Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Anyone here using a 300wsm as their sole big game caliber?

Yeah I know one caliber or rifle is boring but curious if anyone is using the wsm as their only gun or if anyone has tried and went with a different caliber or went back to multiple calibers?

Any cons to the 300wsm for everything?

A good friend of mine does. He's taken things as small as doe pronghorn to things as large as Shiras Moose and Kodiak bears with it and all manner of things in the middle. It works, and well, for him.

If I were to commit to one rifle for everything, the 300WSM would be in the running.

I likely wont be going to one, but am considering replacing my 338 with a 300WSM for larger game.

It would be fine, but boring.

Im getting to that point in my life

I'd be just fine with the 300 WSM as one rifle. But heck, I could say that about 20 others as well too... The bullets you feed them mean more these days to me, than the launch pad...

I did the 1 rifle thing 40 years ago with the 30/06. I'm back to shooting factory ammo too. Talk about boring. I do go on several out of state hunts every year with the money saved---that's a plus.

Kind of where I'm at Bob. Wanting to do more hunting than tinkering. Beware the man with one rifle theory.

That's the best and most enjoyable route IMO. Good luck on your hunts!

I did a 300 WSM as a "one rifle" for a while, antelope to elk. Of course it works, but I found the 308, 270 or 30-06 a better choice for a "one rifle" because they can be built lighter without kicking the snot out of you. They all work.

I didn't find the recoil to be an worse than an 06

Not me... and I've had six 300 WSM's.

In equal weight rifles, the WSM recoils noticeably more.

Nice caliber, but I like the older WM better..

I use a 300 Weatherby for pretty much verything now. It just sort of happened.

If you can handle the recoil, go for it.

Nope, the ancient .30-'06 works fine for me ... including over sixty head of plains game in Africa, including eland.

kd

My platform will be a Finnlight, shot a buddies 700 CDL that weighed in around 7.5 scoped and it didn't seem bad, especially comapring it to the 338 I sighted in the week before.

I shot a 300 WSM exclusively for over 10 years. I took a half doz elk and about 10 deer with it. It works great. However, mine was heavy and I'm to the age where every lb counts so I switched to a lighter weight 30-06. I'd never shot anything with the 300 that the 06' couldn't have done just as well anyway.
The 300 is an excellent caliber, very accurate and easy to reload for. It doesn't take a back seat to anything for a North American game caliber.

Don't say it doesn't kick, though. At the bench, about 20 rounds is enough for my shoulder. Even with a PAST pad, it's got a good jolt. With my 30-06 that weighs a lb less, I can shoot 50+ rounds with more comfort. On game, the 300 has no kick at all, at least none that I've ever noticed.

The 300WSM is what it is.It's a short action 30cal.Loaded on the milder side,it's like a hot loaded 30-06.Loaded on the hotter side,it's like a moderately loaded 300 Win Mag.It's an in betweener and will cover most hunting needs.I have rifles in all three of those cartridges.For nearly all my hunting,the 30-06 has me covered.If I feel like I need a little more for distance or bigger game,the 300's do have an edge.As for economics,the 30-06 beats them all.

Very true. It's a lot closer to the 300 WM than it is to the 30-06 but you can load it for anywhere in the gap that you like.

I could live the rest of my days with Kimber Montana's in .300 WSM and .223.

I know a guy that has a Sako 85 grey wolf in 300 WSM that might trade it for finnlight....just saying...

Dink

Tell that guy a new 300WSM Finnlight followed me home today for just a hair over 1k. 2 gun battery complete. Time to move the 338's out.

Good buy. They got anymore? I need one in 243.

Dink

You're asking that question on a forum full of "Rifle Loonies"?????

I've thought about it and yes it would be boring but it would get the job done . I'm not a big fellar and don't really like recoil but my 300 WSM sits in a McMillan Sako Hunter and recoil isn't bad at all.

They just had the one, on sale for 1200, then I had some various gift cards.

They also had a m70 extreme hunter in the same caliber, was tempting as well.

I didn't think so either. Save any weight going with the mcmillan

How old are you?

I hunted last year for first time with a Benilli R1 in WSM. I really enjoyed the light rifle and heavy hitting power of the 300WSM.

I could do the same,(if I had to) well only if I could find one in 223! A Kimber Montana running 165s is pretty dang easy on the shoulder. It is my go to rifle when the brown furry guys are still awake.

I was shooting my 338 fed and other lightweights when I came to my WSM I sighed because I was going to get beat up some more. I was pleasantly surprised how mild it was. Great rifle design!

I tried it, back to the good ol 30-06...

When you decide you are going to go to the 300WSM, give me a call I may want your 300 WBY....

That just makes too much sense..

I've had 2 and I agree: They do kick harder...

If an '06 kicks as hard as a 300 WSM, you're overloading it.

Or perhaps the rifles fit the shooter differently.

All depends on the rifle and the stock.

The 300 WSM is all I hunt with anymore, Tikka T3 lite and I love it! 10'years or so and no complaints on the rifle or cartridge!

I don't even own one but when asked for a one gun recommendation with elk on the menu its Tikka 300WSM with a good scope. Just about 300WM performance in a short action available in lots of places if you don't load your own. In my opinion it is this century's 30-06 and gains you an extra 100 yards of reach with no weight gain and a modest recoil increase.

or perhaps the the 300WSM doesnt have the recoil I thought it would. While im sure the 300wsm kicks harder than an 06, I was merely stating its not as bad some have made it out to be. Over the last week myself and some buddies were sighting in some rifles t the range. 6.5x55, 243, 338WM, 7MM, 45-70, 308 and 300WSM. Not all on the same day so I didnt do a side by side, shot to shot comparison but I can certainly say the perceived recoil, to me, was less than a 338. Less than or very similar to the 7mm but more than the 308, but not by whole lot. Not having fired a 300WSM before I could only go off others experience which seemed to say it beat them up. I was so surprised by how little recoil I felt I had my other buddy who hadnt shot one before shoot it and he said the same. The CDL is on the lighter side of rifles and had a factor pad on it. Maybe shooting the 338 a couple days prior helped as I fully anticipated similar recoil.

Felt recoil has a lot to do with the powder it's loaded with.Generally,less grains of a faster burning powder will give you less felt recoil than a large dose of slow burning powder.Here is an example.I tried 75.0grs of Magpro with a 165gr bullet.The felt recoil was easily equal to what I'd expect from my 300 Win Mag loaded to max.The velocity was a disappointing 3003fps.Another load was 64.0grs of Big Game.Felt recoil was rather mild in the 7mag range.The velocity was 3131fps.Which load would you rather shoot?Play with the powders,the felt recoil does change a lot sometimes.

Will do, but I doubt it's going anywhere soon.

I have a Sako Tecomate 300 WSM that is great rifle
not heavy 6 7/8 lbs recoil not bad to me but that
differs person to person.Very Accurate
I just need to settle on a scope for it!

Same. debating between a 4-12 Swaro, 2-12 VX6 or 3-18 VX6 or swaro.

also bullet weight.

faster powder /light for cal. mono-metal 'vs' higher volume slower powder/heavier cupcore
can convince some people to use a .300 that they would have otherwise avoided.

recoil impulse, recoil velocity and Free recoil energy, are all reduced.

For me to own a .300wsm, it would have to come in at 8lb loaded, preferably running a 150gn mono.
recoil calculated at about 23 ft/lb.

Also rifle weight, a 7 pound rifle will always kick you harder than a 9 pound rifle, ask any expert.

Well I should be ok then. The rifle I shot before buying mine after all is said and done will likely be less than 8oz difference.

I've shot my 338's more than any rifle in the last 25 years. But I still like the 30-06 and IF I were to go to one rifle (cartridge) it would probably be the 30-06. Hopefully one more trip to Africa where I'll take a 375 (H&H or Ruger yet to be determined) but for the lower 48 I'll be happy with my 30-06. 300WSM is too new a cartridge for me.

I have a 300 WSM that used to kill a cow Elk with last season, but I have dozens of rifles chambered for many different cartridges. Would it work for everything probably but what a boring drag that would be.

I get depressed thinking about having one rifle. I may have to go get another 7 mag. Only have 5 right now.

As far as it being boring, probably. I'll tell you what more boring, having lots of cool rifles in different calibers and watching them collect dust while I add more rifles and calibers. I could probably afford most of my huts by simply not buying more rifles and putting the funds towards hunting but I could definitely hunt a lot more if I sold all the rifles/optics/reloading gear minus a few favorites.

I buy new or different rifles and calibers all the time and have never shorted myself of hunting funds. I hunt every season I draw tags and over the counter when I don't.

Perhaps you have more funds than I. Or maybe you're not trying to hunt the places I am or the game. Some quick math tells me I'm spending about 1k a year....and that's without actually getting drawn. Truth is I could by a new rifle every year. most people that know me would put it closer to a new rifle every month (if last year is an indicator). I simply prefer to streamline things and use the funds elsewhere.

When I get the itch, I pick up something for one of my boys. They have a great m70 collection and don't even know it. Hell, I doubt either of them could hold one up yet. Aside from all that, I'll likely keep what I have, just not add to the pile going forward.

I'm a rifle loonie like so many others here. I don't sell the rifles I accumulate unless it is not accurate, don't fit me etc. It is fun to take two different manufacture's rifles chambered in the same cartridge to the range and see what load each likes. You know one on one. I also build many of my own rifles since I have been gunsmithing in my own business which I started in 1984. Plus I have access to rifles that come in from estates, so I pick and choose to keep or sell on the racks.

I'm also an avid M1 Garand collector with 77 in my collection. Hell even the license plate on truck says CAL30M1.

I did for a while. Ran 180 accubonds only as it liked them and at .5 grain below max. It was a Tikka T3 stainless. Nothing wrong with it but it got boring. Not a bad choice if you can only have one.

300SAUM...I have shot a lot of animals with it, not my only rifle but pretty darn good...

I have a option to buy an X bolt speed 300wsm for a good price. As Mule deer and black bear will be my primary quarry what would be a good bullet to use if shots are close and I don't want a lot of blood shot meat?

Load 165 Barnes, I use them in 300H&H, 300win, and in 300 WSM

Or 168's. I shoot 168 TTSX out of my 300saum and they work great.

I hunted with a Ruger m77 mII in 300WM and 180grn Hornady interlocks for 15 years. It was my only centerfire rifle. Longest shot with it in the neighborhood of 400 yards.

I got weird looks when I went coyote hunting with it though.

If I had to do that over, I would go with a .280 or 30-06, and shoot more for cheaper cost and less kick.

Just run the 30-06 and make life easy. If you're going for the "one gun for everything" life, the 30-06 makes it even easier than the WSM.

I'm not going 1 gun for everything, just the 300wsm on the larger big game. 6.5x55 will take care of the light stuff.

If you don't reload and the 300 WSM is your only rifle, you'd better have a pile of spare cash on hand. Ammo is expensive.

I have a Finnlight 300 WSM. It wears a custom stock by MG Arms. It weighs 7.2 lb ready to hunt. It is THE most repeatably accurate rifle I own. I can take it apart into all of its pieces and it will return to zero every time. Besides my 308 its easily my favorite gun.

I am not averse to recoil. So, a 7.2 lb 300 WSM presents no offense.

I did not intend for it to become my primary gun. But, it's way too easy to get along with.

This is my experience with my Swede. If the 300 is the same I'll move out a 338 or two.

Got any pics of that stock? I don't actually mind the duratouch but the way it picks up scars a stock replacement is inevitable.

Got my brass and dies today. I'll work up some 180 ttsx and 165/168 loads and see if there is a prefernce. Once the load is selected I'll cook up a few hundred and call it good for a long while.

What scope do you have on it and why?
I have a Sako Tecomate 300 WSM that is 6 7/8 lbs bare and can1t
decide on a scope for it.

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Barreled action: Sako 85 Finnlight 300 WSM - 5.8 lb
Stock: MG Arms Dakota Classic - 20 oz
Scope: Swarovski 3-10x 42mm - 12 oz

Swarovski 3-10x AV Habicht weighs 12 oz & is the best glass I have ever seen. So, it is lightweight, bright, durable & returns to perfect zero each time I remove/replace it. Can't say anything negative about it. Not particularly fond of variable scopes. But, they are much easier to find than fixed.

I've had a 300WSM for a few years and if I felt the need for anything bigger than 308 and smaller than 375 mag it is the round I'd choose. But lately I'm finding 308 does about anything I need to do.

Recoil is 90% between the ears. Put the word magnum on a headstamp and a lot of shooters tremble before pulling the trigger.

These 3 are as close to identical as you can get. All Winchester 70's, Edge stocks, and all weigh within 1 oz of 7.5 lbs. The 300WSM is 7.5 on the nose, the 30-06 +1 oz the 308 -1 oz. From left to right 300 WSM, 30-06, 308. When loaded with 180 gr bullets and calculated with recoil calculator.



300 WSM/2950 fps, 26 ft lbs recoil
30-06/2800 fps, 22 ft lbs recoil
308/2650 fps, 18 ft lbs.

I don't currently have a 300 WM, but have owned several in the past. At the same 7.5 lbs.

300WM/3000fps, 30 ft lbs recoil

My 300 WSM does recoil more than 30-06, but I simply don't notice the extra 4 ft lbs. When I move up to 300 WM I do notice the additional 8 ft lbs of recoil. And I hardly notice the 4 ft lbs difference between 308 and 30-06, but once again the 8 ft lbs difference between 308 and 300 WSM is noticeable.

I still think the 300 WSM is a good balance between recoil and bullet speed. I'd only pick up 50 fps going to 300 WM at the expense of 4 ft lbs recoil.

For 4 ft lbs of recoil I gain 150 fps over 30-06 and the 30-06 gains 150 fps over 308 for only 4 ft lbs recoil.

RL17 has no problem pushing a 180 at 3,030 fps+ from the WSM / 24" bbl. That's where I run mine. Obviously recoil increases slightly, but it also puts the WSM squarely in WM territory. Most 24" WM's will run a 180 in the 3,080 fps range from a 24" bbl.

I use my 300 WSM solely for running my 165's at 3050 fps. The gun likes it & I like it. My current 308 pushes my 155 Scenar's at 2900 fps & that's good enough.

Bought a new Sako 85 Black 308. It is getting a custom stock. Aint shot it yet.

My 300WSM is at it's best too with 165gr bullets running around 3050fps.It's shoots purty darn flat and delivers one heck of a punch when it gets there.With Reloader 17 I was able to clock some 165's @ 3200fps,but I never could get it to group very well.On the other hand,my 300 Win Mag loved Reloader 17 and I was able to push 165 @ 3250fps and 180's @ 3200fps.Win 760 can get me 3100fps with great accuracy and that's what I'm using in it these days.

The 300WSM I recently acquired runs 168 TTSX's with RL-17 at 3160 shooting tight little groups. It duplicates the groups with H4350 and 180 NPT's at 2950. Lots to like about that!