Any opinions out there on the short magnums? Went back 10 pages and couldn't find a thread. Specifically, anyone out there have one and how is the range/accuracy etc? Thinking of a build in 300WSM. Thanks in advance.
Gunsmithing Short Magnums
- Thread starter Goatman007
- Start date
I like the 300WSM. I have read that if you reload that it is very good. I am sure someone will post below. I have wanted to build one on a Long action so I could load some heavies in it without running out of mag length.
I really like my 300WSM and the fact that it’s built on a short action and shoots very well. I think the euphoria over the short magnums is in the rear view mirror and very much behind us. Out of all the short magnum calibers I think the 7MM WSM and 300 WSM are here to stay. I think the other WSM calibers are fading in any type of popularity. I didn’t say they weren’t good, didn’t shoot or reload well but the markets not behind them any longer.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Just my $0.02 worth.
Don't get a WSM just for the sake of doing it. Start with requirements and drill down to caliber from there:
- Reload?
- Target or critter getter
- Have parts already on hand?
- Max weight of rifle
- Desired effective range
- Remaining energy at desired range
As far as magnums go, it's hard to beat either the 7mm RM or the 300 WM, but you need a long action with a magnum bolt face for them. For short action magnums, 7 WSM has phenomenal ballistic performance with the heavies, but you will probably need to single feed 180 VLDs in a short action. 300 WSM is a fine choice if you need a very light mountain rifle that delivers something akin to a strike from Thor's hammer on impact. The 300 WSM is also a better choice if you don't handload.
The cool kids on this forum are all liquored up on the 6.5 SAUM. With 130 VLDs, it is probably capable of taking down most anything inside 500 yds and can be one heck of a target rifle too (only 6 mils elevation at 1000 yds); plenty of annoying case prep involved.
- Reload?
- Target or critter getter
- Have parts already on hand?
- Max weight of rifle
- Desired effective range
- Remaining energy at desired range
As far as magnums go, it's hard to beat either the 7mm RM or the 300 WM, but you need a long action with a magnum bolt face for them. For short action magnums, 7 WSM has phenomenal ballistic performance with the heavies, but you will probably need to single feed 180 VLDs in a short action. 300 WSM is a fine choice if you need a very light mountain rifle that delivers something akin to a strike from Thor's hammer on impact. The 300 WSM is also a better choice if you don't handload.
The cool kids on this forum are all liquored up on the 6.5 SAUM. With 130 VLDs, it is probably capable of taking down most anything inside 500 yds and can be one heck of a target rifle too (only 6 mils elevation at 1000 yds); plenty of annoying case prep involved.
What about a better eficiency wise.. 7saum i know it will fail when it comes to reloading components availability but once tou got couple 100brass your good to go.. since brass the only hard to find
I drank the coolaid on the shorts. I am currently sporting a 300saum and it is the most accurate rifle I have shot. Im on my phone so posting pics is a pita but I will post tomorrow.
Stiller predator sa
Oby barrel
Fte brake
Manners T4a with mini chassis
Timney trigger
Nf br 8-32
Durring load development with the 185gn juggernaut 3 consecutive powder charges all shot under .25 moa five shot groups. I have the pics to proove it. I settled on
Nosler brass
Cci lr mag primer
Juggernaut .030 off the lands
59.5gn h4350
At 300 the vertical was under .5" it is insane to say the least. It is getting sent off to gap for them to spin on a 6.5 saum this week.
Stiller predator sa
Oby barrel
Fte brake
Manners T4a with mini chassis
Timney trigger
Nf br 8-32
Durring load development with the 185gn juggernaut 3 consecutive powder charges all shot under .25 moa five shot groups. I have the pics to proove it. I settled on
Nosler brass
Cci lr mag primer
Juggernaut .030 off the lands
59.5gn h4350
At 300 the vertical was under .5" it is insane to say the least. It is getting sent off to gap for them to spin on a 6.5 saum this week.
WSMs work fine, mine came with the Krusty Brand seal of approval. "It's not just good, it's good enough."
handloaded 7mm WSM:
Rem M700 SA clone
26" Brux 1:8
180SMK
60gr Retumbo
WLRP
2850fps
.3 MOA@200yds
I had some 139's over 3400fps on another 25" barrel too.
In terms of 'efficiency' if you're willing to handload and shoot a wildcat then a long-throated 7mm WSSM will get 180 Berger Hybrids to 2800fps with 50 grains of powder. More if you lean on it.
handloaded 7mm WSM:
Rem M700 SA clone
26" Brux 1:8
180SMK
60gr Retumbo
WLRP
2850fps
.3 MOA@200yds
I had some 139's over 3400fps on another 25" barrel too.
In terms of 'efficiency' if you're willing to handload and shoot a wildcat then a long-throated 7mm WSSM will get 180 Berger Hybrids to 2800fps with 50 grains of powder. More if you lean on it.
Of all the WSM's, I like the 325 the best myself. There are far too many equal or better .308 and .284's out there already. The .323 (8mm) is an excellent caliber and too few are used in NA.
I have found it to be extremely accurate, although it's main purpose for me is moose hunting. Lol
I have found it to be extremely accurate, although it's main purpose for me is moose hunting. Lol
I have a 7WSM and think it is pretty awesome with the 180gr Berger VLDs. Runs pretty well against the .300WinMag and is not bad at all on recoil.
I am no pro on reloading but it is a GAP rifle and has made several groups in the .18-.25moa range. The caliber is capable of great accuracy and performance all within a short action.
I am no pro on reloading but it is a GAP rifle and has made several groups in the .18-.25moa range. The caliber is capable of great accuracy and performance all within a short action.
Yeah Cleft, I love to get a rifle that shoots sub moa to go moose hunting, a shotgun slug will shoot minute of moose. LOL. Great inputs all, looking forward to more.
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