Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Short Mags

I have been tinkering with the idea of getting into a compact short mag rifle. What is the better option between the SAUM, WSM, and RCM?

better in which way?....

WSM's have the most brass and factory ammo availability, specifically the 300 WSM, so in that regard it might be "better." I've taken enough game with the 300 WSM to know it works the same as a 300 WM.

However, the only Short Mag Id own anymore is the 6.5 PRC. Kicks a little and kills a lot...

Something that can fill the shoes of say a 300WM in a compact rifle with barrel 20" or less. Less prone to feeding issues I hear about with the short fat rounds. I don't reload yet but plan to start when things calm down and availability come back in line.

Thanks, going to have to do some looking at that round. do you know if it does well in a shorter barrel rifle?

Of the short mags, the 300WSM is probably the best established and the most easily sourced brass. And, it is a great hunting cartridge in its own right, too.

Not saying there are not other good options, just that the 300WSM is a good "starter" short mag.

A lot depends on what you want and what platform you use. I currently have 2 338RCMs, a 7SAUM and a 300WSM.

All have advantages, 300WSM and 6.5 PRC is the only ones where its going to be easy to buy factory ammo ( if the current shortage ever passes that is)

The SAUMs and RCMs are a little shorter in the case and perhaps better in a rifle that doesn't have a 3.00 mag box. If you want to shoot high BC bullets, it will take a little bit of planning to get the COAL and throat right. I suspect that 6.5 PRCs should be pretty good in this regard from the get go.

The RCMs do feed smoother than the SAUMs or WSMs, but have a little less case capacity. While neither my 300WSM or 7 SAUM feed smoothly, they do feed reliably, others have reported issues.

Typically you will loose one round of capacity in the Mag with a short mag as compared to a 06/08 based cartridge if thats important to you.

I have been looking at finding a Remington Model Seven in the SAUM or WSM or a Ruger guide or compact magnum rifle if I go the way of RCM. Just the little bit of looking at the 6.5 PRC platform, the rifles and ammunition are significantly more expensive.

I like the 7mm saum

I’m a fan of the 270 and 300wsm. No feeding issues out of a Tikka. I personally would not look to shorten the barrels. I find the 24” flavor work just fine. Between the extra noise/loss of velocity, I’d look to a 308 based case if you’re going to shorten the pipe. Just my .02.

270 or 300 WSM

I'd never do a WSM on a Remington action. You're better off with the SAUM in that platform.

If you want it in a short barrel, you'd be best served with a RCM (i have a 300 and 338 at my store). Just keep in mind you'd need factory ammo to hit published numbers, reloading will get you into the "hot" 30-06 range, not Win Mag. Hornady uses powders or possibly blends not available to the public.

Otherwise, take the easy road and get a 300 WSM. I think browning used to offer a 22 or 23 inch barrel. Could always buy a rifle and have a chop done on it

Brad,
Why?

You best have a supply of ammo or components or you’ll end up with a safe queen. Happy Trails

Rem are 2.9" long and M70 are 3.1" long. Most of the rifles with WSM feed issues were true short actions shoehorning a cartridge designed for guns with over 3" capability

Remington 700/7’s feed WSM’s like chit.

I have a (gasp) Browning A-Bolt in 300WSM with a 22" barrel. Handles good, shoots good, feeds good.

True. Early M70's did too.

Not really.