Hunting/ 300 winmag, vs 300wsm vs 338lapua

[timmay]

Ok I know these types of comparisons have been asked a lot but Im going to ask for my own specifics. I own a 308 and love it. It can take down elk at any close to medium range no prob and ammo is everywhere BUT I want to step it up a notch (or two or three lol)
Im looking into the 300 magnums(300win mag, 300wsm, 300rum) and also the 338 Lapua.
I want a rifle than can take down anything at 1000+ yards (if I can do it)
Im thinking the 300 win mag is all Ill ever need but I know the 338 lapua is just a bad mofo. but ammo is super expensive
So what do you guys think I should get for a killer of heavy game from say 500 yards up to 1000+ yards?
Thanks and by the way this is my first post, Ive been reading here for a while and love this site!
PS: Ive also been looking into the wildcats like the 7mm and 338 allen magnums (I dont hand load yet but will very soon)

 

[SavageShtr]

Well for the chamberings you are looking into I would suggest the 300 win mag or the 300 rum. The 338 Lapua is an awesome caliber but like you stated it is very expensive to shoot factory ammo out of, or to reload for for that matter. The 300's have factory ammo available every ware and will do good at the distances you looking at. If I was to pick just one of the calibers you suggested it would be the 300 rum with the 230gr berger. You also might want to look into the 7mm rum or even the 7mm stw with 180gr bullets. I would also look into reloading very soon as that will save you a bunch of money and also be able to make a load that works the best for your weapon. The Allen mags are even more expensive to load for and I wouldn't recommend either of those to a beginner at long range shooting. Continue to practice with the 308 until you get another rifle in the caliber that you pick and you should be ok.

 

[johnnyk]

Welcome to LRH,
It's not as dangerous and nasty as some addictions but does require "group" therapy on paper, steel and sometimes rocks!

"Im thinking the 300 win mag is all Ill ever need".... I tend to follow my gut instinct when making these types of decisions. It will do what you're asking of it and has been for 48 years.
The allure of going bigger will probably always be there....it's a guy thing. I have a .300WInMag and it's more than enough but I occasionally get that crazy idea that I can build, feed and shoot a .338 Lapua. In my area (SE Georgia) that's utterly ridiculous! Still it would be fun.......

Buy one of each. An addiction is an addiction!

JohnnyK.

 

[liltank]

Well for the chamberings you are looking into I would suggest the 300 win mag or the 300 rum. The 338 Lapua is an awesome caliber but like you stated it is very expensive to shoot factory ammo out of, or to reload for for that matter. The 300's have factory ammo available every ware and will do good at the distances you looking at. If I was to pick just one of the calibers you suggested it would be the 300 rum with the 230gr berger. You also might want to look into the 7mm rum or even the 7mm stw with 180gr bullets. I would also look into reloading very soon as that will save you a bunch of money and also be able to make a load that works the best for your weapon. The Allen mags are even more expensive to load for and I wouldn't recommend either of those to a beginner at long range shooting. Continue to practice with the 308 until you get another rifle in the caliber that you pick and you should be ok.

I completely agree! I've come to the idea that a 270WSM, 7SAUM, 338WM or 300WM will be my next Long Range Magnum.

Tank

 

[WildRose]

Ok I know these types of comparisons have been asked a lot but Im going to ask for my own specifics. I own a 308 and love it. It can take down elk at any close to medium range no prob and ammo is everywhere BUT I want to step it up a notch (or two or three lol)
Im looking into the 300 magnums(300win mag, 300wsm, 300rum) and also the 338 Lapua.
I want a rifle than can take down anything at 1000+ yards (if I can do it)
Im thinking the 300 win mag is all Ill ever need but I know the 338 lapua is just a bad mofo. but ammo is super expensive
So what do you guys think I should get for a killer of heavy game from say 500 yards up to 1000+ yards?
Thanks and by the way this is my first post, Ive been reading here for a while and love this site!
PS: Ive also been looking into the wildcats like the 7mm and 338 allen magnums (I dont hand load yet but will very soon)

With your requirements I'd say either 300 Rum or 7mm Rum.

Both the .300wm and .300wsm both start running out of gas for medium and larger sized game at around 800yds.

The .338 Lapua, edge, and the other big .338's are phenomenal weapons they are just not needed at 1,000yds or less.

 

[timmay]

thanks for the comments, Im going to do some more researching/thinking but I think I will probably build up a 300win mag, maybe the ultra mag
I have a 30-06 but Im going to give it to my dad so filling that spot back in with a 300 win mag I think will be just fine with a little further yardage.

Or I could just say screw it all and get a 408 chey tac or a 416 barrett or 50bmg and just kill anything from anywhere lol