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.300 Win Mag or .300 wsm
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I'm having a very difficult time picking a rifle. I started with a .300 wsm in a Sako Finnlight which had the ejection problem so unloaded that gun. Sent a scope out to Fierce firearms and had them mount it on a Fury to see if that would have ejection problems and it did so now my scope is on it's way back home.

So to shorten this story further I've decided I'm going with a Browning. Not open to any other gun as I looked at them all. But having problems choosing. I'm looking at the x-bolt pro vs. x-bolt he11s canyon speed.

I want this as my new elk mountain gun. The .300 wsm comes in a 23" barrel in both models and the .300 win mag comes in a 26" in both models. I wish both came in a 24 1/2 barrel.
I feel like the 23" is to short and 26" is too long.

The he11s canyon speed .300 wsm weighs in at 6lbs 8oz's and the 300 win mag comes in at 6lbs 13 oz.

The Pro has carbon fiber stock and fluted action is about $500 more. The 300 wsm comes in at 6lbs 5 oz and .300 win mag comes in at 6lbs 9 oz.

I like the stock better on Pro so leaning that way but just can make up my mind on which caliber to choose. I'm all set up to reload both calibers as I have both in much heavier rifles.

Suggestions?
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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Well you've done the research and handled the rifles now it's just down to which one really tickles your fancy. The difference in velocity of the 2 will not be noticed by any game you shoot.
Looks like you would save 4-5 ounces with the WSM so if it were me I'd go that way but it really makes no difference, what do you want?
 
Posts: 5604 | Location: Eastern plains of Colorado | Registered: 31 October 2005Reply With Quote
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I have a Dakota Model 76 in 300WSM that has a 23" barrel. I handload and my 180gr loads have a MV of 3050fps and my 200gr loads are doing 2870fps......both loads are chronographed.

I also have a Kimber 300WSM with a 24" bbl and there is very little velocity difference between the two.

The short action and 23" bbl will make for a perfect elk/mtn rifle.
 
Posts: 228 | Location: Houston, Texas | Registered: 26 April 2016Reply With Quote
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Also, I shot a north bound eland from the south side......they weigh about 2000 pounds. The bullet exited under the chin.....200gr Nosler Partition. Elk won't be a problem.
 
Posts: 228 | Location: Houston, Texas | Registered: 26 April 2016Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Mike_TX:
I have a Dakota Model 76 in 300WSM that has a 23" barrel. I handload and my 180gr loads have a MV of 3050fps and my 200gr loads are doing 2870fps......both loads are chronographed.

Also, I shot a north bound eland from the south side......they weigh about 2000 pounds. The bullet exited under the chin.....200gr Nosler Partition. Elk won't be a problem.

The short action and 23" bbl will make for a perfect elk/mtn rifle.


I'm going to NM this fall after elk with some possible shots out to 600 yards. This addresses a couple of my concerns. 1. will a 23" barrel with 10" twist stabilize a 200 grain bullet long range. 2. Was thinking my max speed with 180's could be in the low-mid 2900's and 200 grain falling below 2800.

Which 180 bullet are you using and what powder? What powder w/200 grain Accubond?
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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Yes, your 200 grain bullets will stabilize. Bullet length is just as important as bullet weight when dealing with different bullet construction. For example, your 1 in 10 twist will easily stabilize a Nosler 200 AB but will likely not stabilize a 200 Barnes LRX which is 1.624 inches long.

In addition to the 200 gr AB, you may wish to try the 190 gr LR AB which has a slightly better BC.

IMR 7828 and H4831sc would be good for both bullet weights.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10163 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Both those lite rifles are going to recoil heavy.
 
Posts: 1274 | Location: Saskatchewan, Canada.  | Registered: 22 August 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Mike_Dettorre:
Yes, your 200 grain bullets will stabilize. Bullet length is just as important as bullet length when dealing with different bullet construction. For example, your 1 in 10 twist will easily stabilize a Nosler 200 AB but will likely not stabilize a 200 Barnes LRX which is 1.624 inches long.

In addition to the 200 gr AB, you may wish to try the 190 gr LR AB which has a slightly better BC.

IMR 7828 and H4831sc would be good for both bullet weights.


So barrel length does not come into the equation at least in this situation?
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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Not a difference between 23 and 26. I have never even seen bbl length on a stability calculator.

I just go back from the range and tested some Barnes 175 LRXs and Nos AB LR in 190 out of my 23 inch X bolt in 300 WSM.

The 175 LRX (1.472) is a very long bullet for its weight and so is the 190 AB LR (1.460) both shot fine.

I would go with the 300 wsm. Slight less recoil all else equal and a "handier" rifle.

Any velocity variation is going to be immaterial and could easily be overcome by a "fast" bbl'd 300 wsm and a "slow" bbl'd 300 WM.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10163 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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300 WSM with 180 grain Accubonds or Trophy Bondeds tu2
 
Posts: 18576 | Registered: 04 April 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by adams:

I want this as my new elk mountain gun. The .300 wsm comes in a 23" barrel in both models and the .300 win mag comes in a 26" in both models. I wish both came in a 24 1/2 barrel.
I feel like the 23" is to short and 26" is too long.


You should get the 300 WM and have a gunsmith cut and recrown it to whatever length you want. JMO...


Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown
 
Posts: 6842 | Location: Nome, Alaska(formerly SW Wyoming) | Registered: 22 December 2003Reply With Quote
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quote:
You should get the 300 WM and have a gunsmith cut and recrown it to whatever length you want. JMO...


Exactly what I was going to say.


Tom Z

NRA Life Member
 
Posts: 2347 | Location: Pennsylvania | Registered: 07 January 2005Reply With Quote
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A 300 WSM is "almost" a 300 Win Mag. For the short action, you give up something in feed-ejection reliability. I'd do the 300 WM with 26" barrel if it were me.

PS: Welcome to AR! As you can see, you'll get a variety of opinions here :-)
 
Posts: 20172 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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There is no performance difference between the 300WM and the 300WSM. Any difference is less than the difference between either cartridge in 2 different rifles.

As far as barrel length, remember a 23" 300WSM barrel is closer to a 24" 300WM barrel because the round is almost an inch shorter.
 
Posts: 263 | Registered: 17 March 2002Reply With Quote
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sjmci,

Technically a 1/2 inch but what the heck I never about that because the chamber eats into the barrel.

Regarding the feeding issue? I dunno I have owned 5 300 WSMs they all fed fine.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10163 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Labman:
quote:
You should get the 300 WM and have a gunsmith cut and recrown it to whatever length you want. JMO...


Exactly what I was going to say.


This thought has crossed my mind a lot. It just scares the he11 out me to buy a brand new rifle and hack off the end (also voids warranty). I recently purchased a .308 win Browning white gold medallion and my gunsmith commented that Browning put a hell of a crown on the rifle. It worries me if the gunsmith screws up the crowning and it affects accuracy. Also I heard Browning has odd thread for their muzzle break and the gunsmith might not be able to do this properly. Just afraid to do this but really have no knowledge on this.

So I'm leaning toward the 23" wsm because with the 26" win mag plus length of muzzle break becomes a pretty long barrel.
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Mike_Dettorre:
Not a difference between 23 and 26. I have never even seen bbl length on a stability calculator.

I just go back from the range and tested some Barnes 175 LRXs and Nos AB LR in 190 out of my 23 inch X bolt in 300 WSM.

The 175 LRX (1.472) is a very long bullet for its weight and so is the 190 AB LR (1.460) both shot fine.

I would go with the 300 wsm. Slight less recoil all else equal and a "handier" rifle.

Any velocity variation is going to be immaterial and could easily be overcome by a "fast" bbl'd 300 wsm and a "slow" bbl'd 300 WM.


Which model of Browning do you have? If running the He11s canyon speed how do you like it? How is the recoil? I'm not recoil sensitive as I shoot mostly mag rifles.

I've never been a fan of muzzle break but with this light of a gun I'm thinking I will need to use it. May take it off while hunting but not sure if this will change my point of impact and wondering if it will change my load accuracy?
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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I have an X-bolt stainless stalker.

The 190 grain AB were fine for recoil

Interesting the the 175 Barnes LRXs were a lot sharper.

I think you will be very happy with the X-bolt in 300 WSM.

Some random groups from today

Nosler 190 LRAB H4350





Barnes 175 LRX H4350





Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10163 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Should have added the 190s were very pleasant to shoot.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10163 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Almost every single short mag clients have brought to the field have jammed. Each owner said “that’s never happened before”. I will never own a short mag.


Master guide #212
Black River Hunting Camps llc
www.alaska-bearhunting.com
www.alaskabearbaiting.com
 
Posts: 1406 | Location: Big lake alaska | Registered: 11 April 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Fourtyonesix:
Almost every single short mag clients have brought to the field have jammed. Each owner said “that’s never happened before”. I will never own a short mag.


I have a Sako 75 Deluxe in .300 wsm and .270 wsm in A-bolt and never had an issue. Are you referring to the Browning X-Bolt when you say this? Or are you saying this in general?

If a general statement can anyone with experience with x-bolt .300 wsm chime in. Any feeding or ejection issues with casings hitting the scope?
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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I would go with the 300 WM with 26 inch barrel. I've owned both a 338 WM Abolt stainless stalker and Xbolt stainless stalker. Both had 26 inch barrels and KDF muzzle brakes. I also owned an Abolt stainless stalker in 300 WM back in the early 90s, again with a KDF muzzle brake.


In magnum calibers like the 300 and 338, I prefer 26 inch barrels. The 300 Win Mag is a classic American cartridge. Accurate and suitable for most everything in North America.
 
Posts: 452 | Location: North Pole, Alaska | Registered: 28 April 2001Reply With Quote
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Adams,

I have had no feeding or ejection problems.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10163 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Mike_Dettorre:
Adams,

I have had no feeding or ejection problems.


Thanks Mike. I would think that with the rotary feed it would help the wms's. I'm taking a 50 mile trip to look at both the X bolt Pro and X bolt speed. Only have the Win Mag in stock. Browning releasing a batch of wsm's in the beginning of May. Going to see which model I like better.
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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Well I went to Moe's Hardware in Black River Falls, WI. If anyone is looking for good service and rifles at rock bottom prices check them out. They let me go down into their basement to do some testing and they literally had at least a 1000 rifles in boxes. They are selling the x-bolt speed for $999 and the Pro for $1599 which is cheaper than I could find them anywhere online and I did a lot of searching.

I wanted to first narrow my choice between the x-bolt he11's speed and the Pro. It didn't take me long to decide I wanted the Pro. Their was no difference in the outside feel of the stocks but I'm just not a fan of their camo stock. I know other's really like it. Also the pro stock is one piece carbon fiber making for a stiffer stronger stock.

They did not have any in WSM in either rifle I wanted only in the win mags. The first test they allowed me to do was to feed loaded shells through another x-bolt 300 WSM and the Pro 300 win mag. In my opinion the WSM's cycled better than the win mag just because the WSM went into the throat faster because of the short action. Because they are push feed it seemed to me the win mag could have fallen out of the chamber easier if the gun was tilted to far to the side, however I would never tilt a gun like that when cycling.

So I was really thinking I wanted the short mag as I'm a short mag fan. But all the short mags use the same magazine in all calibers which spurred the thought to check how much room there was in the magazine to seat bullets further out. The short mag with factory loads left very little room to seat bullets much over factory load length. The win mag had ample space to seat bullets further out by a lot. I actually couldn't believe all the room it left for seating the bullet out.

So that made my decision to go with the win mag.

So I hope I'll be happy with this rifle. My one main concern is will this thin barreled 26" have to much whip in it. It has been my experience that the short mags are easier to load for allowing more brands and differmet weight bullets to shoot accurate. If I can't get the accuracy out of the box I'm looking for I may be spending money at the gun smith's shop. I hope not.

Thanks to all of you for your guidance and recommendations.
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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From reading through your post, it's obvious that you are favoring the short mag so you might as well go that route. You've already decided on the short mag, you're just asking us to verify your choice.


Aim for the exit hole
 
Posts: 4348 | Location: middle tenn | Registered: 09 December 2009Reply With Quote
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I saw a 300 SM jam in Namibia last year. But I believe it was from a reloading error? A crushed shoulder.
 
Posts: 2694 | Location: East Wenatchee | Registered: 18 August 2008Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by adams:
Well I went to Moe's Hardware in Black River -----------So that made my decision to go with the win mag. ----
So I hope I'll be happy with this rifle. My one main concern is will this thin barreled 26" have to much whip in it.


Hope you are as well.

The 300Win Mag is not all that picky to load for.

Though many "thin " barrels are known to move "more" with the heat of rapid successive shots-

Typically not a big issue in most hunting situations--
However, cooling times may be a bit of time consuming issue during load development.


DuggaBoye-O
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Posts: 4593 | Location: TX | Registered: 03 March 2009Reply With Quote
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why would there be a difference between the short mag and a 300WM?


Aim for the exit hole
 
Posts: 4348 | Location: middle tenn | Registered: 09 December 2009Reply With Quote
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The belt will eventually make chambering difficult if you reload. Of course there is a $125.00 special die that will solve this.


velocity is like a new car, always losing value.
BC is like diamonds, holding value forever.
 
Posts: 1650 | Location: , texas | Registered: 01 August 2008Reply With Quote
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I think you made a good choice with the WM.
 
Posts: 156 | Registered: 06 November 2012Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by swampshooter:
The belt will eventually make chambering difficult if you reload. Of course there is a $125.00 special die that will solve this.


Can you be more specific? I never had any problems on prior win mag. I will be pushing should back just enough to make closing the bolt easier. Will be head spacing by the shoulder.
 
Posts: 74 | Registered: 12 December 2004Reply With Quote
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Adams
Some of these guys don't like belts on magnums so a belt is a big deal and you can't reload for a belted magnum without issues...
Other guys don't think WSM's look like they should feed right so they subscribe to that notion...
There are always a couple different camps you get to listen to, sort out the chaff by what you know and carry on.
I don't have many magnums but the ones do have wear belts and I've had no issues loading for them.
I don't own any WSM's but my brother has several and feeding is no issue, ever.

Good luck and have fun with your new project.
 
Posts: 5604 | Location: Eastern plains of Colorado | Registered: 31 October 2005Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by swampshooter:
The belt will eventually make chambering difficult if you reload...

How so? I reload 3 belted magnum cartridges (.375 RUM, .300 Wby, and 7mm RM) and in the last 18 years I have shot at least 1000 rounds with them, including 9 international hunts, without a single chambering difficulty.


NRA Endowment Life Member
 
Posts: 1640 | Location: Boz Angeles, MT | Registered: 14 February 2006Reply With Quote
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I'd get the cheaper one.
 
Posts: 5002 | Location: soda springs,id | Registered: 02 April 2008Reply With Quote
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