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Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

C

Chanonry

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 30, 2009
378
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Aberdeen Scotland
#1
I am looking to replace my 270Win with a rifle that has more wallop down range. Considering the choices I have narrowed it down to either a WM or a WSM. I have two questions I would like some experienced feedback on:

1. Is there any practical difference between the two?

2. Without going custom, what rifles should I look at? I am going to hunt with this as well as using it on the range so huge lumps are out, but if I want to be able to shoot well I suspect it is going to need a bit of weight to it?
 
#2
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

From what I can gather, the 300WM is going to be a better option if you are looking to push the 200+ grain bullets. If you are going to stay with the lighter 150-165 grain then the 300WSM is likely the better choice, if there really is a better choice. In the field hunting, it likely won't be that much different. I choose the 300WM for the time being because I want something to push the heavier stuff. However, I see the addition of a 300WSM to my stable in the future.

As for options, I am a fan of the big 3 gun makers. In the 300WM, I would probably opt for a 5R or Sendero from Remington. Not the lightest stick around, but not the heaviest either. If you go with the 300WSM, consider the Savages. They have the Model 11 long range hunter that looks like it will get the job done. I have been happy with every Savage I have owned. A little load development and they shoot like a house a fire out of the box in my experience.
 
#3
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

I personally own both of these great cartridges.I'm a "hunter" not a longrange or bench guy by any stretch..Although like the people before have said the WM would probably be best for 200 gr. plus bullets, I've "NEVER" seen anything walk away from a 165gr. pill out of either.I've shot countless elk,deer,antelope,sheep,hogs,etc and both have more than enough from less than 50yds to 440 plus.I actually have stopped using my WM due to it's heavy weight and hike ability tipping the scale at 11 lbs plus..My WSM is a Christensen and is much lighter and way easier to tote up and down hills all day at 7 lbs.Bullet performance in hunting situations as far as I'm concerned is the same on anything I've shot.
Certainly Savage's over the past few years have been gaining momentum amongst a broad spectrum of shooters.I'm fairly certain you couldn't go wrong with almost any of there offerings in either cartridge.I personally own 4 different Savage's and they have all been shooters.I hope this helps in your decision and good luck in your future hunts..
 
#4
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

Excellent feedback guys, thank you.

I liked the look of all the rifles. One question though what are the Savage synthetic stocks like? There are synthetics and there are plastics.

Sounds like this could be the way for me to go. I have a 308 and a 270 which are fine at 150 and while they nail things further out there is too much running about for my taste. I want to project the 150 yd performance out to 450+ and this sounds like the way.
 
#5
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

There's a guy here in town who is a world class BR guy (held WR for awhile). He and his buddies run 300WSM/Stiller's for hunting and goofing off (shooting clay pigeons at 800 yds) and they're pushing 210 JLK's over 2900fps (barrel length unknown, but considered to be less of a factor than in the WM). Now, keep in mind we're at 3500 ft., but this is in the ballpark of what I was getting when my barrel was 24" on my WM.

I think either would suit you well. Although terminal ballistics may be similar, there are other differences that may sway you either way.

John

edit - now that I think about it, those guys are single feeding due to really long COAL to get case capacity. Probably custom chamber/throat too. Probably not practical for most people's hunting choice.
 
#6
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

I shoot a Tikka T3 Hunter in .300wsm. Beautiful stock and very accurate. I've always been a fan of Sako/Beretta and this is my entry level step into their rifles.

It is kind of a beating to get sighted in, but after that it's a nice rig. I have whitetails and pigs to shoot at on a regular basis and I've never had one take a step. I actually thought I missed the first deer I took with it because resetting after the recoil, I didn't see that the deer had just collapsed into the grass.

I've got a box of the Winchester ballistic silver tips and I honestly would like to stop hunting with them because they almost force me to take neck/head shots on deer that I want any meat from due to the softball-sized exit wounds.

Need to get this thing shot in on a longer range cause it's definately capable of responsible 3-400yd shots.
 
#7
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

On a side note... Don't know if this affects you at all, but a decent box of 300wsm hunting shells is $45 on the cheap and $65+ for nice stuff. Not exactly something to run tons of rounds through, at least on my budget (or shoulder!)
 
#8
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

You can do just fine with either. I shoot a .300wsm pushing 210 bergers and 190 SMK's. I've always shot big caliber rifles so recoil is just something I've gotten used to. If it's a concern to you have a brake installed by a local smith.

I like Rem and Savage both. I own both. I shoot both. For a primarily hunting rifle either would work just fine.

** I don't guess I understand your comment about "too much running about with a .308 past 150 yards"??
 
#9
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: red34</div><div class="ubbcode-body">On a side note... Don't know if this affects you at all, but a decent box of 300wsm hunting shells is $45 on the cheap and $65+ for nice stuff. Not exactly something to run tons of rounds through, at least on my budget (or shoulder!) </div></div>

True. If you're not planning on reloading, u would be better off with 300WM. There is a much bigger selection of factory loads, and are ALOT cheaper. I have seen Remington Corelockts/Winchester Power Points this deer season as cheap as $17-$19 a box.
 
#10
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

I fully planned to do an FN long range rig in 300wsm and reload for it and my deer rifle until I shot in my deer rifle! Big calibers are fun for a shot or two, but after 6-7 I can barely lift my arm past my shoulder. Couldn't imagine running through a box or 2 of 300wsm.

The wsm seems to have a sharper pop than others with more of a longer boom... if that makes any sense at all. I actually think that is the whole point of the WSM idea.

I'd personally think the .308, 7mm mag, and 30-06 are all much easier on the shoulder. No time behind a plain wm.
 
#12
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

I have three 300 win mags.

A weatherby UL which walks when the barrel heats and kicks like a howitzer. I'm gonna sell it.

I also have a sendero which will hold 1/2 moa but weighs a lot. I occasionally shoot prairie dogs with it. I'll also use it for hunting on the farm when I'm looking over a hay field.

My favorite is my Sako 75 finnlight which holds 3/4 moa and I have shot an elk out to 606 yards with two hits out of two shots. The Sako rocks and is a great hunting rifle.

My cousin has tikka which he loves.

My friend and uncle have Remington 700 dbm in 300 win mag. One will put 10 rounds of cheap corelock into 1 inch in any condition. It's just amazing really. The other not so hot but acceptable, as it's taken elk at 575 yards.
 
#13
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

Pick up a mod 7 whitetail classic in 300wsm for a lighter weight rig, or take a ltr in 300 saum and ream to wsm for heavier, you can build it up from there if you choose, you won't regret it. The mod 7 is a little tac drivn machine, but stocks etc are a little harder to find.

There is quite the tangle of folks debating this topic. I like short action, I like short fat even burning powder columns, and non belted cases to name a few. You can also run a shorter barrel and get complete powder burn as well( so they say), to me this adds up to a better suited hunting rig. However ass tons of bone and blood have fallen to the wm.
 
#14
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

I have several rifles chambered in all these calibers and like them all. The 300 mags do bring a little more to the table. As range gets longer, say past 500 yards, the 300s get the nod, but with the same bullet and same shot placement from any and all of these calibers, I would not expect to see any significant difference in the effect on game within 450 yards.

The 270 is an excellent 450 yd rifle for up to medium/heavy game. The 308 as well. Both are proven to be capable well past 150 yds, and on average, I expect the 270 to drop game a bit more quickly, and at least as well.

If game is not dropping quick enough for you at longer range, I would look at the bullet you are firing or shot placement. Animals shot in the chest can tend to run a bit, even with though they are basically dead on their feet.

For quicker kills, try a bullet that opens quicker, like a Nosler Ballistic tip, or a Berger VLD...even a Nosler Partition should give more than adequate results if placed into the kill zone. A little extra velocity helps speed things up a bit, so to speak, and the 270 has that going for it without recoil issues.

Even with the scores of calibers we have to choose from today, it's hard to find a more nicely balanced round than the 270 for most hunting tasks.

TC

 
#15
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

Both are great rds,I have had 300wsm in browning abolts,sako 75,weatherby and savage.Favorite to pack was the abolt and plenty accurate.Right now I have a 300wm in sendero,very nice but much longer and heavier.If I had to choise one or the other probably the 300wsm would win,but reloading is a factor in that.
 
#18
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chanonry</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do reload, does that make a difference in my choice? </div></div>

If you reload, probably not. If it was that you only bought factory ammo then you should go with a 300WM. I just purchased a 300WSM and am now thinking Im gonna have to take up reloading to feed my shooting habits.

WM factory ammo is considerably cheaper and has more choices. Especially in the premium ammo department. However, and I may be wrong about this, if you reload you can buy the same bullets and use less powder to achieve the same results with a WSM,
 
#19
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

i just last week took a poke at a sheep at 1800yd, got real close and the proof is on the video, which when i get it i will post.....i'll take a .300WM thank you....the wsm stuff is a tad too finicky
DSCN0848.jpg
 
#20
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

Bolt,

Where is that? Looks a lot like eastern Montana.

Is that a Leica and did you get a reliable LRF reading at that distance?

John
 
#21
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrob300</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Bolt,

Where is that? Looks a lot like eastern Montana.

Is that a Leica and did you get a reliable LRF reading at that distance?

John</div></div>

this was around Childress Tx...almost the panhandle....and no the leica , although only an 800 got me only a little past 935.....the goat was milled by one of them shitty Leupolds (kidding)that seem to hold their own and never break and perform in all sorts of conditions ,,,,etc ....but i digress
 
#22
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

I have a Tikka 300 WSM with less than 100 yrds, working up a favorite load, got a .5" group at 100 with 168 Amaxs, should be able to get it under that easy. Been a few Tikkas in the family and they all shoot crazy small groups. Dont kick bad.
 
#23
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dmschmidt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have a Tikka 300 WSM with less than 100 yrds, working up a favorite load, got a .5" group at 100 with 168 Amaxs, should be able to get it under that easy. Been a few Tikkas in the family and they all shoot crazy small groups. Dont kick bad. </div></div>

dmschmidt,

If accuracy starts to go south on your Tikka, pillar bed it, and if that doesn't work, get rid of that goofy aluminum recoil lug.

I put a Tubbs Rem. 700 type on mine when I rebarreled. I had rotated the recoil lug multiple times, and the action had left deep marks in it on all four sides. These hard recoiling rounds pound the crap out of the aluminum recoil lug and the action starts to move around in the stock.

Just a suggestion.

John
 
#24
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

My bone-stock 300WM 700p shoots 1/2 MOA all day long, I picked it up for $900, hard to beat for the price.
 
#26
Re: Rifles for 300WM or 300WSM for hunting

cool, thanks for the tip. I love these tikkas, byt they do have some oddities to them, the recoil lug being one. Pillar bedding is on the to do list, today I'm adding some lead shot to the synthetic stock and adjusting the trigger down.
 
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