Short mags

Champlain Islander · 05-17-2007, 03:06 PM

I have been thinking of getting another gun and would like some information on the WSM type calibers. I want the gun for larger game like elk or moose and need to compare ballistics and energy to an 06 since that is the caliber that I am most familiar with and use often. I realize the old 30.06 is more than capable to take pretty much any North American game but I would like anyones take on how a .300 WSM or possibly a .325 WSM would compare to an 06 on one end and say a 300 Win Mag on the other. Speed, energy, recoiland down range performance is of interest. I like to use 180 gr Barns TSX and factory loads. Thanks in advance.

retrieverman · 05-17-2007, 05:10 PM

If I were you and looking at a WSM, the only one I would consider would be the 300 WSM. I have one now and have owned a couple others over the years, and I have been very pleased with accuracy and ammo availabilty.

stalkingbear · 05-17-2007, 06:41 PM

For elk and moose,the .325wsm is equal to the .338 win mag,and the most sensible choice. I am assuming you already have deer guns and thus don't need a compermize cartridge. If you think about standard action 06 length,look at the .375 ruger,it's equal to the trusty .375h&h.

bronko22000 · 05-17-2007, 06:51 PM

For going after moose I would opt for the 300 or 325 WSMs also. Not saying the 270 or 7mm WSM wouldn't do the job but the 300 and 325 would be better suited for moose. Any would suffice for elk. I was in the same situation as you were having 270 Win, 7mm-08, 30-06 300 Win Mag. I opted for the 325 WSM in a Browning Microhunter. This is a light, very accurate rifle. I have been shooting 200 gr Nosler Accubonds out of it with many 5 shot groups measuring well under 1" at 100 yds. It shoots so well that I just traded my 300 Win Mag for a Youth model Savage for my grandson. I figure the '06 will take just about anything I shoot at and if I need something bigger I have the 325. By the way, Savage is now making the 325WSM in their American Classic rifle. This is a nice rifle with clean lines and some good features like detachable mag and the incredible accutrigger. It may be worth taking a look at and the money you save you can put toward a higher end scope. OK, I better shut up, I'm sounding like a Savage ad.

James B · 05-17-2007, 07:45 PM

Well, if I was already used to a long action like the 30-06, I would go with the old tried and true 300 Win Mag. Its more versitile with the heavy bullets and probably the best single One gun fits all cartridge out there if you don't mind the recoil which is not all thay much more than the 30-06.

bronko22000 · 05-20-2007, 07:19 PM

Champlain - Did you make a decision. I'd like to hear a follow up.

stubblejumper · 05-20-2007, 07:33 PM

The 300wsm offers more velocity than the 30-06 but in handloads,the 300winmag does slightly better.

Champlain Islander · 05-22-2007, 05:59 AM

After lots of research I can't see why anyone wouldn't want to go with a short mag. Apparently they recoil less with the same energy and speed of their long action counterpart. You can go with a lighter gun due to the size. They are inherently more accurate due to a shorter action (in theory). If I decide to set up a gun with a little more range and energy especially suited for larger game rather than deer I will certainly opt for one of the two calibers I mentioned. Apparently the .300 WSM factory loads are more widely available than the .325 WSM which would be a consideration. To make matters worse Remmington has their own version of the short mags, but I guess I'll focus on the WSM's. I like the fact that the .325WSM has about the same ballistic properties as the hard hitting andkicking .338 Win Mag which by many is considered to be one of the best non dangerous big game loads. I know Kimber makes their Montana rifle in both the .300 and .325 WSM loads. If I do it I will probably go with the .325 since I have 2 different 30.06 rifles that I plan to keep and use for deerand the .325 would have that much more energy and range than the 06. I am not a hand loader and really like Federal Ammo so I hope they start to produce a .325 WSM product.

Deleted User · 05-22-2007, 08:44 AM

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Champlain Islander · 05-22-2007, 10:25 AM

From what I have read and talked with a few guys who own them the short mags have slightly less propellant in a shorter fatter frame which increases efficiency with an associated 10% less recoil. I don't know if a 10% difference would even be noticeable. Gun weight and stock design would probably have more impact on felt recoil as anything.