Thoughts on .300 Win Mag?

[RenegadeDefense.com]

I have the opportunity to purchase a R700 in .300WM, primary purpose is target shooting at 1,000 yards, and Elk next season in the Northwest.

I have no experience with the .300WM. I know it's a serious round, but how much flatter does it really shoot over a .308?

[pyro3k2]

what model of 700 is it? and how much long range target shooting vs hunting will you be doing? are we talking 90:10? or 60:40?

[Hugga Nugga]

Enough to make a significant difference . Not to mention more energy on target.

[5.56Geo]

The 300WM is in a league of it's own compared to the .308Win. Just be prepared to take a thumping on both the pocket book and shoulder.

If you do buy it you should look into having a muzzle brake installed.

[ElvenSoul]

Just get a 30-06 if your going to shoot long magnum with less than 26" barrel.

I can't believe gun companies get away with selling long magnums with 22" barrels. I mean what is the use? I know the WSM's do fine with a 24" barrel.

[huntercf]

The 300WM and 300WSM both have sharp recoil compared to the 308 long recoil. I love my 300WSM because it shoots flatter and I don't mind the bruise it leaves on my shoulder, with that said most people don't like it because of the sharp recoil, it is a trade off for me one that I'm willing to live with.

[RenegadeDefense.com]

The 300WM and 300WSM both have sharp recoil compared to the 308 long recoil. I love my 300WSM because it shoots flatter and I don't mind the bruise it leaves on my shoulder, with that said most people don't like it because of the sharp recoil, it is a trade off for me one that I'm willing to live with.

that sounds like the kind of gun I want to own, lol.

[milotrain]

A 300 win mag built for hunting will be a terrible target rifle.
A 300 win mag built for target shooting will be a terrible hunting rifle.

Feel free to get one but don't expect it to do double duty. How much target shooting have you don't at 1k? Asked because the 300 win mag is a terrible cartridge for the new long range shooter. I suspect it is a pretty decent elk cartridge though as long as you don't develop a flinch and can't shoot it accurately.

[Munny$hot]

Have you looked at the 7mm-08? for 1k it may be a better fit.

[ElvenSoul]

The 270wsm is a very overlooked cartridge.

As is the .270wby and even 257Wby

All quite capable of taking elk at the long ranges.

[ElvenSoul]

Competition target guns weigh in at over 15lbs to 35lbs.

Most hunting rifles are 7lbs to 10 lbs

Up in CO lugging around 25lb rifle get very exhausting at 11000 ft.

[pyro3k2]

A 300 win mag built for hunting will be a terrible target rifle.
A 300 win mag built for target shooting will be a terrible hunting rifle.

Feel free to get one but don't expect it to do double duty. How much target shooting have you don't at 1k? Asked because the 300 win mag is a terrible cartridge for the new long range shooter. I suspect it is a pretty decent elk cartridge though as long as you don't develop a flinch and can't shoot it accurately.

+1 this has been my experience with the round. I have a hunting and target rifle in .300wm and they are two completely different animals.

[Javi]

Since you posted in the auto-loader forum, I recommend you get a NEMO to split the difference between a target & hunting rifle

[Johneracer]

300 win mag is an excellent cartridge for either. But that rifle is not. Buy a tikka for hunting, absolutely no muzzle brake, no semi auto junk, decent scope and go hunting. Buy a cheap 308 for target or just shoot that. It is not that bad. Do 20 rounds at the range of 300 and do it slowly. Bring something else to shoot while the rifle is cooling.

[BarrettM99]

that sounds like the kind of gun I want to own, lol.

If you like that, I implore you to try the 7mm Rem Mag. I love the 300 Win Mag too. Either way, good to go!