300wsm vs 300 wm vs 7mm

Elkextreme · Oct 30, 2017

Looking for an elk rifle. Currently have a 7mm rem mag very nice, but also looking for personal opinions on the 300 wsm & 300 win mag.
I've done extensively research seems like many opinions differ based on opinions.
Thanks in advance

Homer · Oct 30, 2017

"I've done extensively research seems like many opinions differ based on opinions. ".....uhhh....yep

BIGJOHNT · Oct 30, 2017

I like the big 30 calibers. I have never been a 7mm fan. Don't care much for the WSM. So that leaves the 300 win mag. Can go wrong with that. Although with the great newer bullets we have out now. The 7 mm with the right bullet would do the job. How's that for a differing opinion . ;-)

RELH · Oct 30, 2017

I have a 300 win. mag. and I love it for a elk rifle. I will also tell you that you already have a very good elk rifle in that 7 mm mag. rifle you have.
Choice of the right bullet is more important then the caliber difference. Chose a good bullet and place it in the vitals and that 7 mm will get the job done with ease.

RELH

NiceRack · Oct 31, 2017

The ballistics are nearly identical with the 300wsm and the 300wm. I have both, the 300wm is a Ruger M77, the 300wsm is a Winchester Featherweight. The bonus with the WSM is a shorter action which means a lighter rifle. And, after climbing the Idaho mountains for the last 15 days that WSM sure was nice. I also have a Ruger M77 in 7mm rem mag and a Winchester Model 70 in 7mm WSM and again the ballistics are almost identical (less than 10 fps, muzzle velocity). Any one of the four will be an Elk hammer.
PB

GLEDEASY · Nov 4, 2017

As is I'd say you have a pretty good elk caliber, however nothing wrong with getting a new gun!

Here's my opinion as six years ago I knew my time for drawing a LE elk tag was nearing and wanted to "upgrade" my 270. I decided on 300wsm largely because it was a short action. But it did "excite" more than a 7mm or 300 mag. There you go the it factor!

I love the rifle. It handles well and shoots straight. I did have feeding issues on a bdl set up, but now with a detachable mag (which is my preference anyway) it does well.

All in all who can argue with results. They all pretty much dropped in their tracks.

HiMtnHntr · Nov 4, 2017

300 wsm is it for me. I like the short action, and as noted above, great medicine for elk. Just as important though is the platform and fit for you.

OchocoKid · Nov 6, 2017

The only reason I'd say a 30 cal mag is much better than your 7mm mag is you can only get the 175 Partition in a semi-spitzer.

The difference between the 30 magnums is insignificant . but of the 2 you've mentioned the 300 Win Mag can do anything the 300 WSM can do better.

I've hunted elk with a 300 win mag for 30 years with many bullets and loads and I am 100% satisfied. I've taken at least 1 elk a year with it in that time anywhere from 50-500 yards. I started with the 180 partition and experimented with a dozen other supposed improved bullets I was not impressed with. after all the nonsense I settled on a load that puts a 180 partition out at 3190 fps and I'm done messing with it.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

littlebighorn · Nov 7, 2017

My vote would bewith the 300WSM because of the previously mentioned lighter weighted rig which can still punch with the heavy weights.

Bullet construction makes a big difference with large bodied elk and ultimately putting it in the right place is the most important factor. Which one can you shoot most accurately???

mozey · Nov 9, 2017

If you're like me and spend a lot of your effort getting away from roads, I think you should strongly consider a short mag in either caliber. I have both a 7mmRM and 300 WSM, and I like them both, a lot. I really don't think you can make a bad choice there--it just comes down to your personal style of hunting.

shortmag · Nov 11, 2017

As a Wisconsin guy who moved to Idaho, I went with a 300 WSM and elk don't like it. Killed a variety of bulls including three 6X6 and only one required a follow-up shot. It is in a model 70 classic featherweight. My favorite rifle...............

BeanMan · Nov 12, 2017

Is my 30-06 obsolete now?

projp · Nov 12, 2017

>Is my 30-06 obsolete now?

Yes....
Unless you use a cartridge with the word "mag" it will barely kill deer and probably only wound elk...

Homer · Nov 12, 2017

>Is my 30-06 obsolete now?

yes beanman....the cartridge is too skinny...and the action is too long to effectivly kill game ....

BPKHunter · Nov 24, 2017

Any is more than fine on elk.

If you limit your range to 500yds, then absolutely no difference to elk.

If you don't mind a bit more recoil and want the maximum energy, then go with the .30.

If you want a bit less recoil, then go with the 7mm.

I see no reason to go with a Short Mag in these calibers as the brass offerings are less, as are the factory loads. If you shoot a caliber this big, saving a few ounces on a shorter action for you rifle is likely not a factor.

Don't get either of these calibers and shoot, light for caliber bullets(under 160 on 7mm and under 180 on .30), as if you are then you might as well pick a different gun.

Me, I am very fond of my 7mm RM's shooting 168-180gr VLD's for elk. Never found an elk that could walk away from a reasonably placed on.

wytex · Nov 28, 2017

300wsm and lighter than 180 bullets are just fine in it. I load 165-168 gr bonded bullets for all my hunting and they drop everything from antelope to bison. Swift A frame 165 weighed in at 136.7 grains after recovery from my cow bison.She dropped with one shot .
The short action makes for much easier carrying in the mountains.
Lots of bullet choices for the 300wsm.
Recoil is also very manageable in the 300wsm.

Blank · Dec 1, 2017

Killed a couple dozen elk with my 7mm RemMag. Shooting 162 gr Nosler Solid Base, and now 160 Barnes TSX it kills everything well. When I really need more poop for wide open deserts or cross canyon shots, I go to my 300 Ultra-Mag

deadibob · Dec 5, 2017

Depending on what other rifle chamberings you own I would say there is too much overlap between those two calibers and to step up to a .338 of some sort. Anything the 300win will do that the 7mag can't do, a big .338 will do even better.

Homer · Dec 10, 2017

>Depending on what other rifle chamberings
>you own I would say
>there is too much overlap
>between those two calibers and
>to step up to a
>.338 of some sort. Anything
>the 300win will do that
>the 7mag can't do, a
>big .338 will do even
>better.

x500