300 Win Mag: An all-time great hunting cartridge, but it's fading

[@MDLamb80]

I don’t see the 300wm going anywhere anytime soon. Ammo availability and sheer amount of firearms chambered for it blows every other 30 cal mag out of the water.

[@mattcomchoc2957]

guaranteed to be a "you can find on the shelf at Cabela's" cartridge for at least 50 more years.

[@megaconda07]

300 wsm is available in most of the same popular rifles. The only place I'd say 300 win mag is favored/is more available is in limited/small production rifles. Rifles only offered in like 5 chamberings or less. Ammo yeah. You're right actually. It's weird my local sportsmans has 6.8 western but not 300 wsm

[@jk-kr8jt]

@@megaconda07 I shoot both the 300 Win and the 300 WSM, not a single animal has never know which one they were shot with. If I had to choose one, it would be the 300 Win. Based on ammo availability, selection of bullet weights and bullet type. I'll also add that the Win feeds much better/easier/reliably. Ballistically they are equal.

[@roycevaughn6472]

I shoot the 300WM and looking at a 300prc and the PRC is cheaper to shoot I can find both calibers with no problem but the 300prc has a heavy grain projectile compared to the WM

[@Tradmark454]

@@roycevaughn6472 never needed a heavier projectile and the 300wm is just fine as is. If i need bigger and/or faster there are 300’s that do alot better job of it than the 300prc.

[@ryanmorris4406]

Wal Mart sells 300 WM. Lapua makes 300 WM Gun stores in S Africa sell 300 WM. NATO has a 300 WM load It wins on logistics, at least more than just about any magnum.

[@Coyote-wm5op]

Some snipers we had in Afghanistan had 300 wm

[@nathanmccullough7755]

Absolutely. It's not going anywhere. However, in new rifle sales, it will fade over the next few decades.

[@Master...deBater]

@@nathanmccullough7755They said the exact same thing when the 300 WSM and 300 RUM came out...where are they now??? The 300 WM still outsells them both combined!

[@nathanmccullough7755]

@@Master...deBater It absolutely is fading in new rifle sales but that doesn't mean it will disappear. New cartridges are simply better in their design for the modern era. That doesn't mean it's a bad cartridge but there's a strong argument to be made that it doesn't make alot of sense to buy a new 300 win mag today if you aren't already invested in the cartridge and that argument will likely make more sense as time goes on. The same can be said for the 7 rem mag as the PRC takes market share from it (and it will continue to do so - I'm sure of it).

[@Master...deBater]

@@nathanmccullough7755Those exact same arguments were made in 1999 and 2001 when the 300RUM and 300WSM were introduced! All the same dumb gun writers said the new cartridges were better and that the 300WM's time was up. And their sales were strong for a few years until the new shine wore off. And now they can't be found on any ammo shelves. And it's NOT because everyone's buying it up...lol! And that was with the backing of two major arms and ammunition producers...Winchester and Remington. Both of which produced a ton of rifles in their respective chamberings in order to prop up sales. The PRC is only backed by Hornady, who is just an ammunition and reloading component maker. I'm betting the PRCs will remain niche chamberings for a few years.

[@p47rr]

Mark & Sam after work have a great video about the 300 Winchester Magnum. With the right twist rate it out performed all of the new 30 calipers. With all weights of bullets. Not much new under the sun. Other than companies trying to get you to buy something new.

[@wyldman8211]

I live in the Yukon, Canada which is basically Alaska. We hunt moose, bison, caribou and elk. Eeeeeeveryone here uses the .300 win mag.

[@silaspierre1377]

what is your bullet choice ? im mainly curious , 1 round for all or change it up deppending on game ? nosler accubonds , Nosler partitions ,Nosler Etips , Barnes TTSX ,Barnes LRX , or a cup an core ?

[@BobBob-gu4mi]

I switched from 28 nosler to 300win mag. I was tired of the limited ammo availability, and I didn't need the extra performance for hunting. 300 win has more than enough speed and energy out to a distance I feel comfortable hunting at

[@njgrplr2007]

The .300 Win Mag will never fade in my book. I've taken a lot of moose with it and I wouldn't think of using anything else. It's tough to beat a 210 grain Accubond LR bullet leaving the muzzle at 2960 fps. And when it hits steel at 1,000 yards, it sounds like Thor's hammer.

[@gogerwi]

Marketing new cartridges is to generate sales. The manipulation that marketing affects us is mostly underestimated and unnoticed. Keep your 300 Win Mag for the rest of your life and enjoy. Your target will never know the difference.

[@jons5898]

Absolutely, it’s mostly for marketing. My son couldn’t understand why I didn’t go gaga over his new 6.5 ! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@theimmortal4718]

This

[@larrybassett5559]

Amen!

[@wildthing3112]

40 years with the 300 Win Mag so far and still happy :)

[@rodneyconover4170]

I love the oldies but goodies the classics- 243 25-06 270 7mm-08 30-30 308 30-06! Always taken any game I have hunted and ammo is cheaper!

[@JackFrostTheDeerHunter]

I will stick with my 300. If the 7 PRC makes it to 10 years old with lots of ammo availability, I will add one to the toolbox.

[@sdriza]

Same boat....

[@nathanmccullough7755]

I'd bet on the 7mm PRC succeeding. It seems almost a foregone conclusion to me.

[@keithprinn720]

and components off course brass and great bullet choice.

[@WillyK51]

Better off with a 7 RM. Same performace as the 7PRC.(7 mm WSM about the same but in a Std. Long Action) Hot rod, pick the 28 Nosler. Can always get a Mag 3.8" action for the 7 RUM or chamber it for 7 RM and seat out those 180 grns long bullets.

[@ReloadingWeatherby]

I reload a lot of belted magnum cartridges.... and yes I FL resize the brass. I haven't had one issue with the belts.

[@jaredharlan238]

300 WM provides the payload and energy that 99.9% of hunters need. No, it could have a refresh with better cartridge design but it really does everything anyone could ask of it and there are so many loads to choose from and you can find ammo anywhere. It can also be extremely accurate. It is also extremely versatile - 180 gr do all, load it up for moose or bear or load it down for deer/varmint. You can even create low recoil loads for it. It uses rhe 30 cal bullet which also gives it the most expansive selection of bullets possible.

[@marcmoore4115]

I live in Namibia, we need to license our firearms. We can also only have 3 rifles and 1 handgun, unless you get special licenses. This means for me, a rifle needs to be dual purpose since I love target shooting and really want to do different types of matches as well. This is why I'm so excited about the 7 PRC. It gives me a factory offering that can be used to hunt just as effectively as all the other magnums, while also being used as a target cartridge if you weigh it down or put it into a different chassis/stock. And I think that is a major reason for the more modern cartridges having so much success - it's simply that 1 rifle can be used for both hunting as well as target shooting and even competitions, without having to buy a new rifle.

[@K-bob_45]

@@marcmoore4115is it difficult to reload there?

[@LRRPFco52]

300 Win Mag produces 99.9% of the muzzle blast and recoil that hunters don’t need though. Most hunters would do better with 6.5mm and 7mm, as proven by the Scandinavian moose hunting surveys.

[@K-bob_45]

@@LRRPFco52 I’d agree on recoil for most people. A 308 really is the Jack of all trades from sub plinking to hunting anything that’s not trying to eat you out to at least 350 yards or so.

[@jaredharlan238]

@@LRRPFco52 I’d agree somewhat. I have a 300 WM and have it braked and hate the muzzle blast (indoor ranges are extra fun). Scandinavian Moose are about elk sized so if you are going to Alaska for Moose or for Brown bear I recommend recalibrating animal sizes. That being said 7 PRC and 7 RM are great cartridges even though I don’t think that 7 PRC can be that much less recoil/muzzle blast considering SAAMI spec’d bullet wt and velocities. I personally am a fan of 280 AI and wish there was a refreshed 7 in that range. But I guess the 6.5 PRC is pretty much a ballistic clone with less bullet wt and frontal diameter. 7 SAUM is cool but not adopted enough to be viable for most hunters.

[@clintondupreez5003]

For me personally I prefer the older cartridges. Have several from 6.5 Swedish to 375 H&H. I'm fortunate to live and hunt in South Africa and the 300 Win is just such a potent cartridge. Loaded with 180gr Nosler partitions it gets the job done swiftly. It does waste a lot of meat though so high neck or headshots are preferable.

[@travissmith-wz5nc]

Hand load the old 250 savage

[@tylersathern1076]

That bullet by Nosler is #16331 and I love it. I live in Washington and it hasn't been on the shelves to buy anymore for 2 years. They want $84.00 for it. The accubond is barely available.

[@jons5898]

My son-in-laws father was able to hunt mostly in Alaska and occasionally in Africa. He could afford to use any cartridge in about any rifle but he chose to use a Parker Hale chambered for the .300 win mag almost exclusively. His trophy room is unbelievable. He chose to spend his $$ on the taxidermist and not so much on rifles and scopes and stuff !

[@reloadnorth7722]

I have a Parker Hale 1200 in 300WM. Excellent rifle. More accuracy than me.

[@bullgravy6906]

I had a Model 70 300WM but sold it, wish I could get one back on my rifle rack. Not because I need one, but because I want one

[@cat2972]

300WM still has my heart and is still a round that I feel safe shooting anything because it was my first large caliber that i purchased with my hard earned money and was devastating on whatever it hits

[@GrudgeyCable]

Love seeing folk stick with the 300. Such a good cartridge.

[@rugerfarming5387]

I am a Missouri Boy and I love the 300 win mag. My favorite centerfire cartridge by far.

[@Accuracy1st]

Just this year I bought a new Tikka Lite 300WM on sale. Haven't owned one for the past 32 years. Man, it's insanely accurate with factory Norma Whitetail 150s, factory Norma Bondstrike 180s, and Barnes Vortex TTSX 180s. I bought the rifle to build a 7PRC on it but wanted to see what it would do in terms of accuracy. Well, I'm more than pleased so it's staying as is. Especially now that I bought 600 rounds of Norma and Barnes ammo for it😁

[@drmjruff]

Yea maybe hold off on that build at least for a few rounds. 🙂

[@Accuracy1st]

@@drmjruff Yea I told myself I was just going to get away from belted magnums but I could not restrain from testing it since it is a Tikka. I also recently got a 300WSM. Same wt bullet, it does have less recoil but I put the Limbsaver recoil pads on them

[@drmjruff]

@@Accuracy1st I shoot the T3 in 30-06. I took the challenge of less than an inch group and passed with it a couple weekends ago. In fairness I also shoot a ton so I am well practiced. The T3 passed without issues. Love my Tikka

[@Accuracy1st]

@@drmjruff Yea I'm kind of in addiction mode. A local big box sporting goods store went out of the gun/ammo part of business. Picked up a new left hand Tikka 308 last year on clearance around $525 out the door, my first Tikka. Must have been a dud. Would not produce MOA factory or handloads. Now it has a Brux barrel and AG Composite stock as of 2 months ago. But, every Tikka since then has been as good as most of my custom rifles. I buy only when I see on big sale but here's the Tikka list, and not all for me but I did all the test firing: 270 - 2 identical, synthetic/blued version for my son and deer processor 270 - pre-owned Hunter/wood stock blued one owner, less than a box through it 270 T3x synthetic/stainless - one new, one pre-owned one owner 300 WSM new T3x syn/stainless but found a left hand wood stock for it 300WM new T3x syn/stainless All of the 270s shoot best compared to the 30 cals and both 30s are 3/4 MOA all day I have my eye on a pre-owned Tikka T3x 30-06 online auction at $749 with a cheap scope

[@shoothuntride9456]

This whole video just made me appreciate 30-06 that much more. Depending on what data you cherry pick, it gets 80-90% of the performance of 300 win mag at 40% less recoil. Perfectly deadly out to 450-500 yards. Even further if you are selective with your shot. 300 win mag provides more. It just isn’t needed. 7 PRC is the only new cartridge that really interests me as a hunting cartridge. Wind drift is more than a “little bit” better than 300 win mag. 7mm is the superior bullet over 6, 6.5, and .30 cal bullets for hunting medium to big game.

[@midwestbd7144]

On paper the .300wm has a lot more recoil but my 30-06 kicks like a mule, more than my .300wm, both rifles are a similar weight.

[@nathanmccullough7755]

@@midwestbd7144 Most likely a stock design issue (unless the 300 has a break). I have an old 30-06 (Remington 721) with a solid butt plate and a stock design that smacks me in the cheek with every shot.

[@jonathancole6124]

There are so many ways to mitigate recoil.

[@Chris-liwymi]

I was eyeballing large cartridges for my big boy rifle the one I wanted the most was the 300 WSM but I never found any ammo at the local store or a rifle I want to chambered in it then I saw the seven PRC and was amazed at how good it was so that’s what I went with However there’s no way cartridges like the 300 WSM or 300 WinMag will ever truly be gone due to the sheer number of rifles chambered in them I still want a 300 WSM one day I like slightly strange cartridges

[@injuredoutdoorsman9011]

One of the great things about 300WM is with being recoil sensitive (and only hunting on the east coast- black bear & whitetail) is I can load it down to 308 pressures and have a lot less recoil, yet still be very effective on game

[@SamuelBerryhill]

Great video man I’m a very big fan of 30 cals and the 300 win mag is one of my top three. When you was talking about the belt on the case. I’ve been hand loading for 300 win mag for some time now and the belt has never been an issue for me and there is a die made to size the case all the way to the belt and this die is available for all belted cases just a thought. Anyways I like the 300 win mag a lot and it will be around for a lot longer time than it has been. Thanks again keep up the good work God bless

[@devint26]

Started out on it and still love it!!! I’m not giving up on it! Just like a lot of other people!!!

[@BNU30C]

I think 300 Win Mag will continue to be a popular chambering for years due to its effectiveness, ammo availability, brass availability, familiarity, and nostalgia. That said, it will continue to lose ground to newer cartridges with better (tighter) chamber designs over time among younger and more discerning shooters. This may accelerate in time as factory ammo for modern 1:1 replacements such as 300 PRC continues to get more price competitive and plentiful.

[@Master...deBater]

They said the exact same thing when the 300 WSM and 300 RUM came out...where are they now??? The 300 WM still outsells them both combined!

[@BrettBrandon-c3f]

I just purchased a new Mossberg Patriot 300 win mag. Love it 😎🤘🏼🇺🇸

[@scottcrosbie980]

My 12 year old son and 15 year old daughter love my tikka win mag with a suppressor fitted.

[@robertneal4112]

I have 300 WM and 300 WSM. The key difference is that I can buy 300 WM almost anywhere. 300 WSM has been out of stock just about everywhere, including ammoseek. The pandemic highlighted the supply chain issues of the other 30 cal rounds aside from 30-06. I did see a box of 300 PRC at an Academy for $90ish dollars. That is just crazy.

[@ultrahighgain412]

I chose the 30-06 over the 300 WSM for that very reason. I very much wanted the 300 WSM but I looked at the ammo prices and just couldn't bring myself to do it.

[@42N8_1]

Sold off my 300 win mag several years ago for similar reasons mentioned in the video and went with the 300 PRC. I'm glad I switched.

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

I got rid of my 300-wm Browning X-Bolt. Not because I didn't like it, because I loved it. I got rid of it because I couldn't find ammo for it and the ammo I did find was $80+ a box of 20. I couldn't even afford to take it out to practice with. I love the cartridge and think it's one of the best rounds out there, but unfortunately, I'm not rich nor do I reload so I went 308. I know 308 isn't a 300 wm, but hey, it does what I want and I can use the same ammo for my other platforms and I can actually find good ammo for a reasonable price and can practice with it.

[@Accuracy1st]

That's interesting. I am seeing Federal blue box 300WM in multiple Wahmah stores, both Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop near me, and multiple other outlets as well as a flooded market with a huge variety of 300WM ammo online. I've purchased a total of 800 rounds on auction in Norma and Barnes just in the last month

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

@@Accuracy1st I suppose that depends on where you live. I live in such a place that we can not have ammo delivered to us, so buying off the internet is completely out of the picture. Also, where I live, we are at the mercy of the local gun stores and box retailers to provide us with ammo and they do not get shipments in like you guys do in the states. So, with all that being said, you may have the ability to find cheap ammo, but I don't, hence why I got rid of it.

[@Accuracy1st]

@@JohnDoe-zg6fn Makes sense. I failed to consider you were not in the states

[@BMWQC]

I won’t stop using my 300 win. for most of my hunting. I have a fairly heavy model 70 and a great recoil pad and it’s not too much for most people to shoot. It’s definitely my favorite elk cartridge!!

[@Saintalexander797]

The 300WinMag is basically the 30-06 magnum to a lot of hunters. Old fashioned, not all that "cool", and also great for basically anything. Its an everyman cartridge. It may not have the flash, but it's also not going anywhere

[@mubitasylvester7868]

the 300 win mag's ballistic performance is very impressive taking into account how far it dates back, even the new cartridges have to take more years to catch up. very special cartridge.

[@jtylermcclendon]

Just got back from my first Africa trip and took 9 species with the biggest being eland. I already bought some components to build a 7 PRC but after this I realized that's just me wanting to be cool. I've only hunted with a Tikka T3x Lite shooting 180 gr Barnes TTSX for 7 years now. About 20 species including sheep, grizz, and moose, and now Africa stuff with the same gun. Probably 100 animals and have never not recovered one at ranges from 20 to 574 yds. Some of the PHs I was with build guns and they said the benefit of switching to something like 338 Sherman doesn't justify it. In particular, 300 win ammo is available from Alaska to Africa. The PHs advice was if I go for bigger stuff I should get a 375 H&H for the same reasons I like 300 Win: it's proven and there is ammo everywhere. Those two guns will do anything on earth a competent shooter would do.

[@squatch2461]

🍻 Interesting video, as expected. I used to reload, but now only shoot factory ammo. With availability being a consideration, I'm more interested in a good round I can get rather than the ultimate ballistically superior round. I also am not a long range hunter by current standards (400 yards max. for me). So, also being a bit older, I use the .308, and the .300 Win Mag for longer or if there's a chance of a longer shot.

[@gabell727]

Love my 300 Win Mag. Not picky about ammo, but it is an exceptional rifle.

[@tommymorgan9926]

I have hunted big game with a 300 Win Mag for many years. In ‘95 I purchased a Browning 300 Win Mag with the BOSS system. Not sure how much that reduces felt recoil, but it was noticeably less than my Browning 300 Win Mag composite stalker. Another very noticeable difference with the BOSS was the noise. Man oh man is it loud, especially for anybody sitting beside me. I’ve bounced back and forth over the years between factory and hand loads. No problems reloading the belted casing. Was able to get most of them to shoot sub moa with the tunability of the BOSS. I agree, not much fun to sit down and shoot through a box of ammo, my groups tend to spread a little as the shoulder softens. I was surprised Montana didn’t show up on your list.

[@JoeyOutlaw]

All i know is i have an AR chambered in .300 Win Mag and I wouldn’t trade it for anything its incredible!!! Once I figured out the buffer setup its now 100% reliable with zero feeding issues

[@jamiehurtt3530]

300 mag 7mm mag 375 H&H 338 win mag arent fading j in the least just like the 30-06 isn't fading or the 270 or 308 . Standard magnum amd non magnum cartiges are here to stay. They have already withstood the test of time! Better worry more about all the newer cartriges that continuously fall off the chopping block every few instead 😅

[@frankmnowickl9010]

I absolutely love my 300 win I shout a browning semi auto with this and am extremely happy with the results.

[@johnshields9110]

In 1974, my FIL presented me at Christmas a 300Win Mag Weatherby Vanguard. The Weatherby stocks fit me well, and that was my dream come true as a broke college student. That chambering suits well to target shooting, and as we've seen, sniping. I used it as a 'bean filed whitetail rifle' and it hits hard even at long, long ranges. It's still my got to rifle after nearly 50 years. My rifle loading track with trajectory of my other rifle, a 22-250, so I am ready at every distance, or so it seems. Great, great cartridge. Anything hit cleanly, with proper 180 gr bullet, doesn't have long to live!

[@zanebrown5142]

My Savage 110 300WM has been quite a good purchase for over 27 years...Ordered it new from a pawn shop for $320. (The scope and rings cost way more than the gun). I know that it's not some movie star rifle but is famous for it's accuracy. The kills prove it with zero mods. The only problem that I have had is effectiveness at

[@aidenmornay]

I used 300winmag on Cape buffalo, superb, it's my favourite hands down, Cape York peninsula Australia

[@EC-mc7vg]

I think it simply has to do with more options. Most hunters commonly hunt White Tail deer at fairly close range and they aren't hard to kill. With the more "modern" case designs newer cartridges are pretty efficient and give good performance without beating you to death. As ammo availability becomes more common for some of the newer cartridges I think the trusty 300 Win. Mag could lose more popularity. There are probably places to where the 300 Win. Mag will remain very popular for its well rounded ammo availability, power and trajectory.

[@brian-in-ak]

I'm kind of surprised Alaska wasn't at the top of the list. So many people up here use it for Moose, Bear, Caribou, and everything else.

[@ghostrobinson1879]

I hunt the mountains of New Mexico as well as the Tularosa Basin and the plains of eastern NM. We have Barbary, whitetail, mule deer, elk, oryx, mountain lion, ibex, bighorn and black bear; a wide array of big game. I choose to hunt with the 300 Win Mag due to its versatility however my other go to is the 270 Win. I keep all shots inside 400 yards with anything more than 300 yds really being something I prefer to stalk closer rather than taking the “longer” shot and increasing the time I have to track a fallen animal. The ravines / scrub brush really increase the difficulty of finding the animals. Any other purchases will solely be for the novelty of having a new toy. Great rundown as always

[@SteveM0732]

You didn't ask us what our favorite 30 cal magnum is, you asked us what we would recommend to a friend. For that reason I voted 300 Win Mag when I own a 300 WSM. I don't have any friends that reload so ammo availability and selection is the deciding factor.

[@DrewEdwardBacklas]

Agreed. I’d pick 300prc or wsm over the win mag. But I’d recommend 300wm to a (probably non reloading) friend.

[@Brandenuzis]

@@DrewEdwardBacklasI have the prc and the weatherby. I’m never buy any other of the 300s.

[@Master...deBater]

@@DrewEdwardBacklas Why would you pick the WSM over WM? It's the fact that I do reload that I prefer the WM. I can load 150s to 3200fps all the way up to 210s at 2960fps! which is more than 150fps faster than the WSM with their best respective powders.

[@rangetime6779]

I think you're spot on. I've been reloading the 300WM since 1977. Forget the belt, headspace it in the shoulder like most cartridges..Load the bullet to limit the jump to the rifling but be sensitive to the magazine length so it feed correctly. I know the newer cartridges are better but mine is a legacy rifle that has taken dozens of game. The cartridge is not obsolete will prudent reloading ...

[@johnagen3688]

The way i see it, the wheel isn't broke! The 300 win mag will reign king!

[@tandtoutdoors5154]

After shooting my new 6.8 western I would go with that over any of the 30 calibers. With handloads it is one stellar performer. 162 gr to 170 gr lights out pills at around 2900 to 3000 fps.

[@tandtoutdoors5154]

Christensen arms fft, with a 20 inch barrel.

[@gilream]

So glad you addressed the belt issue for hand loaders. The most valuable die that I own, and the most beautifully built, is the Belted Magnum Collet resizing die made by a guy from Florida named Larry Willis and Innovative Technologies. Larry has passed on now but his company survives and still makes this die that completely clears the problem of brass collecting at the base of the belt. I have 15 firings on a lot of Norma brass, 7 Rem Mag using this simple effective die.

[@tufftrucker40]

I used to think I needed a 300mag so I could shoot longer distance while deer and elk hunting. This was long before you tube was around. As I got older and joints started to get sore I found the 300mag rough to shoot for any amount of time. So on a wild guess I ran across a 6.5 prc rifle in a pawn shop and decided to try it out. Absolutely love the 6.5 prc , the recoil is mild compared to the 300mag and I can actually shoot it farther with more accuracy using factory ammo. I love the 300mag and 7mag but the 6.5 prc is just easier for me to be more effective while hunting.

[@ambienceization]

I find the .22 lr to be EVEN MORE forgiving and can shoot all day. Yes, I find the recoil for that caliber to be quite tame compared to the rough 6.5 prc oh it's amazing how tame the recoil is in .22 lr. One can get up in the morning and shoot a 1,000 rounds before breakfast and still have some vim and vigor left in the joints for a nooner. I am so glad I switched.

[@theonearmedbandit8631]

A lot of outfitters won’t even accept hunters bringing a 6.5 tired of tracking to no end.

[@AllanKenny-wd7jr]

How true

[@jeremy9589]

300wm is my forever cartridge

[@blightedblue2762]

300 win mag is greatest of all time in my opinion it is the one gun I will use the rest of my life Utah and Alaska hunting.

[@alaskalamb]

It has stood the test of time… I will probably use my 338 win mag this year for elk but my 300 win mag is always ready I’d I change my mind 😉

[@kevinroberts9580]

My grandfather and my father both hunted with the 30-06, I have never owned a .300 Win mag. But my favorite is his little brother, the 7mm magnum.

[@MrGrey-vo2og]

I've hunted with the 30-06 all my life but I'm looking at the CVA 7mag is the recoil that much noticeable without the break?

[@Liamisdead99]

@@MrGrey-vo2ogit’s about the same, maybe a tad more recoil compared to the 3006

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Had a friend get scoped be a 7mm mag twice in one range session. It was messy.

[@BRG13DEAN]

Picked up a Bergara B14 wilderness hunter back in January. Mounted a Leupold VX-3HD 3.5-10X50 on it and sighted it last weekend. By far the best shooting rifle I have owned. Kick is comparable to a 30-06, on the heavier end for sure. Hunting with it, only taking one or two shots, you'd be fine. But sighting in or target practice, you'll feel it after several rounds. I don't plan on doing much other than whitetail and black bear with it. Maybe the occasional hog, an elk one day if I'm lucky. I've always been a 270 kind of guy, still own and plan to hunt with it too, but it just can't beat the knockdown power of the 300 wm. This is definitely my favorite round, and I can't wait to make some memories with this rifle.

[@carsonwillsie9492]

I have no plans to give up my .300 wm. I’ve never had problems on the belted reloads. Yes I bought a 6.5 cm but it’s more for bench shooting. I’ve always had a .270 when I drop to antelope, while the .270 will kill elk the .300 wm will always be my go to.

[@AppaGo420-rz5bz]

I’ve owned, shot and hunted with .300 win mags and 30-06, I’ve sold my win mag but I still got a 30-06.

[@stevecoad1]

A friend who considers himself an authority explained to me that I needed to retire my 300 and switch to a Creedmoor because by 400 yards the 6.5 hits harder. I asked him for a little of what he was drinking and told him he should grow a man bun and hunt in sandals! When I finally started getting larger groups in my T3X 300 WinMag (about 1150 rounds in) it was time for a rebarrel. Some of my buddies were telling me to get a wizbang cartridge chambered in my new barrel so I'd be cool too. Nope, just had a Carbon Research 26" 300 WinMag barrel screwed on, fired a few rounds and went right back to shooting 1/2" groups. I guess it's not as cool as anything in 6.5 but it hits like Thors Hammer, chronos as fast with like bullets as the one 300 PRC that shows up at my range and I can buy ammo anywhere. Just like old guys, old cartridges rule! Your articles are always entertaining and very often informative, keep up the good work.

[@tylersathern1076]

Well, you have such a good attitude considering you got left behind on your trip. Good pivot my friend. I sold both my 300 win mag and my 338 win mag due to cost of ammo. Since most of the time we're shooting our rifles at the range, and only once or twice a year hunting, I sold them and my 30-06 rose to the surface. Keep up the good work.

[@justacentrist4147]

The 300WM belt came from the parent case 375 H&H Magnum whitch actually needs the belt to head space

[@scottcrawford3745]

Yes. Came here to say exactly this. The .375 H&H and it's little brother the .300 H&H were designed with such shallow shoulders of 15.25 degrees for the .375 and 8.5 degrees for the .300 to ease rapid rechambering/ reloading in Africa during times of stress, so the headspacing off the belt design was thought to be a good thing. Most popular Belted Magnums thereafter really didn't need the belt, and, for accuracy, most reloaders resize cases to headspace off the shoulder and ignore the belt.

[@andy51900]

Sorry about your luck with flights, that really blows. Id love to build a 7 PRC, currently hunting with 308. I think with a high BC bullet in the 165/168 range the 308 does really well.

[@freedomlover425]

If you're having problems with the belt it's because you're full length sizing when you should have been neck sizing. Keep your brass fire formed to your chamber.

[@nathanhatcher7096]

Im sure the 300wm will always be a strong contender specially in the open and mountain area of the western country. Though i have giving up my 300wm due to health reasons, and I also don't hate deer that much. As im getting older I find myself being attracted to a soft spoken sexy ammo of the short action 7-08, 6.5, 308 rather than big momma!

[@injuredoutdoorsman9011]

I have my 300WM sitting in a relatively heavy Boyds At-One Thumbhole stock with a 1” recoil pad, muzzle brake and loaded my hunting rounds down to 308 pressures, with being recoil sensitive, this is an awesome setup

[@gunman-6646]

I like the belt! That's why it is a magnum.

[@Perry2186]

i think you setted it for me my next BLR will probably be 300WSM

[@tommysmyth254]

I like the 300 Win mag

[@brentl1071]

the belt offers no additional challenges when reloading. After the first firing or 2, I bump the shoulder 0.001 to 0.002 inches and headspace off the shoulder like any other cartridges. With annealing I see 10 plus loads on each case

[@drmjruff]

Love my 300 win mag. Browning A-bolt with a muzzle brake, heavy stock. The recoil is significantly less than my 30-06. However, it is heavier and longer. I don't have the need for the minimal added range that it buys me. So even though it is a great rifle, I hunt with the 30-06. I seriously don't think my elk at 100 yards will notice the difference between the the two cartridges.

[@sneww4282]

My go to on the east coast for whitetail used to be 6.5 creed, but when I moved out west, I bought a 300 win mag since its just big enough to go after pretty much anything in North America. I've definitely felt the pain of ammo avail with it though. there may be tons of different loads out there, but most stores in CA don't seem to carry very many options. 180gr Barnes TTSX works best in my rifle, but man is it hard to find.

[@nuckyduk15]

It's amazing to see the popularity of 300WM in Minnesota considering half the state is in the "Slug Zone".

[@Nick-sx6jm]

You would be amazed at how many people own bottle neck "slug guns" in straight walled states.

[@nuckyduk15]

@@Nick-sx6jm Just proof that no matter what law the government creates......Americans will find a way lol.

[@Biggskye]

Never owned a 300 WM but I would not be afraid to use it for any game in North America. I grew up with a 30-06 which I still use today. I have shot moose, deer, and one black bear that was in need of an attitude adjustment, with no issues as long as I did my part. I was gifted a 300 Weatherby Vanguard with 8 boxes of ammo a few years back, and while it exceeds my 30-06 and even the 300 WM, I don't feel the extra power, and the extra recoil and cost that comes with it is necessary in my area which is heavy brush with shots usually in the 50-to-75-yard range. Hunting large game basically comes down to using the largest caliber you are comfortable shooting.

[@tomgensel4134]

Got lucky and went to Africa with my son. Both had different rifles in 300 Win Mag. Also drew one of the few Michigan Elk Tags, and used my 300 Win Mag.👍

[@ronws2007]

There are good reasons to like the .300 WM. As you mentioned here and I mentioned in your last live stream, a colleague of mine got an Aoudad Sheep with his .300 WM. The author of my favorite book "Long Range Shooting Manual" is Ryan Cleckner, formerly sniper team leader in the 1st Ranger Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment (Ranger 1/75). His weapon in service was an M24 in .300 WM. Out to about 600 yards, and most of his active engagement were less than 600 yards, he could dial for elevation based on his DOPE from other times and then need no windage dialing. He could simply hold left or right edge of the target zone, usually 20 inch by inch, into the wind, and get a hit. This also works for hunting game animals, You have a target zone and the .300 WM works for that in the same way. 5 - 10 mpg full value 9 or 3 o'clock at say, 300 yards, hold left edge or edge of your center mark. And enough energy to bring it down. In the service, a 220 grains would bring down a 200 pound target just fine. So would a 175 grain .308 Win but with more adjustment. My one and only long action magnum is the 7 PRC, which I expect to perform as well as the .300 WM but with the recoil of a lively .308 W.

[@Buck545Buck]

1 gun for all North American big game, enough said. Everything it touches drops in its tracks. I accidentally shot the moon with it once! My wife married me because she heard I had a win mag! I gave my left leg for my win mag. The win mag outdates the trex and is more dangerous. The win mag is the GOAT.

[@darrelldowns7437]

.just got a new hunting rifle chambered for 330 wm. I thought about the 300 prc, but lack of ammo options is a big turn off

[@joeglisson9502]

My favorite, took many deer with it throughout my life, will always have a special place

[@kerrypurcell6022]

6where i live in idaho,, the 300 win mag is still very popular,,,next to the 30-06 and 7mm rem mag ,, 25-06 and 270 are still going strong,, as is the 308, we try the new cartridges,but hunt with the old most of the time,,

[@oldschoolhomesteadfarm2683]

Glad to hear more about the 300 win mag. I just inherited a Winchester model 70 300 magnum pre 64 & are starting to get into using it looking for any info on shooting this type for long range. Thanks

[@scorpionoutdoors]

I agree bought a T3X 300 WinMag light upgraded the stock to a Bodys laminate. Pinpoint accuracy with Sako 180gr. gamehead ammunition. The .300 min mag isn’t going anywhere. I will be taking this to Africa for sure.

[@gunner4373]

My love for the 300WM comes from reloading. In some actions/rifles I can easily meet 300 Weatherby ballistics. Using compressed loads of slow burning powders with 190-215gr sleek bullets it will shoot lights out and as flat as the PRC but with a higher velocity and more energy at normal hunting ranges

[@mattluszczak8095]

No mate, whatever you can do with 300wm 300wbymag will allways be atleast 300fps more because of case capacity

[@gunner4373]

@@mattluszczak8095 very common misconception. You reach a level of over bore where your charge stops getting further increases in velocity. Weatherby uses a special powder for factory loads that noone could duplicate until about a decade ago. Maybe 15yrs ago. Before that a reloader couldn't even reach Weatherby factory ballistics. Now we have a few select powders that will allow you to meet factory ballistics safely but never really exceed them. I can use 83gr of H1000 in my Win mag with my Ruger M77 MKII, 190gr Hornady SPBT compressed, and get 3180fps. This is max before I see pressure signs. Check that against Weatherby and PRC data and do not replicate this load because it was worked up for a couple years for my specific rifle. I mark these with red marker as Winchester 70 and Ruger M77 loads only. But everyone's rifles are different. I also run a hot charge of H1000 in my Rem 700, and it beats Weatherby factory data but only by 12fps and I'm using a 26" barrel, my other 300's are 24's.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

The 300 Winchester Magnum was designed to replicate the ballistics and performance of the old 300 H&H magnum cartridge, but without needing the belt to headspace properly and of short-enough OAL to work in a standard long-action. At the time of its introduction, skeptics claimed that it would not work since the neck was less than the caliber (bore diameter) in length. Reports of the death of the cartridge were premature then - it has done quite nicely since it was first designed and marketed - and they are premature now. It will be taking elk and big bears long after most of us are dead-and-gone.

[@jerrykemphfer9436]

You know more than he does thank you

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@jerrykemphfer9436 - Not sure about that, but thank you for the kind words anyway...

[@brianfranklin5893]

I built up my howa 300 win mag to be a nine pound setup. Recoil isn't bad at all and it is still light enough to carry all day. Shoots lights out with 200gr eldx at 2950 fps.

[@weansardman]

I have a 300WM in Tikka T3x lite and I LOVE it! It shoots like an absolute laser! I hand load and it shoots almost 1/4 MOA!

[@Accuracy1st]

May I ask components of your load? My Tikka T3x is a 1/2 min rifle with 3 factory ammo types. My entry level basic OLD RCBS dies were $25 when I bought them. I'd have to buy a new set like the Redding Elite set with bushings. I have so much factory ammo on hand I really don't need to handload for it but do like the option

[@weansardman]

@@Accuracy1st Sako brass, 178gr ELDM, H4350 (ADI 2209) and standard large rifle primers. This is all because i couldn’t get any of the components i actually wanted and it shoots so great that i don’t care about getting more out of it. Oh and i bedded the action and that made a big difference too. I also loaded a 212gr ELDX with the same components and they are also shooting in tight groups. I haven’t done any real ladder tests just crept loads up and watched for pressure signs. I’m sitting just about max book grains and that’ll do me.

[@Accuracy1st]

@@weansardman Thank you for the intel. You bedded the factory action? The black synthetic stock?

[@weansardman]

@@Accuracy1st yep! I like the feel of the factory stock and i figured that if i screw it up i can always buy an after-market stock but it worked great it’s stiffer now too. I used JB weld epoxy.

[@weansardman]

@@Accuracy1st P.S. i also went Redding Elite up front. I tried neck size only and full length as well. I haven’t tried annealing yet either.

[@RoyJDew]

I own a .308, .30.06, and 300 Win Mag. Wouldn't trade any of them for one of the "new and improved" cartridges. Buy the Hornady ELD bullets (ELD-X for hunting), use newer powder, and hand load. You can pretty much match any of the new cartridges for distance and ballistics. You can push a 178gr ELD bullet 3,000 fps generating 3,570 ft/lbs at the muzzle in a 300 Win Mag. The bullet is still travelling at Mach 1.3 at 1,000 yards which avoids the subsonic transition stability issues.

[@glockparaastra]

As I'm planning on getting my first magnum soon, going for the 7PRC makes sense to me. In an ELR setup, I will have many advantages. I also only reload for my rifles. 300WM and 7WM are still great in dedicated hunting rifles and will be around for a very long time.

[@CombatPIG0311]

It has some fundamental cartridge design inefficiencies, but 300WM is still a great round. Out of the standard NATO sniper cartridges (.308, 300WM, .338LM, 50BMG), I would choose the .300WM if I could only operate with one.

[@jamiecarter9357]

I had a custom reamer made for my 300 WM "F-Class" (really just a gun I shoot long range where I can, when I can, but never in an actual match) rifle about 25 years ago when my Shillen barrel started to get a bit long in the throat after about 1500 rounds. It was cut to allow a Sierra 190 gr Matchking to be seated with the full diameter at the boattail right at the bottom of the neck with the ojive 0.010" off the lands... Basically the 300 PRC with a belt. 190's at 3100 fps and insane accuracy.

[@dansworld9635]

300 winmag for the win. Fading?.....hardly!

[@mikewalker4062]

Jim!! I love my 300win mag. I will keep it till I die.

[@ericspearo5731]

I had this same conversation with myself for 6 months before pulling the trigger on a custom rifle. 300 win or PRC. I ultimately went with the 300 win. It has nearly identical numbers to the PRC out to roughly 500 or 600 yards. I personally have no desire to drop an animal past 600 and PRC has roughly 3 plus more pounds of recoil. It just wasn’t worth it for me personally

[@oldswede9307]

I started using my 300 win mag approx 45 years ago and i have used nothing else since for big game. Moose, elk, bears, whitetail deer, big horn sheep and mule deer. My old bolt action browning loves 180 grain federals and thats all it gets. Will be with me till im gone lol

[@patriotichunter6434]

Have a friend makes custom rifles and 300 wm and 280 AI are still most demanded even with all the new caliber hype. Most people that want 300 wm want because it’s diverse in loading options and ammo can be found anywhere. I don’t think it will ever disappear or be irrelevant. I’m a 300 wsm guy but have 300 wm just to have for ammo and reloading options myself.

[@hackfabrication139]

I own two .30 caliber magnums: .300 Weatherby and .300 Winchester. Both in Winchester Model 70 Stainless Steel BOSS. Have not shot either, but I would imagine, based on my searching, the price difference between ammunition is a deciding factor for many people. For the most part, I'll grab one of my Model 70's in .30-06, or a Marlin (either .35 Remington or .30-30 Winchester) depending on terrain, for my deer hunting.

[@brandonchandler9032]

I still like my 300 win mag. I won't quit using it, especially for a 6.5. If anything, I'll go up to a 338 lapua. Utilizing both those cartridges

[@WayStedYou]

You asked what we would recommend, to a friend not what our favourite is. I picked 300WM because of its availability and its not overkill on the recoil like the larger magnums.

[@gaylonknell5124]

I agree, I love my 300, with a Vortex 6×18×44, with federal vital shock 130 grn sited in at 250, deadly

[@shanedevon147]

Ive been looking at getting a 300 for the last 2 years. Initiallly my thoughts on the popular 300's were: 300 rum and 300 weatherby didnt add enough performance to compensate for the recoil and their short barrel life. 300 prc seemed to be peak performance for long range 300 wsm seemed perfect, short action with nearly identical performance to 300 winmag. 300 winmag was less desirable to me because of the belt and comparably dated design. But after looking at a few rifles i wanted, i noticed very few were chambered in 300 prc due to the action length, and 300 wsm ammo is basically non existant. So after a few years i finally just ordered a browning bar in 300 winmag.

[@Dfleuryoutdoors]

I love my savage 300 win mag, it shoots everything accurately. I have the Larry Willis collet sizing die that sizes right too the belt so it's not problem anymore. Yea it's an extra step but it solves the belt problem.

[@marcmoore4115]

Hey Jim, I'm sure you'll be on it soon, but Bergara just announced they'll be chambering 7 PRC! Considering how popular Bergara is, I think that is the 2nd last hurdle overtime before the 7 PRC can really take off. Last thing will be a new ammo manufacturer loading it.

[@OutsidetheEchochamber]

Federal is loading eldx in 7 prc hopefully we get a nice high bc bonded bullet soon

[@masone4589]

@@OutsidetheEchochamber175 ABLR 🤞🏻

[@marcmoore4115]

@@OutsidetheEchochamber oh, haven't seen that yet. I would love to see thr Nosler 175gr ABLR, as well as a Barnes 168gr LRX load. I'm looking to buy a Howa 1500 Varmint in 7 PRC once they make them, but hey - if I can get my hands on a Bergara... definitely won't be upset!

[@marcmoore4115]

@@OutsidetheEchochamber ouhhh your wish has been granted... Federal also loads 170gr and 155gr Terminal Ascent! It's available at Midway. That's honestly great news for the PRC. Interestingly, I can't find the 170gr on Federals own website... The 155gr is 'only' going 3100fps. I thought they'd be able to push it quite a bit faster than that, but I guess it's down to bullet construction.