Yet Another Magnum vs. Small Bore Cartridge Conundrum

[One300wsm]

This is where your opinion takes a left turn from the small cartridge/optimized bullet crowd.

Some of us have looked at the damage done by the optimized bullet choice and went “huh. That kills stuff pretty fast. And it penetrated deep enough. And it broke enough bones. And it was more enjoyable to shoot. Why am I using that instead of this? This did as much damage as that, so why would I use that?”

I think that a lot of guys, such as yourself possibly, have a deep rooted belief that a small cartridge with a big bullet, can’t possibly work as well as a bigger cartridge. (And the long history of needing tough bullets for tough game that was espoused by outdoor writers for years, and some of those guys may have written things based on who was funding their trip……just sayin’.)

When it comes right down to it, sometimes enough actually IS enough to deal with anything you need dealt with. Even if a lot of people tell you it isn’t just because their daddy said so.

Incidentally, 3 out of the last 4 seasons I have carried a 223AI while hunting moose, on purpose. In that same three year span I carried a 300wm (inherited from my dad, every handful of years I take it elk hunting and kill a bull with it, as I promised him), a 280AI, and a 223AI.
Those 3 seasons accounted for three bull moose with the 223AI, and 3 bull elk.
Last fall I carried a 22 Creed, on purpose, for moose, elk, deer, bears, etc. Oddly enough, it worked just fine on moose, elk, deer, bears, and etc’s just fine from 7 yards through 300+. Wouldn’t have been any difference in results had I been using the 223AI/88 ELD m or carrying a 243AI/280AI/3006/300RUM etc etc etc…

Bullets matter. Headstamps don’t.

Congratulations on your kills.
I’ve also harvested Elk with a 280AI 140 AB with no issues.
I enjoy shooting my 300 wm just as much as my 243 win.
At the present time I don’t shoot mono’s or bonded bullets in my 300 wm or any other cartridge for that matter, I use ELD-M or TMK’s. But I have used them with no issues and probably will again.
You keep using what works for you and I’ll keep using what works for me, that’s what makes America great the right to choose.
Have a safe and peaceful Sunday.

PS: Not really related but wanted to add:
I fractured my neck at the base of my skull on Jan 31 in a SxS accident. I was shooting my 7.6 lbs 300wsm in a competition 6 weeks later. So recoil really isn’t an issue for me.

 

[RockAndSage]

I enjoy shooting my 300 wm just as much as my 243 win.

Can you shoot 200 rounds in one training session with either, without developing a flinch?

 

[KHntr]

With that said I don’t know why anyone would purposely take a 22 arc Elk hunting.

I think my previous reply could have been summed up with “because it works to an a level they find acceptable for their uses”, same reason you hunt with whatever it is you use.

 

[One300wsm]

Can you shoot 200 rounds in one training session with either, without developing a flinch?

I don’t desire or have the funds to waste shooting ether 200 rounds in one day. I have how ever shot 20 - 40 rounds in couple hours with both.
I have a shooting range at my house, I shoot out to 675 yards regularly and can shoot out to 900 yards. I shoot a lot of ammo down the tube but never 200 in one day not even an AR.
If you want to fund it I’ll shoot them.
Just so you know I’m not a BS I added my shooting range.

 

[mtnwrunner]

Et al......I think there is plenty of information in this thread as well as other threads reference this topic. I'm fairly certain that One300wsm is rooted in his beliefs and it appears that that won't change so let's not continue with unnecessary comments.

Randy

 

[Axlrod]

I was speaking of purposely, the Op stated him and his hunting partner killed deer together. Maybe they were maybe they weren’t hunting Elk. With that said I don’t know why anyone would purposely take a 22 arc Elk hunting. Just my opinion, there’s better suited cartridges.
Just because you’re hunting deer in Montana doesn’t mean you have a combo tag. I’ve hunted Deer only and Elk only. This year I will be hunting Antelope solo carrying a 25CM.

Ok I see, but you didn't say purposely in the post I replied to. No harm no foul, everyone should use what they want. I use a 6-7mm PRC for everything.
For residents, they aren't combo tags, everyone can buy a couple deer tags and an elk tag plus 5 wolf tags OTC. And draw another elk tag and 2 antelope tags. (please don't tell anybody!)

 

[One300wsm]

Ok I see, but you didn't say purposely in the post I replied to. No harm no foul, everyone should use what they want. I use a 6-7mm PRC for everything.
For residents, they aren't combo tags, everyone can buy a couple deer tags and an elk tag plus 5 wolf tags OTC. And draw another elk tag and 2 antelope tags. (please don't tell anybody!)

Agreed. I have PBB building a 7 PRC for me now should have it back anytime.
Yea me and my wife usually alternate tags in Montana, she’s not going this year so I just put in for Antelope and drew.
Probably take 25CM or maybe 243 win depends on which one is shooting the best the week before I go.
Good luck and Safe hunting

 

[The Guide]

For hunting Elk. It has a whopping 1000 lb of energy at 200 yards.

Who runs a 77 @ 2800 in a 22 ARC? My 22" 22 ARC runs a factory 88 ELDM @ 2800. My 16" 22 ARC runs the factory 75 ELDM @ 2912 and custom loaded 80.5 Berger Fullbore bullets @ 2876. I carry whatever tickles my fancy when I'm hunting. Doesn't matter what cartridge the rifle is chamber for that I have in my hand, all legal big game animals in Montana will die from a properly placed expanding bullet.

Jay

 

[One300wsm]

Who runs a 77 @ 2800 in a 22 ARC? My 22" 22 ARC runs a factory 88 ELDM @ 2800. My 16" 22 ARC runs the factory 75 ELDM @ 2912 and custom loaded 80.5 Berger Fullbore bullets @ 2876. I carry whatever tickles my fancy when I'm hunting. Doesn't matter what cartridge the rifle is chamber for that I have in my hand, all legal big game animals in Montana will die from a properly placed expanding bullet.

Jay

The Op stated he had a 16” barrel which is 6” shorter than yours. Maybe you should read before you start spitting off. Carry what you like it’s America or it could be Canada in that case you can’t!!!