300WSM or 300 mag ?

[Nuclear Worker]

If you were going to get one for Elk hunting which would you get. Don't plan on shooting more than 600 yards. I had a 300WSM and shot an Elk at 535 yards ran 20 yards. Sold it to help pay for a 6.5x284 for my sheep hunt. Have never had a 300 mag. I know my 6.5 would get it done at 600 but would like something with a little more for that shot if I don't make the perfect shot and end up in the shoulder.

 

[dogz]

stick a good bullet from the 6.5 into an elk and you're golden. Punching thru shoulders on an elk is way over rated. Grab a 140 Accubond and rock on

 

[Wolf76]

Really depends on how heavy of a bullet you want to use. The 300wm does have an advantage with 200 + gr bullets. The 215 Berger is a proven commodity with the WM +H1000.
Brass is a little more common with the WM and there's probably a few more rifles available too. I like the additional case capacity of the WM. From a practical perspective, this is really splitting hairs.

 

[cohunt]

Cost wise, availability -300wm

Can drop a little wright and impress all the chick's with a 300wsm though

 

[Nuclear Worker]

stick a good bullet from the 6.5 into an elk and you're golden. Punching thru shoulders on an elk is way over rated. Grab a 140 Accubond and rock on

I don't want to shoot the shoulder but if I make a bad shot and hit the shoulder. I think I would be better with the larger caliber?

 

[Chadp82]

I don't want to shoot the shoulder but if I make a bad shot and hit the shoulder. I think I would be better with the larger caliber?

Don't overthink it. Bigger doesn't make up for a bad shot. Practice and be confident. Decide your personal limitation on distance. Close the distance if needed in the field. Proper shot placement will get 'er done.

 

[FEENIX]

If you were going to get one for Elk hunting which would you get. Don't plan on shooting more than 600 yards. I had a 300WSM and shot an Elk at 535 yards ran 20 yards. Sold it to help pay for a 6.5x284 for my sheep hunt. Have never had a 300 mag. I know my 6.5 would get it done at 600 but would like something with a little more for that shot if I don't make the perfect shot and end up in the shoulder.

I have both (three .300 WM and two .300 WSM) and will easily meet your requirements esp. with the right bullet and shot placement. The .300 WM remains my go-to chambering for antelope to elk size game up to 1KY. Load it with Berger 205, 215, or 230, and you're golden.

 

[CBH Australia]

.300wm

 

[Muddyboots]

I have both, 300WM is my easy button

 

[scope-eye]

I have both and if I had to give up one of them the WSM would have to go. There is nothing wrong with it, it's just another 30 cal that came along when there was really no void in the 30 cal
market. And that goes for all my WSMs, what ever the caliber my belted version does it better.
:IE 6mm MachIV, 257wby, 264wm, 270wby, 7RemMag and of course the 300wm.

Dean

 

[Rick Richard]

I have a couple each of both and like them both. The only disadvantage of the WSM is most are built or come with a short action. This makes seating depth (long) for the heavier projectiles such as anything over a 180 grain a challenge. Otherwise, they can be a real tack driver. Lots are being used in the bench rest world with long actions.

 

[L.Sherm]

Rick Richard has great advice,, If you can get atleast a 3.2 mag box and freebore to run 210-215or 220 300wsm. Tikka action is a great donor or Defiance.
Long action 300WM.

 

[FEENIX]

Even if you cannot get to ~3.2" OAL, the .300 WSM loaded with 215 Berger is no slouch. My Savage 11 propels the 215 (.060" off the lands, IIRC, COAL is 3.003) at 2850 FPS out of 24" barrel with RL17.

 

[xsn10s]

Even if you cannot get to ~3.2" OAL, the .300 WSM loaded with 215 Berger is no slouch. My Savage 11 propels the 215 (.060" off the lands, IIRC, COAL is 3.003) at 2850 FPS out of 24" barrel with RL17.

That would keep me above 1800 fps and 1500 ft/lbs at 1k!