300wm, why all the hate?

[186thFCo]

So I’m starting a new build with it likely being chambered in 300wm but it seems like there are a lot of people that turn there noses to the cartridge. The most common complaint I see is that it’s a belted magnum. Why would it being a belted magnum be a disadvantage over other similar cartridges? Also is there any non belted magnums around with similar performance? I know the 300 PRC is out and it looks promising but getting quality brass and dies seems to be an issue.

What’s your opinion should I go with 300wm or should I consider anything else?

 

[Fig]

I love my .300WM. The fact that you can buy a box of ammo just about anywhere that sells it makes it a great rifle to take on hunting trips. I shoot 210s, which have a good BC and are stable, and it’s as accurate as my competition rifles.

Are there higher Preformance cartridges? Sure, but to me it’s a goto, and that it’s belted is almost irrelevant.

 

[W54/XM-388]

.300WM is great.

However if you reload and are starting from scratch a .300 PRC or a .300 Norma offer good advantages.

 

[MOUNTIC]

Cost of 300 win is cheap. It's everywhere, even gas stations (Pending where you are in the country) Tons of support. Can get 215 Bergers over 2900 fps. Brass everywhere. I still own 3 even though I have multiple 300 PRCs and other big boomers. Unless your shooting out past a mile all the time, 300 win is still excellent.

Like what was said above, if your starting from scratch, I would go 300 PRC. In no time we will see quality brass. Redding is already spitting out custom dies. But you will need CIP mags and a chassis, action, etc that accepts it.

If you need heavy .30 pills going as fast as you can, the Norma is the better solution. But brass is 2+ bucks a piece. And your using upwards of 10gr of powder more per round. And you need an XL action.

 

[supercorndogs]

The forming of a secondary belt, the special die to size this area, and the extra step in reloading is usually the rub.

 

[brianf]

because people are like lemmings.

just like a 308 168 SMK falls to the ground (that funny pic we always see).

are there better, slightly more efficient cartridges without a doubt.

will a 300 WM do what jwnutson17 says 100%.

 

[supercorndogs]

Well, 300WM match ammo isn't cheap, but everything else is pretty spot on.

I am not sure why you would need CIP length with 300 PRC. The case is slightly shorter than the 300WM.

 

[Basher]

.300WM is the .308 of the magnum world. In reality, it works very well, and has for decades. But because it’s old and a “Jack of all trades,” it’s looked down on by some.

My next build (whenever that is), will probably be a long action mag, and the .300WM and 7mm RM are two of the top competitors. Then again, I’m a strong .308 supporter.

 

[Huskydriver]

The forming of a secondary belt, the special die to size this area, and the extra step in reloading is usually the rub.

This^^^ brass life is usually not as good as a normal case in my experience loading for 300wm. I think the best I ever got was a batch that went 7 reloads before the web started to separate. Meanwhile I got 308,6.5,338lm cases with 15+ reloads on them np.

 

[AIAW]

Heavily invested in 300WM myself. The versatility isn't too bad overall considering it uses a NATO classified bullet. The brass is the weak point. Actually, specifically the belt. Can be a huge pain in the ass. I'm getting into 300NM myself which means the vast majority of 30 calibers bullets that I use out of my stock will go towards that, but in no way will I abandon 300WM. 208g A-MAX screaming out of it is impressive ballistically. Brute force approach.

As a side note, RWS brass is probably the best 300WM brass that I have seen. Nosler isn't too bad either surprisingly.

 

[Vargmat]

I really like my win mag, its getting rebarreled as it is with a Jury barrel with Mk13mod5 profile. Cant wate to get it back from the smith. I have had zero issues with the belted cartridges and frankly, cant understand what the fuzz is about?

 

[186thFCo]

I wish Peterson Brass would make brass in 300 PRC, I just emailed them asking if they would in the future but they told me that they have a hard enough time keeping up with their current line so that don’t have plans on making any.

 

[Fig]

Cost of 300 win is cheap. It's everywhere, even gas stations (Pending where you are in the country) Tons of support. Can get 215 Bergers over 2900 fps. Brass everywhere. I still own 3 even though I have multiple 300 PRCs and other big boomers. Unless your shooting out past a mile all the time, 300 win is still excellent.

I agree with everything in this thread, except the underlined part. I usually bring by .300WM when I go to the range (I bring a lot of guns so I can keep shooting while barrels cool). My comp rifle, .617 BC, goes subsonic @ 1,300 yds, and I run out of turret elevation @ 1,600 yds (it's knuckle balling like a musket at that point). My .300WM, .631BC, goes subsonic @ 2,900 yds and I run out of elevation @ 2,200 yds. For me the .300WM IS my mile + rifle. Then again, I don't shoot real ELR. 1,700 yds is MY ELR, and I can barely see shit at that range with the Razor HD I have on it.

Honestly, I would not use any of the hot rod performance of the wildcats. .300WM may be a stock Mustang for some of you, but to me it's still quite a hot rod that I rarely get close to the redline.

 

[MOUNTIC]

I agree with everything in this thread, except the underlined part. I usually bring by .300WM when I go to the range (I bring a lot of guns so I can keep shooting while barrels cool). My comp rifle, .617 BC, goes subsonic @ 1,300 yds, and I run out of turret elevation @ 1,600 yds (it's knuckle balling like a musket at that point). My .300WM, .631BC, goes subsonic @ 2,900 yds and I run out of elevation @ 2,200 yds. For me the .300WM IS my mile + rifle. Then again, I don't shoot real ELR. 1,700 yds is MY ELR, and I can barely see shit at that range with the Razor HD I have on it.

Honestly, I would not use any of the hot rod performance of the wildcats. .300WM may be a stock Mustang for some of you, but to me it's still quite a hot rod that I rarely get close to the redline.

View attachment 7059337

I agree. I guess I didnt want to put a exact number to it pending what people are shooting and the conditions. But I agree with your assesment. It does get you further and does well at it too.

 

[Fig]

Incidentally, that pic is before I swapped the NF for the Razor..., lest the internet sleuths get riled.

 

[Huskydriver]

I agree with everything in this thread, except the underlined part. I usually bring by .300WM when I go to the range (I bring a lot of guns so I can keep shooting while barrels cool). My comp rifle, .617 BC, goes subsonic @ 1,300 yds, and I run out of turret elevation @ 1,600 yds (it's knuckle balling like a musket at that point). My .300WM, .631BC, goes subsonic @ 2,900 yds and I run out of elevation @ 2,200 yds. For me the .300WM IS my mile + rifle. Then again, I don't shoot real ELR. 1,700 yds is MY ELR, and I can barely see shit at that range with the Razor HD I have on it.

Honestly, I would not use any of the hot rod performance of the wildcats. .300WM may be a stock Mustang for some of you, but to me it's still quite a hot rod that I rarely get close to the redline.

View attachment 7059337

What 30 call bullet with a bc of .631 are you shooting and how fast to stay super out to 2900? My freaking 338 lapua smashing primers can't get fast enough with a bc of .8 to stay super that far???

 

[MOUNTIC]

What 30 call bullet with a bc of .631 are you shooting and how fast to stay super out to 2900? My freaking 338 lapua smashing primers can't get fast enough with a bc of .8 to stay super that far???

At 2950 fps in one of my 300 wins with 215 Berger's is super til 2k. Not sure about the other guys data or conditions.

 

[Huskydriver]

At 2950 fps in one of my 300 wins with 215 Berger's is super til 2k. Not sure about the other guys data or conditions.

I'm not saying a 300 win can't go 2k yards I agree I have done it myself not arguing your data in fact I'm not arguing at all...I just wanna know how fast and what bullet with a bc of worse than a normal 300gr 338LM is staying super to 2900 yards?.... That is almost 30% more super Sonic range.

Btw I shoot at 4500-5000 feet.

 

[MOUNTIC]

I'm not saying a 300 win can't go 2k yards I agree I have done it myself not arguing your data in fact I'm not arguing at all...I just wanna know how fast and what bullet with a bc of worse than a normal 300gr 338LM is staying super to 2900 yards?.... That is almost 30% more super Sonic range.

Btw I shoot at 4500-5000 feet.

I'm curious also. Wasn't my statement... So the other guy will have to answer that. Probably a typo. I'm curious too!

 

[phlegethon]

What 30 call bullet with a bc of .631 are you shooting and how fast to stay super out to 2900? My freaking 338 lapua smashing primers can't get fast enough with a bc of .8 to stay super that far???

I was able to get the Hornady calculator to show this, supersonic at 2900 yards. Of course that was with a 225 gr bullet with .777 BC, starting at 4500 fps. Hmm.

Edit: I think he was saying it was starting at 2900 fps and stayed supersonic to 2000 yards, not to 2900 yards. This seems closer to being possible although not with a .631 BC.

 

[Fig]

I’d have to look at my actual dope, because g7 seems consistently optimistic for me, but .300WM and .338LM aren’t THAT different balistically. The LM just gets there with a lot more ass.

Hence I run out of turret elevation long before it goes transonic.

 

[Huskydriver]

View attachment 7059458

View attachment 7059460

I’d have to look at my actual dope, because g7 seems consistently optimistic for me, but .300WM and .338LM aren’t THAT different balistically. The LM just gets there with a lot more ass.

Hence I run out of turret elevation long before it goes transonic.

Fig... Dude.....Common a g7 of .6??? Rerun your calculations using the g7 bc for a 210 vld. You ran them using the g1. Should be like .318 for a g7.......

 

[Fig]

You’re right. It’s not switching when I switch models...

 

[Huskydriver]

You’re right. It’s not switching when I switch models...

It's all good we all make mistakes. Most 300wm loads go sub right around 1700 yards Imo. Not an bad round by any means just other big 30ies that play the elr game a bit better if that's your primary purpose.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Next rifle is going to be in 300WM or 7mm.

 

[Long Range 338]

Downsides to the 300WM:
-the rest of us snobs telling you it’s not as good as X
-short neck theoretically puts it at a disadvantage
-magnum belt can be a pain

For a hunting rig there really is no disadvantage. For a tactical rig just the cost of factory ammo compared to other chamberings. 300WM can hold its own to a long ways out there!

 

[186thFCo]

Well I’m kinda looking at this build as my first elr rifle. I have taken my GAP .308 win to just over 1000 yards but that’s it. I want to be able to hit steel at a mile but I don’t want something so big that I wouldn’t enjoy it at ranges under 800 yards. The 300wm seems to be the best option (for me at least) cause there is plenty of info out there on load development which will help me while I try and figure this long range stuff out.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Well I’m kinda looking at this build as my first elr rifle. I have taken my GAP .308 win to just over 1000 yards but that’s it. I want to be able to hit steel at a mile but I don’t want something so big that I wouldn’t enjoy it at ranges under 800 yards. The 300wm seems to be the best option (for me at least) cause there is plenty of info out there on load development which will help me while I try and figure this long range stuff out.

The .300WM is going to have a fair bit of recoil for shooting at the range.
You might looking into something in the 6.5mm to 7mm range if you want to hit steel at a mile without getting too much recoil.

 

[supercorndogs]

There are lots of ways to mitigate recoil, but it is one of the complaints with magnum cartridges. Also barrel life and feeding them powder.

 

[Long Range 338]

300 PRC looks like a real up and comer. Hornady is supporting the factory ammo side and sooner or later somebody should jump in with better brass and the reloaders will be satisfied as well. If you don't want to risk it or wait for better components the 300WM is the solution.
Recoil is what it is. Anytime you push a 30 caliber 200 grain bullet at 2900 fps the recoil impulse is the same regardless of cartridge. Offset it with a brake, suppressor, or a heavier rifle. Otherwise something that shoots slower or lighter bullets.

 

[Ledzep]

300 PRC was the breaking point for me with magnums. The 300wm I've dealt with the reloading issues caused by the belt (reloading for a family member's rifle) and while I assume I'm the minority there, I'd rather avoid belts altogether. I think they're archaic and limiting on case capacity. The RUM line up is too much (too long to seat ELD/VLDs and too much case capacity for existing powders) and poor brass selection, the Normas require the step up to lapua bolt face (even if they make bolt heads for it in 1.350" actions I'm not a fan, personally. Barrel walls getting mighty thin...), and I was unaware of the 30 nosler, but it would have also required a custom reamer and dies to correctly set it all up for LR.

The 300 PRC really only has the potential for soft brass as a negative, and my experience with Hornady brass is that if you keep loads under 65ksi the brass holds up fine. Doesn't handle the 65-75ksi stuff as well as others, but I typically don't hot rod.

 

[cornhusker86]

I've owned several rifles in 300 win mag and find it's one of the least finicky cals. to load for. Never had an issue with the belt being a problem when sizing. RL 22 and 180 ballistic tips served me well for many years. H1000 for the heavies is hard to beat.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Define the job, then select the tool.

 

[lash]

Well I’m kinda looking at this build as my first elr rifle. I have taken my GAP .308 win to just over 1000 yards but that’s it. I want to be able to hit steel at a mile but I don’t want something so big that I wouldn’t enjoy it at ranges under 800 yards. The 300wm seems to be the best option (for me at least) cause there is plenty of info out there on load development which will help me while I try and figure this long range stuff out.

You’ll do fine. There are a number of guys here using 300wm just fine at a mile-ish. A couple even shoot our PRS style matches with decent results.

Shoot what you want to. A lot of good arguments on both sides of the aisle, but it should always come down to what you really want. There’s time and money enough for different choices later.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

It is a fantastic cartridge. What you are seeing is the pussication of felt recoil even with a brake. Everything else is classic displacement, like in defense mechanism. Psych 101.

 

[hafejd30]

I own two 300 WM. Love the cartridge. I run mine suppressed. Not one issue with it being belted. Very accurate. The suppressor tames both the sound and recoil if that’s a concern. I’ve shot mine a lot both suppressed and unsuppressed.

If recoil is an issue you can simply retrieve several pads from your wife’s purse and apply them to the butt pad of your rifle.

 

[MJB13SRT8]

Just my two cents why well the new thing is to put muzzle brakes on 26 lb 6.5cm's.

Montrose

 

[Fig]

I looked at my DOPE card for this rifle last night, and I only have data to 1,200 yds. I've never taken my .300WM to a match, and matches are the only time I ever have access to shoot over 1,200 yds. So, I totally stand corrected, and it's not a mile rifle at all. It would be lobbing them in there like all my other rifles....

My experience with shooting through transonic range, limited though it is, is that my shots start to wildly disperse. The same, steady hold will produce impacts all over the place.

 

[Huskydriver]

Downsides to the 300WM:
-the rest of us snobs telling you it’s not as good as X
-short neck theoretically puts it at a disadvantage
-magnum belt can be a pain

For a hunting rig there really is no disadvantage. For a tactical rig just the cost of factory ammo compared to other chamberings. 300WM can hold its own to a long ways out there!

300 Norma or GTFO!!!! Lol

I looked at my DOPE card for this rifle last night, and I only have data to 1,200 yds. I've never taken my .300WM to a match, and matches are the only time I ever have access to shoot over 1,200 yds. So, I totally stand corrected, and it's not a mile rifle at all. It would be lobbing them in there like all my other rifles....

My experience with shooting through transonic range, limited though it is, is that my shots start to wildly disperse. The same, steady hold will produce impacts all over the place.

Your killing me smalls! I was like htf is he out shooting my 338 dope lol. My 300 gr smk load goes sub right around 2100 yards.

 

[Fig]

Have you shot it that far? How many mils @ 2100?

I live in wooded hills. It's really hard to find a place to even shoot 1000 yds. My club is about an hour from my house. I would very much like to stretch out my .300WM, but just don't have a place to do it.

 

[Huskydriver]

Have you shot it that far? How many mils @ 2100?

I live in wooded hills. It's really hard to find a place to even shoot 1000 yds. My club is about an hour from my house. I would very much like to stretch out my .300WM, but just don't have a place to do it.

I have not shot it past 1850 but intend to try this spring. At 1850 I'm up 19 mils. I imagine it will be around 24 mils to get get out to 2100.

 

[bax]

A problem with the 300WM, perhaps also a problem with other "big" cartridges -- barrel life. My 300 WM barrel went over 2,300 rounds but it now, officially, a tomato stake. It has served me well and Bartlein will sell me another barrel.

 

[AMGtuned]

Love my .300wm! As said by others, 7mm Rem Mag is also a very nice cartridge. Both can be had at even a hardware store in a pinch, which is a slight plus (SHTF, or, oh shit I forgot ammo). My 300 is ready for a chassis and some new glass. B&C, although very useable, has become too light, and has no cheek riser. And the gen 1 PST FFP was no longer worthy of sitting atop such a magnificent weapon. Just my .02

 

[camotoe]

You guys don't forget about 30nosler.it has more boiler room then 300prc and adg is making brass

 

[camotoe]

 

[cornhusker86]

Lapua is missing the boat on the 300 win mag. It would easily outsell many of the cals. they make brass for.

I.E. grendal, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 9.3x62, etc.

 

[camotoe]

Laupa needs to make 280ai brass to

 

[cornhusker86]

And 7mm WSM!!!

 

[sabrecross]

Lapua is missing the boat on the 300 win mag. It would easily outsell many of the cals. they make brass for.

I.E. grendal, 7.62x39, 7.62x54, 9.3x62, etc.

The same can be said for 7mm RM...

 

[Blaster7Romeo]

View attachment 7062721

This reminds me that the first bolt gun I got when i was 18 (back in 1999) was a 300 Weatherby that they sold at Walmart at the time.. I had wanted a 300win for a while.. but they said Weatherby was bigger lol Little did I know that no one in town stocked the ammo and it was $50 a box lol It was about 8 rounds of good shooting ultill a flinch would show up... I still have a scar on my nose from where my cheep ass Simmons scope took a chunk out of it lol That was a lesson learned lol God i was a dumb ass ! lol Dose anyone even use the Weatherby anymore ? besides Weatherby?

Now i have a MRAD with a S&B scope on it lol In 300WM!