300 WSM vs 6.8 Western - Cartridge Comparison - Season 3 Episode 15

Welcome to the Ron Spomer Outdoors Podcast! In this episode, I answer listener questions about the 32 special Winchester rifle, bullet performance, 30-06ai, the 30 Gibbs, and the 300 WSM vs 6.8 Western cartridge comparison.
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: Red 11 Media - www.red11media.com/
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@foubert45]

I first chose the 300WSM as my do it all caliber. I now own the 6.8 western. Both great cartridges!

[@oldcrackadated]

I’ll be 77yrs old in a few days , my first shot was my dads navy 1911 I was so little he held for me and I pulled the trigger , that welded in my brain to shoot everything I could get my hands on

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Have a happy birthday!

[@marcmoore4115]

That's awesome! Do you still have a dream firearm or cartridge you haven't tried yet? As the previous commenter said - Have a great Birthday!

[@oldcrackadated]

@@marcmoore4115 it would be hard to think of one I haven’t fired machine guns , mortars , recoiless rifles , black powder , even qualified expert with machine gun , blew up a railroad track with a 90 mm recoiless in Vietnam & I have most calibers that are produced

[@TheGoldenBear79]

I’m with these two gentlemen, have a wonderful birthday Sir. I hope it’s the best one yet, and hope they keep getting better for many more years to come! Best wishes to you and your family. ✌️🇺🇸🎂🥳‼️

[@user-ep4is6gy1h]

Если вам 77 лет исполнилось два месяца назад то как вы могли стрелять в 1911 году ?

[@Chinny208]

Putting together an elk/deer rifle, and 6.8 Western vs .300 WSM was exactly my debate! Ended up going with the 6.8 Western in a 20" barrel to take advantage of lighter recoil, flat trajectory and the long, sleek projectiles.

[@ErickaC-mc7vg]

I think you picked the right cartridge for the right reasons. The 6.8 Western is a much better cartridge than it gets credit for. I do wish it was a little more supported by the industry though.

[@robertpetersson5655]

Why not a 7mm08 If you whant a 20inch barrel.

[@anthonymurphy2540]

I had a similar debate but 270 wsm or 6.8 western. I bought a 270 wsm knowing that I was going to put a carbon barrel so the debate goes on in my head. My debate is which one I going to be able to buy ammo in the future for. I reload so the bullets are not the problem its the brass I am worried about. I choose this because my wife and I going to hunt moose in our new back yard.

[@ErickaC-mc7vg]

@@anthonymurphy2540 If I'm not mistaken the 6.8 Western brass is just a slightly shortened .270 WSM case with the shoulder slightly kicked back a bit to accept the longer, heavier, high BC bullets, so I wouldn't think brass would be a problem in the future. Of course the hassle of working the .270 WSM to convert to 6.8 Western might not be worth the time and effort.

[@ringofasho7721]

​@@robertpetersson56556.8 does a whole lot that the 7- 08 can't handle. 6.8 is faster and has higher BC bullets

[@cliffjohnson3961]

Love the 6.8 western

[@mississippimotorsports3286]

I learned the same way.. I went and bought a brand new browning xbolt 300wsm. My neighbor who is ex military and shoots very regular and reloads for a hobby was mentoring me on how to be a better shot. I shot a group at 100 yards. And I personally thought I did pretty well. After all would’ve killed anything I shot at but he is a perfectionist. He didnt think I did so well. He said “Grady you are scared of that rifle, you’re very tense and you are flinching.” I thought to myself he’s right I am bracing for recoil. After all the 300wsm is no small hitting caliber. Well we took about a 15 min break from shooting to let the barrel cool and went inside. During that break I had a self pep talk in my head. When I was younger we rode dirt bikes a lot. I had a bad wreck when first learning to jump on it. And for weeks I was afraid to hit the jump again. Until finally I built up the nerve to hit it again. And I went to jumping a never looked back. Well I told myself I’m gonna do like the dirt bike. When I get bk out there to shoot I’m gonna ride that gun and hold steady no matter what. If it scopes my face it’ll just scope me. I’m not flinching this time. And when I went to shoot the next time I did just that. And guess what. In the midst of all that focus. I forgot to load a round. When the trigger broke i didn’t move a hair. My neighbor shrieked with joy “that was it Grady!! That was absolutely perfect” he wasn’t even mad that I forgot to load a round. That was the best thing that could’ve happened honestly. It taught me what a clean trigger break should feel like

[@NELLY-jg2rx]

Ron, I got a great tip for developing trigger control/flinch resistance It's hard to train for adrenaline, we've all been there with a big buck in our sights, our heart starts racing, our breath becomes laborious. In the Marine Corps, our instructor would have us do a minute or so of exercise to increase our heart rates, maybe a few push ups, a quick sprint, or a few side-straddle hops (jumping jacks) then take our rifles and shoot. It was helpful and I encourage you to give it a try!

[@donnysanner342]

Growing up on double barrel 12 gauge shotguns I never knew anything about flinching....

[@glockparaastra]

I like the rolled-up newspaper training idea! 🙂

[@northerntier87]

I bought the 300 wsm recently. Im happy.

[@lylewalters909]

Great show as always Ron. I and i know others would live to see a deep dive into the 6mm ARC. Look forth to uour next video. Thankd for sharing all the information.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

I concur

[@stevendonnalammar4422]

Ron I'm 44 years old but I've always liked the idea of having a see-through site underneath my scope, most men I've met older than I don't seem to mind it but younger people tend to look at it in a negative light. Two years ago I saw a buck jump out of the brush and as I pulled my rifle up to my shoulder I realized my adrenaline was kicking in and I was starting to shake, so as he walked slowly toward me I let out a slow deep breath to calm myself down which worked but when I went to put the glass on him I realized my deep exhale fogged up my optic. He was only 50 yards away so I simply looked under my scope and took him with the irons. I know this was my error but still the back up irons proved useful to me and I still got my deer.

[@scottearnst8152]

Thank you Ron , really enjoy your hard work!

[@mattevans-koch9353]

Always a good, relaxing and informative time when your podcast appears on my watch list. Thank you Ron. Have a good evening.

[@user-fg3qc8bf9g]

You nailed it. I add "welcome" the recoil but you are such a great teacher for so many reasons

[@MickeytimeAdventures]

I recently went to South Africa and my hunting buddy missed 3 times shooting less than 100yds at a Blesbok because he kept flinching due to the high recoil of his 300 wthby. I brought my X Bolt chambered in 6.8 western and shot 6 animals on 6 shots. Make sure you are comfortable shooting your rifle. Missing in the field really sucks.

[@user-eg8hb8xt3j]

It’s amazing how long it takes to build good habits when shooting . I still catch myself pulling and not squeezing

[@kirkboswell2575]

The 32 Winchester Special was an offering directed toward handloaders. The rifling was optimized for cast bullets. Beyond that, it was, as you said, a 30-30 with a slightly larger, slightly heavier bullet.

[@donspears6557]

Proper gun fit, and reasonable cartridge selection. My favorite cartridge is 223 Rem, but I hunt with a Tikka T3 Lite in 300WM. It's set up properly.

[@Pledgeman]

I am in my 60’s and have a 300WSM. Does everything I need it to do and you’re right Ron, reloading is the way to go. It’s great they are coming out with these new cartridges, but the older rounds will do the same thing. Plus, getting older doesn’t do us any favors.

[@CowboyNation1977]

Sir I would disagree. Standard lead core hunting bullets even 10 years ago don't come close to comparing to modern bonded or monolithic hunting bullets. Maby at 100yards they can compare but past that I would say your in different leagues.

[@ultrahighgain412]

​@CowboyNation1977 you guys appear to be talking about different things. He mentioned case/cartridge design, and you're talking about bullet construction. I think both of your points are valid.

[@lz3572]

Great advice on flinching.

[@erikwilson7622]

Purchased a 300 WSM M70 for my son's first rifle. It loads great from 130 to 180 grns, seems to have little care which load it is offered, and for some reason is very effective. I ended up getting a 300 WSM for myself. However, when the 6.8 Western came out, if both were available, I would probable choose the 6.8,,,even though the 300 is my all time hunting fav.

[@Honkers716]

There is just very few upgrades for a M70. I have looked everywhere and I'm still building mine put after 2 yrs pf researching parts

[@user-nf1zf7ri5u]

I was taught by my grandfather that was a Vietnam vet. y'all had it easy with that flinching. He always told me to keep both eyes open to see what's around you when you are shooting.

[@ronladuke7235]

I agree,calling your shots is a excellent way of developing your marksmanship!

[@abowhand]

Just noticed Bob Hagel’s Game Loads & Practical Ballistics on your desk, great book by a great rifleman!

[@Honkers716]

The Winchester Model 70 300wsm is an amazing rifle. I just wish there was a modular stock from MDT that was still around. The best I could find was a non-modular HS Precision stock for a MTU barrel. I did upgrade to a M5 bottom metal but AICS mags are hard to come by in 300wsm. I put a monstrum 6-24×50 scope on it. Still need to buy a MTU barrel from Bartlein. I also need to get it sent out bc the M5 bottom metal does not seat flush. One of the best rifles I have ever shot but it takes so much more money to build one out compared to a 700.

[@andyherzfeld9492]

All good info. The old stocks were used with longer barrels and iron sights as well as standing while taking your shot. I like the Monte Carlo and the straight stocks as long as it fits it will work. As far as calibers go I like them all but there are definitely some that are better for target shooting and some better for hunting. Hunting calibers I prefer to go a little bigger than I need for the game I'm hunting so I have enough power if I need it.

[@elgato9534]

Nothing more important than a rifle/cartridge combo that you like and is pleasant to use. Why suffer?

[@lavanice]

It take decades for any cartridge to be popular , 6.8 is 3 year old and I can always find 1 person in any group with 6.8 western. It can be real do all rifle , but this season I planning to take my 9.3x62 for Oct Moose hunt , will use same to fill Whitetail doe if came across, and not worry about any bears if needed. Waiting to get it back with MB, hope it will reduce recoil .

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

6.5 prc, 6.8 western, 7prc, 300 prc all good. Kinda think the 6.8 and 300 prc if you want modern.

[@northerntier87]

That 6.8 Western looks promising. Its looks neat good performance.

[@81Treez]

I’m looking to get a 6.8 western this year. Really performs well.

[@bcpioneer59]

I have oval lower see through rings on my 444 Marlin, I have a picatiny rail and ghost ring sights. In case I ever had a issue in timber, and can instantly look through using iron sights and pull the scope off after if need to

[@Calaveras32Spcl]

I have found dry fire helps me with controlling my flinch. As for see-through rings, a rifle with iron sights that you want to use as either back up or close range work it is great. The Marlin lever is a great example of that. I believe they are less useful on a long-range bolt action setup like a 30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag that doesn't have iron sights.

[@Alfs_Armory]

Don’t know if it would be as effective, but in the Army, we used a dime/washer exercise. Balance a dime or small washer on top of the barrel and dry fire. The goal is it doesn’t fall off.

[@Aaron-mn8gw]

I like see thru rings for my combo gun 12ga over .223 Rem. Horrible cheek weld but I've shot it enough that I'm still getting 1.25" groups at 100m with Barnes 55gr. I use it mainly for hunting grouse during deer season. It also does well for coyote season using #4 buck for in close.

[@sherlockbonez]

Like the new age 300wm and 270 pairing.

[@nvojc8617]

Thanks Ron! Liked your thoughts on the .300 WSM. I started out with a 30-06, but my hunting buddy settled on the .300 WSM. The felt recoil was actually less in his Model 70. He’s killed elk, deer, and some plains game. Great round. It’s losing out a little to the 6.5s, but the .300 WSM remains a great, balanced, capable round in a short action gun.

[@TimMayville]

I went with a 300 WSM in an AR10 setup with a 26.5" barrel and got another upper in 450 Marlin to use all the stuff in a set of guns. My new project is to ream the 450 Marlin to 458 WSM and move up to that away from the 450 Marlin. love the big bore and big guns..

[@jmgates09]

I just don't understand how the WSM cartridges are not more popular now the 6.5 prc and 6.8 western are great but in my opinion all the wsm cartridges are better I'd love to have a 6.5 wsm

[@jfess1911]

@@jmgates09 The WSM's were limited from the start by specifying a 2.86" max oal in order to fit into some popular short actions. This limited them to bullets with relatively short ogives. Their chambers were also not the best for accuracy. A better chamber design in a longer action solves these problems. It will be a barrel burner, though. Winchester solved the above problems with the 6.8 Western, partly because they just redefined "short action" to mean 3" in order to use longer bullets (even though they are too long for some true short actions), partly because they pushed the shoulder back a little. They also adopted the "match style chamber". FWIW, 6.5 SAUM rifles and brass are available from G.A. Precision. Mr. Gardener, who developed the 6.5 SAUM also helped develop the 6.5 PRC, which he considers a better cartridge (for competition, at least).

[@nvojc8617]

@@jmgates09 one drawback is feeding issues. Same buddy also had a very expensive “precision” rifle in .300 WSM. The steep shoulder on the round got hung up feeding into the “tight” chamber. It was a big enough issue that he had to sell the rifle. Not an issue at all with his Model 70, though.

[@MrTacklebury]

I have a winchester 32 Special in a model 94 purchased in 1926 for my Great Grandmother. It was her "porch gun" they called it, because she sat in her rocking chair at night and shot deer running across the road onto their property. There was no seasons back then and they used the meat to get by during the depression. It holds a SPECIAL place in my heart, but it never shot very well. Great grandpa said the reason they made the 32 special was to make it easier to reload it with black powder as there was less neck. Lots of people were used to blackpowder and it was easier to get and people would cast their own bullets and reload them with BP. That's partially why the bores rusted out on lots of them. The way I finally got it to shoot decent was using the newer FTX bullets from Hornady. That's all I use in it now and I can get about a 3" group at 100 yards offhand, good enough for deer. This one has the 600 yard flip up sight, but it's like shooting indirect fire almost with the drop.

[@jacobrapp2986]

Food for thought on the see through mount. For big game there isn't a problem . Last year i set up a mariln model 60 22lr with a high rise set of rings similar to see through because it was handy. Zeroed at 50yds I thought it was good to go squirrel hunting. I realized I was missing everything under 20 yds or so. So i Set a target at 15yds and found out i was hitting 1 1/2 inches high because the scope height over bore. I switched to a lower height ring and fixed my issue. Figured i would share my findings.

[@ChatBot1337]

The random snap cap is the best training drill hands down for [new] shooters. It tells one hell of a tale. Whenever the wife goes out w me, I preload all mags with several caps (pistols) each. Just now getting back into long guns which I haven't shot for quite a few years which means I get to do the embarrassed face for a while.

[@Adrian_3006]

Start small and work up to the big stuff will help avoid flinching. Standing and shooting freehand can help with felt recoil. Helps you get used to it. Sitting at a bench or prone you definitely feel the recoil more!

[@mlwardssa]

Ron: another great episode. You've mentioned being a fan of the .284 Winchester. Outside of target shooting, do you see it ever making a comeback, perhaps in a long action and fast twist to handle longer bullets? Thanks. Mike from Florida

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks Mike. No, I'm afraid the new 7mms will steal audience from the 284 Win., espc. since few ammo makers produce 284 Win. with modern bullets. Easier to roll with 280 AI, 7mm SAUM, and even the 7mm-08 Rem.

[@kevinostberg1729]

My Aunt Denise used to hunt with a .32 Special Rifle. She has put plenty of meat in the freezer with that little beauty of a lever gun.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Ron, do an updated bullet design video. Bonded. Cup and core copper etc. I see people argue and I think it depends on where you hunt and what you hunt. White tails in the east penetration. Pronghorns in the west you may want something different.

[@jackdundon2261]

I PUT See-through mounts on my Browning safari BAR 30-06, I noticed my cheek well SUCKED! I put a Leather Turbine, Cheek well "snap on", on the stock, Works GREAT. SO, now i can use my open Peep sights, and on top I have a Leupold Vx3 2.5x8. Though, I don't know if I really need the see through with that scope....

[@johnnydawson7675]

Three Cheers for Gimpy!

[@oldcrackadated]

I can’t really think of a caliber that I don’t like , depends on the target & range , I’ve used them all

[@erikwilson7622]

Best comment I've ever read,,, seriously, as long as it goes bang, I'm happy. I have basically from .22 cal, up the chart to a .58 Caliber Zouave. They all are enjoyable.

[@wheelzandgillz]

Just last night I was looking into 6.5 WSM vs 6.5 PRC, seems if Hornady makes minor tweaks to a cartridge and slaps their name on it it becomes revolutionary 😂

[@MrRourk]

We have hopes for 25 Creedmoor.

[@warrengreen3217]

Thats why the 6.5creed is so popular it was the first of these high BC long bullets and cases with a lil shoulder change to seat the long bullet without losing powder space

[@MrRourk]

6.8 Western would have been a homerun if it had not came out during COVID.

[@derekmcmurry4263]

That is because they did it right by using the case for powder, not a lot of stuffed bullet shank

[@wheelzandgillz]

Na just shoot the throat out and seat the bullets longer 😂

[@Tugboat1110]

This was the video topics i needed for the flinching and the cheekwelds. Almost never wathced it because 300 and 6.8 dont apply to me lol. Also when he said right here in idaho. Is he in town?

[@Scottbayer]

Ron, I’d like to thank you for all of the information you share with us. My question is have you ever heard of Randy Selby? he has a KZbin channel the real gunsmith. He’s in Wyoming, and he is quite the amazing trove of information for long range hunting rifles. He’s a designer of many high caliber rifles just would like to share that with you.

[@danielgattis2400]

Ron, I am so to speak as a shooter... I can hit with any caliber!! I love to shoot and have all my life.. Tell the community it's about getting used to whatever calibers are out there. From zero to 400 yds. If you grew up shooting you understand ballistics to a certain level .. I love and enjoy being able to group 3 shots with all my rifles in a quarter and most of the time less than with factory ammo!

[@coosaboy20]

I still run see thru mounts on my papaw's old 30-30 and l I'm equally as accurate through either. 75ish and in is iron sights, beyond that and I usually use the scope. I simply adjust my cheek weld into more of a "jaw weld" to take into account the height of the rings.

[@DougGrotler-lf2cu]

Ron, I just listened to you explain the 32 special. You stated that it was a necked up 30-30 case. That is incorrect. Both the 30-30 and the 32 special were both developed by necking a 38-55WFC case. There are a few others as well that have the 38-55WFC as the parent case. I really like watching and listening to your show, keep up with the enjoyable content.

[@collinator68]

Between the 2, I would go with the 300wsm, in the event of an apocalypse, 30 cal bullets will be easier to find and you can reload your

[@gordons.dempseyii1345]

Use a jell bicycle cover as part of the solution.

[@RandyBeretta-db5bg]

300 wsm all the way.! ✳️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✳️

[@kevinostberg1729]

For me, it was .38 Special loaded into a revolver that had an occasional .357 Magnum slipped in there.

[@gimpyRW]

My son used this method when he bought his Ruger lcr357mag

[@larsmurdochkalsta8808]

I've always been under the assumption that the intent of the next shot was to destroy the spine and spinal cord. In fact, generally at the time I was going through Hunter's Ed, they weren't referring to them as neck shots but as spine shots. They weren't specifically advocating them in Hunter's ed but they did mention them as an option but a much more challenging one.

[@nuckyduk15]

I chose the 7PRC simply because Hornady will keep promoting the crap out of it and I think it'll outlive the 6.8 Western. Everyone makes a rifle in 7PRC compared to 2 or 3 that build the 6.8 Western.

[@jfess1911]

The longer, skinnier 7 PRC also feeds better.

[@Jesse300wsm]

What do you think of Winchester model 70 coyote lite chamberd in 300 wsm? How rare is that in 300 wsm?

[@Jesse300wsm]

And I can't forget,thank you Ron for your great podcast. I really enjoy them.

[@GeorgeSemel]

Years ago around 1994 I had a 330 Dakota built. I liked the cartridge, the first lots of cases had a bit of a speck problem A-square stuff. Herein 2023 there is not a case to be had. Nore can you find any 404 Jeffery cases and form your own. He should just build a 30-06 and call it good. I had that 330 Dakota for sale, Ruger #1 it never sold. the gun store I had consigned it to went out of business while I was out of the country on a contract. I was gone for three years. Where the rifle is now I don't know that was 18 years ago. No matter I didn't have much into it. Its a thing to consider when playing with wildcat or proprietary cartridges. The Dakota Cartridges were a good and sound idea, but as you know Dakato Arms turned into crap as soon as he died and Norma and that Blond that was the sales vp or what ever took over- then it when from bad to worst with Cibius or who ever those turds were.

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Hi Ron.. I love this show.. I have been studying ballistics and comparing bullets online, and I really like the AR15 platform for one rifle to hunt deer and varmints. The 6mm arc intrigues me. I'm wondering if you think it's too light for work on Deer ? Would it be a good varmint round? Coyotes, Fox, Ground Hogs, etc? Thanks again, and regards from south central Indiana. USA Tim

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Thanks, Hoosier. The 6mm ARC is certainly not optimum for deer, but can get the job done with good shot placement. No problems with coyotes, et al. except limited range compared to, say, a 25-06 or even 6mm Creedmoor. Despite its short stature, the 6mm ARC come within about 100 fps MV of the vaunted 243 Win, and that little round has been slaying deer since 1955. You'll likely use 105- to 108-grain, high B.C. bullets in the ARC, and this is likely to give you better long range performance than traditional 100-gr. spire points from a 243 Win. Personally, I see no advantages in an AR platform for deer hunting, but if you love it and shoot it well, enjoy! Good luck. Hope you register 100 one-shot kills over its lifetime!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors Thank you Ron. I like the AR platform for follow up shots on varmints. Deer not so much. I still prefer a bolt action for serious accuracy work however. The AR is quite capable though with the right barrel, trigger and sights IMHO God bless sir..

[@jk-kr8jt]

Great episode again, Ron. Without me digging through all my old info, just a quick question. Was Rocky Gibbs the guy that was using front ignition with his line of cartridges? Something to do with a flash tube extending from the primer pocket. The idea was that it gave a more complete burn of the powder without needing as long of a barrel. Who knows if it worked or how much of an advantage it was.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

You've got it, jk. Gibbs gave up his extended flash tube after experiments indicated it didn't produce enough performance boost to justify the trouble. From what I've read his enhanced cartridge performance sprang largely from questionably high-pressure loads. You can only create so much room in the 30-06 case footprint.

[@jk-kr8jt]

@@RonSpomerOutdoors thanks Ron. I like the way you put that about only so much room in a 30-06 footprint.. Probably was a really high pressure load. If I recall he was getting hot 300 win numbers out of an 06 case. I wonder how many wildcatters/experimenters over the years blew up guns, fingers or their head building up pressure in search of speed. I know the late great (grumpy) Elmer Keith destroyed a few revolvers (mistly Colt SAA and S&Ws) until he developed the 44 Mag. Probably few wildcatters will discuss or write about their failures, so we will never truly know. Wait till the boys start playing with the 80K psi range. Ron, I think you could make a fantastic episode of guns that blow up, so that we can have what we have today. I'm pretty sure you and Covey can track down that information. Cheers, Jeff.

[@uralbob1]

I once had a hang fire and immediately realized that I’d flinched. Believing that flinching was long in my past made me very angry. Paying very close attention afterward put that dragon to rest, but now, it’s always top of mind now for me.

[@toothlessonthetrail8893]

I have a beautiful Remington 700 in .300 WSM that I hate to shoot. May look at 7mm PRC or 6.8 Western.

[@ErickaC-mc7vg]

The 6.8 Western is a much better cartridge than it gets credit for, but it doesn't seem to get the industry support it needs to thrive.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

I agree the 6.8 is well designed and a good performer. Just needs more attention, better marketing.

[@Greyzonecompliant]

300 Wsm will soon come in Lapua brass. 😁👍

[@robertwatts9800]

Hey Ron, I was thinking about turning my 1911 into a 460 rowland. I know there aren't many companies loading it. What do you think about carrying it for my a side arm for hunting?

[@georgeclarke4235]

I have one. IMO, it would work well as a hunting companion. Pretty good recoil, but in a defense situation, you’ll never feel it. Just short of 44 mag performance. YMMV

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Sounds like a good option to me if you don't mind that much weight on your hip day after day of hard mountain hunting.

[@m444ss]

6.8 Western seems like it's just a great cartridge ...with 165 gr bullet comparable to 7mm Rem Mag with 168 gr bullet. ==>but it's not even close to being adequately supported with factory ammo or new brass for reloaders (absolute marketing fail by Winchester/Browning) !! 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞 !!

[@peterwright2692]

Hard to say what longevity the 6.8W when U consider the 7mmWSM,which was probably the best of the WSMs in this class

[@tonydevich7937]

We use to do that with pistols

[@gordyowens9570]

They called it ball and dummy when I was shooting.

[@jaypee389]

240gr 26inch medium profile .300 WSM mauls 153gr 6.5 CM. Like a Grizzly male vs a Black bear Den.....wasted on fermented apples.

[@ronladuke7235]

A buddy of mine had a Mauser action Husqvarna 358 Norma mag. It had a beautiful stock with schnabel forend and a lot of drop in the comb. That rifle was miserable to shoot! A few shots and you felt like you were punched in the face!

[@tracy4050]

Whatever happened to the 325 WSM? How good of a cartridge was it?

[@jmgates09]

It's basically dead but a great cartridge just 8mm never caught on in America but it's probably the most efficient wsm cartridge I'd love to find one the WSM are my favorite cartridges looking for a 270wsm right now I have the 300wsm and 7mm

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

I found it the most efficient of the WSMs and quite capable/deadly. Alas, we shooters just don't get excited about 8mms, esp. when they're labeled 32.

[@10-4CodyWade]

Great cartridge for elk. I think it filled a niche that very few people were looking for, however. Short action cartridges are generally suited for lightweight, more compact guns. The 325 WSM has a fair amount of recoil. So if you want that kind of power it just makes sense to go with a long action 338 magnum in a slightly heavier rifle. You get a much better selection of bullet designs, brands, and weights in the 338. If you don't mind the recoil and want a compact elk gun I think the 325 is an excellent choice though. You can take your favorite rifle platform in 300 WSM and have a new barrel installed for the 325 WSM with no other modifications necessary. Ammo is hard to find, but if you reload you can neck up 300 WSM brass quite easily.

[@user-ku3is1on8n]

I use a 150 GR bullet in my 300 WSM I'm shooting it 3400 FPS.

[@derekmcmurry4263]

Best cure for flinching is a 1 pound trigger. Cured me 25 years ago. Gun goes off when I want it to

[@Jerry-xi3zq]

My pick is 7 mmstw

[@arthurshingler2025]

I still prefer the 300 WSM.

[@mr.mr.3301]

Get the 7mm prc.

[@michaelhull63]

As you settle the crosshairs on target do the proper squeeze and be surprised as it goes off cuz your gonna get thumped either way at least hit the target

[@dwaynehagle7445]

While in The Army .We dry fired with a Dime on the Barrel.

[@RonSpomerOutdoors]

Ah, thanks for bringing this up! That is a fine exercise for testing one's control. Balance a dime on the top of the muzzle, then break the trigger on an empty chamber. If you don't jerk/wiggle/flinch, the dime should stay. Some firearms, however have such violent firing pin falls that that alone jars the coin off. Obviously the rifle must be stabilized on a bipod or shooting bags.

[@mr.mr.3301]

How about a 6.5 cm vs 708 comparison.

[@jfess1911]

I have always liked the 7-08. I actually prefer it over the 308. The 6.5 Creedmoor's main advantage is long range target shooting. It was designed around long, high-BC bullets. It is easier to find ammo for the Creedmoor, though, even at my local Walmart.

[@jeff9062]

Practice, thats how you prevent flinching.

[@jcows12]

Sacrifice yourself for the shot. I've been scooped before and it's not enjoyable to say the least but you cannot have the attitude of owey that's going to hurt. Expect a hard eye gouging blow and don't fear it, you don't want to shoot tense, relax your muscles lean in to it and BREATHE. Holding your breath will cause you to move much more than rythmically aiming with your breath. Lastly practice with it and know what to expect, if you can't stop flinching you have no business with the caliber or rifle your using and you need to find something smaller that will suit you much better. Bigger is not always better. I weigh 135lbs and shot 7mm rem mag since I was 16 in a model 70 Winchester featherlight you don't have to be big to use a big gun.

[@frankspataro9714]

300 wsm with 150 nosler BT just plain demolishes deer I have killed a ton with Winchester silver tips wich are nosler BT bullets and with hand loads also and ina Model 70 push feed it doesn't really recoil to bad but man does it kill

[@seanburns4632]

Unfortunately they brought out the 7mm PRC and that just killed the 6.8 western 😢

[@z1berzerker]

32 special was created because they received a batch of .312-.314 barrels... per a very knowledgeable older shooter I grew up with... I don't see why he would lie to me. 🤷

[@nebraskaman8247]

I think the 6.8 western won’t hang around. If only they would dump some money into reviving the wsm cartridges. Loved them when they were popular. Especially the 300wsm.

[@jfess1911]

The big issue with the WSM cartridges is that all of them were designed for bullets with relatively short ogives in order to get maximum case capacity and still fit in 2.86" short actions. That limits use of high-BC bullets with long ogives that are popular now. The WSM's were designed before laser rangefinders became common, so the goal was to shoot light bullets fast and flat. With less drop at normal hunting distances, range estimation was not as critical. The 6.8 Western is just an improved 270 WSM that shortened the case slightly, improved the chamber design and went with a longer OAL to use those long high-BC bullets. It just had bad timing.

[@jmgates09]

Not a problem in long actions

[@jfess1911]

Correct, but factory ammo is almost always loaded to SAAMI standards, so you would need to handload to load longer.@@jmgates09

[@kevinpletcher5292]

Why isn't anything ever compared to the three thirty eight lapula

[@jfess1911]

It is not used very often for hunting in the US. Here, it is mainly seen as a long-range target or sniper cartridge.

[@Billy-rq9hs]

Availability cost

[@masone4589]

Unless you hand load I wouldn’t dare buy a 6.8 right now. Browning (who developed the 6.8 Western) just came out with fast twist .270 rifles. That was the biggest selling point for the 6.8 There’s no way they do that if they are serious about the success of the 6.8 Stay away, it’s going to be a memory in no time

[@danielgrabske3545]

I just accept that I am going to get kick in the shoulder hard . I ve shot everything from a 22lr to a 338 lm to a 12 gauge. Just relax and accept it.😊

[@aaronwilcox6417]

Those cartridge of the month money pits lkke 6.8 western or 300WSM are best forgotten folks. An 270win or 30-06 with a barrel twist appropriate for bullets intended in thier use will do A LOT. Master the standard 270win and 30-06 first and then one can truly decide if sowmthing else is needed or even desirable. We all need to remember that the driving incentive of these outdoor companies is mostly for them to empty your wallet. Keep that in mind and realize that their cartirdge pimping/marketing isnt a solution for your real needs but largely for their pockets.

[@orr89rocz]

Lol the wsm is one of the more accurate long range rounds. I think it still holds the best 1000 yrd group. Its never goin away, but it certainly does better in custom chambers and handloading. I shoot 208 gr bergers at 2860 to a mile and single feed but i only ever needed one shot for game. Reloading and grabbing one off the side of the gun is fast if needed anyway

[@huntergray8180]

Lol wouldn’t mastering a .270 then rebarreling it to handle the high BC is more cost effective then buying a 6.8 western or 6.5 prc in the first place?? Don’t think so bud. .270 and 30-06 are great rounds. But they’re pretty obsolete if your goal is long range capabilities. I own all 4 of the rifles you mentioned. All are good cartridges but they all have there place. Couldn’t shoot a sub 1/2 Moa group at 1200 with my 30-06. It was pretty easy with the western

[@jmgates09]

Ill take a 200gr Terminal Ascent every day in 300wsm over anything a 6.8 western can sling

[@jfess1911]

What kind of accuracy do you get? I understand that WSM's can be a little finicky. Thanks

[@edwardabrams4972]

@@jfess1911my Sako 85 shoots half inch groups with 4 different factory loads so it just depends on the rifle!

[@jfess1911]

@@edwardabrams4972 I'm glad you got a good one. The main advantage of a chamber with a significant section of tight freebore is that rifles as accurate as yours become more common. It just assures that the bullet is centered and straight as it takes the rifling instead of letting it get slightly kattywumpus (important technical term ). It has been used in "match chambers" for competition rifles for a very long time. Weatherby adopted it in the 1940's, so putting it in production rifles is not new, but it cost more to keep the tighter tolerances partly because reamers didn't last as long. Remington started using it in the 1960's by the time the 7mm Mag was introduced, FWIW.

[@outdoorsman812]

I’ll stick with a .300 win mag! Cuz only a squid would worry about having a half inch shorter action 😂

[@ultrahighgain412]

And a two inch shorter barrel plus about a pound less overall rifle weight.

[@outdoorsman812]

@@ultrahighgain412 boy people are sure getting soft

[@elgato9534]

I flinched shooting magnum pistols. 44 mag hot loads. Im not one of these guys who think a 45-70 revolver is EDC. 😮. EAR PROTECTION!

[@ronladuke7235]

A buddy of mine had a Mauser action Husqvarna 358 Norma mag. It had a beautiful stock with schnabel forend and a lot of drop in the comb. That rifle was miserable to shoot! A few shots and you felt like you were punched in the face!