Author Topic: .308 vs 300 WSM  (Read 1336 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline tdn

  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 77
  • Gender: Male
.308 vs 300 WSM
« on: March 06, 2008, 06:28:23 PM »
I am debating between rifles in these two calibers, any thoughts on a comparison between the two cartridges? What is the short magnum like? Mostly for Mulies, Whitetail and possible elk.
Thanks

-tdn

Offline deltecs

  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1605
  • Gender: Male
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2008, 07:21:12 PM »
I am debating between rifles in these two calibers, any thoughts on a comparison between the two cartridges? What is the short magnum like? Mostly for Mulies, Whitetail and possible elk.
Thanks

-tdn

Either is ok for the game you listed.  The .308, which I presume is the .308 Winchester, is comparable to the .300 Winchester Mag as to the .300 WSM.  The .300 WSM and .300 Win mag are nearly identical as to ballistics.  One just does it in a shorter case and shorter actions like the .308 Win. 
Greg lost his battle with cancer last week on April 2nd 2009. RIP Greg. We miss you.

Greg
deltecs
Detente: An armed citizenry versus a liberal society
Opinion(s) are expressly mine alone and do not necessarily agree with those of GB or GBO mgmt.

Offline ms

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2442
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2008, 12:30:18 AM »
Get your self the 300 Winchester not the 300 wsm. If it was me I would get a 30/06 and be done.

Offline Mikey

  • GBO Supporter
  • Moderators
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8734
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2008, 01:24:13 AM »
ms x 2.  Mikey.

Offline thumbcocker

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 160
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2008, 02:44:13 AM »
I'd go with the 308.

Offline PartsMan

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1351
  • Gender: Male
  • Proud Handi Owner
    • myspace
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2008, 03:19:50 AM »
The 308 is all you need. Also more ammo easier to find.
300 wsm is just faster.
Of course if you want a little more power and speed
in the same size gun and don't mind paying more for the ammo
get the 300.

Offline poncaguy

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (2)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2751
  • Gender: Male
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2008, 02:35:03 PM »
I have both,  2 308's and a Winchester Super Shadow 300WSM. I really enjoy the 300 WSM, shoots 1/2"-3/4" groups and reaches way out there. But, 308 will do you fine and ammo is cheaper....................but I still prefer the 300 wsm

Offline Lone Star

  • Reformed Gunwriter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2359
  • Gender: Male
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2008, 06:34:40 AM »
If elk is on the ticket, then the .300 has a definite advantage.  It will launch a heavier bullet faster and shoot a bit flatter with more terminal power delivered to the larger animal.  If you handload, the cost difference in ammo is trifling.    Too, you can download the .300 somewhat for deer if desired.

....Load................Muzzle(v/e).......300 yards......500 yards
.308 - 180 E-Tip....2620/2743.....2136/1834.....1845/1360
.300 - 180 E-Tip....3010/3621.....2484/2465.....2165/1873


.

Offline tdn

  • Trade Count: (7)
  • Member
  • *
  • Posts: 77
  • Gender: Male
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #8 on: March 08, 2008, 09:44:18 AM »
Thanks guys, I think I am going to stick with the .308  but appreciate all the insight.  I am not needing to hit anything over 250 yrds. anyway, and available and cheaper ammo is a good thing to be sure.

Offline nomosendero

  • Moderator
  • Trade Count: (6)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5760
  • Gender: Male
Re: .308 vs 300 WSM
« Reply #9 on: March 08, 2008, 09:49:47 AM »
If elk is on the ticket, then the .300 has a definite advantage.  It will launch a heavier bullet faster and shoot a bit flatter with more terminal power delivered to the larger animal.  If you handload, the cost difference in ammo is trifling.    Too, you can download the .300 somewhat for deer if desired.

....Load................Muzzle(v/e).......300 yards......500 yards
.308 - 180 E-Tip....2620/2743.....2136/1834.....1845/1360
.300 - 180 E-Tip....3010/3621.....2484/2465.....2165/1873


.

Well said Lonestar!

I have both rounds & they are quite different despite the fact they are both 30 caliber. In fact I have a 30-30, 30-30AI, 308, 30-06, 30-06AI & a 300WM, yea I shoot 30 cal quite a bit.

Tdn, I noticed you said "Muley's, Whitetail & possibly Elk". Both rounds will cleanly harvest Elk, but the max. range for a quick kill are very different.
Also, with the Mule Deer or Whitetails even, at what maximum yardage will you harvest these animals? That should be a big part of this decision. You can "HIT" an Elk or a Deer a long ways off with a 308 if you know what you are doing, but the "terminal power delivered to the larger
animal" as Lonestar puts it must be considered.
You will not make peace with the Bluecoats, you are free to go.