300 Win Mag or 300 Win Short Mag

[bigsk]

I'm thinking of getting a .300 other than the .300 Weatherby I have. It will be used for hunting mostly, so, don't want a tactical weapon, I have those. What are your thoughts on each? Performance is almost the same, just curious on different perspectives.

 

[Trey@IG]

i havnt even been able to shoot my 300wsm but once so i cant really comment on anything but what i can comment on is i see a **** load more 300win mag in stores than 300wsm......so if you dont reload thats something to think about

 

[craazyhoss]

I prefer the WSM but if you dont reload the ammo is much more available for the Win Mag i also have the .300RUM but no need for that in louisiana i put it back in safe totaly destroys a whitetail out to 500 yds

 

[jmeng]

Not enough difference to matter. I'd pick the rifle first, then decide. Some actions have trouble feeding the WSM and some rifles are only offered in one or the other. Might make the decision for you.

 

[AK shooter]

I have a 7mm WSM and its too much for the shots I take. If your shooting 200 yds or less I recommend the 308.

 

[Magnetic]

I went through a similar decision between 7mm Mag and 7mm WSM. I chose the WSM for 3 reasons: 1. Slight edge in ballistics, 2. Short action and 23" barrel vs. long action and 26" barrel giving me a gun that was about 3.5" shorter, 3. I like having things that are different.

 

[Win1917]

Unless there's a gun you really like in 300 WM I'd go with the 300 WSM so at least you'll have a little shorter gun to use an option to the 300 wtby. What are you hunting with it?

 

[southernz]

I vote WSM. I have no problem finding ammo. I love mine.

 

[Barney88PDC]

300WM is a Long action. 300WSM is a short action (usually).

Ballistics are very close to one another.

Do you reload? Are you buying factory or building custom?

 

[EJAIII]

Buy a Browning 300 mag.

 

[Dishonored]

Either caliber will suit you fine. There is a price difference in ammo and sometimes .300 win mag can be found easier. I kept this in mind when buying Mine because when I got to the ranches in Texas sometimes the smaller co-op stores around the ranch don't have any WSM. I chose the tikka and I have been spoiled by there rifles for what you get at their price point. That is who I would go with if I were you the gun is out the box a straight shooter and really nice. From what I hear, close on their heals would be the new T/C lineup.
Also tikka doesn't make a "short action" so I went with a .300 win may anyway.
Good luck and either choice will make you happy I'm sure.

 

[Paintball]

I'm thinking of getting a .300 other than the .300 Weatherby I have. It will be used for hunting mostly, so, don't want a tactical weapon, I have those. What are your thoughts on each? Performance is almost the same, just curious on different perspectives.

(Disclaimer - Your money spend it on the gun you want. I own and hunt with a .300 Win Mag.)

Cost per 20rnd box of Double Tap 180gr. Nosler Accubond except .300 Wby. 168gr Barnes.

.300 Wby $72.80 3320fps
.300 RUM $70.62 3325fps
.300 Win Mag $43.71 3050fps
.300 WSM $50.44 3055fps
.308 Win $43.71 2650fps

Unless you plan on shooting a lot of long distance (past 800yds) go with the .308 Win. You will be able to shoot more without killing your shoulder or going in debt feeding your new weapon. I love my .300 Win Mag and will continue to hunt with it on pipelines and over pastures, but my next rifle will be a .308.

 

[IceCreamSammich]

I chose the 300WSM over the 300WM for a shorter barrel (23" vs 26") and a short action over a long action. I love mine and have no regrets. Browning Xbolt.

 

[Metryshooter]

(Disclaimer - Your money spend it on the gun you want. I own and hunt with a .300 Win Mag.)

Cost per 20rnd box of Double Tap 180gr. Nosler Accubond except .300 Wby. 168gr Barnes.

.300 Wby $72.80 3320fps
.300 RUM $70.62 3325fps
.300 Win Mag $43.71 3050fps
.300 WSM $50.44 3055fps
.308 Win $43.71 2650fps

Unless you plan on shooting a lot of long distance (past 800yds) go with the .308 Win. You will be able to shoot more without killing your shoulder or going in debt feeding your new weapon. I love my .300 Win Mag and will continue to hunt with it on pipelines and over pastures, but my next rifle will be a .308.

+1
Another thing to consider is if you do reload quality 7.62 brass can be found pretty cheaply (normally).

I had this conversation with a guy a few years ago, he was insistent that he wouldn't use anything less than a 7mm even though his furthest shot would be around 150 yards. What's the point? Are you trying to dress the deer at the same time? I tried to explain that most of the bullets' energy will be spent in the thicket behind the animal to no avail.