Calibers Ballistically Similar to the 300 WM/WSM

[Brightwhite]

What 7mm bullet is close to 215-245? Or is higher then a .7 BC?

From Hornady...The 190 a-tip, the 180 ELDM, (and the 175 ELDX is damn close at .689). I know what you are saying though, I’ve just gone down the 7mm rabbit hole as of late and have studied it a lot and the ballistics have surprised me.

 

[MHWASH]

I'm in the market for a new rifle. I have been leaning towards a 300 WM or WSM. It seemed like the obvious caliber and one that I consistently hear about from articles and YouTube videos.

Is there a caliber out there that is ballistically similar to the 300 that wouldn't have the intense recoil?

The simple answer is 270, 280. These will equal the ballistics of the 300 without the recoil. The 7mm RM will match the ballistics, but close to the same recoil as the 300.

 

[Rky Mtn Farmer]

I would suggest going with the 300wm or the 300wsm and just manage the recoil by a muzzle break, recoil pad (LimbSaver) and stock design. My 300 wm which has a simple radial break kicks less then my 308 without a break.

 

[rootacres]

What 7mm bullet is close to 215-245? Or is higher then a .7 BC?

Im not sure you're asking a question, more just trying to making a point. The OP was asking for a caliber that was similar to the 300s he was referring to with a less intense recoil. So if less recoil than a 300 WSM/ WM is desired, a 215gr+ 30 cal bullet wouldn't be where I would start.

There won't be 7mm bullets as heavy as the heaviest 30 cal bullets, just as there won't be 6.5mm bullets as heavy as the heaviest 7mm bullets. A quick google search will pull up some 7mm options in that 175-190 range and between .65 and .75 BC. (ex. Berger 190 EOL .755 BC)

ELDX
178gr - 30 cal - .552 BC
175gr - 7mm - .689 BC

Berger VLD
185gr - 30 cal - .558 BC
180gr - 7mm - .673 BC

Nosler ABLR
168gr - 30 cal - .525 BC
168gr - 7mm - .616 BC

Long heavy bullets and WSMs have some potential mag box length limitations in some rifles.

There are a lot of good options, 7mm WSM was just where I landed. On my sample size of 1 bull elk taken at 325yds thus far it performed better than expected.

 

[Kickstep]

If recoil is an issue, a .270 Win. can be good choice. With heavy for caliber (e.g. 150 grain) controlled expansion bullets it can accomplish much of what the 30 calls will do. With lighter bullets (e.g. 130 grain) it shoots pretty flat.

I started hunting later in life and was using a 30-06 and had trouble with recoil. Stepped down to a .270 and loved it. Through much practice, worked back up and now I shoot a 300 WSM and think it’s a wonderful hunting rifle.