And there you have it folks, more boosheut being heaped upon, by the shovel full upon the "anti-magnum wagon".
James B, Doe Dumper, TomFTS, van... How many of you have actually hunted with a "Super Mag"? I just want to know how much hunting you guys have done with these guns that would allow you to make such confident statements about their lack of adequate performance? BTW TomFTS the Warbird IS a Lazzeroni. Tom you also asked why someone would want a SuperMag over the 300Winnie. For those who "can't see/understand the difference" between a typical mag vs a supermag, compare ballistics of the two over 300yds and you will QUICKLY see why some might like the added ease of long range shooting with "laserguns". I'll just put a simple Factory ammuntion ballistics comparison chart up for reference and perhaps a "lil bit" of evidence:
The chart below shows a 300Win with a 150Interbond (polytipped Accubond copy) from Hornady and just so some can't call me biased, I'll pick Lazzeroni's lowly 150 Nosler Partition load (the 150 Lazerhead load is faster and much more aerodynamic but I'll "go low" to show non-bias). Again these are factory ammo offerings and generally agreed NOT to be loaded soft or slow!
300Win Muzzle Velocity:3250 100yds: +1.5" 400yds: -16", 2400fps/1900ft#s 500yds: -33", 2150fps/1500ft#s
308Wbd Muzzle Velocity:3800 100yds: +1.5" 400yds: -6" , 2900fps/2800ft#s 500yds: -16", 2700fps/2500ft#s
Now I ask, who wouldn't want that extra ease in trajectory, not to mention the added horsepower to realiably penetrate completely at such ranges? As much difference as the trajectory is between the two you should see the differences in wind drift, simply amazing! Keep in mind this is comparing a 300Winnie too a 308 Warbird, anyone want to see the difference in a 30/06 as compared too the Warbird? It's like comparing my wifes Expedition too a topfuel dragster!
The 150 leaves the 06 muzzle at appx the same velocity that it is still doing at 350yds from the Warbird!
I personally don't see ANY difference in the men who dumped their 30/30s 50 years ago in favor of cartridges like the 30/06class for their added range, vs those of us who have chosen to set aside our traditional big game calibers (270, 30/06, 7mag) for the newer SuperMags to pick up their extra yardage and power as well. I just don't see the difference, I think it's simply a continuation or maybe "the next chapter" in the history of big game cartridges and the evolution of big-game hunting itself. I'm know my grandfather argued the merits of his 35 Rem back in the 60s with those in his deercamp who were totin 30/06s or GOD FORBID something like a 7Rem Mag or 300Wby Mag!!!
Sure SuperMags are more expensive to own and use, sure they can kick the wax out of your ears, sure they burn more powder, sure their barrels won't have a multi-thousand round barrel life like more mundane calibers. BUT that obviously doesn't stop everyone now does it? There are some out there that choose to live with the negatives in return for the positives. It's the same reason some folks choose to take the city bus too work while others choose to drive a Ferrari. This is America and it can be for no other reason than simply because they can and they want to!
I don't consider it a "stunt" to reliably and confidently take big game at 500yds with a properly equipped SuperMag in competent hands under decent and well planned conditions. I DO consider it a stunt for the average hunter to try that same shot, from the typical treestand with his trusty ol 30/06 Rem700 with a 3x9 Bushnell scope!!!
RA