The Fall 2010 Special Edition of "Rifle" is dedicated to the .30 caliber, with a lot of good write ups on everything from the 30-30 to the .303 Brit to the magnums.
Re: the .300 WM...
Developed to fit a 30.06 action, Winchester wanted maximum powder capacity. They tested with the short neck, less than bullet diameter, and found no discernable affect on accuracy.
The only disadvantage was that 220 gr bullets would cut into case capacity. However, ammo and bullet sales confirmed that this size of bullet was for the most part a non-factor; 180 to 200 gr made up by far the vast majority of sales. And today, given much improved bullet quality, 150 to 180 gr are fast becoming the largest share of the market.
Indeed, the .300 WM is very popular, and has a notable track record, in 1000 yd competition, generally with 190 gr. match grade ammo.
Point being, more is made of neck length equaling or surpassing bullet diameter, with regard to accuracy, than is actually sustainable at the range. Secondly, why design a cartridge to accommodate a heavy for caliber bullet that 99% of the market doesn't use anyway?
FWIW.
Last edited by sir_springer; 10/16/10.
