.308 or 300 ultra mag?

[outbackshooter34]

i am going on a mule deer/ antelope hunt next year. i am going to get a new rifle this year and have choices narrowed down to these two calibers (.308 or 300 ultra mag) which of these two would be a better choice? also i have a 700 bdl .270 which i know is ideal, but i am also just wanting another rifle. i also would like the .308 better cause of the short action and the lighter rifle. but is it good choice for most big game or not? thanks i would appreciate any and all advice. thanks for your time.

[ShatoDavis]

First off let me answer your question then I will give my opinion.

A: yes, the 308 is very well suited for what you want.

O: I would take your 270 because you already own it. Then I would purchase a caliber that doesn't overlap nearly as much for my new rifle. There is basically nothing the 308 can do that the 270 can't. Therefore I think that its a lateral move. think about what other kind of hunting you may do. If you think you may hunt larger game then buy the ultra, or a 338, or the new 325 wsm etc. If smaller animals,at longer ranges or varmint hunting will be more the norm then buy something like the 25-06, 243, 223or 22-250 etc

[halvtaz]

ORIGINAL: ShatoDavis

First off let me answer your question then I will give my opinion.

A: yes, the 308 is very well suited for what you want.

O: I would take your 270 because you already own it. Then I would purchase a caliber that doesn't overlap nearly as much for my new rifle. There is basically nothing the 308 can do that the 270 can't. Therefore I think that its a lateral move. think about what other kind of hunting you may do. If you think you may hunt larger game then buy the ultra, or a 338, or the new 325 wsm etc. If smaller animals,at longer ranges or varmint hunting will be more the norm then buy something like the 25-06, 243, 223or 22-250 etc

I agree you should use the .270 and find something that will compliment your other hunting habits. But, if you want a new gun I would go with the .308 because it is lighter and generally has less kick.

[KareImp]

I agree with the others. I'm in the dakotas, and I would pickup the 270 long before either the 300 RUM or 308 on a Mule deer or Antelope hunt.

But if you want a 308 and a 300 UM - sure - get em.

[handloader1]

I'd get the .300 RUM. Good luck.

[Chantecler111]

Why are you even considering the 300 RUM? Go with the .308 Win.

[Duckbutter48]

ORIGINAL: Chantecler111

Why are you even considering the 300 RUM? Go with the .308 Win.

Maybe he wants something that shoots a little flatter and has better ballistics then a 308.



Unless you reload or dont mind paying for the higher cost ammo of the Ultra mag check out the 300WSM and 300Win mag with factory ammo they won't be much different then the Ultra mag but kick less. If you reload the extra capacity of the Ultra mag is nice if you really want boost up the speed.

Between your 2 choices I would go with the Ultra mag. Recoil is no issue to me though but for some the Ultra Mag's recoil is too fierce. If you want better performance then a 308 but dont want the hard recoil of the Ultra Mag then look at the other 2 I mentioned.

The 308 is a great round but doesnt offer anything your 270 doesnt already have for the game you mentioned. Actually the 270 will shoot flatter then the 308.

[mossy33oak]

I currently own a 300 RUM and can honestly say i wouldnt recommend it for your situation. I really like mine, however its not a regular use rifle where i hunt. There are alot of better choices for antelope than the 300 Ultra. Like stated before ammo is expensive, and recoil is high. With currently owning a .270, I would suggest a 300 Win mag as a fine compliment.

I have also owned 3 RUM's and love the power and fun I had with them. But I did burn up the barrel in one and had heat cracks in a custom one I had built after 500 rounds. If it wasn't for the harshness on barrels, I would have another one. I instead have a win mag. I miss the RUM. It was fun for long range shooting, but 300winmag will be fun too.

[younggun308]

I would get the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum for the sake of variety.