Talk me out of 300 WSM

[Wrench]

All one needs to do is search world records for 300wsm and let the reading guide you to the answer.

 

[honestcomrade]

It has been two months. What did you decide on?

Still want to do a 300wsm semi-custom Tikka action with a faster twist bbl that can improve accuracy and potentially weight, plus integrate a bi-directional muzzle brake.
- great bullet selection and availability for a hand loader desiring bonded or monometal projectile for hunting
- less reduced bullet velocity when using a shorter barrel compared to a traditional magnum

Haven't bought anything yet, I think filling some holes in my gear selection will be more immediately useful to help me fill a deer tag this fall. Thanks to all those who fed the well of knowledge.

The saums picqued my interest after some further research as well, but haven't made the short list. Seemed like the big disadvantages of the 300 wsm are that factory twist rate in most cases and the ridiculously high priced/scarce premium brass.

 

[thebigcheese109]

If you're a handloader, then I'd say the 300 WSM is tough to beat for an all-around big game cartridge. Brass might be expensive (everything is right now though) but once you have 50-100 pieces they should last you a while unless you do a lot of target shooting. I have a Kimber 8400 300 WSM and absolutely love it. It's lightweight, carries well in the woods, and shoots well. I have 150 gr bullets loaded down to ~308 Win velocities for hunting deer in PA and I have 180 gr bullets loaded to magnum level velocities for bear and elk. Lots of versatility. I don't think you'd be disappointed in a 300 WSM.

 

[skip189]

Love my 300 wsm but getting to the point I don't like the recoil that comes with it. Like the magnum cartridges in a medium or short action but if had to do it again I think would go with a 7saum or 6.5 prc just for a little less recoil and still have the ability for a heavier bullet to go to for elk hunting with the Saum.

 

[LightFoot]

Still want to do a 300wsm semi-custom Tikka action with a faster twist bbl that can improve accuracy and potentially weight, plus integrate a bi-directional muzzle brake.
- great bullet selection and availability for a hand loader desiring bonded or monometal projectile for hunting
- less reduced bullet velocity when using a shorter barrel compared to a traditional magnum

Haven't bought anything yet, I think filling some holes in my gear selection will be more immediately useful to help me fill a deer tag this fall. Thanks to all those who fed the well of knowledge.

The saums picqued my interest after some further research as well, but haven't made the short list. Seemed like the big disadvantages of the 300 wsm are that factory twist rate in most cases and the ridiculously high priced/scarce premium brass.

I have a Tikka Wideland Veil in 300 Win and my buddy has the same in 300 WSM. You don't need a faster twist for the 168 monometal.

I have a bidirectional brake on mine (the rifles are already threaded 5/8x24). It kicks like a 6.5 CRD.

I dropped it into a Mesa Altitude stock. If I had it to go over, I would have left it in the factory stock and just added the vertical grip to it.

Start stocking up on ammo or components. My buddy's 300 WSM shoots Winchester Deer Season very well. He took a mule deer at around 500 yards with that combination.

Here is a picture of mine.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[jimmy33]

I have a 270wsm…i love it. I used to have a 300wsm and loved it. Both fantastic calibers. However, my next gun will be 7prc


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[jstraus34]

I have a 270wsm…i love it. I used to have a 300wsm and loved it. Both fantastic calibers. However, my next gun will be 7prc


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have to see what that one looks like when it comes out. Is it going to be more of a 300 PRC like or 6.5 PRC . Assume only advantage is requires faster twist so it can handle longer bullets (better sectional density and improved BC). This only matters if you are shooting at game over 500 yards IMO

 

[Zwsipe34]

I recently bought a 300 WSM. There are plenty of rifles made for the caliber. Norma makes rounds for it and the brass is supposed to be good. I plan to hunt with the Norma 180 Bondstrikes assuming it is accurate enough. For me, it was to have something a bit lighter and still good power.

I also wanted a threaded barrel. I like my 300 WBY, but currently not threaded. I really hate to take a chance on messing it up. I expect the kick will be similar since the new gun is lighter with a suppressor or brake lowering it. I didn't "need" a different rifle and will keep both.

I can't really talk you out of it too much. There are a lot of really good 30 caliber bullets for Elk. You can do a lot worse than a 300 WSM.

Any update on the accuracy of the 180gr Norma Bondstrikes?

 

[KenLee]

Any update on the accuracy of the 180gr Norma Bondstrikes?

I have friends shooting the Bondstrikes out of a Steyr and a Kimber. Both are happy with them. I sling 150 grainers, but no elk here.

 

[snowtoy83]

Any update on the accuracy of the 180gr Norma Bondstrikes?

Shoots under an inch for me. Shot a bear at 512 yards last week. Pass through with good exit. Performance like an accubond. Averaging 3045 fps

 

[Hunthiker]

The 300wsm is a great do all caliber. Shoot a 190 - 205 grain bullet at 2850 - 2900 fps. And it will kill anything in the lower 48.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

7mm-08 is a more efficient round and adequate for your hunting goals. You could rebarrel the Tikka with a bit faster barrel and run 145 LRX or 140/150 E-Tip out of it running at 2,800+ mv. 500yds at sea level w/ 275 yard zero and you’ve got ~1,900fps, 1,200 ftlbs, -35” drop. I do also like the 300WSM also, but it will be heavier recoil so follow up might be tougher. You can also get more rounds in the factory Mag o the 7mm-08, and not worry about feeding. Components will be cheaper also. Use about 1/3 less powder. Old 308 brass seems cheap and plentiful - resize it if you have the time.

 

[Campaignhat]

Please talk me out of getting into an out of fashion cartridge - the 300 WSM. Staring at ballistic tables and availability for projectiles and comparing both to my 7mm08, I think that the 300 WSM is the perfect fit for my desired application - hunting Elk in Idaho.
Looking to get something a bit bigger but really don't want to get into the belted magnums as a hand loader. Also think the Nosler cartridges are a bit overbore, and don't have any desire for long range target shooting so dont see reason to get into the PRC's.
Said ballistic tables look like they can send 168 monometals fast enough to keep 2-2.2k FPS and 1500+ ft lbs of energy at 500 yards out of a 24".
I already have some powders that should work (Ramshot Big Game) and plenty of LRMP.

The cons - brass is expensive as !*#& and it's not even Lapua. New rifles are not commonly chambered in it anymore.

Is this a dead horse to hitch to?

Ok, fine, I’ll do it. In a light enough gun to carry through the mountains, it will kick the living daylights out of you. I’ve shot (twice) 300 wsm through a Tikka T3 light and I said never again. In a hunting scenario, may not matter much, but I like to practice shooting without feeling it the next day. My experience with elk is minimal, but I killed a cow elk with a “puny” .300 savage with a 150 grain core-lokt and after a 40 yard trot it was as dead as dead gets.

 

[Gila]

“great bullet selection and availability for a hand loader desiring bonded or monometal projectile for hunting”

Good luck with that one. The selection available for .308 diameter hunting bullets is shockingly limited. Match bullets are available but not much for hunting bullets.

 

[A382DWDZQ]

“great bullet selection and availability for a hand loader desiring bonded or monometal projectile for hunting”

Good luck with that one. The selection available for .308 diameter hunting bullets is shockingly limited. Match bullets are available but not much for hunting bullets.

Not sure I agree with that. This is a partial list…

Partition
150
165
180pp
180sptz
200
220

Accubond
150
165
180
200

ABLR
165
190
210

E-Tip
110
150
168
180

Ballistic Tip Hunting
125
150
165
168
180
220

Swift A-Frame
165
180
200

Swift Sciorco
150
165
180

Barnes TTSX
110
130
150
165
168
180

Barnes TSX
110
130
150
165
168
180
200

Barnes LRX
175
190
200
212

Sierra GK
125
150
165
180
200

Sierra TGK
125
165
180



Sierra Pro Hunter
150
170RN
180RN
220RN

Hammer HH, SH, PH, AH
124
130
135
137
150
151
152
160
162
165
166
174
178
180
181
189
196
199
214
227

Woodleigh
130
150
165
180
200
220
240

Lapua
150
170
185
200

Berger
155
168
175
180
185
190
205
210
245

Hornady ELD-X
178
200
212
220

What’s missing?

 

[Gila]

Sure would like to know where to buy 200 gr Accubonds or partitions. Wouldn’t mind picking up some A-frames and Bondstrikes as well.

 

[KenLee]

300 wsm x-bolts have really good factory recoil pads. Recoil isn't bad. My BLR 300wsm is a different story. Hard pad. Planning on changing it to a limbsaver soon.

 

[MallardSX2]

I got a 300 wsm when it first came out. I’ve killed a pile of game with it and it will kill ANYTHING in North America….

 

[David-D]

Please talk me out of getting into an out of fashion cartridge - the 300 WSM. Staring at ballistic tables and availability for projectiles and comparing both to my 7mm08, I think that the 300 WSM is the perfect fit for my desired application - hunting Elk in Idaho.
Looking to get something a bit bigger but really don't want to get into the belted magnums as a hand loader. Also think the Nosler cartridges are a bit overbore, and don't have any desire for long range target shooting so dont see reason to get into the PRC's.
Said ballistic tables look like they can send 168 monometals fast enough to keep 2-2.2k FPS and 1500+ ft lbs of energy at 500 yards out of a 24".
I already have some powders that should work (Ramshot Big Game) and plenty of LRMP.

The cons - brass is expensive as !*#& and it's not even Lapua. New rifles are not commonly chambered in it anymore.

Is this a dead horse to hitch to?

I have a 300 WSM and it's a great gun, but the ammo has been nearly impossible to find. In two years, I have seen it once.

 

[jimh406]

I have a 300 WSM and it's a great gun, but the ammo has been nearly impossible to find. In two years, I have seen it once.

As noted, it's not hard to find at all in my area, but I live in MT. You can usually find it online as well, so that may be an option for you.