300 WSM and 300 Win. Mag

bluffhunter · 12-05-2007, 07:16 AM

Hi i am in the market for a new rifle for an upcoming black bear hunt this fall, and a possible elk or moose hunt the following year. I have a 270 right now for deer and looking at a larger all around caliber and looking for inputs on the 300 WSM VS the 300 Win. Mag. i like the shorter action of the short mag but the 300 Win mag can shoot heavier 200 grain bullets so i am ready to flip a coin. Will the 180 grain in a supreme bullet do the job out of the 300 WSM for black bear, elk, and moose? and yes i know its all about shot placement.

Thanks

bluffhunter · 12-05-2007, 07:17 AM

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Champlain Islander · 12-05-2007, 07:26 AM

IMO yes they both will be great on large game. I plan to get one for elk and will probably opt for the .300WSM. Ballistically they are about the same and there are lots of factory loads for both. The short mag should have a smaller recoil. I would go with the .325 WSM except there aren't many factory loads available for this caliber which is similar in effect to thehard kicking.338 Win Mag.

bigbulls · 12-05-2007, 07:35 AM

IMHO, with todays bullets there is absolutely no reason what so ever to use a bullet heavier than 180 grains in any 30 caliber cartridge.

As factory loaded they are equal but if you hand load the 300 Win mag can be loaded to out perform the WSM.

RugerM77.270 · 12-05-2007, 10:05 AM

Get the standard win. mag. and shoot some 180 out of it. If it has worked so great for all thises decades why change. Plus ammo will be easier to find.

Colorado Bob · 12-05-2007, 09:11 PM

I would use your current rifle in 270. Plenty for black bear and your future plans of moose & elk. Use 150 grain bullets. I would take the money & spend it on good glass. Like a new Leupold scope for the 270 or if you already have a good scope. Then I would go for a good set of bincos. Like a pair of Leica or Swaro's. CB

But if you set on a new rifle----I would go with the original 300 Win Mag.

bluffhunter · 12-06-2007, 06:50 AM

Thanks for the replies. Bob i have a Leupold VXIII on the current 270, great scope for the money; sounds like either one will work, i was concerned if the 180 grain bullet would be enough for the larger game instead of 200 and up. Thanks

700xcr · 12-06-2007, 07:27 AM

There has been plenty of game taken with 180gr. If you want a heavier grain bullet step up in caliber like the 8mm,338 and 35 cal.

A11en · 12-06-2007, 07:00 PM

I had to make a similar decision recently for a Mule Deer / Elk hunt. I have a.30-06 but wanted something bigger. I looked at the .300 winchester, .300 WSW,.338 Federal, and .338 Win Mag. After reading, talking with folks on this sight, talking with some outfitters and local gun shops, I landed with the 300WSM. Its a great round and ammo is available everywhere. I shot a Mule Deer and three whitetails with Federal Premium Accubonds 180gr. Great round for long range big game! Recoil is very tolerable, which improves accuracyand ithits just as hard as the .300 Win or .338 Federal

James B · 12-06-2007, 09:29 PM

There is probably no better medicine for NA big game than the 300 Win Mag and good 180 grain bullets. The 30-06 is dern near as good and the 270 is cetainly in the same ball park. I dont like the recoil so my limit is the 308 which is just as good. If I absolutely need something bigger, its the 45-70. A oldie but goodie like me, At least the oldie part.