Ok people bear with me one more time. What is the dang difference in these, and which one is better? Pros and Cons please. I found a good deal on the WSM, but don't know if I should go that route. Thanks for helping a newbie.
.300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
- Thread starter 10thMTN155
- Start date
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
For up to 190gr slugs its about a draw.If you want to throw heavies like 208,210&220s the WM starts pulling ahead.All things being equal I prefer the WM.
For up to 190gr slugs its about a draw.If you want to throw heavies like 208,210&220s the WM starts pulling ahead.All things being equal I prefer the WM.
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 10thMTNFSO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok people bear with me one more time. What is the dang difference in these, and which one is better? Pros and Cons please. I found a good deal on the WSM, but don't know if I should go that route. Thanks for helping a newbie. </div></div>
10thMTN,
This is a tough one, with no easy answer, but I'll give it a shot.
The 300 WM and 300 WSM <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">CAN</span></span> be near identical in performance and accuracy.
However, the 300 WSM performs best in a long-short action or maybe a short-long action. In other words it's ultimate performance is closely tied to the package (rifle)it's put into, more so than a 300 WM. Thus magazine geometry and COAL issues are more critical (in evaluating terminal performance )when building a 300 WSM vice a 300 Win Mag.
The 300 Win Mag only comes in long actions. It's various DBM and mag options are all keyed to the same long actions.
Other intangibles also favor (slightly) the 300 Win Mag. The 300 Win Mag has a greater variety of brass, and a much greater variety of factory loaded ammo. Case capacity also slightly favors the 300 Win Mag., so if both are loaded to maximum potential, the 300 Win Mag will always have a sight edge.
If one had unlimited funds, and ordered two rifles from say a company like GAP, one in 300 Wig Mag, and one in 300 WSM, I would guess that the differences in accuracy and terminal performance would so close that it could be called a toss-up.
That's were the intangibles I mentioned above come into play, and how much importance one puts on them.
Good luck with your choice,
Bob
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 10thMTNFSO</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ok people bear with me one more time. What is the dang difference in these, and which one is better? Pros and Cons please. I found a good deal on the WSM, but don't know if I should go that route. Thanks for helping a newbie. </div></div>
10thMTN,
This is a tough one, with no easy answer, but I'll give it a shot.
The 300 WM and 300 WSM <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="text-decoration: underline">CAN</span></span> be near identical in performance and accuracy.
However, the 300 WSM performs best in a long-short action or maybe a short-long action. In other words it's ultimate performance is closely tied to the package (rifle)it's put into, more so than a 300 WM. Thus magazine geometry and COAL issues are more critical (in evaluating terminal performance )when building a 300 WSM vice a 300 Win Mag.
The 300 Win Mag only comes in long actions. It's various DBM and mag options are all keyed to the same long actions.
Other intangibles also favor (slightly) the 300 Win Mag. The 300 Win Mag has a greater variety of brass, and a much greater variety of factory loaded ammo. Case capacity also slightly favors the 300 Win Mag., so if both are loaded to maximum potential, the 300 Win Mag will always have a sight edge.
If one had unlimited funds, and ordered two rifles from say a company like GAP, one in 300 Wig Mag, and one in 300 WSM, I would guess that the differences in accuracy and terminal performance would so close that it could be called a toss-up.
That's were the intangibles I mentioned above come into play, and how much importance one puts on them.
Good luck with your choice,
Bob
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
Better for what?
WM - plenty of factory and match ammo available if you don't reload. Not much for WSM so you WILL have to reload this one.
WM will outshoot WSM at longer ranges with heavy pills but WSM kicks less.
To me, it's WM all the way...
Better for what?
WM - plenty of factory and match ammo available if you don't reload. Not much for WSM so you WILL have to reload this one.
WM will outshoot WSM at longer ranges with heavy pills but WSM kicks less.
To me, it's WM all the way...
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
+1 on the comments from others. For me, it is a no-brainer to stick with the 300WM because for the heavier 220gr pills the WM robs the WSM blind in terms of advantage, but depending on what YOU want/need from YOUR rifle, you may be better served with the WSM.
+1 on the comments from others. For me, it is a no-brainer to stick with the 300WM because for the heavier 220gr pills the WM robs the WSM blind in terms of advantage, but depending on what YOU want/need from YOUR rifle, you may be better served with the WSM.
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VYD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Better for what?
WM - plenty of factory and match ammo available if you don't reload. Not much for WSM so you WILL have to reload this one.
WM will outshoot WSM at longer ranges with heavy pills but WSM kicks less.
To me, it's WM all the way... </div></div>I have a .300 WM and have to say that I love it. There are a lot of options avaiable for me in regards to brass, projos, etc.
Recoil isn't bad now that I have a muzzle break on it (I kinda need it with a slightly torn rotator cup).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: VYD</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Better for what?
WM - plenty of factory and match ammo available if you don't reload. Not much for WSM so you WILL have to reload this one.
WM will outshoot WSM at longer ranges with heavy pills but WSM kicks less.
To me, it's WM all the way... </div></div>I have a .300 WM and have to say that I love it. There are a lot of options avaiable for me in regards to brass, projos, etc.
Recoil isn't bad now that I have a muzzle break on it (I kinda need it with a slightly torn rotator cup).
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
The two are very "close". As mentioned above the WM will move the heavier rounds and there is a wide spectrum of rounds available commercially. Good luck.
The two are very "close". As mentioned above the WM will move the heavier rounds and there is a wide spectrum of rounds available commercially. Good luck.
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
I shoot the WSM and like it a lot. The only thing that is really hard about it finding factory ammo that's worth a crap. Mostly its just hunting ammo. But I reload so its a little more worth it to me. I like the short action, its a modern cartridge with a little more science behind it. As for it being able to push the heavier pills I've read a lot of things that would contradict that but everyone has there experience and opinions.
I guess it really just boils down to what your gonna be using it for.
In my opinion if your going to be shooting a 225gr or up bullet I'd just go with something in 338.
I shoot the WSM and like it a lot. The only thing that is really hard about it finding factory ammo that's worth a crap. Mostly its just hunting ammo. But I reload so its a little more worth it to me. I like the short action, its a modern cartridge with a little more science behind it. As for it being able to push the heavier pills I've read a lot of things that would contradict that but everyone has there experience and opinions.
I guess it really just boils down to what your gonna be using it for.
In my opinion if your going to be shooting a 225gr or up bullet I'd just go with something in 338.
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Win Mag, but headspaced at the shoulder. </div></div>BINGO!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Win Mag, but headspaced at the shoulder. </div></div>BINGO!!
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
In my area:
Factory ammo and brass availability- 300WM
Factory ammo variety- 300WSM
Firearms availability- 300WSM
Both are good shooters in my experience. In regard to the quality factory WSM ammo comment, I've had good luck with the Fed. Prem. 180gr Accubond loading.
Keith
In my area:
Factory ammo and brass availability- 300WM
Factory ammo variety- 300WSM
Firearms availability- 300WSM
Both are good shooters in my experience. In regard to the quality factory WSM ammo comment, I've had good luck with the Fed. Prem. 180gr Accubond loading.
Keith
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
I've been using the Fed Power-Shok 180gr soft points for hunting.
It was the only thing available in my area.
Shot a lot of deer with it this year and none of them got away.
I've been using the Fed Power-Shok 180gr soft points for hunting.
It was the only thing available in my area.
Shot a lot of deer with it this year and none of them got away.
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
I was in this debate a while back. i secretly always wanted the 300. wsm for some reason but just couldn't find a reason why to choose it over the win mag or vise versa. It is said that the wsm is suppose to be a little more accurate, lighter, shorter action. The win mag, longer action, better at long range, more ammunition available. That was till i came across a steal of a deal on a wsm and had to take it and i love it.
In my opinion either will do. If you plan to do real long range then the win mag will be better, the wsm is my personal preference
I was in this debate a while back. i secretly always wanted the 300. wsm for some reason but just couldn't find a reason why to choose it over the win mag or vise versa. It is said that the wsm is suppose to be a little more accurate, lighter, shorter action. The win mag, longer action, better at long range, more ammunition available. That was till i came across a steal of a deal on a wsm and had to take it and i love it.
In my opinion either will do. If you plan to do real long range then the win mag will be better, the wsm is my personal preference
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
I found most places I go for ammo almost all carry 300win but rarely see the 300wsm.. my .02
I found most places I go for ammo almost all carry 300win but rarely see the 300wsm.. my .02
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Derrick300</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I found most places I go for ammo almost all carry 300win but rarely see the 300wsm.. my .02 </div></div>
I am kinda in the same boat. Me and pops are in the process of building a rifle. The 338Edge was a strong contender but I didnt want to be stuck with a wildcat cartridge that I have to reload for, even though we will be doing that 99% of the time. One of the factors that is pretty big is if we have to be able to go into a store and pick up ammo can we? So how often would we be able to get the WSM or ammo that we need, so for now we will stick to ammo that we can purchase over the counter.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Derrick300</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I found most places I go for ammo almost all carry 300win but rarely see the 300wsm.. my .02 </div></div>
I am kinda in the same boat. Me and pops are in the process of building a rifle. The 338Edge was a strong contender but I didnt want to be stuck with a wildcat cartridge that I have to reload for, even though we will be doing that 99% of the time. One of the factors that is pretty big is if we have to be able to go into a store and pick up ammo can we? So how often would we be able to get the WSM or ammo that we need, so for now we will stick to ammo that we can purchase over the counter.
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
300WM with 200gr Accubonds drops an elk like a 338 Lapua. Exit hole was about the same too. 300WM and lots of RL25 is a nice combo. I have to try some 208 Amax soon.
300WM with 200gr Accubonds drops an elk like a 338 Lapua. Exit hole was about the same too. 300WM and lots of RL25 is a nice combo. I have to try some 208 Amax soon.
Re: .300 Win Mag vs. .300 WSM Which is better?
As far as factory loaded WSM... CorBon loads the WSM with 190 SMKs. I have had very good accuracy with this load in several 300 WSMs. The Black Hills 175 SMK Gold has also served me well in the past for accuracy. Are they as available as 300WM? You probably won't find them on the shelves of every store you walk into, but they are available. They are true match loads, both of them.
In my experience, the premium hunting loads for thew WSM do not deliver the accuracy required to compete in long range events where accuracy is the only requirement. For hunting, they will deliver the terminal performance required and adequate accuracy to effectively anchor the game.
Because of the age and popularity thus far of the 300 WM, there will always be more factory options available. I think the WSM will always be around, and perhaps grow in popularity, but always in the shadow of the older, more "experienced" belted magnum. Its still a very good cartridge. Based on what you requirements are one might better serve you than the other.
Semper fi,
As far as factory loaded WSM... CorBon loads the WSM with 190 SMKs. I have had very good accuracy with this load in several 300 WSMs. The Black Hills 175 SMK Gold has also served me well in the past for accuracy. Are they as available as 300WM? You probably won't find them on the shelves of every store you walk into, but they are available. They are true match loads, both of them.
In my experience, the premium hunting loads for thew WSM do not deliver the accuracy required to compete in long range events where accuracy is the only requirement. For hunting, they will deliver the terminal performance required and adequate accuracy to effectively anchor the game.
Because of the age and popularity thus far of the 300 WM, there will always be more factory options available. I think the WSM will always be around, and perhaps grow in popularity, but always in the shadow of the older, more "experienced" belted magnum. Its still a very good cartridge. Based on what you requirements are one might better serve you than the other.
Semper fi,
