300 winchester magnum or 300 wsm?

The WSM fits in my short action Kimber; otherwise I'll just take the old boring 300 Win and the 100-200 fps gain. The 300 Win in a magnum length action has the endearing trait of being able to reach the lands with most any bullet.

For a typical hunter with factory ammo there is basically no difference; except for a smidge of availability.
 
I have always liked the 300 Win Mag. I have 2. But lately I have also been find of the WSM cartridges. So for me it would be a toss up.
 
Gun would be a larger difference than either/or. Wisom can be loaded.to WM factory. Short action versus long is a counterproductive argument......if 3 ounces makes a difference, your in the wrong hobby; a light rifle also leads to more felt recoil.

Take the rifle that fits you and pleases you in either caliber, go fill your freezer.
 
I own a 300 Win Mag, a pre-64 M70, and find it a very nice cartridge to hunt, shoot and reload. I haven't owned a 300 wsm but being old school in my ways and had to choose between the two I'd go for the 300 Win Mag. Ammo is readily available and not overly priced.
 
Between the two .300 WSM

But really depends on the rifle, if you want a more compact rifle with a shorter barrel (around the 22” mark) the WSM being more efficient will do better and being a short action (depending on the rifle) will also save you a bit of receiver length.

If you’re looking for maximum velocity and are reloading the win mag will get you there provided you also spec a longer barrel (around 26”) to take advantage of the higher powder volume. But then if that’s you’re goal 300PRC would be the best choice, as others have mentioned.
 
wonksy said:
180s don’t matter, win mag if ya wanna seat 200 grainers
Click to expand...

200gr Nosler Accubond

300wm 3.340" OAL
92.5gr h2O case capacity
Usable net case capacity : 78.28grs h2O (84.6% of maximum case capacity)

300wsm 2.860" OAL
81.0grs h2O case capacity
Usable net case capacity : 68.03grs h2O (84.0% of maximum case capacity)
 
Had both but sold the WSM as it was not giving me anything over my 270WSM and I preferred the faster, lighter, 270. The 300WM is much easier for finding ammo off the shelf and tends to be less costly than the 300WSM. Great all round cartridge that has been around for many years with a proven record. Definitely faster than the WSM with heavy loads. All that said, I am selling my 300WM as I keep going back to my 270WSM.
 
Depends on if you reload or not.
* 300 Win Mag is a better choice if you don’t.
* 300 WSM is great choice if you want to experiment with a fantastically well designed mainstream 30 cal cartridge.
* 270 WSM might be the best cartridge to experiment with if a medium bore is adequate.

Having stopped reloading, I would not hesitate to go for 300 Win Mag.
 
medvedqc said:
opinions, experiences?
Click to expand...

In reality, either or, but for me, between the two, I'd likely go with the 300 WM. ;)Just cuz. I've never had a 300 WSM although I do some reloading for a relative that does have one. My first in a 30 cal magnum was in my early teems when I graduated from the sporterized 303 Br. Lee Enfield I started out with. It was a Parker Hale Super Safari in 308 Norma Mag. It worked well on Moose, Mule Deer and a Black Bear. I sold it to a gentleman quite a few years later where I live now. I replaced it with a rifle I found in a well known Hardware/Sporting shop in Naniamo. It was a beauty of a Winchester model 70, in what I'd say was an early Super Grade of sorts. 'Very' nicely figured wood, ebony tipped forend, two sizes of checkering and some oak leaves on a border. I'll try and send you a photo I have of it. Anyway, it went to a good buddy on mine;) as sort of a birthday gift. Things were a little tough for him financially at the time. I went back to my first 30 calibre magnum, a 308 NM in a Schultz & Larsen and this I still have. :)The 308 NM calibre is still a bit of a favorite of mine.
UPDATE:
Photos on the way as we speak.
 
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