Wsm

[schunter]

I was thinking of picking up one the WSM (270, 7MM, 300) for deer hunting. I currently shoot a 270. Would there be any benefit with the WSM. Really just want to add some variety to my collection.

 

[Zak Smith]

I think the 7 WSM might have more case/powder volume than the 7RM since it's based off the 300WSM case, and the 300Mag case is larger than the 7RM case.

-z

 

[artherd]

At least the 300WSM duplicates .300WinMag ballistics. Pretty impressive out of a short action.

 

[nico]

I've seen ballistics data of WSM cartridges that show a muzzle velocity about 200-300fps faster, more energy, and a little flatter shooting. It's also supposed to have noticeably more recoil than a regular .270. Unless you reload, the cartridges seem way to expensive for the performance difference between the wsm and a regular .270.

 

[artherd]

Hard to argue with a 165-168grain BT at 3200fps out of the .300wsm.

However, the deer won't know the difference between that and a .270.

 

[Marshall]

Well, you get a lighter short action rifle in a magnum power packed offering.

 

[Art Eatman]

I only know from reading, but I've followed the short magnum commentaries a good bit.

I'm of the opinion that they're a good thing for a handloader. Lots of options about loadings.

For hunting, I don't really see that they're enough "better" that I'd think of replacing a .243 or a .308 or an '06. If I didn't have a 30-caliber, I'd choose a .300 WSM and load down, some, for smaller deer; and full-house for elk.

When compared to standard magnums, they seem to provide 90% of the muzzle velocity from 80% as much powder. The recoil isn't as much, which for many means high performance with less pain. (Recoil is a function of the total of bullet weight plus powder weight.)

If a short action provides a bit better accuracy than a long action, I can see some development for target shooting...

FWIW, Art

 

[Third_Rail]

Pretty impressive KICK out of a short action, too. My uncle's 45/70 levergun doesn't hurt, but a WSM action boltgun hurt, almost regardless of caliber.

 

[Gewehr98]

Lessee, more recoil...

shorter barrel life, more expensive ammo. Longer point-blank range, sexy marketing scheme, people buying them as their 100-200 yard deer guns.

You're already pretty well set up with your .270 Winchester, Schunter. Magnumitis is a temporary affliction, really.