The 300 RUM is a great cartridge. It does require a muzzle brake for accurate long range shooting. It is capable of killing animals as far as a guy can hit them. With some of the specialty bullets out there it is one of the best long range chamberings. Like the 177grain GS bullet at near 3500 fps with a BC approaching .7. For a guy wanting a point and shoot flat shooter to 600 or so yards a 150 grain bullet at over 3700 fps is awesome. The 185 Berger with .549 BC makes a good mid range shooter that can go 1000 yards easily at over 3400 fps. I took deer and antelope in the 900-1000 yard range this year with a 300 RUM shooting 208 Hornady Amax bullets at 3210 fps.
For a guy wanting a one rifle do it all to last his lifetime the 338 RUM is a better choice because of the barrel wear with the 300 RUM. The 338 has much greater barrel life and can be loaded with bullets that hit harder at longer ranges. My Rem 700 with factory 26" barrel shoots the 300 smk up to 2800 fps and 225 accubond .550 BC at 3260 fps. These loads will outshoot the capability of the rifle.
