300WSM or 338 Win Mag for CO Hunting???
#21
Typical Buck
Join Date: May 2006
Location:
Posts: 585
I travel to CO every other year to hunt Mule Deer and Elk. Back in 2007 I was faced with a similar decision and went with the .300 WSM. Its proven to be a great choice for me. I prefer the flatter shooting rifle for out West.
I'm also shooting 180 gr Federal Accubonds.
I'm also shooting 180 gr Federal Accubonds.
#22
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 104
I have a T3 Lite in 300 WSM, and it is one of the most accurate rifles I own or have shot. 20 rounds from the bench isn't extremely pleasant, but it's tolerable. In the field, it's a dream. I use the Hornady 165 gr Interbonds, but I don't elk hunt.
#23
300WSM or 338 Win
There's nothing in Colorado that needs a .338. I love the 25/06 and have rolled 300 lb deer with 100gr Core-Loks but some outfitters get nervous so I recently went to a .300 Win Mag. I recently took it to Africa and killed all manner of plains game (my buddy did it with a 30/06). I just killed a toad of a mulie in Wyoming (Saturday) with a 150 gr Core-Lok and killed a 350 class elk two years ago with a 180 gr Remington. Save your shoulder (and pocketbook) and go with the .300 and save the .338 for Alaskan Grizzleys ...... or Stryker vehicles.
#24
wow good to see its not a dyin breed, thought i'd be alone on this...the 300WSM..no problem...n e where ya wanna go hunt...they have 30-06 bullets will do what a manufacturers 300wsm shell will do!!
#26
Fork Horn
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 138
i am thinking about getting a larger gun also. i live in western oregon where its really brushy. so putting the kill on a bear or elk is important on the first shot. im thinking of a .325 wsm. either way you go, start shooting the barnes bullet. those accubonds are SUBPAR compared to barnes.
#27
Bigger gun
I've killed a bunch of bear with .44 Mags. If you're hunting with dogs the key is what can you carry, weight and size wise. Someone should carry a rifle (as opposed to pistols). The Marlin .44s or 45/70 Guide Guns are relatively light an cheap. If you're in a stand BIG is good! Took .30 Cal 180 gr Barnes Triple Shock reloads to Africa and they worked fine. They weren't quite as advertised and I talked to the Barnes engineers about them but I can't argue with the results, 13 animals on the ground. In Calif we have the "condor range" where lead is banned and we have to use them, ..... or something similar.
#28
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 1,408
i am thinking about getting a larger gun also. i live in western oregon where its really brushy. so putting the kill on a bear or elk is important on the first shot. im thinking of a .325 wsm. either way you go, start shooting the barnes bullet. those accubonds are SUBPAR compared to barnes.