.300 RCM vs. .300 WSM
- Thread starter Slooshark1
- Start date
The Ruger/Hornady round uses the magical powders and loading methods they use for their so-called light magnum cartridges. These powders are not available to the hand-loader crowd so if you want performance that is above 30-06 levels you must buy their factory cartridges.
Ruger refused to pay Rick Jamison a penny in royalties for the Short Mag design. (The courts found in Jamison's favour when he took Winchester to court so I would assume there is some basis for his claim) Subsequent to this court case they stopped chambering for the short mags and as such lost a large amount of market share. As Ruger is on the financial ropes they are looking for any way to regain some of their former market share.
The idea of the 300RCM is similar to the idea of the 375 Ruger.
375 Ruger= 375 H&H (24" barrel) performance in 20" barrel, or slight increase in performance in their 23" barreled rifles.
300RCM = close to 300WSM (24" barrel) performance in a 20" barrel.
The 300RCM concept is sound- A 20 " barrel rifle is nice and compact, and since it shares a similar head diameter of any of the belted mags, it should be easy to accommodate in similar rifles, unlike the WSM, which is fatter and some people (not me) have complained about feeding, etc issues.
It uses special powder blends not available to handloaders, but most hunters and shooters dont' handload, so if a guy wants a compact rifle with pretty close performance ot the 300WSM or 300WM, it's a good option.
It is probably a more sensible cartridge in some respects than the WSM, but I think it's a bit too little, too late..I dont' personally expect it to sell extremely well, but I'd buy one for interests sakeand check it out if I didnt' have a very nice 300WSM that is essentially perfect.
The 338 RCM is another story, though, as there will not be a 338WSM factory offering. Could be a very good cartridge.
375 Ruger= 375 H&H (24" barrel) performance in 20" barrel, or slight increase in performance in their 23" barreled rifles.
300RCM = close to 300WSM (24" barrel) performance in a 20" barrel.
The 300RCM concept is sound- A 20 " barrel rifle is nice and compact, and since it shares a similar head diameter of any of the belted mags, it should be easy to accommodate in similar rifles, unlike the WSM, which is fatter and some people (not me) have complained about feeding, etc issues.
It uses special powder blends not available to handloaders, but most hunters and shooters dont' handload, so if a guy wants a compact rifle with pretty close performance ot the 300WSM or 300WM, it's a good option.
It is probably a more sensible cartridge in some respects than the WSM, but I think it's a bit too little, too late..I dont' personally expect it to sell extremely well, but I'd buy one for interests sakeand check it out if I didnt' have a very nice 300WSM that is essentially perfect.
The 338 RCM is another story, though, as there will not be a 338WSM factory offering. Could be a very good cartridge.
I read an article on the RCM and my understanding was that it velocities are between an '06 and a WSM/WM except they could fit one extra in the mag due to smaller case diameter??? Not sure myself but sounds like an act of despiration on behalf of Ruger and Boo' cleared that up with his post. If i bought one i'd probably buy a lifetime of brass too because its going to have a hard time with the competition coming out this late.
