7 WSM or 300 WSM???

[UAD7116]

I'm getting ready to build another rifle and cant quite make up my mind on which caliber to choose 7mm or .308, I know I want either one in the WSM, but cant decide on which, I know I could just go with a 7 mag or .300 mag but I already have a short action.  It will be used mainly for longer range shots on deer but may get a chance to encounter larger game (black bear, elk) but 99.9% will be for deer and paper punching.  Anyways if you guys dont mind sharing any input to help me decide it will be greatly appreciated.  Thnks Kris

[KAYR1]

I'm sure that either one would tackle what you are looking to do. My vote is for the .300 WSM, probably because I own a few. There is a large selection of both .7mm and .30 caliber loads and bullets, but the heavier .30 cal bullets carry more thump downrange. I've always liked .30s better than 7mms for all-around utility, though.

I also think that in terms of longevity and popularity, the .300 WSM wins. It is already the most popular, and that tends to help with availabilty of cases, components, and factory loads over time. Just my 2c!

PS- what action/barrel are you using for your project?

[Syncerus]

I just bought a 7mm WSM because I like the rifle and got a great deal, but the .300 WSM is **much** more popular and ammo is **much** easier to find. Don't buy a 7mm WSM unless you reload.

I wish it weren't so, but that's the way it is.

[charles p]

I pickup up a 300WSM several years ago because I already had a 7mm Rem Mag and I had re-barreled  my 30-06 to  280AI.  I rarely use in because it is such an overkill on whitetail.  I reload for mine so ammo is not an issue.  Not just because I have one, but I feel that of all the WSM calibers, the 300 is the least likely to fail.

[UAD7116]

thanks for the input I was leaning a little more towards the .300 WSM, because of the availabilty of reloading componets in my area, and it will be on a savage action with a mcgowen barrel.  Thanks Kris

[Wyo. Coyote Hunter]

Kayar1, How long have you had you .300 WSM.s I am thinking of getting one. I don't need it but I WANT ONE   Saw a Lam. stocked 700 with a 26 inch fluted barrel the other day in Casper. I am plotting another trip there to pick it up.  What game do you use yours for?? I assume bullets would be 180 or less. What is the favorite. Thanks

[KAYR1]

Wyo, I have had my Savage for in .300 WSM for about four years, and a Browning A-Bolt for about 3. I use it for whitetails, I know, its overkill, but I like the precision and range that it offers when I hunt open country.

I handload a stout charge of IMR 4831 with a 165 grain Nosler Accu-Bond. Shoot sub MOA out to 300 yards in my Savage. I killed 4 deer with it last year ranging from 30-400 yards. (at 30 yards, the terminal effects are quite noticebale).

I really find this cartridge to be one of the most sensible and useful ones to have come down the pike as of late. I'm sure that it would do fine for elk, moose and such as well

[nilescoyote]

Assuming you reload, the 7mm will hold a ballistic edge at longer ranges over the 30 cal. That said, I have a 300 wsm and I am happy with it, but when its time to change barrels it will be coming back a 7mm.

[Coyote Hunter]

Of the two WSM choices, I'd go with the .300. 

If it was me, however, I'd build a .300 RCM instead.

[Cheesehead]

30 caliber offers the most bullet options, almost to many. Also bulk 30 caliber bullets can be had. In the past I have bought pulled 30 cal military bullets for very cheap. The economics are there, or were there, maybe supply issues now.

Cheese

[mcwoodduck]

If you have the most options in the 300 WSM then go with it for reloading.
I would head to my favorite store and see who has what on the shelf and pick that.
I think 300 is the winner of the WSM race and there will be more of it available if you are hunting or shooting outside of your area and need to get more ammo.

[jro45]

How fast does the 300 WSM go with a 180gr bullet? With my 300 Win the 180 goes 3060 FPS witch is fast enough for me.

[nomosendero]

How fast does the 300 WSM go with a 180gr bullet? With my 300 Win the 180 goes 3060 FPS witch is fast enough for me.

Opions will be all over the place, but it would be best to not expect over 3,000 & some change with good 300WSM loads & 3,100 & some change with the 300 Win Mag & good loads. So, the 300WM is a little faster with 180 grain bullets & as the bullets get heavier the spread grows. They are very close in weights of 165 & down. This is not reflected in factory ammo because the 300WSM is loaded at higher pressures than 300WM ammo. Bottom line is the 300WM has more powder capacity, therefore more velocity potential.