Just wondering,
How many here own and/ or shoot a 300 Win mag.

What do you mainly use it for?

I have one but very seldom get it out of the safe and am considering maybe replacing it with something I will use more often.

Courious of your collective thoughts on the 300 WM

Thanks

It's a great round.

And I seldom use mine either.

I pulled mine out to carry for whitetails a couple of weeks ago (didn't see anything to shoot, however.) It is far more than is needed for whitetails -- I just like to carry various of my guns for an outing occasionally. It would have served fairly well had I had a "beanfield" shot at a good buck presented, or if a feral hog had wandered into my line of vision (no such thing as killing a hog too dead). But a .270 would have done equally well in either circumstance.

To me, the .300 magnum (not just the Winchester version, but all of them) is not quite fish or fowl. They are generally larger than necessary for the deer and antelope, and a .338 Winchester seems superior for things like elk and African plains game.

My primary excuse for owning one is that every serious rifleman needs at least one (or more) of everything.

I currently own 3 different rifles in .300 Win Mag. Loaded with 168 grs TSX bullets over a healthy dose of RL22, it is my go-to caliber for long range hunting for animals needing more oomph than is offered by a .270 Win, .270 Wby or .257 Wby. Elk, oryx and ibex spring to mind.

I used to covet the idea of shooting a .300 Wby, but, in time, sadly had to realize it was just a bit more than this shooter could handle. The .300 Win Mag stepped up and has done an admirable job since then.

- mike

Mine is my go to elk rifle (along with some others). However, when I go on an elk hunting trip there are usually mulies and antelope on the menu also. And so my 300 was used on them also. The 300 will kill a mulie or an antelope a lot deader than they need to be but my other choice was dragging an arsenal to Co or WY. The unknowing often claim that magnums tear up too much meat. If a proper bullet is selected, this just isn't true. In my 300, I pretty much shoot 200gr NPs and Grand Slams. The meat damage is little different than the mulies and antelope that I have shot with a 7-08 or a .280.

It's a fantastic cartridge and I use mine for deer, groundhogs & raccoons.

I have a Weatherby Accumark in 300 Win Mag and it's my go to hunting rifle. I target shoot with 185 Berger VLD's and get .5" groups. I don't use muzzle breaks on any of my guns because they offend everyone including myself. I shot a box of 50 this past weekend with my brother in town and we both wished I had brought more. If you do not need to sell a gun I wouldn't let it go. Great round for hunting that is also fun to target shoot at longer ranges.

I'm tried trimming back on the .300s, but somehow the count has drifted back to four again. It may not be my favorite cartridge but it is such a useful caliber that I'm forced to wonder why it isn't.

My favorite rifle is a Colt Light Rifle in 300 Win. It sits in a NULA stock and can't be told from the original. I hunted with it until this year and would still if it were a 308 Win.

But if I go out of state on a more expensive hunt I'll surely take it if only for the confidence factor.

I had one. A Sako Safari withe the qtr rib and all. I bought it for the rifle as I consider the caliber a nothing caliber. By that I mean it does nothing I can't do with my 06 and has a hell of a lot more recoil to me. I was going to rebore and rechamber the Sako just never got around to it. I have never had any real use for any of the short magnums,338,300,7mm or anything else along those lines. Just a personal thing,of course, but one I am allowed I think.

I actually have two. I took one to Africa and it acquitted itself well. In retrospect, however, unless you are shooting farther than 300 yds I don't believe that it is any more effective than a 30-06. IMHO, unless you need something for long range shots, if a 30-06 isn't enough move up to a 338WM, 9.3x62 or 375 H&H.

My current one is a Ruger No. 1-V which I bought because my friends were using the same make, model, and chambering to shoot 500 yard metallic silhouettes on a range we had built on one of their cattle ranches out near Namaka, Alberta.

Plinking those Rams with it was fun, we all thought.

When I use a .30 Magnum for hunting, which I often have done, I use a .300 Weatherby instead. What the heck, in for a penny, in for a pound....or even a Guinea.

The Winchester version is a good enough cartridge. I just prefer a .308 Norma Mag (or .30/.338 Mag) over it for a true short Mag...I like the longer neck of the .308 NM better too..

My 300 WM is my go to elk rifle. It is also my go to rifle for plains game, which has made two trips across the pond to date. Additionally, it has taken the scimitar horned oryx and blackbuck. It is the rifle in my safe that has taken more species of animals than any other.

I once owned two of them....gave them both up after it was clear that if one really needs more than a 30-06 he really should go up in caliber.

I never shot anything with either of them....however I keep a .300 H&H on hand in case I change my mind.....again!!!

I have a 300 WM barrel I switch back and forth with a 7 RM on a Savage LA...shoot 220 gr bullets at roughly the same velo as 30-06 180gr and about the same distance...and 240 MK's now and then.

I like my 338-06 225gr Horn SP/SST for large muleys and elk and don't see much difference between the 30 cal 220ga and the 338 cal 225 gr...I just like larger calibers as the game weight goes up.

I've only shot the 300 WM at sage rats in the last several years and one odd 'yote in the wrong field at the wrong time. It just happens to be a "tweener" caliber for me right now, but nothing wrong with it for lots of game...it can be loaded top end or down to 30/30/300 Sav/308/30-06 without a hitch. 170 gr 30-30 FN's at 3400fs makes for purple haze on sage ratz if they get there.

Just like a 'Vet...you don't need to run it WFO all the time...they do just fine for grocery shopping also.

Luck

I have an X-Bolt in a 300WM which I use for deer, elk, and hog. Would probably use it for bear as well if I ever get an opportunity. In my opinion it is a bit of an overkill for deer at the distances I normally hunt. It's a great hard-hitting caliber that I'll keep around for a while. But, it will likely be used a bit less this year since I've added a 358 Win to the collection.

The first rifle I bought was a 300 WM in 72 and use it for most of my hunting. It has been to Africa and many places in US. I have other rifles and have always planned on retiring it but it is my go to gun. Used it this year in Wyoming. I have purchased another 300 WM recently, so now have 2.

My go to bullet is the 200 grain old style trophy bonded. When those are gone I will use either accubonds or A frames.

BigB

quote:

I used to covet the idea of shooting a .300 Wby, but, in time, sadly had to realize it was just a bit more than this shooter could handle.

I was a 30/06 Sprg. kinda Guy my entire hunting career and decided to rachet-it up a notch to the 300 Win. Mag. but figured more of a Good Thing is the 300 Weatherby - for once I was correct w/165 gr. Swift Scirocco II's.

I only have 2 and they both are very accurate and pleasant to shoot. One is a standard Rem 700 BDL and the other is a heavy barrel 700 PSS with a custom multi adjustable stock. With 180 gr bullets, it is more than capable to be a sniper rifle out to a very long range.

ive got 3, 1 is a shilen bbl'd m70 pushfeed with a muzzle brake... biggest waste of 2" of barrel there ever was... it shoots 1 1/2 at 200 yds with 150 gr hornady's... 2 and 3 are browning BAR's, havent shot #3 yet, it was bought for a project and is unfired (by me)...the #2 shoots factory winchester 150 gr into 2" at 100 easy... since ive got a 300 h&h supergrade m70, i dont shoot the 300 winmag as much...

My 300 WM is the most used rifle in my safe. I don't know how many African plains game animals it has taken on 13 safaris in addition to caribou, western US game such as pronghorn etc.

It is a Rem. 700 stainless that has been tweaked by John Ricks. It has always shot half inch groups with hand loads.

It would be the last rifle I would want to be without.

Last year my son used it for an approx. 120 yd Impala and an approx. 310 yd Zebra.

I just got it out of the safe last night and gave it a touch up cleaning although it did not need it. I just feel better that it is in top shape for its next assignment. I think a blue bear is in its future.

Thanks for the input.
Very informative as always.

I guess the reason I was asking is because at 6'2" and 165lb dripping wet this thing kicks like a barn yard mule.(call me a girlyman if you want, I can handle it)
I Really do not like muzzle breaks and am looking for ideas to lessen the recoil so I dont get the "flinchies"
The 300 in question is a Remington 700 SPS Stainless. I purchased it thinking it would be my Elk go to but my archery passion for elk has been more successful than rifle hunting.
I was wondering what measures could be done to make it more comfortable to shoot.
Thumbhole stock for example.

If I cant get comfortable with it I might as well find something more appealing to shoot.
I have a 30.06 that I shoot alot too.

Anyways, thats what brought this up.
Seems that most of those who have responded speak favorably to the 300.

Cheers,

By reloading you can make a 300 behave like a 30/06 but you can't make a 30/06 become a 300. I shot a lot a plains game with a 300 and it really shines with 200 grain bullets on the bigger animals. I used it with good results on a couple elk also. It seems to be a cartridge that is inherently accurate. I have four right now and all shoot well.

It's my go to hunting rifle. It's what I take to Africa for plains game. It's very hard to beat. I saw two Cape Buffalo taken with one by a game scout in Tanzania. He wasn't the smartest person in the world, but it worked........Tom

A .300 is a cartridge that you have to stay acclimated to shooting or they will knock the snot out of you. If you drag it out of the closet once or twice a year to go kill something, you are in trouble. But if you make it a practice to shoot some of the boomers on a once a week or so basis, you shouldn't have any trouble.
A whole bunch has been written about mounting a boomer. Basically, you have to really grasp the rifle firmly. At the wrist and on the forearm. And pull the rifle firmly into your shoulder.

A Bell & Carlson Medalist stock will do a better job taming recoil than the factory tupperware. It will add a little weight but not a lot. They are around $230 delivered from Stocky's Stocks.

My .300 win mag is my go rifle for plains game in Africa.Matter of fact it is my go to for here at home too!
I agree with Sid- ditch the Remington stock.

I keep reading about these magic stocks that will make a .300 behave like a .22 and will make you a real dead-eye dick on the rare occasions you go to the range but most of them look like cheap imitations of--ta da-- a Remington stock. All of my Remingtons wear factory stocks and they shoot well and the recoil isn't unmanagable. IF YOU PRACTICE. I think a lot of folk's problems could be cured by a little more trigger time and a little less cyperspace time.

I run with a .308 win and a .300 win mag....I feel there is a enough difference between the .308 and the .300 win mag to warrant the two rifles. My .300 is kind of like a cross over rifle not heavy not light, capable of getting out a long way if required. I have a worked up a nice load with the 208 gr Hornady A-Max which on the game I shoot works well. But it is not as compact or handy as my .308 thats for sure.

I really like shooting a 308 when I want to shoot a 30 cal. A close second choice is the 30-06, and I have several of each. For deer and hog size game, I have come to the opinion that either are somewhat overkill for that size game. If I feel the real need for a more powerful cartridge, then in such case I really want to step it up to a minimum of the 338WM or even better a 35 Whelen or 9.3x62. Frankly, IMO, stepping up to the 375 is just about right. I mess with the 338 because I like it, and it's flat shooting. I mess with a 9.3x62 because I like it.

I have always felt like I don't need a 300 mag, and still feel that way. However, I had a Ruger 77 MKII stainless barreled action in storage for several years, which I intended to use for a donor action. One day a friend gave me an old box of factory loads. Some of the cases were partially corroded they were so old. But I dropped the barreled action in a Hogue stock, mounted a 3x9 scope, and took it to the range.

It easily shot one inch groups, and some less than that. So I cleaned up the brass, and borrowed a set of dies, and tried a variety of handloads. Everything I tried was accurate, and some loads are outstanding. The barrel cleans easily too.

It's hard to get rid of an accurate rifle, so I made a choice, and sold a 280. It was a tough choice. I still think that I don't need it, and I didn't need the 280 either. Some day I'll probably sell the 300, but I'll keep it a while. It's fun to shoot, and doesn't kick too much. I've loaded up the last of a box of the 200gr Lapua Mega bullets I had. Haven't made up my mind what I'll use when those are gone. Probably load up some 200 gr Swifts. To justify keeping it, at least it should do something the 308 or 30-06 won't do as well. Heavy bullets is the only thing I can think of, since I use 165 - 180 gr bullets in either the 308 or 30-06.

I had the barreled action coated to cover the shine of the stainless steel, and the trigger tuned, and it's waiting to be bedded in a HS Precision fiberglass stock. I hope it's ready by next fall's caribou hunt. For that hunt, I'll probably see how it shoots a 168gr TTSX sometime next summer, if I can get it finished in time.

KB

Posted 07 January 2012 04:52 Hide Post
{I keep reading about these magic stocks that will make a .300 behave like a .22 and will make you a real dead-eye dick on the rare occasions you go to the range but most of them look like cheap imitations of--ta da-- a Remington stock. All of my Remingtons wear factory stocks and they shoot well and the recoil isn't unmanagable. IF YOU PRACTICE. I think a lot of folk's problems could be cured by a little more trigger time and a little less cyperspace time.}


At what point did I say it was a magical stock that felt like a 22? The fact is Remington puts out a completely useless stock of cheap plastic that bends and costs maybe $5 to build. Why anyone would accept such a cheap part on their rifle is beyond me. I bought one for my son and found it a pathetic platform for mounting a bi-pod. I replaced the factory tupperware with the Medalist and LO and Behold the forearm actually holds a bi-pod without bending or twisting. The hollow sound disappeared and no contact points were needed to hold the forearm in place.

I am not a gun snob but everytime I see those Remington stocks it just reminds me of how todays shooters will accept cheapened rifles the factories put out now. Obviously you have never tried one of these quality stocks or you would know better. Unfortunately this trend is not unique to just firearms. We see this in just about every product now. The quality American made products are replaced with cheap import parts or made with cheap foreign labor. It's sad but these practices will only continue if we keep accepting them.

Currently have Browning FN custom in 300WinMag and had it for some years now, but only shot for function/accuacy and put it up. Some years ago had a Rem.700 w/ Krieger 28" barrel, single shot, used for 600-1000yd prone/sling matches w/ Warner rear/Anshutz front,$45.00 Rem. Rangemaster Walnut stock-well bedded. Definitely an advantage in the wind vs 308. Negative issue was barrel life. Throat usually creeped out quite a bit after some 1000rnds. and cost per shot. Recoil of course more than 308, but not bothersome due to weight of rifle, some 14lbs. With right loads is an extremely accurate round. Far more gun than needed for my area as a hunting rifle, but every deer season you will see plenty of them in the field.

Mine is an A bolt with Boss. The noise is terrible, but recoil is very comfortable and accuracy is good with about any ammo once the Boss is tuned.
I have used it effectively on a couple of elk out West, but I prefer my .308 for our local deer.

A real solution to your problem, Sid, is to not buy rifles with plastic stocks. Pretty simple, huh. Remington still makes them that way you know. FWIW, I've never bought a rifle with a plastic stock. It's an aestetics thing however.
BTW, if your stock is twisting and turning when you hold it, you're holding it wrong.

None of my stocks twist. I cured that problem by not buying Remingtons anymore. I tried one for my son and found they need to many aftermarket mods to meet my standards.

I prefer not to use wood stocks when hunting because I hate scratching a beautiful stock. I just bought a Sauer 202 with wood stocks and I am tempted to take it hunting. I would rather have one quality rifle than 10 cheap rifles. Fortunately there are still quality rifles being made. I'm sorry but this is off subject and I had no intention of hijacking the OP's thread. We can discuss this on a new thread if anyone wishes.

Interesting opinions

I know I should shoot the 300 more to get comfortable with it abut as someone mentioned earlier "kick the snot" out of me is correct.
My shooting partner shot it and agreed 'She's a mule" I believe was his response. (That day he was shooting a 7mm and a 270 weatherby)

I am planning on putting a different stock, hust havent decided on which one. I do like the thumbhole stocks and bell carson too so if the "stock" discussion continues here I will not be offended and will not considered hijacked.

Kabluewy i have the same gun in a HS stock got the barrel and action painted in flat black and im working up a load this week for 168gr ttsx mine will put 5 berger 180gr in the same hole any time. Picked it up in TX for $200 the guy told me it wounld not group under 4 inches and kick like a mule.

My 700 300WM will put the frist 3 180 serrias under 6 inchs at 600 yards if I am up to it.

mrbofus the Medalist stock is the best bang for the buck option. I have 3 of them and all have performed well. I have an HS Precision on my Weatherby Accumark 300 WinMag but they will cost you more and have less camo and color options. A Manners stock is around $500 and nearly indestructable. These 3 stocks have the aluminum bedding chassis. The Mcmillan is a great stock but does not have the aluminum bedding in it. I do not have any experience with Hogue stocks but many people have given them positive reviews and with the aluminum bedding they should be plenty stiff.

Now if you want a nice wood stock I would go to Accurate Innovations first. They use an aluminum chassis and you can have any grade wood your budget will allow. They also offer checkering options you won't find on synthetics. There is no doubt that wood is asthetically superior to synthetic. I just had a bad experience gouging the stock of a Browning Gold Medallion and since then have hunted with synthetics. There is even an option now for similated wood finishes on synthetics but I have not seen one in person so I cannot say how they look.

Another thing that will mitigate recoil is having the stock fit you properly. Measure your length of pull and order your stock to match it. I am lucky that mine is 13.5" which is about standard for factory guns. I shoot a 416 Rem Mag with a B&C Medalist stock at 13.5" from the bench or standing and it doesn't bother me a bit. I do not use muzzle breaks and usually only quit shooting it because the ammo runs out. Now if the stock did not fit properely I would end up bruised and probably hate it.

A good way to build up recoil tolerance and learn how to handle a heavy kicker better is with a light weight 12 gauge shotgun. Practice shooting some heavy buckshot or slug loads. After some range time with the 12 gauge the 300 Winchester will be a piece of cake. Don't give up on the gun. If you can get comfortable with it then you will have a very versatile rifle whenever the need arises.

I have nothing but praise for the 300wm. However, I own model 70's in 30-06, 300 H+H and 300 ultra mag. No need for one.