20GADBL

I'm thinking of getting the girlfriend an all around gun from antelope to elk. I'm thinking a stevens 200 in .308 is whatI'mplanning on.But I was wondering how the 300 WSM compares in recoil with the .308? I heard that the short mags have less recoil than there bigbrothers. Ballistically the 300 WSM is better, but if it kicks to hard she won't want to shoot it. I was thinkingon a howa in 300 WSM any other guns on the lower end side chamber the 300 WSM?

feddoc

I would vote for the .300WSM, it is a bit more versatile and powerful. I have shot both, and did not notice any appreciable difference in recoil...but, I am a large guy.

My 5'5" wife weighs about 130lbs and shoots a braked .300 Winnie without a problem.

game4lunch

Please consider the .300 Win Mag (not short) and using the Remington "Managed-Recoil" ammo. They boast a 50% reduction in recoil with a 150gr bullet and 8lb rifle. So you can go big, and still keep recoil down.
Muzzle breaks are always a popular consideration when reducing recoil is a factor. But you (and every one else at the range) go deaf shooting them.
I'd stay clear of the .308 and any "short mag" for the game you listed. No appreciable beenfit to either. The .308 is great for under 200 yard shots, but for out west hunting, you need flat shootingto 300 yards+. Short mags are popular (for now) because they are supposed to provide: a.) Better accuracy due to shorter, wider powder column, and b.) Quicker reload with about .5" less action.Not a significant reduction in recoil either.So why bother?

trailer

Before you go spend your money on a rifle and find out it has to much recoil I would say, see if you can borrow one from a friend and let her try it. It would be a shame to spend all that money on something she wouldn’t want to hunt with unless you had that included in your plans and just have to keep it for yourself...

James B

My wife loves to shoot and hunt but there is no way she would shoot the 300 WSM. People are different but my wife hates recoil. She will shoot the 308 if she has to but prefers the 250 Savage for deer and the 6.5x55 or 7mm-08 for bigger critters. I would take Trailers advise and have her shoot one before spending the money. I once talked my wife into trying my 7 Mag and she was mad at me for two weeks.

stubblejumper

The stevens 200 is a fairly light rifle.Go with the 308win.

tsoc

The managed recoil ammunition makes a lot of sense.I can't imagine a woman being comfortable shooting an off the shelf 300wsm.Perhaps with the managed recoil ammunition,I am not a big fan of muzzle breaks because of the increased noise from the blast.A 3006 is very versatile up and down the spectrum of hunting possibilities and also offers managed recoil ammunition.

20GADBL

I was wanting to stick with a short action. Ya know "smaller bullets, less kick" its a mental thing for her. From what I'm hearing is that the 300 WSM does have more recoil than a .308. I don't want to go with the Reduced Recoil loads because they also reduce the performance. I like the wide range of bullet selection in the .308. Was mainly wondering how much a 300 WSM kicks. I don't want to have to have the extra cost of a muzzle brake.

stubblejumper

I have fired a tikka t-3 in 300wsm.It produced every bit as much felt recoil as an average weight 300winmag.

BChunter88

I think if she can handle a .308 she should be able to handle a .300 wsm. I have a .300 wsm savage model 16 and it kicks pretty hard but ive shot my freinds .308 and its not that far behindrecoilwise but his .308 is kind of a freak it kicks really hard for a .308 for some reason.Also the difference between a .300 wsm and a regular 300 mag isnt very big i read its about 9 percent less felt recoil. I think if you got her the .300 wsm and just got her a nice recoil pad she would be fine and its definately worth it because the .300 wsm is a lot better cartridge than the .308 in my opinion