Anyone make the jump from 300 win mag to 300 norma?

[Norseman1950]

Looking at a new rifle and I'm debating making the change from 300 win mag which I have a lot of experience with to 300 Norma. It seems to me that 300 Norma doesn't really offer a huge performance increase to 300 win mag even with the heavy .30s but brass costs are significantly higher in initial cost. Win mag brass at least in my experience can last a long time at sane pressures with a small shoulder bump. Currently seems the Norma brass is somewhat short lived. Anyone make this leap to find it wasn't really worth it or am I missing something?

 

[Gilly]

I made the change here not long ago. Went from 10 twist 24 and 26” 300’s in the last year to a 28” 9 twist 300 Norma. I was in the same boat didn’t seem like performance on paper was worth it so I was looking at 338 Norma instead, then I found a barrel that fit what I had wanted to do in 30 cal. For me it was a barrel and bolt swap on my AI as opposed to a new or different rifle so I went for it. Main reason was I wanted a 9 twist to run 198 Flatline and happened to find one. Have not put a lot of rounds through it but what I have I really like it. The Norma shoots everything very well and so far haven’t missed the win mag. 230 smk is around 100 fps faster than my win mag with 230 berger so no huge gain, but I’m not pushing the norma as hard as I did win mag. The 198 Flatline at 3080-3100 and it’s totally worth it!

 

[WeiserBucks]

I'm in the middle of it right now, I'm working with a DT platform so barrel and bolt swaps are super simple. I still own a 24" custom WM and it's not for sale , ever . I'm going 300 Norma because I really like the idea of 215 hybrids at 3075 or so , which my WM won't do . I'm a hunter , so the more I can get , the better. I'll be sending some 230s and 225s to find out for myself, but I've learned that a slow 215 works great, a fast one can only work better on game .

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

I have a 300 Norma and like it when I have to really stretch things out. I built it for long range antelope hunting when beer and beef were wagered. No sense in playing fair.
A round that outperforms the 300WM and gets very close to the Norma is the 300 PRC AKA 30-375. I shoot 225's in both and there is only 50-75 FPS difference between the two. For tuning purposes I also like the fact I can use a slightly faster powder in the 300 PRC. 75 grs VS 85+ grs. in the Norma.
Standard action VS Lapua magnum action, less expensive brass easily formed, less powder, barrel will last ever so slightly longer all things being equal.
I built a 300 PRC hunting rifle for a trip to South Africa in May. I'll be shooting 212 ELD-X.

 

[Gilly]

Ran my confirmation load today replaced the APA brake with an ultra 9 suppressor and lab radar was clocking 230 smk at 3020-3025 which was hot compared to original ladder going to back off .3 but wow 3000+ with 230 at .8 BC. That’s worth it in my book!

 

[bpair]

Im interested in this thread as well. I do have a .300 magnum, but do want one for future build. A shooting partner has a 338 rogue and watching its impact and report on steel is impressive, but a .338 is not necessary or practical for my needs. Hence the .300 search. Currently considering a 300 norma improved, mainly just because I have several other improved cartridges without complaints. But if a good ole 300 win mag gets the same job done with smaller action and cheaper overall, I will not discount it.

 

[Gilly]

Im interested in this thread as well. I do have a .300 magnum, but do want one for future build. A shooting partner has a 338 rogue and watching its impact and report on steel is impressive, but a .338 is not necessary or practical for my needs. Hence the .300 search. Currently considering a 300 norma improved, mainly just because I have several other improved cartridges without complaints. But if a good ole 300 win mag gets the same job done with smaller action and cheaper overall, I will not discount it.

I can tell you as a long time 300 win mag shooter there is a gap between them that cannot be closed. The Norma is a good middle ground before going to recoil heavy 338 lapua. Even though you are getting into 338 bolt and length the recoil is easier to deal with and therefore more enjoyable to shoot.

 

[Gilly]

I can tell you as a long time 300 win mag shooter there is a gap between them that cannot be closed. The Norma is a good middle ground before going to recoil heavy 338 lapua. Even though you are getting into 338 bolt and length the recoil is easier to deal with and therefore more enjoyable to shoot.

Oh and no belted cases to deal with...

 

[Jeffd]

I have switched a year ago. Will never look back.

 

[bpair]

Gilly, thanks, thats what I needed to hear. The confirmation, that there had to be something the data/numbers just dont tell you.

 

[Herman1]

Gilly, thanks, thats what I needed to hear. The confirmation, that there had to be something the data/numbers just dont tell you.

 

[Forgetful Coyote]

Yall need to take a look into doing something along the lines of a .30 Booboo (.308 x 68mm RWS) or longish barreled long throated .300 WSM(and/or improved variants thereof).
You could mostly consider the .300 WSM (specifically) the larger longer range magnum cousin of the 6BR & its derivatives.
The .30 Booboo(IN MY HUMBLE OPINION) - being a step up in size from the 6BR's cousin - is consequently then ie the larger longer range magnum cousin of the 6.5x47 Lapua.
Definitely look into these rounds! Play your cards right, you could end up with a elk rifle capable of true 1000yd BR precision with the right barrel and gunsmith.
If he ain't too far from you, Alex Wheeler(and Jim Borden) REALLY knows his shit and would be among my top 3 choices for the most accurate hunting rifle money can buy.... and both can & have built MANY long range benchrest winners + record breakers/holders if you're into that. And obviously, they build their hunting rifles to the same quality and standards as the BR winners. They're most certainly not going "oh I can cut a corner here/there since it's just a huntin rifle" .. even if just a short range hunter..

 

[Herman1]

I switched from a 300 win mag to a Norma recently and can’t be happier. Sending a 230 Berger at 3,050 FPS from a 26” barrel with N570- 6.1 mils at 1000.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

The BooBoo is a great round. I should know I developed it. It's 300 WM capacity with the toughest brass I've ever seen. I have hunting rifles chambered in 7MM,30 and 338. I still shoot the tight neck version in competition. I'm also using the 30-375 for comp and hunting.

 

[Gilly]

Yall need to take a look into doing something along the lines of a .30 Booboo (.308 x 68mm RWS) or longish barreled long throated .300 WSM(and/or improved variants thereof).
You could mostly consider the .300 WSM (specifically) the larger longer range magnum cousin of the 6BR & its derivatives.
The .30 Booboo(IN MY HUMBLE OPINION) - being a step up in size from the 6BR's cousin - is consequently then ie the larger longer range magnum cousin of the 6.5x47 Lapua.
Definitely look into these rounds! Play your cards right, you could end up with a elk rifle capable of true 1000yd BR precision with the right barrel and gunsmith.
If he ain't too far from you, Alex Wheeler(and Jim Borden) REALLY knows his shit and would be among my top 3 choices for the most accurate hunting rifle money can buy.... and both can & have built MANY long range benchrest winners + record breakers/holders if you're into that. And obviously, they build their hunting rifles to the same quality and standards as the BR winners. They're most certainly not going "oh I can cut a corner here/there since it's just a huntin rifle" .. even if just a short range hunter..

Seems a bit off track from where the OP was trying to make a decision specifically on two cartridges. Both of which have readily available brass, factory ammo and widely accepted. Also both have proven track record and can be incredibly accurate. I’ll stick with my Norma.

 

[Norseman1950]

All great info here. As far as the belt on the 300 win mag is concerned... I ignore it and set my die to headspace off the shoulder. I bump the shoulder .002 and call it good. I've got 9 reloads on some once fired 300 mil brass and primer pockets still going strong. Though admittedly i'm not pushing it very hard. Anyway... the Norma interests me but for the price of cases I'm concerned about brass life which seems to be an issue. At least it was at one point. Any updates?

 

[schmi015]

Well lapua is making 300 norma brass now so there is that to consider.

 

[bjay]

Well lapua is making 300 norma brass now so there is that to consider.

Norma brass for 300nm not as strong my necked down 423 dakota lapua brass its been loaded almost 20x and pocket still tight..im expecting the same when 300nm lapua brass come out