Typically after a number of rounds the hot mags will show some throat errosion. This may well be your culprit. If so you've got several options open to you all of which a good gun smith can explain.

As far as the rounds mentioned if you want a true long range elk stomper the .340 is your huckleberry. There is no comparison of knock down at long range between the big .338's and .375's and a .30. The bigger heavier rounds carry energy and have a hell of alot more knock down power despite what paper balistics would indicate.

More diameter=more knock down given ample velocity. This is given that the bullets are of simular sectional density. IE a 180 gr .30 cal generally has a S.D. of about 270 as does the 250 gr .338. If you go for light bullets in the .338 such as a 210gr your loosing literally tons of of knock down at range. When talking of a long range elk or larger gun forget about muzzel velocity look what your still carrying at 300 or 400 yards. And remeber that 2000ft lbs of energy from your .300 is a hell of alot less knock down than 2000 ft lbs of energy from your .340.
I've seen a 285gr grand slam from a .375 give end on full penetration (length wise)with an exit wound on a full sized bull elk at over 440 yards. try that with any .30.

All that being said a .300 WM is a great elk round at any range you can hit one. With the right bullets I don't hesitate to use mine and it has never failed me If I do my part. I'm only trying to make the point that at long range on big game there are other and more effective alternatives. And if Brown bear is in your future plans I'd look at a .340 or .375 real hard. A high velocity .30 is generally not the optimum big bear round. Though they do get the job done with great regularity. I perfer a heavier slower round which tend to give more reliable deeper straight line penetration.

Just my humble $.02

Edited by - Surestrike on 10/11/2002 18:24:38