7RM vs 300WM

[Bobson]

Shot a few rounds through a 300 Win Mag (Ruger M77) the other day. First time with that caliber, I was expecting it to feel like getting hit with a bat, the way people talk about it. I found it surprisingly pleasant. I hear 7 Mag is just slightly milder in terms of recoil.

So what's the difference between the two, practically? Is there anything the 300 will do that the 7mm won't? I know the .284 bullets have inherently higher ballistic coefficients, but I wouldn't be shooting far enough, often enough to make a difference anyway. Just thinking in terms of hunting here.

Would I be wrong if I said they can both put anything in the lower 48 down within 500 yards?

Oh, almost forgot. What's a middle-road bullet weight for the 7 Mag? About 160 grains?

Thanks.

 

[jmr40]

I've had both over the years. Recoil for both is somewhat over stated. Most people can shoot either just fine. But their advantage only comes into play at longer ranges where most people don't have the skills to be shooting. A 270, 308, or 308 is a 400-500 yard elk gun. Most people don't have the skills to shoot that far. While the recoil is tolerable, why put up with it to get a gun that adds another 50-100 yards of effective range they will likely never need even if they have the skills. The rifles are heavier and ammo more expensive too.

Recoil #'s, It varies depending on the load and individual rifles weight

30-06---18-22 ft lbs
7 mag-----22-25 ft lbs
300 WM----26-30 ft lbs
300 WSM----24-26 ft lbs

7 mag can generally be loaded with 140-175 gr bullets. There are some lighter and some heavier, but those are the most common. With similar weight bullets recoil is only slightly harsher than 30-06, but the better BC's shoot flatter and hit harder at longer ranges.

300 WM takes recoil and long range performance to another level. Almost anyone can handle 30-06 or 7 mag recoil. A 300 isn't really that much worse once you get accustomed to it, but for some people it is above their comfort zone. There are a lot of good 7mm bullets in the 160 gr range with good BC. You have to go over 200 gr to get the same BC's in a 300, but once you do it will equal 7mm trajectories, with a lot more punch at longer ranges.

I included 300 WSM too. I like the round, it does 98% of anything the 300 WM does with recoil in the 7 mag range

 

[WVRJ]

I've worked with both cartridges,and they're both excellent performers.The 300 does have a little more recoil,but a little more power,especially at longer ranges.I have killed several elk and deer with the 300,but only deer with the 7.The difference between the two in real world terms is small.Bullet availability may is excellent for both if you reload,and they both are inherently accurate.A buddy of mine has a 7 with a Shilen varmint weight barrel,and what he can do at the bench with it is very impressive,and it's a super performer at long range when he's shooting 168 gr VLD's.We were shooting at 1000 a few days ago on a breezy day,and he walked all over my 308 long range gun.Personally,I would go with the 300 because of it's ability to go up to 200+ grains of bullet weight for long range shooting.And because of a slight horsepower edge for hunting.

 

[GooseGestapo]

Middle of the road is 150gr for 7mm RemMag, 180gr for .300WinMag.


Everything equal, the 7mm will shoot a little flatter beyond 300yds.
The 7mm came about due to certain elk outfitters wanting a rifle to loan clients that offered recoil approximating the .30/06, trajectory of .270, terminal ballistics of .300. Specified bullet was 160gr. IMO best for 7mm mag. For my 7mm08, I prefer 150. 200gr for .300 @ 3,100fps, recoil though is noticeably more than a .300win.
IMO, they essentially did, not exact, but close. Remington execs were clients of one said outfitter.
For me however, for deer, both are over the top.
My 7mm is a 7-08, only ~250fps below 7mag, has taken elk. My .300mag is a .300RUM, about 200 fps faster than .300 winmag. I would be more comfortable with the .300 if hunting moose and Kodiac Bears were possible. 220gr .308 vs 175gr .284. However, In such case, I'd be carrying my .375Ruger!
For lower 48, the 7mm gets the nod, but mine is a 7lb 7mm08. Vis the 11lb .300RUM, guess which gets backpacked into the elk country? Horseback? Marlin .338ME! But I've digressed.

 

[Skyshot]

Small difference between the two
300 wm heavier recoil but more energy
7mag lighter recoil but better b.c. bullets
Boths mags being long actions are going to weigh more than a short action.
Some of the short mags might offer you another choice in overall rifle weight.