Need Help with Rifle Choices

[JBahr]

To spare y'all the long story I will briefly explain then get straight to the point. Moved here from Texas, bowhunted for deer and hogs since I could draw 40lbs, very familiar with firearms, ballistics, precision shooting, just have never hunted primarily with rifles. I reload for all my pistols, and for some of my friends rifles. Big waterfowl hunter. My new job will have me traveling frequently through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, North and South Dakota, I will get to learn a LOT of country!

Looking to purchase a rifle that extends my hunting options past archery season. I have been eyeing the CA Ridgeline although I am open to other manufacturers. For caliber I am stuck between 300 WM and WSM. I have read hours worth of posts here and other forums, articles comparing the two and countless ballistic charts and still cannot make up my mind. The closest factor to tip the scale thus far is the price of 300 WSM ammo, then I think I will be reloading eventually so who cares...

Here are my plans for the rifle. Hunting only, this is not a competition rifle, no need for nat's ass groups at 1500 yards, although it would be a plus. Lightweight is key, I will be hiking or riding into remote areas looking for places people and roads aren't. I plan to shoot elk, muleys, speed goats, bighorns(god willing), and whitetails in any state I can draw a tag for them. Yes I am aware I will need a few different loads depending on the game, and ranges I plan to shoot at them from. I do not seek long range shots but would like to know I have the capability to shoot 400 - 800 yards when I'm comfortable and confident in the round.

What I need from y'all... Tip the scales for me. I don't need the long explanation, I've read those. I need personal preferences, opinions, instances where you found one to be better than the other in that moment. What do y'all think about the Ridgeline, are there others I should be considering? Barrel length is another question, 24" or 26". After we get this figured out you guys can help me with scopes...

 

[Brightwhite]

Sounds like you're looking for a do-it-all rifle? I just went through that, looked at the Christensen really hard, but ended up going another route. I think the Christensen would be a great choice.

I went 300 WSM and I am working on 180 gr accubond loads that I will hunt everything with from Colorado to Alaska. I would not change loads after you find something that shoots well, even for smaller game like antelope.

I chose the 300WSM because ballistics are too close to the full magnum cartridge - very effecient round. In most rifles you will also save weight in the short action, Christensen is that way - you'll save a few ounces.

I started my journey thinking I wanted super light weight in a Kimber mountain ascent, but soon realized for me, the best do-it-all rifle is 7.5-8 pounds scoped...the Ridgeline with a scope and rings will put you around right around 7.5, so I feel it's a good weight and as light as I would personally go.

 

[duckhunter175]

I just had the chance to handle several Ridgelines in different calibers (300wm, 300wsm, 26 nosler, 7RM) I was very very impressed with each rifle and 300 wsm with 24" barrel was wonderfully balanced and damn near followed me home if I didn't have a proof research gun being built right now.

 

[tstowater]

I personally use a 300WSM. It does the job with 180 grain bullets. I would question whether the 300WSM would have the horses to push the bigger bullets like the 300WM can. Kind of personal preference for the most part and really can't go wrong with either unless you want one of the real brutes (300 RUM, 30-378, etc.).

 

[lcxctf2000]

300WSM. Will have all the pep you need for your intended species and should allow you to build a lighter rifle for carrying over hill and dale. Nothing on that list says you need to go heavier than 180gr, and honestly if you are a monolithic fan you could work up a load for the 175gr Barnes LRX (claimed .507 BC) and have a do-it-all load.

You mention reloading, and some would say that reloading for the WSM is perhaps easier given it is not a belted cartridge. Either way you will find plenty of options for projectiles and powder, as well as decent brass availability.

If you don't relaod, you should be able to find a good selection of factory loads for both. Perhaps the 300WM has a slight edge right now, but with 300WSM popularity only increasing I feel that won't stay the case for long.

 

[elkguide]

I have both. I like them both. I reload for both. Very happy with my .300 WSM Kimber. Scoped it is a 7.4 pound rifle. If I were building another rifle, (there are a lot of good manufacturers like CA, Cooper, Rifles, Inc., Ultra Light Arms.) I would probably go with a .300 WM. Brass is more available (and not all nickel) and more reasonably priced. If you want to shoot 200's, you can easily do it with the WM. And if you ever get separated from your ammo on a trip, Billy Bob's garage, restaurant and hunting supply is likely going to have a box.

 

[JBahr]

Appreciate all the replies! I am leaning towards the 300WSM. I'm not looking to really reach out and touch something at 800+ yards and it seems a lot of the argument for the 300WM lies with that capability. Any ounce I can shave will be much appreciated by my back I'm sure.

Are there any manufacturers not mentioned that I should be considering? I can't find a Cooper to look at in person, and I was told today they have a long lead time. Any truth to that... I know, call the factory...

 

[hodgeman]

I've been using the .300WSM almost exclusively since 2006. My rifle is a Nosler Custom Sporter- 7.5lbs with a 2.5-8x36 VX3 on top with a 24" barrel. It's done a lot of killing and I've got no complaints.

The WSM has a slight disadvantage with 200gr and up bullets but with modern bullets anything over 180gr is sort of pointless. My favorite is the 180 Accubond at 2950. The .300WM comes in a little heavier for no real advantage in my book.

 

[HiMtnHntr]

The 300 WM is probably more versatile for the handloader and can manage a wider range of different loads. That said, I shoot a 300 wsm because I prefer the shorter action for mountain hunting. Accuracy is plenty good.