300 WSM w/ less recoil

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Franco

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I'm in the market for a 300 wsm. I'm not looking for a debate between that and the 300 win mag as I've already decided on a beltless cartridge for reloading, I like the ballistics, etc. However, it seems that all of the 300 wsm rifles being built today are smaller and lighter (e.g. mountain rifles) which I think would add to the recoil (or, more accurately, not help to limit the felt recoil). I won't be lugging it through many mountain passes so I don't care if it's 8+ lbs and I would prefer a little more weight to limit recoil. I know that stock design/fit also plays into it but that's something I can alter. Any suggestions out there? Money isn't really an object (within reason). The only one with any heft that I've found is the FNH but it's 10lbs!

I'm not a recoil wimp, just prefer less over more. Also, I shoot a 45-70 marlin that has considerable recoil but I don't mind it because it's more of a "push" and less of a "kick". Can anyone comment on the 300 wsm recoil in that regard? Thanks in advance.
 
well, you can probably find a 20" heavy barreled remington 700.
and possibly add a bell and carlson or mcmillan stock.
but seriously i would rather get a 300wm or a 30-06.
 
I think I'd rather have the WSM over the belted mags also. But I'd just go with a standard 30-06 rifle. The 300WSM only gives you around 100fps more velocity compared to the hotter 30-06 rounds.

Less recoil, less noise, better feeding, 2 more rounds in the magazine, and much cheaper and easier to find ammo with the 30-06.
 
You need to choose the caliber that you like, as there are several methods to tame recoil if that becomes an issue.
If you want a shorter barrel like 20", then pick a standard caliber like '06 or 308 Win, because magnum rounds loose a bunch of velocity under 24".



NCsmitty
 
browning a-bolt=6.6lbs. add rings and a 40 or 42mm scope and thats about 8.
winchester m70 featherweight=7.2lbs+scope and rings=8lbs.
savage m14 american classic=7.25lbs +scope and rings=8lbs.
sako m85 hunter=7.25lbs+s&r=8lbs
weatherby vanguard sporter=7.5lbs+s&r=8+lbs.
 
I have a BLR w/ Pistol Grip in 300 WSM. I do not consider my self recoil shy, so it's hard for me to say... I find it perfectly acceptable as a big game hunting rifle. Its not something you want to burn through a box of ammo with. Because of the stock recoil pad, I find it more pleasant than my REM 760 pump '06 (w/out recoil pad); also more pleasant than my 12ga slug gun.
 
If you want accuracy out of the box get a Savage model 16. You will probably want to replace the 'Tupperware' stock when you get a chance,but it is one great rifle. If recoil bothers you get a 'Lead-Sled'.
 
Well if money is really not a major concern then order a HS Precision PHR (professional hunter rifle), in the caliber of your choice. Weight is around 7.75-8.25lbs and you can also have a mercury recoil reducer installed for an additional $75.00. You can also have a muzzle break installed.
 
Well I guess my question would be, are you planing on using this rifle mainly for range or hunting? If for range then Coal made a fantastic suggestion (other than the muzzle brake, I hate them loud things!). If for hunting then recoil really is not that much of an issue. I, in my advancing years, find myself a bit recoil shy anymore. That 300 wm of mine beats me up at the range and my shoulder is sore for days after. But I can honestly say that in the field, when on a live target, I don't even notice the recoil at all.
 
I have a remington 700 SPS in 300wsm, I hate the stock passionately because it's hollow and when a twig hits it it sounds like a drum is being beaten. That is the absolute ONLY thing I hate about it though, because the thing shoots fantastically. When I got it, I was worried about recoil because of it's light weight, but that supercell recoil pad works well and it actually kicks less than my .308. Do what you want to do of course, but at least shoulder one to see how you like the 700.
 
A really good piece of advice appeared above, and that was to consider a .30-06. With the lighter bullet loadings in 24 inch barrels, it's not far behind the .300 WSM, although the magnum does leave it behind with heavier bullets. All of this depends on what you're doing with it obviously. If it's for deer a .300 give you no advantage. Elk and anything bigger and it's a different story. For recoil reduction, the Bell and Carlson or HS Precision stocks are good fitted properly to you with a (my fav) Pachmeyer Decelerator pad. Walnut is a close second with the same pad and a mercury recoil reducer.
 
Thanks all. Not sure where the 30-06 or 300wm discussion came from as I am set on a 300 wsm. I have a 7mm-08, 308 and 30-06 now for deer (and possibly elk). I would agree that the 300wsm does not have an advantage over 30-06 or even 308 for deer in Pennsylvania but that's not why I'm buying it.

I want the 300wsm for elk, moose, long distance sheep and possibly to use heavier bullets for light skinned safari at some point. My question was really around recoil and finding a heavier rifle (or other recoil reduction strategy) in a higher quality 300wsm rifle.

I appreciate all of the comments and will likely move toward a browning or sako and fit with a B&C stock with Pachmeyer Decelerator pad (I've heard many good comments on them). I have a browning x-bolt now in 7mm-08 and really like it. I'll also look at the Rem 700 w/ the supercell pad. Thanks again for the information.
 
If I had some money to dump on a project like this I'd havea smith put together a gun from a medium/heavy 26" barrel (seems foolish to go with a short barrel when you're buying a WSM, but I guess 24" would do as well), an action from remington or savage and a nice synthetic stock. Talk to your local smith, it doesn't have to be superexpensive to get a "custom" gun when the customizing is at a LEGO level.

I'm a poor student however so I don't have money to dump on a project like this. If I did I'd buy a .308 because I could never afford to feed a WSM-gun, and I think I could handload the .308s to do whatever I'd want to do with the WSM.
 
I have an X-bolt in .300 WSM and recoil is not bad at all. My .270 bdl rem seems to buck harder, but it was bought in 80's and no pad.

You do need adequate eye relief, but its more of a big push to ME.

There are others with more experience that may feel different.
 
A good brake can get you 20-30% recoil reduction. They are loud and will cause hearing damage if you shoot w/o good hearing protection. BSW
 
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