adding a 300 win mag or 300 wsm to my collection . my question is with the high velocity of these 2 rifles what is a good factory load with good expansion at shorter distances . ive heard because of the velocity there is a good chance of a pass thru without opening . i have a 308 a 270 and a 3006 and have never encounterd this problem. im fairly unfamiliar with the 300 s thats why im asking you guys thanx
300winmag question
- Thread starter djchapman
- Start date
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
Just some food for thought, but according to Federal factory loads, a 300 Win Mag cartridge only has 260fps at the muzzle over a 30-06 (both with 180gr bullets). At 100 yards, the fps of the 300 drops to around the muzzle velocity of the 30-06.
The higher the velocity, the more a bullet will open.
sir_springer
Regular
- Location
- East Kootenays
I've used a 300 WM for some years. For the last several I've been using Barnes 130 TSX/TTSX. Flat and fast, no problems to report so far.
That said...
For a top notch, accurate bullet in this caliber, and that's priced reasonably, my first choice would be Fusion 150s for both deer and elk. Moose, maybe 165s.
IMHO, with the quality of bullets now available...particularly the Fusion...short of dangerous game stoppers, there's no real need for heavy for caliber ammo. A 150 gr in this caliber flies flatter to 300 yds, hits hard, and holds together as good as can be hoped for. And it reduces 300 magnum recoil substantially, which makes practice at the range that much more tolerable and rewarding. My Sendero, which weighs probably 11 lbs, kicks a helluva lot harder with 180s than my Vanguard, probably 8.5 lbs, pushing 130 Barnes.
I've put Fusion ammo through a 25.06, 30.06, 300 WM, and 300 WSM. Sub-MOA groups, if I'm on my game, are standard fare.
And with all that said...
The most consistently accurate ammo I've ever used is Sierra GameKings. More one shot, DRT kills...often shockingly so...on muleys and whitetails with a 25.06 and Federal Premium 117 gr BTSPs than anything else I've ever used. If these will flatten deer like this, nobody can tell me you need 180s out of a 300 WM to achieve the same...including for elk.
IMHO, and FWIW.
That said...
For a top notch, accurate bullet in this caliber, and that's priced reasonably, my first choice would be Fusion 150s for both deer and elk. Moose, maybe 165s.
IMHO, with the quality of bullets now available...particularly the Fusion...short of dangerous game stoppers, there's no real need for heavy for caliber ammo. A 150 gr in this caliber flies flatter to 300 yds, hits hard, and holds together as good as can be hoped for. And it reduces 300 magnum recoil substantially, which makes practice at the range that much more tolerable and rewarding. My Sendero, which weighs probably 11 lbs, kicks a helluva lot harder with 180s than my Vanguard, probably 8.5 lbs, pushing 130 Barnes.
I've put Fusion ammo through a 25.06, 30.06, 300 WM, and 300 WSM. Sub-MOA groups, if I'm on my game, are standard fare.
And with all that said...
The most consistently accurate ammo I've ever used is Sierra GameKings. More one shot, DRT kills...often shockingly so...on muleys and whitetails with a 25.06 and Federal Premium 117 gr BTSPs than anything else I've ever used. If these will flatten deer like this, nobody can tell me you need 180s out of a 300 WM to achieve the same...including for elk.
IMHO, and FWIW.
For moose use a well constructed bullet. Those light for caliber bullets won't hold together at very close range in the 300wm. For deer they will work as deer are light skinned small animals. Barnes tsx is an exemption to the light fast bullet. But 180 gr partitions will do just right in factory fodder and they're easily available. For the one who mentioned fusion bullets. They are made for deer and in my 25-06 they act like varmint bullets which is enough for deer but I'd be hesitant to use them on moose. Its best to try a few brands and see what your gun likes. I shoot into wet newspaper and full waterjugs to test bullets to get an idea of how they will act. But partitions or a frames or barnes tsx are great bullets
- Location
- Prince Albert, Sk
Agreed
Just use an appropriate bullet, there is such a thing as TOO much expansion and velocity for a particular bullet.
For a 300 WM I'd be using something fairly stout and strong.
Just use an appropriate bullet, there is such a thing as TOO much expansion and velocity for a particular bullet.
For a 300 WM I'd be using something fairly stout and strong.
THe Hornady SST is fine for deer, but given what I have seen,[even on those light animals], I believe the SST should be avoided for Elk & Moose.
They would probably be fine for a perfect presentation [Broadside], but any heavy bone, and they are too fragile, frequently disintegrating completely.
As has been said, Partitions, TSX [or TTSX], or A-Frames will always get the job done.
Eagleye.
They would probably be fine for a perfect presentation [Broadside], but any heavy bone, and they are too fragile, frequently disintegrating completely.
As has been said, Partitions, TSX [or TTSX], or A-Frames will always get the job done.
Eagleye.
This right here.
BigUglyMan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- New Scotland
Never encoutered it myself and it seems counterintuitive. With the extra velocity of the 300 you're going to see more expansion at close range given the same bullet (ie 180 TSX in both the 30-06 and 300 WM). Remington uses A Frames in their premium line of factory ammo and Federal uses Noslers (and TSX too IIRC). It's at longer ranges that you end up with decreased expansion due to reduced velocity. Drop an egg on the counter from 6" and 12". The one going faster gets you in more trouble with your wife.
xring_assassin
Regular
- Location
- Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
I've shot ALOT of critters with 300 win mag over the years with MANY different bullets. I've never had a bullet "needle" through an animal...I've never had to shoot a second time at any animal shot with old "Maggie" either. I've also never had an animal get out of eyesight between the time of being hit to the time it lay dead with that same gun.
I'm damn picky about when I shoot at an animal though. If it's a marginal shot - I don't take it.
Only bullet I didn't like in it was a 165gr nosler ballistic tip. Hand grenade inside of 100 yards. BUT - it sure did flatten the deer it hit - so...it did still work, but what a mess of an exit hole - I didn't have to remove the heart and lungs - they were already GONE.
I'm damn picky about when I shoot at an animal though. If it's a marginal shot - I don't take it.
Only bullet I didn't like in it was a 165gr nosler ballistic tip. Hand grenade inside of 100 yards. BUT - it sure did flatten the deer it hit - so...it did still work, but what a mess of an exit hole - I didn't have to remove the heart and lungs - they were already GONE.
sir_springer
Regular
- Location
- East Kootenays
thank guys kinda figured the guy was a little off but he sells guns for a living so i had to confirm . i have a couple in mind i know the savage is a safe choice anyone own a thompson venture/icon that they like or dislike???
