I'd say the300 win. mag. I haven't had a 300wsm and dont have any plans to(not that it isnt a good round). I do have the win. mag and its a great caliber. If the the wsm is on par w/ the WM factory loads(lots of people testify it is), then its a good performer also. there are two factors that favor the WM and one that favors the WSM. the WM is one of THE most common rounds and shells can be found everywhere plus numerous different loads from the factory. Second it has loads of reloaders potential which by all accounts the WSM does not have. The factor favoring the WSM is the short action. so depending on what you preferr/value, make your choice. I personally dont see any tangible advantage to a short action.

Could I get you to tell me more about the BOSS?

.300 Win Mag hands down is better. Faster, more powerful, been around longer, and I have one

I hear and understand the two most common reasons why someone should pick the big Winnie over the WSM, but I aint buyin it.

1). Because more ammo is available for the 300WinMag: Well sure it is, it only has decades on the WSMs. BUT Federal and Winchester are steadily adding WSM ammo. I think its only a matter of time before you see Hornady and Remington throw their cards into the pile (Rem has already dropped their RSAUMs in the rifles and the ammo selection for them is almost nil, Hornady likewise is one of the fastest growing commerical loaders. Why would they not want to get aboard THE fastest growing calibers in the business?) Also how many hunts do you go on and forget your ammo? While it might be comforting in the back of you mind, I for one would NOT be concerned with not being able to find ammo while on a hunt away from home. Are people really that forgetful? I have heard of forgetting somethings while packing for hunts, but I know I have NEVER forgotten to pack my gun, boots, ammo, knives and optics!!!

2). Because you can stoke up the handloads. You can say that for just about ANY caliber out there. Likewise if you are a handloader than the 1). excuse likewise takes you out of the loop regardless of whether you have a 300Winnie or a 275 H&H.

The 300Winnie is a great ol warhorse, and if you have a reason to shoot 200 or heavier grain bullets (like at grizzlies, which then I am gonna carry more firepower!) then stick with it. But simply a 180 grain quality bullet from either the Winnie or the WSM will plant ANY moose or elk on the continent. The advantage goes too the WSM for being in a shorter, lighter package that is a short action. I REALLY like a light, quick handling gun when packing up in the rough stuff. The short action likewise makes for quicker follow up as you dont have to take your head off the stock while cycling the bolt if you need a quick second shot (hopefully you dont, but you want to always be prepared!).

Good luck with either, but just dont rule out the WSM just because of tradition. Who knows, the WSMs have already exploded onto the scene at an unheard of rate. 30 years from now they might be as standard in the deerwoods as a 30-30 was 50 years ago and the 270/30-06 is today!


RA

The BOSS is a muzzle brake that can be click adjusted to tune barrel vibrations. All barrels vibrate upon firing. Wherever the muzzle is as the bullet exits is where the bullet goes. So controlling the vibration so the muzzle is at the same place in the vibration sequence every time for a particular load will improve accuracy.

By adjusting or tuning the BOSS, you can dial in the sweet spot for a particular load. I have a Winchester M70 with a BOSS. Winchester put the BOSS on some models for a few years back in the 90's and I got one in 30.06. I use it mostly for whitetail but it is my backup elk rifle. So I have a setting on the BOSS for my 150 gr deer loads and one for my 180 gr elk loads. This setting is repeatable so all I have to do is adjust the scope.

Browning offers the BOSS on their bolt and BAR models. They also offer a BOSS without the ports so it isn't a muzzle brake but still offers the barrel tuning. The ports do soften recoil but add a lot of noise and muzzle blast. Also, if you are shooting prone or on a bipod, they can kick up a lot of dust and debris.

RE: All those concerned about the shorter action and lighter weight of the 300 WSM vs the 300 WM. I think if an inch or so of rifle length and maybe 6 ounces of weight makes a big difference in how well you can carry or swing an 8 lb rifle, maybe you should work out or consider an easier sport . Smart a$$ mode off.

spd I am 6'4", 235 and ANY rifle isn't really a problem to carry. But that doesn't mean that a lighter gun isn't nicer at the end of the day, ESPECIALLY when this flatlander heads out west. I live at 300ft here in west TN. When I've gone out west I conditioned well before the hunts but regardless of my physical ability I can NOT condition for elevations over 6k ft. Sure 1" and 6 ozs don't make squat. Thats not what I am talking about. Guns like the Sako 75Hunter and several others in WSMs are not short barreled, trimmed and scaled down enough to merit getting one. BUT guns like the Kimber Montana and the Sako FinnLight ARE considerably lighter, by as much as 2-3 pounds. Some are loaded in 22" and 23" barrels. They carry easier than 24" and especially 26" full length magnums!

For treestand hunting, yeah the guns size and weight shouldn't be an issue, thats what guns like Eclipse's and Sendero's are made for. But when the days agenda calls for big game, miles covered and altitude changes of 1-3k ft then yeah DO sign me up for smaller guns that don't give up firepower.

I probably have more true magnums in my gun safe than 90% of the folks on here, I'm just trying to tell you guys that unless you just want multiple guns for the hell of it (which is ALWAYS a good thing! ) then save your money and time and try out a WSM in one of the ultra-light offerings that is ever increasing each year!!!
RA

Reds got a good point--lighter can be better

I had an opportunity to buy a new rifle this year because of a sale--Ruger M77 mark II--I could have choosen any caliber that they make in that model and after researching I decided on the 7mm wsm---I like the theory behind the short mags and also after comparing the ballistics of the regular .300 and the .300wsm and the 7mm wsm--I choose the 7mm because according the federal ammo site--which has great methods of comparison for all caliber which it makes ammo for--the 7mm wsm actually had the same or better comparable energy and ballistics--of course this doesn't take into account re-loading but I've never reloaded so it wasn't a concern--good luck

spd522, thanks for answering me about BOSS.

My choice would be .300RUM or .300WINMAG