I had a mini debate on a different forum about cartridges for long range. The guy(a very reputable member with a lot of posts) insisted that the 300 win mag is more accurate and better at long range. I don't think he has alot of personal experience shooting at long range, but instead bases it of other reasons...
His two arguments were that
1. No 1000 yard benchrest shooters use 33 cal bullets, but instead most use 30 cal bullets.
I told him that 1000 yards is not the same thing as 1500+ yards, just as different bullets are used at 100 yards compared to 1000
2. He claims that the army recently did a test of 300wm vs 338lm accuracy at 1500 yards and the army concluded that at 1500 yards the 300wm is more accurate, and that is why they are using that cartridge for their long range rigs.
I noted that the army doesn't choose their equipment solely based on performance. Its based on economic reasons and other reasons as well. So even if they chose the 300wm, it doesn't necessarily mean it was bc it was more accurate and maybe he just assumed they chose it for its accuracy.
Personally, I dont know anyone who chooses a 300wm instead of a 338lm for 1500+ yards. Many people use the 300wm succesfully at that distance, but the reason they use it is that its just what they have. They don't do 1500+ too often so the 300wm is a great compromise.
So, what do you guys think? Our discussion was about 1500 yrds and mile+.
His two arguments were that
1. No 1000 yard benchrest shooters use 33 cal bullets, but instead most use 30 cal bullets.
I told him that 1000 yards is not the same thing as 1500+ yards, just as different bullets are used at 100 yards compared to 1000
2. He claims that the army recently did a test of 300wm vs 338lm accuracy at 1500 yards and the army concluded that at 1500 yards the 300wm is more accurate, and that is why they are using that cartridge for their long range rigs.
I noted that the army doesn't choose their equipment solely based on performance. Its based on economic reasons and other reasons as well. So even if they chose the 300wm, it doesn't necessarily mean it was bc it was more accurate and maybe he just assumed they chose it for its accuracy.
Personally, I dont know anyone who chooses a 300wm instead of a 338lm for 1500+ yards. Many people use the 300wm succesfully at that distance, but the reason they use it is that its just what they have. They don't do 1500+ too often so the 300wm is a great compromise.
So, what do you guys think? Our discussion was about 1500 yrds and mile+.