300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

[Jayman_10X]

Good day Folks,

Could use your experiences here...
I am considering a long range build that would be used for hunting and maybe paper punching/F-class around 600 yds max range.
I don't mind some weight, provided the package isn't over say the 12-14 lbs range. As such, I envision a 23" Palma Standard or Heavy contour, on a Surgeon/BAT/Borden, etc. type action. Haven't decided if I'll go single shot or repeater. I believe the heaviest bullet that I'd shoot would be 190 gr., maybe VLD's.

I know I want to do a .300 build, just not sure which. As a former 300 Win Mag owner I know how accurate that cartridge can be in a solid package/I do my part, etc. Also, I have heard a lot of good things about the 300 WSM. But will this be as efficient as the 300 Win in a 23" bbl?


thanks,
Jason

 

[excaliber]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

Go with 300WSM. Same velocity with less powder. Longer barrel life also.

 

[KYS]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

Also depend on if your wanting to run a long action or short action....
Long actions tend to be more money.

I like my 300WSM w/ 26" barrel.
But I feel like I get better ammo combinations with my 300WM. There is also literally dozens and dozens of factory loads for 300WM where as the WSM will not have as many.

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

For either one I'd probably use a long action. thanks

 

[KYS]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

In that case I would go 300WM..... You have a lot of ammo options, especially if you are going to load you own ammo.

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

That's where I'm leaning. Not sure if I'm convinced about the barrel life issue. That's probably more a factor of your rate of fire, cleaning methods, etc. Besides, barrels are cheap, all other things considered. And I do not believe that I will live long enough to shoot out the barrel. thanks

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

At first I was going to go with the WSM, but decided on the 300WM for the added case capacity, and the ability to shoot the longer heavier bullets.

 

[LR-WSM]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

My vote goes to the 300WSM. Non belted case, less powder, and the same performance if not better. You stated that your bullet selection was the 190 class for occasional hunting and paper to 600, the WSM will give you the performance.

 

[rusty815]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

As much as I love the 300 WSM, of youre going to use a long action for this build, you might as well go with the 300 WM, the 300 WSM is only "better" if its in a short action, theres really no reason to chose it if its a long action build.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

There's good advice above. I'd echo a couple comments:

1. If you're going with an LA anyway, go 300WM;
2. If you're ever going to hunt in the bush with that gun, it's a hell of a lot easier to find 300WM ammo than 300WSM;
3. The barrel life shouldn't be a big issue since barrels are expendable; time, effort, expectation on having a build do exactly what you want it to are NOT expendable.

I'd go 300WM.

 

[hoosierswat]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

Are you going to load your own or buy store brought rounds?
What are you planning to hunt with it?

The wsm has the disadvantaged of having a shorter neck which makes it loading anything over 180 grains difficult.

With the wm you can load bullets up to 220 grains.

I was trying to decided last year which I wanted to go with last year for a strictly hunting rifle. Like someone else posted you will have better luck finding .300wm in small villages.

I went with the .300wm.

 

[Jayman_10X]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

Thanks for the input guys. Yeah, the 300 WM just seems to make more sense. Performance is about the same, barrel life about the same, the belt doesn't cause any particular issues, and brass/ammo is much easier to fine. Of course, I'll reload, but allways good to have options.

BTW - Hoosierswat - the by "shorter neck" size, I assume you are referring to the shorter case size? Otherwise not sure what you are trying to describe.

thanks,
Jason

 

[8up]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

I went through the same decision just recently. I decided on a 300 Win Mag. To me, just seemed like a logical choice, and I had left over parts to a Rem 700 LA.

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: 300 Win Mag vs. 300 WSM?

The one suggestion I can offer, if going with a Remington LA in 300WM, get a Sako extractor installed in the bolt as a minimum. Extraction can be an issue with the stock Remington extractor and the 300WM cartridge.