.300Mag vs .300WSM
 

I know this question has probably been asked a hundred times, but I could not find it in the forum search...

What kicks harder? .300 Win Mag, or .300 WSM? (assuming that they are shot out of the same model gun). I thought that the ballistics would tell the tale, but the are damn near the same, the WSM just edging out the .300 Win Mag.

RE: .300Mag vs .300WSM
 

I have tried a couple of "apples to apples" experiments along these lines, and think the WSM has less recoil than the Win Mag. In fact, I think the recoil of the WSM is about half way between the 30/06 and the 300 Winchester.

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RE: .300Mag vs .300WSM
 

The WSM should kick less with all else being equal. But by only 3ft-lbs or less. This is due to the energy equation puts alot of emphasis on powder weight. But real world, I haven't been able to feel any difference. Powder type really makes alot of difference in recoil and may not make a huge velocity difference. If you use a real slow powder with win mag, you will definatly feel the difference over using a real fast powder in a WSM but equal in velocity.

RE: .300Mag vs .300WSM
 

In the real world I believe the .300 Win. actually edges out the .300 WSM in terms of velocity, but the small difference ismeaningless in the field. In the same rifle, I doubt you'd be able to perceive any difference in recoil. Personally, I like the .300 Win because I don't care for short, fat cases. I believe they are more prone to feeding problems than longer, sleekerones.

RE: .300Mag vs .300WSM
 

All things being the same (rifle weight, stock design, etc...) the WSM will have slightly less recoil than the Win mag. This is due to the way that the cartridge burns its powder and the WSM has less powder to push down the bore behind the bullet. But, like BC said it is not all that much at all.

As far as on game performance goes there isn't any difference. If you reload or want to use heavier bullets than 180 grains the Win mag will have the advantage over the WSM.