I have the chance to pick up a real accurate .300 Dakota. Ballistics seem very strong compared to .300WM.

Anyone out there have experience with the Dakota? Why should I go with a .300 Dakota instead of the .300WM?

I would use it for elk and sheep.

It's basically a beltless .300 Weatherby on a standard action. A very neat little round. Your only down side is expensive brass. I wouldn't mind having one actually.

Loading for the 300 Dakota I have achieved 3125 fps with 200 grain bullets and 3200 fps with 190 grainers both hitting 1" 3 shot groups at 100 yards. Very fine elk medicine!

It's a little bit of an edge in velocity but brass isn't cheap or easy to get.

I'd be tempted myself just for fun. Even with the brass issue.

The only reason I can think of is because you want it more than you want the Win mag. Our 25" barrel on the 300 Win goes 3050 fps with a 200 accubond. Because of the cost of brass and 100fps really doesn't mean much in the field both of the next 2 I am building are going to be 300 win.

I personally don't like boutique calibers. I worry about resale value in a rifle in such an oddball caliber.

quote:

Why should I go with a .300 Dakota instead of the .300WM?

d-c,

I trust you're referring to a Dakota rifle chambered in 300 Dakota?

If so, they're very nice Boomers, indeed; or at least the two that I had the pleasure of fondling (a 375H&H and a 300 Dakota) with all the Bells & Whistles. They were both Shooters, too. A Pal took them to RSA on a 10 day hunt and was quite successful with the combo.

Having said that; if the rifle in question is a 300 Dakota chambered Remchester I'd probably be more hesitant to jump due to the logistics issues; if you're all about a 300 Magnum with good cartridge stats; there's plenty of 300 RSAUMs, WSMs, WMs, Weatherbys or RUMs in a myriad of vanilla-flavored rifle brands out there.

If it's a Dakota; with all the nice touches, Yeah, I'd jump, especially since I manufacture GC Gold; Fine, Hand-Crafted Ammunition (or at least that's what all my Buddies call my ammo).