Three years ago I walked into one of the bigger Atlanta area gun shops and found a SS Winchester Classic in the used section. I really like the Classics, I think they are probably the best of the model 70,s preferring them as shooters to even the pre-64's. Price was only $400 and it included a $200 Burris scope. Someone had attempted to cut the factory synthetic stock shorter and install an aftermarket recoil pad and really botched the job. The reason for the price. But I just happened to have a stock setting at home that would fit. The only other thing that I hesitated on was the caliber, 300 WSM. I had my doubts, but decided I couldn't go wrong at the price. The plan was to keep the scope, put the stock on it and make a few dollars off it.
Until I shot it.
After 3 years of loading for and shooting this rifle I've come to really like the round. But I still had this nagging thought, I didn't need it. And I rarely used it other than at the range. I've been on the fence long enough, even tried to sell it a couple of times, but no takers. Finally decided to just keep the darn thing and invest in a truly nice stock for it. The Edge stock reduced weight by over 1/2 lb. It now points, balances and fits perfect. I think it will get used more now.
A word about the 300 WSM. After shooting and loading for it I cannot think of a single reason to pick 300 WM over 300 WSM unless you just happen to already own the WM version. With the best loads someone MIGHT coax an extra 50-100 fps from a 300WM, but only with a 26-28" barrel. If both are 24" the difference is less than 50 fps. If more speed is wanted the 300WBY and RUM as well as a couple of others take speed to another level.
What sold me was the lack of recoil for the performance. I need 57 gr powder to get 2750 fps from my 30-06 with 180's. The 300 WSM needs 65 gr to reach 2950. A 300 WM can do 3000-3050, but needs 80-85 gr of powder. A little less speed combined with a lot less powder makes a huge difference. Running the numbers through recoil calculation programs show about 3 ft lbs increase over my 30-06. The 300 WM has 7-8 ft lbs more recoil. Both the 300 WSM and my 30-06's weigh 7.5 lbs as pictured. I can't tell the difference in recoil when shooting them. With a 300 WM, I notice the difference.
I know darn well I can do anything I need to do with the 30-06. But I just like this one and there aren't many downsides.
Until I shot it.
After 3 years of loading for and shooting this rifle I've come to really like the round. But I still had this nagging thought, I didn't need it. And I rarely used it other than at the range. I've been on the fence long enough, even tried to sell it a couple of times, but no takers. Finally decided to just keep the darn thing and invest in a truly nice stock for it. The Edge stock reduced weight by over 1/2 lb. It now points, balances and fits perfect. I think it will get used more now.
A word about the 300 WSM. After shooting and loading for it I cannot think of a single reason to pick 300 WM over 300 WSM unless you just happen to already own the WM version. With the best loads someone MIGHT coax an extra 50-100 fps from a 300WM, but only with a 26-28" barrel. If both are 24" the difference is less than 50 fps. If more speed is wanted the 300WBY and RUM as well as a couple of others take speed to another level.
What sold me was the lack of recoil for the performance. I need 57 gr powder to get 2750 fps from my 30-06 with 180's. The 300 WSM needs 65 gr to reach 2950. A 300 WM can do 3000-3050, but needs 80-85 gr of powder. A little less speed combined with a lot less powder makes a huge difference. Running the numbers through recoil calculation programs show about 3 ft lbs increase over my 30-06. The 300 WM has 7-8 ft lbs more recoil. Both the 300 WSM and my 30-06's weigh 7.5 lbs as pictured. I can't tell the difference in recoil when shooting them. With a 300 WM, I notice the difference.
I know darn well I can do anything I need to do with the 30-06. But I just like this one and there aren't many downsides.
