full power to make it the one short action cartridge for all uses it could be.
hoghunting
Member
- Joined
- Feb 16, 2006
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- 1,604
Exactly my thoughts, I've had my T3 in 300 WSM for almost 10 years and the rifle and cartridge have worked perfectly on deer, elk, hogs and coyotes.
mc223
Member
Thanks for the input. I just picked up a Weatherby Vanguard in 300WSM. Price was right and got a bunch of ammo with it. Havent had time to get out and try it yet.....Shhhhh.. its a Howa.
I added about a pound of sand to the hollow synthetic stock. A little more mass for an old guy. Recoil tamer. I did this with a Ruger American in 308 for my 16YO daughter. helped her a lot.
I added about a pound of sand to the hollow synthetic stock. A little more mass for an old guy. Recoil tamer. I did this with a Ruger American in 308 for my 16YO daughter. helped her a lot.
GlockNation
Member
325?
If you will be going to Africa anytime, I strongly recommend the 325 WSM instead. 325 recoils like a 300 but hits like a 338.
I have "heard" that the 300 WSM is like a 300 H&H. More than a 30-06 but less than a 300 win mag. Certainly the Ammo availability is far better for a 300WSM than either a 300 H&H or a 325WSM.
If you will be going to Africa anytime, I strongly recommend the 325 WSM instead. 325 recoils like a 300 but hits like a 338.
I have "heard" that the 300 WSM is like a 300 H&H. More than a 30-06 but less than a 300 win mag. Certainly the Ammo availability is far better for a 300WSM than either a 300 H&H or a 325WSM.
I'm going to have to agree w/ that w/ the caveat... almost 300wm performance. I got one last year in a Tikka T3 and it has easily become my favorite hunting rifle I own. I bought it specifically for Black Bear but ended up using it for deer also. Yes, it is a little overkill for deer but hasnt failed me yet. I reload so ammo availability isn't a problem for me. I was worried somewhat about recoil in such a light rifle when I bought it but the recoil has not bothered me a bit. I can shoot a box of bullets from the bench with no worries. I have not shot a bear with it yet but I have shot about 10 deer with it. I would have no hesitation buying another 300wsm. Most importantly for anyone I think is to buy a gun they shoot well. Shot placement w/ right bullet combination goes a long way.
Captcurt
Member
Does everything that I want it to do.
I've had one since the 90's. It is a Savage 10 Sierra advertised as a 6 1/4 lb. Ultra Lite. I stuck a 2X7 Vari-XII on it in Buehler Mounts and it has been my Goto gun. 165gr, Accubonds over 64gr of IMR-4350 will make an impressive hole in a whitetail. I don't need it. I have had several rifles that will do the same thing but this one is short, light and dependable. I doubt if I will ever chase elk again and the bears around here are not that big. I really don't need it for deer, but I will probably still pick up the 300 next season. Oh, I just remembered, the next season is the 26th.
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I've had one since the 90's. It is a Savage 10 Sierra advertised as a 6 1/4 lb. Ultra Lite. I stuck a 2X7 Vari-XII on it in Buehler Mounts and it has been my Goto gun. 165gr, Accubonds over 64gr of IMR-4350 will make an impressive hole in a whitetail. I don't need it. I have had several rifles that will do the same thing but this one is short, light and dependable. I doubt if I will ever chase elk again and the bears around here are not that big. I really don't need it for deer, but I will probably still pick up the 300 next season. Oh, I just remembered, the next season is the 26th.
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I have two rifles chambered in 300 WSM, a Kimber 8400 Montana and a Remington 700 "Alaskan". The Kimber is an incredible rifle and I have it paired with a Kimber Talkeetna in .375 H&H Mag which is all I need for antelope, deer, bear, elk, moose or just about anything else in North America. For the reloader it's an easy cartridge to work with a lot of good powder and bullet choices and it's capable of outstanding accuracy. The only potential problem is that it doesn't feed from magazines quite as smoothly as belted magnums that are based on the .375 H&H Mag case. Ultimately, I don't see it going away as many have indicated. It serves a purpose and serves it well. I have a virtually NIB Winchester Extreme Weather in .300 Win Mag that I plan on selling since the Montana is a better rifle in every way and the 300 WSM doesn't give up much to it.
scottishkat
Member
The 300 WSM is a wonderfully accurate firearm. I would disagree with the statement that recoil is similar to 30-06 levels. I fired the 300 wsm from an ultralight firearm and found recoil levels to be on the verge of offensive from a 7 pound firearm. It has 5 to 10 grains more case capacity than the 30-06 logic dictates recoil levels are greater.
I own a 300 Win Mag weatherby mark v accumark and have owned a 300 wby accumark both without muzzle brake nearly a 10 pound rifle and found recoil of both to be less.
You will like the cartridge good luck and shoot straight.
Bob
I own a 300 Win Mag weatherby mark v accumark and have owned a 300 wby accumark both without muzzle brake nearly a 10 pound rifle and found recoil of both to be less.
You will like the cartridge good luck and shoot straight.
Bob
FYI I reload 300 wsm with 180 barnes ttsx over superformance powder. Right at 3200 fps and 3/4 inch groups out of Kimber montana. My 300 mag, custom rem 700 rifle, only does 3100 fps with the same bullet. In my case the chrono does not lie. The amazing thing is the wsm does the job with 10% less powder than the taller win mag case.
MRH
Member
I've had a Win M70 Fwt Classic in 300 WSM for about 8 years. I handload for it and it is sub MOA with many loads. A max load of Varget behind a Barnes 168TSX is a tack driver at 100 yards, and 1 to 1 1/2 inch 3 shot groups at 300 yards.
Mike
Mike
mc223
Member
Think Ill be keeping it around for a while. Had it out yesterday just to try it. Awesome round. I had some oddball mixed up 150 g stuff to play with. Dies are in the mail. And so another adventure begins.
Thanks for all the positive input.
Thanks for all the positive input.
browningguy
Member
I realize everyone will want to complain about my answer, but honestly I don't care what other people want to shoot with, and I applaud anything that gets more people to own firearms. If you hunt with one and like it then keep on hunting, but please, don't spread tales of imaginary magical powers of the SAUMS/WSM's etc. The only one I know of that has really made a good name for itself is the 7mm WSM (really the .300 WSM base case necked down to 7mm, shooting Berger 180 gr. VLD's), it's got a following in long range shooting, specifically 1000 yard Light Gun Benchrest. The .223 WSSM had a lot of promise, but the few guys I know that tried to build an AR always seemed to have feeding problems, I think Olympic Arms is the only one currently chambering them. If you could get a few hundred FPS extra shooting 80 gr. plus .223's, in an AR platform with reliable feeding, and keeping the pressures down, that might be a winner.
The .300 WSM was one of the many marketing answers to a question no one had asked. Basically all of the Remchester "short mags" come close to their full size counterpart as long as you us light (short) bullets. But as soon as you move to what many consider a normal weight (ie 180 gr. for the .300 Winny) all of a sudden they aren't much better than a standard non-magnum round. You say you can handload your WSM to get really close to the Winnie, I can handload my .300 Winnie and pull farther ahead, it's really not a valid argument.
The amount of weight you save with a short action is probably somewhere close to 1-2 ounces, depending on the action in question. The only way to get really significant weight savings is to reduce barrel length. I haven't measured but how much length do you save? Maybe 1/2-3/4"? On most of my hunting rifles that is a completely meaningless tiny fraction of the weight or OAL of the rifle and would have absolutely no bearing on me choosing a cartridge.
The reason you don't see much factory ammo for them is that most people realized the above, and stuck with their .308 or .300 Winny as the case may be. For me, if something needs shooting that my .243 won't handle I move up to the .308, if it needs more than that the .300 Winny with a 180 gr. load will take care of most things. I just don't need to slice the pie any thinner than that.
If you are going to say a .300 WSM is better than a .308, then you need to also say a .300 Winnie is better than a WSM. Assuming you are looking for velocity and energy.
The .300 WSM was one of the many marketing answers to a question no one had asked. Basically all of the Remchester "short mags" come close to their full size counterpart as long as you us light (short) bullets. But as soon as you move to what many consider a normal weight (ie 180 gr. for the .300 Winny) all of a sudden they aren't much better than a standard non-magnum round. You say you can handload your WSM to get really close to the Winnie, I can handload my .300 Winnie and pull farther ahead, it's really not a valid argument.
The amount of weight you save with a short action is probably somewhere close to 1-2 ounces, depending on the action in question. The only way to get really significant weight savings is to reduce barrel length. I haven't measured but how much length do you save? Maybe 1/2-3/4"? On most of my hunting rifles that is a completely meaningless tiny fraction of the weight or OAL of the rifle and would have absolutely no bearing on me choosing a cartridge.
The reason you don't see much factory ammo for them is that most people realized the above, and stuck with their .308 or .300 Winny as the case may be. For me, if something needs shooting that my .243 won't handle I move up to the .308, if it needs more than that the .300 Winny with a 180 gr. load will take care of most things. I just don't need to slice the pie any thinner than that.
If you are going to say a .300 WSM is better than a .308, then you need to also say a .300 Winnie is better than a WSM. Assuming you are looking for velocity and energy.
browningguy said:
The standard barrel length for the 300 WSM is 24" compared to 26" for the .300 Win Mag and action lengths are typically 3/4" shorter. Comparing a Montana in 300 WSM to one in .300 Win Mag shows a weight difference of 10oz and an overall length difference of 3". That's a significant difference to me. I have two rifles chambered in .300 Win Mag and two in 300 WSM so I see the benefit of both cartridges.
browningguy
Member
My mistake, I assumed everyone would use the same barrel length when comparing weights and OAL.
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