Do I Really Need A .300 Win Mag?

[mlehtovaara]

Just looking at a gun for Moose and Bear, and wondering if I really need a .300 win mag?

I am looking for a budget rifle, as I already have a .243, and a 30-30 for deer, and it won't be used all that much. Prolly a few days in a tree stand at Bear season, and if I ever get a chance for a moose trip.

Anyways most of the budget rifles, I am looking at are only available up to 30-06, and I am leaning that way, as I really love my Marlin XS7.

The one option I have found is the Stevens 200, but I have owned a couple, and prefer the Marlin, as it has the better trigger stock, and especially recoil pad.

Anyways most reading I have done leads me to believe I really don't need the magnum cartridge, and cost of ammo and recoil, might make me a little less likely to practice with it.

Thanks for the opinions.
M.

 

[rem338win]

The 30-06 has lots of HP for moose out to 400yds. Kick it old school with the Marlin.

 

[lister]

I'd say the 30.06 is plenty of gun for anything in North America. IMO you're paying more than needed (gun as well as ammo) and punishing your shoulder for no reason with the belted magnums. My .02$

 

[lilsurfer]

I agree, go with the 30.06. An effective, versatile, affordable cartridge that will serve you well on all North American game.

 

[SuperCub]

Anyways most of the budget rifles, I am looking at are only available up to 30-06, and I am leaning that way, as I really love my Marlin XS7.

Go that route!

300WM won't do much more for you.

.

 

[sgt.rock]

Yes it will. Get one. Don't listen to them. I love mine. I have 3x 30-06 plus a couple of .270's and the .300wm is the goto gun for me.

 

[1899]

Just looking at a gun for Moose and Bear, and wondering if I really need a .300 win mag?

No.

 

[todbartell]

300 win has a bit of an edge if you'll be shooting past 400 yards

 

[mlehtovaara]

5 to 1 so far.

Thanks guys.

 

[t-star]

if you need a 300 win mag, you need saskatchewan type yardage and big animals- you ALSO need a 338 win mag- a 300 is NOTHING MORE THAN AN 06 ON SPEED- there is NO advantage downrange other than a 50 yard increase in mpbr( maximum point blank range)
and a 2 round DECREASE in your magazine

 

[saskcop]

.30-06 is just fine.

 

[thumper1]

308win for me

 

[mlehtovaara]

if you need a 300 win mag, you need saskatchewan type yardage and big animals- you ALSO need a 338 win mag- a 300 is NOTHING MORE THAN AN 06 ON SPEED- there is NO advantage downrange other than a 50 yard increase in mpbr( maximum point blank range)
and a 2 round DECREASE in your magazine

This is basically what I have been told.

To be honest my initial plan was to go with a .375 Ruger in a Ruger Alaskan, but I am not really excited about the price.

I'm thinking the Marlin and a Vortex Diamondback 2-7 will be ordered shortly.

Thanks guys.

 

[USP]

Not alot of places in Northern Ontario that you have wide open areas to really utilize a magnum round. Cant use it in Southern Ontario either due to restrictions.

 

[Varoum]

I got a 338RCM for moose and bear up to 500 yards.

 

[DOUGLAS D]

Need has nothing to do with it.
Question is Do you want one??

 

[davemccarthy707]

I have both the 300wm and the 30-06...the 300 stays at home.

 

[7mmlefty]

Moose die perty well in northern Ontario with the average well placed 30 cal bullet, so a 308 or 30-06 would do you well. Most are shot at less than 200 yards and probably 90 % are taken under 100 yards.

For those who shoot at long range from canoes, or over vast sections of clear cuts... maybe an ultra mag is for you....

All depends on what youre banking on,..You, and youre efforts... or the magnum rifle with super dupper scope?.

 

[NAA]

Nothing wrong with the .30-06 for what you want to do with it.

NAA.

 

[Camp Cook]

Do I Really Need A .300 Win Mag?

What a stup*d question of course you do...