300wsm vs 300wm

catapult

catapult

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Probably been discussed thousands of times but didnt find any post in here
I have both and beside the facts that 300wsm ammo cost 10$ more a box, what is the main difference between these two calibers in term of accuracy and long range hunting, lets say past 600 yards ??
 
Both have comparable ballistics, they'll put out the same bullets at the same velocities. The .300WSM has slightly more accuracy potential as the shorter fatter case produces more consistent burn rates. Other than that the only difference is that the .300WSM will fit a short action while the .300 Win Mag needs a long action, making rifles that chamber it slightly heavier.

As for price difference, if you reload, which you should be doing for long range precision cartridges, that goes away pretty quick.
 
Stock will have an influence but find recoil on WSM to be a push (longer softer) while on WM more of a punch (shorter harder). Would rather shoot .300WSM than .30-06.

Depending on rifle there may be claims that WSM not feed as reliably, Personal experience with an X-Bolt and a Savage no issue ever.

If were limited to a single centre fire caliber then would pick the .300WSM.
 
The 300 WSM cartridge is slightly more efficient at burning powder than the 300WM. My 28 inch browning 300 WSM bullets chronograph at the same velocity as my 300 weatherby mag. They are both screaming fast Muzzle velocity.
 
While you may hear this claim and that claim in favor of one or the other, most are symantics.

The WSM works in a short action, but I have never felt the long action was any real disadvantage.
The 300 Win Mag does have a redundant belt, but works fine despite this "anomaly" lol.

Accuracy difference? More likely an individual rifle thing than the chambering. The 300 Win Mag has won many long range contests.

Recoil, that has been debunked many times. The 300 H&H and the 300 WSM have basically identical capacities.
In equal weight rifles at identical velocities, recoil is also identical.

For the dedicated reloader, the 300 Win Mag has slightly more velocity potential, as a rule. Again, individual rifles vary.

I personally believe the 300 WSM is slightly more "finicky" to load for, [I own both chamberings], FL sizing the WSM case can be touchy.

Bottom line, buy the one that you like best! Both will serve you well as long range "Thumpers" :)

Regards, Dave.
 
lineofsight said:
Stock will have an influence but find recoil on WSM to be a push (longer softer) while on WM more of a punch (shorter harder). Would rather shoot .300WSM than .30-06.

Depending on rifle there may be claims that WSM not feed as reliably, Personal experience with an X-Bolt and a Savage no issue ever.

If were limited to a single centre fire caliber then would pick the .300WSM.
Click to expand...

My first of the two was a Browning Abolt Classic in the WSM, the gun bare only weighed 6.5 pounds, it was abrupt.

I sold it and bought a Sako AV in 300 Winny and carried it as my Primary hunting rifle for quite a while, I never should have sold it.

I handloaded both and with properly developed handloads there is no load for the wissum, you can't surpass by about 100 FPS with the 300 Win Mag.

Most of the rifles available in the 300 WSM are a bit too light in my opinion.
 
eaglesnester said:
The 300 WSM cartridge is slightly more efficient at burning powder than the 300WM. My 28 inch browning 300 WSM bullets chronograph at the same velocity as my 300 weatherby mag. They are both screaming fast Muzzle velocity.
Click to expand...

What do you think would be happening if that 28" tube was chambered in 300 Win Mag instead? If you think it would be slower, you are sadly deluded. :)
 
I'm supporter of WSM simply because:

1. Short cases provide more consistent burn rate = more accurate results
2. For the same amount of powder you get higher velocity (advanced case design)
3. Shorter action meaning (a) easier and faster reload, less chances for jams, (b) lighter rifle without compromise to barrel length, (c) shorter rifle without compromise to barrel length.

As for the ammo prices, they started to go down as they don't use more materials as compared to WM, e.g. 100 rounds for $128 are available from the dealer here
 
I own a tikka in laminated 300wsm and recently I bought a parker hale mod 1200 super clip 300 win mag and wondering if there are a big difference between the two.
The Tikka is pretty light and kick like a mule although I add a limbaver, I did not feel the kick softer..
 
I've owned a few 300 win mag and couple 300 WSM's.

I've also owned a 300 wby, 3 rums & a 30-378 wby.

You can get ammo for the 300 win at Canadian tire.....

It is forgiving to load for too. The WSM is the only one I haven't ever loaded for, so I can't claim to be really knowledgeable.
 
I've owned 300 wm's 300 wsm's 300 wby's and 300 rum's and the only one I had any type of difficulty reloading for was the wsm other then that of the 2 mentioned their pretty = just pick your poision
 
People are saying short vs long actions. Thats 2 oz tops, not counting that many short action calibers are sold in long actions with bolt stops to speed manufacturing.
There is no difference, many of the WSM approach their old school counterparts only because they use blended powders. Ammo manufactures will not use those powders on the older calibers because many of those calibers are in old firearms that might fail. Product liability lawsuits for everyone.
The main reason for the WSM is too market gunnutz like us something they don't have. Profits, the same reason that 300 WSM is usually $10 more a box than 300 Win.
 
The larger case capacity of the 300wm does give it slightly more velocity potential, than the 300wsm, especially with the heavier bullets. Winchester's advertising for the 300wsm would have you believe otherwise, but that just isn't the case.
 
When handloading, the WM has more case capacity so will give you slightly more velocity. Factory ammo seems to have similar speeds to one another. Heavy bullets intrude into both the WM and the WSM case. ;)

Buy the one you like. I Have owned both, load for both, presently only have a WSM, and it will probably stay that way for .308 caliber magnums. Why? Well, the WSM is cool, and it makes me feel cool when I am out hunting with a cool cartridge. ;)
 
Already own both :) Actually, the 300win mag is on her way to home via mail.
Just wanted to see the differences between the two calbers. Thanks you for all your inputs guys
much appreciated.
 
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