In factory ammo not alot of difference in velocity. But beings this is the reloading column I'll throw in my 2 cents as well. The difference between the two to a reloader as far a velocity and tragectory is concern is about four to six grains of powder. You can load more powder in the 300win mag case without the pressure problems of trying to cram powder in the 300wsm case. Most reloaders know how much 4 to 6 grains of powder will increase a load for velocity. Lets just say its quite a bit. That means for a reloader the edge of tragectory goes to the 300winmag. But as long you just shoot factory ammo all the time they are pretty much on equal ground.

Absolutely.....and that's a major point IMO. If I wanted to shoot 165-180 grain bullets the .30-06 and .308 offer me featherweight rifles to do it with.......The single greatest justification for a .300 mag of any kind is to launch heavier bullets at long distances. Frankly, I see little advantage to send a 150 grain bullet 300'/sec faster than the old '06 can do. The magnums are primarily for heavier bullets and larger game.

The argument that the faster bullet will increase your range is a valid argument.....but I personally don't know anyone (including myself) that can make use of the difference.....we're talking about extreme distances now and the differences become mythical real fast.

Great Points! I bought a 300 WM for that very reason. I have a 308 that does all I need for most of my hunting. I bought the WM in case I ever go elk or moose hunting and need a little more down range power. I can load larger bullets if needed.

I do have one question. How does the recoil between the two compare? I was surprised the first time I shot mine. The WM doesn't punish you as badly as it's reputation. The salesman said it wasn't that bad because of the slower burning powder, but I thought it was just a sales pitch. I have never shot the WSM.

ok, now scientifically, how is slower burning powder going to reduce recoil? You got a mass going out of the barrel at a certain velocity.

That's more bull$hit.....wow.....

Regarding recoil: There's definitely more recoil from a .300 mag than a .308 or .30-06 however please don't forget that both the .308 and .30-06 are extremely powerful cartridges and have plenty of recoil too. Generally the '06 class of cartridges are in lighter rifles and that can have a profound effect on recoil.....I actually don't think there's a great difference because of these factors.....at least in my own guns.

I wouldn't let recoil be the determining factor in a purchasing decision.

Thanks for the advice. I have a 308, 270, and a 30-06. I really dont need another gun (dont tell my wife I said that) Im getting this for no other reason than to have. I could use any of my guns for anything I hunt, I just want another toy. After reading a considerable amount of info, I have concluded I need the WM. The reason being, I can sling bigger bullets, if need be. WSM, I feel would be a gloryfied 30-06. Correct me if im wrong, I havent bought the gun yet so my ears are still open. I think Im going to go with the Wby vanguard in WM. Either that or the hiowa, or how ever you spell it. From what I have read, they are the same gun.

He said it still recoils but it is a different type of recoil. I do tend to agree with that some. The 300 WM is more of a pushing type recoil rather than a kicking type. Either way it isn't as bad I thought it would be. Maybe I psyched myself out thinking it was going to be worse than it actually is. I love the way it shoots and the knock down it has.

Please explain why the Magnum cals use a slower burning powder anyway. I know it has something to do with the size of the case and all but not sure how it works vs a 308 or 30-06 use a faster powder. Does the short mag use a slow or fast powder. I have a book but it isn't handy right now and I have never looked it up.

"magums" have larger case capaicities and is able to ultilize the slower powder better by building pressures slower. You can load a 300RUM with IMR4350 fine, you just might not be able to get the desired velocity out of it where you can with RL22 or Retumbo. You can load a WSM with Retumbo also, but might not be able to reach its potential velocity with it. A more suitable powder might be IMR 4350. As case capacity changes, your pressure curve changes.

Most reloaders try to find a powder with at least 90% load density. Where with a slower powder you might have a compressed load, >100% load density, but still not reaching peak pressure, there fore probably not reaching potential velocity. And funny enough, its not just the area, but the shape of the area. 60gr RL22 will give you sizzling velocitys in a 270Win. where RL22 might not do the same for WSM but RL19 would be better.

I know that wasn't explained just right. There is a program out there called quickload, that takes in account area, and pressure of different loads. This might give you a better feel.