Author Topic: 300 Win mag (Read 2002 times)

Yes, 357_SIG · « **on:** July 28, 2010, 11:40:08 AM »

How about downloading the 300 Win mag?
How much flexibility do you have for lighter loads and smaller bullets?

Could it actually be more versatile than the 30-06?

Happy · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2010, 12:27:38 PM »

You could down load and have less reciol with lighter bullets . But if you did not want the 100-200 FPS gain why not just go with the 3006 or beter the 308W?. Less spent on power , and most of all recoil.
I use my 300 WM for the longer shots on large game , but usually carry the 06 other wise , while the lever in 307 is more in line for that close in deer.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2010, 02:16:00 PM »

I wanted to get a "Standard" [#1B] in 30-06 because of the tremendous versatility of that caliber.
There is an incredible variety of readily available good factory ammo at reasonable [at least for these days] prices.
Even if you aren't going to handload, ...
you can still cover just about everything in North America, from varmints to elk,
... and even an accidentally provoked bear.

However, I am slobbering uncontrollably over that gorgeous K1B black laminate stock and stainless steel metal parts.
[Here in the swamps, stainless steel is a wonderful thing.]

Unfortunately, it is available only in 270 Win and 300 Win mag.

Not sure if it is worth paying premium prices for 300 Win mag ammo, ...
and having to handload to get lighter [varmint] loads; ...
assuming that you can download a 300 Win mag as easily as you can download a 30-06.

Surprisingly, there are a lot more factory loads for 30-06 than for 270 Win.
Lots of readily available, deer to elk class, good factory ammo at reasonable [or at least 30-06 class prices]; ...
but you would still have to handload to get much in the way of lighter [varmint] loads.

At the price of Ruger #1s, this rifle is going to have to be a "do everything" gun.
If I won the lotto, I could find some very good reasons for a half dozen ... or more of these jewels.

Would really appreciate some help with this.

Happy · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2010, 03:39:19 PM »

Well
Had picked a wife once just for her looks . Blonde , blue eyes , 5'4" and built at the right place's
Did not last .Picked her 'cause I was looking only on the outside and she did not make any grade elsewhere .
So your caught up looking at a fine stainless K1B in the wrong calipier .
Then too you will never have the do every thing gun. You could make due with one, but there are always trade off's . The 270 might not deliver a heavy enough bullet for the game .
A big long barrreled single might not be the best in heavy cover where a 30/30 Marlin would shine, where the 26" stainless in 300 Wm would be the ticket for long range shots at the range . .Then the expensive Sako I had sure was a beautiful gun , but then I was so uneasy to drag it through the elders and swamp for it might have a scratch. Love the t3 Tikka for that reason . Darn good gun , just as my current spouse.
She's no blonde , but Black hair/ brown eye's , and to me -the best gal ever!!.
So figure what fitures serves your needs the most ,and get the best you can afford,
If your into single shots , then look at TC and at least you might be able to change the barrel/ calipier to suit your needs .

Mac11700 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2010, 04:28:05 PM »

Quote from: Yes, 357_SIG on July 28, 2010, 11:40:08 AM

How about downloading the 300 Win mag?
How much flexibility do you have for lighter loads and smaller bullets?

Could it actually be more versatile than the 30-06?

Everything I have read and been told by those I trust about reloading data have said the 300 Win Mag is indeed just as versatile as the 30-06 with all of the loads available for it. Granted..brass is slightly more costly and you do have to use more powder..but..it is always your option to increase the powder to achieve what the 30-06 cannot give with sane pressures and that is true magnum performance.You can get close with the o6' but you will need a long barrel 26-28" and stuff the case with as much slow powder as you can..I know..I was in this boat just last month when I elected to step up from a custom single shot 26" tubed 30-06. While exceptionally nice,I couldn't see myself risking myself or the gun to achieve what I get now with my Weatherby 300 Win Mag. Take a look at the Hodgdon's web site...http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp compare the data for yourself..You can also pick up a Lyman reloading manual which will show you some very mild reduced loads and even cast bullet loads for it.

The old saying (for me anyway) is very fitting when it comes to this..." It's better to have it and not need it,than it is to need it and not have it " Just becuase I have a car that can do 167 mph..doesn't mean I want to drive it that speed all the time..

Mac

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2010, 06:46:34 PM »

Thanks,

The 300 Win mag would add a lot on the top end, if I [ever] needed it.

On the other hand, I am probably a lot more likely to need the lighter loads.

It has been a very long time since I was set up for reloading, and I just don't remember the finer points.
Unfortunately, I no longer have access to any manuals, etc., etc.

Seems to me that there was some concern with "overbore" capacity that made it difficult to work up light loads in some high performance cartridges.
That may have been mostly ... or even only ...in the hyper 22s [220 Swift etc.,] ;
... I just can't remember how and when all of that kicked in.

It may be that there just isn't that much difference between the case design and the characteristics of 300 Win mag and 30-06 cartridges.

With the price of 300 Win mag factory ammo, a fella would certainly want to reload.
Also, it is really hard to find 300 Win mag factory ammo in anything less than 165 grain bullets.

Just wonder if it would be possible to duplicate the 110 and 125 grain loads that are available in 30-06 factory ammo.
? ? ?

Mac11700 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 30, 2010, 03:56:15 AM »

Here's something my good freind sent me to read when I was having a hard time figuring out what to go far..

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/the_300_winchester.htm

It may or not help you..but I understood the logic of it completely

Mac

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2010, 05:28:51 AM »

Well, horsefeathers !

Good article, bad news.

"at 400 yards, the .270 shooting 130 spitzers and the .300 Win. Mag. shooting 200-grain spitzers have virtually identical trajectories. The difference is that the .270 arrives carrying roughly 1300 ft/lbs of energy (below the 1500 ft/lbs often cited as a minimum for elk) while the Winny will deliver over a ton of energy, almost 2300 ft/lbs What the great .270 is to deer and sheep, the .300 Winny is to elk."

I'm yelling "Uncle".

Yes, if you absolutely, positively, must limit to 1 [one] gun, the 30-06 isn't a bad choice.

On the other hand, if you eat beans and rice for a while [years ? ? ? ];

you can get both a 270 Win and a 300 Win mag Ruger #1 [Standard Sporter];

... actually, a pair of nearly identical K1s !

Which will definitely keep the freezer filled with all manner of good meat to go with the beans and rice.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2010, 05:50:02 AM »

When I loaded some 150's for mine they didn't do well . Mine likes 180 alot . Might be rate of twist not sure never checked . Anyway a store near me was stopping selling sporting ammo and i got 6 boxes of fed. 180 gr. for 8 dollars a box . havent loaded any since. they shoot real good.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2010, 07:55:04 AM »

Wow, ... that was a Super deal.
Those are now $30. / box.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2010, 08:01:44 AM »

It was the owners son is a friend which helped

Mac11700 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 31, 2010, 04:08:48 AM »

Quote from: Yes, 357_SIG on July 30, 2010, 07:55:04 AM

Wow, ... that was a Super deal.
Those are now $30. / box.

While not $8.00 a box...you just have to actually look for good deals...http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=999164..or the new Winchester bonded bullets..http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=193270

Mac

Happy · « **Reply #12 on:** July 31, 2010, 07:33:11 PM »

I find that the federal plain jane ammo shoots very well and can usually be bought cheap. I usually buy some for range work with a newly acquired rifle .

For the 300 WM winchester 70 I have ,I load 80 grs of H1000 topped with a 180 bullet Vel=3000+ @5299cup. which seems to be pleasing to the shoulder . Brass is bought once fired to save cost , and once fired in your rifle , you got it formed to your gun .
Yes a pound of powder is soon gone,while the 3006 is indeed cheaper over all to shoot with the same bullet . (57grs)

Think If I was looking at a single shot , I would look into the 280 improved.Your close to the 7MM Mag in perforance ,so too with the heavier bullet weights able to drop some of the heavier animals in North America.

Some thing to think about as far as cost's and needs go.

Dand · « **Reply #13 on:** August 02, 2010, 11:52:22 PM »

I've had a 300 win mag for quite some time. I usually use 180 gr bullets living here in Alaska. Carry some 200 or 220 if worried about brown bears. I have fiddled a little with light loads and haven't had a lot of luck with accuracy. Did have some light loads with H414 that hang fired - that is a really nerve rattling experience. Click- hesitate- bang. I think its a bit tricky to load light with that big case. I just shot a few 110 gr bullets last week. Poor accuracy at 25 yds but they fired ok. I made them to allow my 12 yr son to just shoot the 300. I suppose I could work on them until I found an accurate load but I'm not sure its time or components well spent.

If the 300 is mostly too big for your uses I'd stick with the 06 or 308. With some of the current powders and premium bullets and premium factory loads the '06 will do a LOT safely. And you'll burn far less powder. I'm currently working up some moderate 150 gr loads for the boy. I sure like using 50-55 gr powder in the 06 versus 69-75 gr in the 300.

Don't short change the '06 I know a guy who has dumped two charging brown bears with his 06.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #14 on:** August 03, 2010, 01:55:12 PM »

Quote from: Dand on August 02, 2010, 11:52:22 PM

I've had a 300 win mag for quite some time. I usually use 180 gr bullets living here in Alaska. Carry some 200 or 220 if worried about brown bears. I have fiddled a little with light loads and haven't had a lot of luck with accuracy. Did have some light loads with H414 that hang fired - that is a really nerve rattling experience. Click- hesitate- bang. I think its a bit tricky to load light with that big case. I just shot a few 110 gr bullets last week. Poor accuracy at 25 yds but they fired ok. I made them to allow my 12 yr son to just shoot the 300. I suppose I could work on them until I found an accurate load but I'm not sure its time or components well spent.

If the 300 is mostly too big for your uses I'd stick with the 06 or 308. With some of the current powders and premium bullets and premium factory loads the '06 will do a LOT safely. And you'll burn far less powder. I'm currently working up some moderate 150 gr loads for the boy. I sure like using 50-55 gr powder in the 06 versus 69-75 gr in the 300.

Don't short change the '06 I know a guy who has dumped two charging brown bears with his 06.

Thank you all !

I'm yelling "Uncle".

Yes, if you absolutely, positively, must limit to 1 [one] gun, the 30-06 is a great choice.

On the other hand, ... if you eat beans and rice ... for a while ...
you can get a pair of Ruger #1s !

Which will definitely keep the freezer filled with all manner of good meat to go with the beans and rice.

Am starting up a couple of [big] piggy banks and
... making plans to get back into reloading.

In the meantime, I will keep drooling over Ruger #1s; ... in 243 Win, 25-06, 270 Win, 30-06, 300 Win mag.
Just two [2], just two [2], just two [2] ;
270 Win & 300 Win mag,
270 Win & 30-06,
25-06 & 30-06,
243 Win & 30-06,
? ? ? .

Thanks,
Chuck

Dand · « **Reply #15 on:** August 05, 2010, 12:56:59 AM »

I have a Ruger 1B in 223. I've always loved the look of the #1. But when I went prairie dog shooting in Montana I got to hating the under lever. With the shooting bags we had I always had to get the gun out of position to reload. And the gun just isn't as accurate as many bolt guns - I think the 2 piece stock is one issue for me. Mine may be older and have the contract barrel - I'm not sure. Have played with the idea of re-barreling it but haven't been sure I wanted to put more money into the gun.

Not to rain on your picnic but #1's just don't thrill me like they used to.
I'm thinking of getting a Savage bolt 223 for more accuracy and convenience.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #16 on:** August 05, 2010, 11:04:23 AM »

I am really glad that I started researching Ruger #1's here on GBO.

Naively, I thought that they would be incredibly accurate like the classic Martinis, etc.
However, there are a lot of comments that talk in terms of "hunting" accuracy.

Ironically, most any Savage bolt rifle will turn out 1 moa groups ... at less than half the price!

Also, most of the better m16 clones in the Ruger #1 price range will turn out 1 moa groups.

In fact, apparently, the new Ruger Mini 14s, at about half the price, will match the Ruger #1 groups.

What the heck is going on here?

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #17 on:** August 21, 2010, 12:52:40 PM »

Quote from: Yes, 357_SIG on July 28, 2010, 11:40:08 AM

How about downloading the 300 Win mag?
How much flexibility do you have for lighter loads and smaller bullets?

Could it actually be more versatile than the 30-06?

My first rifle with a .308" bore was a .300 Win Mag. The first loads I developed for it were .308 equivalent. Next was .30-06 equivalent loads. Both were very accurate.

These days I have a .30-30, .308 Win and three .30-06 rifles and I stick with the .300 Win Mag full-power loads. The .308 Win, .30-06 and .300 Win Mag are all very good cartridges but the .300 Win Mag is the only one that can be loaded to all three levels.

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #18 on:** August 22, 2010, 12:41:24 PM »

Thanks.

Been looking for a good reason to get a 300 Win Mag.

Already have a 308 and just couldn't justiry adding a 30-06, although I do like them.

Seems to me that the 300 Win Mag may just be the most versatile caliber for North America.

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #19 on:** August 22, 2010, 01:56:54 PM »

Sig, I think you will find the .300 a wonderful caliber...I have shot p. dogs with mine, but it is tooooo big for that...but in reality..I hang out with a bunch of .300 fans...while I often use other callibers these days...when I was young and hunted mainly for meat for my wife and I...the .300 was the one I picked up...it brought home several elk and many deer that 06 shooters passed on as too far...I wore that barrel out on that rifle and the second...it is now on its third..it has traveled with me more miles than any rifle I own, except for my adl .22-250...You can load 125 grain bullets very fast, but 150's will shoot almost with them and carry more energy. I have a special .300 made up with a28.5 inch barrel for shooting coyotes in the winter time...right now I use 150 Nosler BTBT..it has taken coyotes at unbelievable ranges...If you hand load, you can go from 125's for shooting woodchucks to 220's...this is what made the 06 so great...but you have higer speeds, flatter traj. and more punch...If or when I shot chucks in the east with it I used 125'a so I would not have bullets bouncing over the mts. if I missed...for deer, antelope, blk. bear. 165's are great...of course you could a part. and use the same wt. on elk or moose...or heavier partition bullets ...I have friends who do all their hunting with the .300...a couple even use their's on wild turkey...they are good shots, and seldom waste any meat...the only thing I haven't really tried is loading it down for squirrel, but we all have .22'a for that ..good luck..a 26 inch barrel will give you top performance from this caliber.......

Yes, 357_SIG · « **Reply #20 on:** August 22, 2010, 02:39:28 PM »

Great.
Thanks.