new rifle question

vballhuntr · May 12, 2004

have a question for everyone out there i am seriously considering purchasing a new custom rifle and am having a terrible time deciding on what to get. i have seen the recent posts about the ultimate deer rifle, but have narrowed it down a bit more. I have decided on either a .300WSM or a .300 Ultra Mag. I want a rifle that is very versatile, from muleys, to elk, sheep, possibly moose. I already have a .243 for smaller, lighter stuff etc. i do not reload at this point, but not really concerned with ammo costs, etc. (once i get this rifle it really won't matter much) recoil is not much of a factor with me, i had a browning .300 win mag with the boss system in the past, but i am concerned the ultra recoil could cause me to become concerned with recoil especially in a sub 8lb rifle. i have been getting many people telling me to definately go with the ultra because of superior ballistics.what do you guys think.
thanks

chambero · May 12, 2004

I'm looking seriously at getting a 300 WSM. Looking at its ballistics, I don't know why you would need anything more in a .30 caliber cartridge. Everyone I know who has them loves them. I certainly like the lighter weight and shorter length.

nmtaxi · May 12, 2004

First off, welcome. These forums are a lot of fun.
This question has been asked a lot lately, and if you get 50 responses, you'll get 50 different opinions. My opinion is that you should of kept you .300 win. mag. The Ultra Mag. seems to me like you'd just be taking a lot more abuse, for no real gain. Just my .02 cents.
Enjoy
Dan

littlebuck · May 12, 2004

If you dont like the recoil of a 300 win. You might not like the recoil of the other 2 ?

vballhuntr · May 12, 2004

littlebuck,
i might not have been clear, the recoil from the .300 win mag wasn't bad at all, just loud as heck, nothing a little ear protection can't cure, and when i am hunting, don't really care how loud it is

littlebuck · May 12, 2004

Sorry. If I was getting a new one I would go with the smaller win. short mag.

vballhuntr · May 12, 2004

thanks for the responses fellas, i bit the bullet and ordered a christensen arms .300 ultra, i can't believe how stressful something fun like buying a new gun can be. now i am just excited as heck to get it and have fun, definately the gun of a lifetime.

mtmuley · May 12, 2004

vballhuntr, I for one do not think you will be sorry. Whether or not you use a break is up to you. Personally, I shoot a Remington BDL Stainless without a break. Some say the ballistic advantage is minimal with this cartridge. Is a 200 gr bullet at 3200 fps and only 23.7 inches low at 500 yards not an advantage? This is with a carefully worked up handload. You will not get that performance from any other .30 save for the Lazzeroni or Weatherby mags($$$$). Do you need it? Only if you learn to shoot it and use it prudently. You are right. It is the gun of a lifetime, for that possible shot of a lifetime. Enjoy it. mtmuley