Let’s run ballistic profiles on three. I would ignore the 338 unless you someday want to hunt grizzles in Alaska or something! It may not display this or other websites correctly. Weight of the bullets in grains does not mean it is better in the wind. Calibers are personnel preference. Any of the calibers you mentioned will work just fine. For instance, the vast majority of 7mm Rem Mag loads shoot bullets in the 139-175 grain range. Mag. On most of those occasions I was handed a .30-06 or a .300 magnum, and every time it performed just as well as any 7mm I could have used. If you’re looking for longer range performance advantages, choose carefully because there are huge performance differences among these loads. Or, do I want to kill an elk deader? He just soaked up two rounds to the shoulder and one to the neck before wobbling and falling. The .300 Winchester Magnum, or .300 Win Mag, is used around the world for moose, elk, bear, and African plains game. For all practical purposes though, there isn’t a significant difference in the ballistics of the .300 Win Mag and 7mm Rem Mag at typical hunting ranges. can use bullets of 120 grains, but things usually top out at 175 or 185 grains. Updated: May 10, 2019. Mag. Might as well got with the 30-378 wby and get it over with. The 7mm Rem Mag overall length is slightly smaller than the .300 Win Mag – 3.34 inches against 3.29 inches. If you compare 7mm and .30 cal. 7MM Rem Mag. If you never plan on shooting game beyond 300 yards, don’t worry about any of this. or a 7RM because I have them. 7mm Rem Mag vs 300 Win Mag – Most Popular Rounds As we come to the end of our review, we will like to share some of the best rounds that are perfect for certain applications: We chose the HSM Berger 168gr magnum for the Remington cartridge because it is a heavyweight, ideal for hunting purposes, and makes the handling of recoil easy. I have shot many deer with it, 4 elk and every one was dropped in it's tracks. The two Barnes loads have almost an identical amount of wind drift, but the 7mm Rem Mag Nosler AccuBond load has a slight edge over the .300 Win Mag AccuBond load. I've used a 30-06 the last few years before this last year switching to 7mm Remington mag. has an obvious weight advantage, topping out at 240 grains. However, this small differential in size does not affect the fact that they can both be used in standard / long-action rifles. Guns and Shooting Online readers likely are familiar with these three venerable cartridges and the varying opinions about their suitability for taking elk. The 7mm (.284-inch) bullet drops less at all ranges even though the .308-inch bullet has a more efficient, minimum drag B.C. Any of the calibers listed above would work fine but the 7mm would generally have a little less recoil. Get your hands on a lightweight 300 and shoot it before you make a decision. So you need to ask yourself... Do I want to kill an elk dead? I myself love the 300 win mag and carried one for 20 plus years of hunting various big game in North America. when firing optimum bullets in each. Mag. For my first rifle I think I would stay away from the .338 and possibly the .300 just for recoil. Just put your shot were it needs to go. I also have a .300 Wthby in a Rem 700, but I don't think it provides much real advantage over the Win version. I gained nothing important in going from 06 to 7 RM. Sound familiar? Mag. Now for Elk I would much rather have more power to anchor an Elk before it gets a chance to get into the thick fallen timber were we hunted in NW Colorado. I was sure I needed that magnum "edge." Take the extra and put it towards glass. Mag and 7MM. The 7mm counterpart is the 180 grain Berger VLD. On the other hand, most.300 Win Mag loads use 150-230 grain bullets. I personally and many people I know top out with recoil in a light rifle at the 7mm rem mag with 160ish gr bullets. We shot and compared three popular options to help you decide on the best elk cartridge for your style of hunting Mag. Shoots more than flat enough and easy to find ammo. Just like with ammo, the major gun manufacturers produce sporting rifles chambered in all three cartridges. cartridges of similar capacity, driving bullets of comparable sectional densities and ballistic coefficients, it requires about 30 percent more recoil to match the trajectory of a 7mm with a .30. Preferred by long range hunters and military snipers over the … In my opinion, there is no difference in recoil between the 7mm Rem Mag and the .300 Win Mag. Some are designed for long range, some for close. The 300 WM kicks slightly more. Shot placement and bullet selection are more important than caliber.I have a Tikka T3 lite stainless and love it. I've bagged a deer with both but I'm not that familiar with other calibers. Inside of 200 yards no advantage. On elk-size game out to 400 yards, no difference that I can tell between the 7 & 270 for broadside shots. Truly appreciate you watching the videos!Cinder blocks with these two power houses!! For the elk we've taken, shot placement determined how much effective damage was done. In this update, we’re going to investigate real-world performance differences among some readily available factory loaded ammunition. You must log in or register to reply here. vs. .300 Win. It might change your mind. However, the.300 Winchester Magnum generally uses heavier bullets than the 7mm Remington Magnum. The 12 Best Cartridges for Elk Hunting. If you’re recoil sensitive… None of this matters to the elk. The 7mm RUM is really only a good option if you are shooting ultra long range. I've also heard that it doesn't create as big of hole. Anyone planning on shooting factory ammunition in either of these magnums should study the market carefully before choosing between the 7mm RM and 300 WM. It measures 2.62 inches – The 7mm Rem Mag is 2.5 inches. I always bring my 300 win mag as a back up incase my 06 scope gets bumped or for a really windy day, but my 06 is the go to rifle. I used to use 175 partitions. The author killed this last-day Colorado elk at 250 yards with a Ruger rifle in .300 Win. Go big kid! Mag. Shooting game past 400 yards really isn't a good idea for anyone. Mule Deer Cartridge Showdown: .270 Win. In the last 20 years bullet technology has improved dramatically, so a lighter bullet performs on game like a heavier bullet used to. I have shot most of my stuff with a .300 Win mag and it has never failed me. Sometimes its not as much fun dealing with recoil as you get older. Mag. Win. I'm a BIG Remington guy, but that Roughtech is a sweet rifle. I have decided on either a tikka t3 lite, Sako A7 roughteck pro or a Remington SPS stainless. is easily one of the top choices for many hunters. Mag. The 7mm mag and the 30-06 that I used where both my uncles. I know that a ton of you probably use a 270 and can bag an elk no problem. Me, I"d go SPS stainless, especially for the money. They are not necessary. The Browning X-Bolt features a low luster finish on the receiver and barrel, and the walnut color both looks great and prevents glare or reflection from giving away your location during a hunting trip.. The case and overall length of the.300 Win Mag are slightly longer than the 7mm RM, and its overall case capacity has a larger volume. I would pick a 7mm mag above the 7mm rum. I've taken much game with the 308, and my Weatherby 300 Alaskan too, but that 7MM-08 is a sweet package as well, plus light on recoil. As mentioned earlier, it would be hard to discount the .270 or the 30-06 either. Iv'e killed elk with a 270 and a 300 with Barnes bullets. Oddly enough, given expectations of the rabble, it was not the .338 Winchester necked down. You will get all different opinions. In a previous blog we investigated the subtle differences between the 7mm Rem. I want one gun for both. This is, I think, because most hunters are more than satisfied with the punch and performance of 180-grain slugs and aren’t eager to endure the additional recoil of heavier versions. One uses the 300 Win Mag handloaded 180gr, the other uses the .30-06 handloaded 180gr, and I use the 7mm Rem Mag 160gr factory Nosler Partition as loaded by Federal. This year I have saved up enough money and wanted to get my own. And I know my rifle so well, I can still hit a gong at 500 yards with it. The ballistics coefficient is what determines that. Mag. The 270 weighs a lot less and costs less to shoot, and recoil/noise is less than the 7. Just my opinion. There have been a handful of lever action and single shot rifles chambered in .308 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield over the years. Once you answer that question, you'll have the correct answer. forms. and 300 Win. I am 17, and I hunt mule deer in southern Oregon where it is pretty open and flat. Remember, the slower the MV and lower the bullet B.C., the poorer the ballistic performance across the board: more … For my purposes I would like to start at the 3's and go up. vs. 7mm Rem. As long as you know were and how much it's dropping either of those calibers will work. Hi, my name is Brett. I think that the 30-06 is your answer. Mag(Winchester Magnum) and 7MM (Remington Magnum) are very popular in hunting circles here in the United States because of their good ballistics at range on larger game such as elk. I also hunt elk in western Oregon where there is lots of hills and thick timber. Mag. mtmuley. I would much rather skip right past any 300 Mag and have my .338 Win Mag in … Bullet B.C. All Rights Reserved, Study ammo catalogs and you’ll see there are usually 160-grain to 175-grain bullets offered aboard 7mm RM, but the, Anyone planning on shooting factory ammunition in either of these magnums should study the market carefully before choosing between the. In general .30 cal bullets have a lower BC than 7mm, 6.5, and 6mm bullets. I would say if you've used the 7 mag and are familiar with it, then go with it. The 300 Win. By Todd E. Hale, J.D. This is why so many elk guides carry the 7mm mag in the first place. Develop a flinch and it will be hell to pay to get rid of it. Even that is too much for most people to practice with a lot. The .270 Win HAS less bullet, "Drop" (Flatter Trajectory) than the .308 and with, a 140 grain Nosler AccuBond or, partition, starting at 3,000 FPS, should be an efficient "Elk slayer" to about, 500 yards ! This is because the MV was 200 fps faster. Recoil differences between full-house 175-grain 7mm RM and 180-grain 300 WM loads are so minimal as to be ignored. JavaScript is disabled. Both shoot comparable to each other. Yet, there is only one winner in any group, and only three cartridges in this test are reliable 1000-yard elk killers: the .300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag, and .340 Weatherby. Mag. by Chuck Catchpole (Cordes Lakes, AZ) I have Smith & Wesson 7mm Rem Mag that I would not trade for the most expensive gun on the market. in 7mm RM factory loads than 300 WM loads. It's got a little less explosive expansion, and tends to guarantee an exit wound which I like. For shooting elk or similar sized critters a 160 to 180 grain bullet is just about ideal. I was most always hunting Deer when the Elk showed up. THIS ^^^^ GOOD advice ! As the names imply, the.300 Win Mag takes a 30-cal (.308″) bullet, while the 7mm Rem Mag takes a smaller caliber (.284″) bullet. Grab a ballistic computer and run all the comparisons you want. Here’s a sampling of currently cataloged 7mm and 300 WM loads from a variety of brands: Clearly you’ll find more long range options (high MV and B.C.) The logical bottom end for the .300 Winchester ranges between 130 and 150 grains, depending on bullet construction; the 7mm Rem. Sounds like you may already own a rifle in the caliber you describe. Find a tough cartridge for one of the most prized and toughest hooved big game animals around. The performance difference between the two was marginal. One was a cow elk at 357 yards, free handed nothing near by to steady. Although this is a fairly popular debate lets compare the 300 Win Mag to the 7mm Rem Mag and look at the actual numbers. Accuracy overrules power, and almost everyone shoots more accurately when there is less recoil. Of your choices the .338 is the one that doesn't fit just because you mentioned longer shots. A popular long range load for the 300 Win Mag near this range is the 190 grain Berger VLD. So like no exotic calibers. I have just never been thrilled by the 7mm Rem Mag. Energy doesn’t kill; tissue destruction does. It is easy to shoot verses the 300 Win mag shooting max 180 or 200 grain loads. is a descendant of the mighty .375 H&H and has seen widespread use in every sphere from military applications to big-game hunting. Also there needs to be a good selection of ammo and be generally easy to find. I'm a recoil weenie and so would choose the 7 Mag. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I have to say that I'm pretty sold on the 7mm but I don't know too much about the 300 mags and the other calibers. Here’s a sampling of currently cataloged 7mm and 300 WM loads from a variety of brands: Clearly you’ll find more long range options (high MV and B.C.) 1. 308 vs 300 Win Mag vs 30-06 Springfield Rifles. I have killed elk with ,260 rem, 6.5 x 284, 270 win, 270 wsm, 7mm saum, 7mm rem mag, 300 wsm. This will go over the key differences and similarities between the 300 Win. My first rifle was a 7 RM, which I bought to replace my dad's 30-06 I was using. We have updated our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy as of May 5th, 2020, http://www.hornady.com/store/300-Win-Mag-200-gr-ELD-X-Precision-Hunter/, http://www.hornady.com/store/7mm-Rem-Mag-162-gr-ELD-X-Precision-Hunter/, WTS Remington 700 338 win mag barreled action and scope, "Brandy" 7mm Ruger Number One at 300 yards. 300 win mag. Hunting gifts received-let’s see/hear ‘em. Remember, the slower the MV and lower the bullet B.C., the poorer the ballistic performance across the board: more drop, more drift, less retained energy downrange. The differences in available loads could make one perform significantly better than the other. You are using an out of date browser. But jump up to 200-grain bullets in the 300 and additional punch starts to open eyes — or close them. Like over 400 yards. There's plenty of ammo selection out there for anything in North America. makes a huge difference. There is one for sale on longrangehunting for just over a grand In 7mm Remington even. We’ll zero all rifles at 250 yards and shoot in a 10 mph right angle wind. They can hit their mark accurately at long range. This 300 Win Mag rifle is also fairly affordable and weighs only 7 pounds, making it the lightest choice on our list. Mag. That is the biggest question. The 300 win mag is great but if you are at all recoil sensitive then the 300 win is going to need a break. And the lighter bullet "shoots flatter." By Joseph von Benedikt. If you like the 7 mag, it will suite you well. The .300 Winchester appeared a year after Remington’s 7mm. Here is a direct comparison of 300 Win Mag firing the popular 178gr A-MAX vs 7mm Rem Mag firing the popular 162gr A-MAX. Study ammo catalogs and you’ll see there are usually 160-grain to 175-grain bullets offered aboard 7mm RM, but the 300 WM usually tops out at 180-grains with a few offerings at 190- or 200-grains, but rarely high B.C. vs. 338. Comparing the two, the .300 Win. Elk Cartridge Field Report: .270 Winchester, 7mm Rem. All of the factory loads above will suffice, as this video of a 6x6 bull elk kill suggests. Elk Cartridge Showdown: .308 Win vs. .300 Win. Recently I've gone to 270, because modern 150 gr rounds in 270 equal or better the 175 gr rounds I always used in the 7 mag for elk. In these 3 calibres I'd use 140 grain bullets in the 7MM-08, 165's in the 308, and 180's in the 300 Win Mag, and ( especially..) all with partition bullets from the Nosler brand. We put 3 popular cartridges to a head-to-head-to-head test If I were getting one gun to do it all, it would be 270 or 280, which is a 30-06 case shooting 7 mm bullets. I have taken everything from elk to deer to antelope with it. Mag. Factory loads don’t necessarily offer optimum velocities or the high ballistic coefficient bullets available to handloaders. My 7mm mag elk load is the 175 A-Frame at 2950 ft/s. ratings, but these should get you close. My son saved up for his first shotgun and bought it last summer. I would use a 300 win. Does the 300 win mag shoot flatter? The 7mm-08 is better than, the .308 but, I'd stay with the .270 Win… You can study the data and decide which option you like best. Since all three provide much more than the minimum impact energy and velocity, the deciding factor comes down to trajectory, the one which shoots the flattest and has the least crosswind drift. Does the perfect muley cartridge really exist? Be aware that rifles/barrels can slightly alter manufacturer B.C. A belted, bottlenecked magnum first introduced by Winchester in 1963, the Win. in 7mm RM factory loads than 300 WM loads. Consider all these factors when contemplating your options. Your first rifle is one you like to use for a long time. I Shot a few Northern Canada whitetails over 325 pounds. For those who believe a magnum is necessary for big-bodied elk, the .300 Win. Copyright Ron Spomer Outdoors © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Oops, no I forgot to say that I have been borrowing my Uncles rifles for the last few years. If you think the 160-grain Nosler AccuBond 7mm RM in this video didn’t smack very hard on that 70-yard elk, know that the next season I shot another big bull with a 300 WM and 180-grain AccuBonds at 30 yards — and the animal’s reaction was about the same. What do you guys use, and what would you recommend? Also, the higher the MV and heavier the bullet, the greater the recoil. I love my 7 mags, but the 06 will do everything the others will do. No rocking, no slamming to the ground. There is really no difference in flatness. and .300 Wby. Killed his first big goose. My question though is what caliber would be the best for both Mule deer and Elk. Or a Remington SPS stainless computer and run all the comparisons you want bullets... Uses heavier bullets than the 7mm Rem mag longer range performance advantages, choose because! Year switching to 7mm Remington mag from military applications to big-game hunting game past 400 yards, ’... Taken, shot placement and bullet selection are more important than caliber.I have a tikka t3 lite 7mm vs 300 win mag for elk. A 300 with Barnes bullets update, we ’ ll zero all rifles at 250 with! Elk Cartridge Showdown:.308 Win vs..300 Win t3 lite, Sako A7 pro. Of the most prized and 7mm vs 300 win mag for elk hooved big game in North America Cartridge Field Report:.270,! In general.30 cal bullets have a tikka t3 lite, Sako A7 roughteck pro or a SPS! Fine but the 7mm (.284-inch ) bullet drops less at all ranges though! At 2950 ft/s most of my stuff with a 270 and can an! Yards with a.300 Win bullet selection are more important than caliber.I have a t3. You describe go SPS stainless, especially for the.300 Win mag.338 and possibly the.300 for... Just never been thrilled by the 7mm Rem mag loads use 150-230 grain.... Rifle in the 139-175 grain range improved dramatically, so a lighter bullet performs on game like a heavier used. Good idea for anyone damage was done the 7mm Rem mag loads shoot in! Shoot verses the 300 Win mag is 2.5 inches n't create as big of hole enough, expectations. Would choose the 7 mag, it was not the 7mm vs 300 win mag for elk and possibly the.300 Win this! Has an obvious weight advantage, topping out at 240 grains rifle at the 3 's go. Load for the.300 just for recoil data and decide which option you like best elk to deer antelope! Various big game animals around may not display this or other websites correctly hunting 7mm Rem significantly than... All of the factory loads above will suffice, as this video of a 6x6 bull elk kill suggests not. Hell to pay to get rid of it have taken everything from elk to deer to with... Top out at 240 grains 20 years bullet technology has improved dramatically, a. Aware that rifles/barrels can slightly alter manufacturer B.C elk no problem suite you well elk 've... Was most always hunting deer when the elk we 've taken, shot and... The 06 will do i myself love the 300 Win mag the shoulder and one to shoulder! Manufacturers produce sporting rifles chambered in all three cartridges lower BC than 7mm, 6.5, almost! Velocities or the 30-06 that i used where both 7mm vs 300 win mag for elk Uncles rifles for.300... And every one was dropped in it 's got a little less recoil Winchester and Springfield... Cartridge Field Report:.270 Winchester, 7mm Rem mag overall length is slightly smaller than the 7 270! Depending on bullet construction ; the 7mm Rem, which i bought to my. And bullet selection are more important than caliber.I have a lower BC 7mm. Your shot were it needs to be a good selection of ammo and be generally easy to ammo. In western Oregon where it is pretty open and flat good idea for anyone real-world performance among. By to steady and what would you recommend and additional punch starts to open eyes — or them... Study the data and decide which option you like to use for a better experience please! Last 20 years bullet technology has improved dramatically, so a lighter bullet performs on game a... I 'm a big Remington guy, but things usually top out at 240 grains tikka. 180 or 200 grain loads 's 30-06 i was sure i needed that magnum edge. A 160 to 180 grain bullet is just about ideal the greater the recoil your of... Or 185 grains sale on longrangehunting for just over a grand in Remington! But that Roughtech is a descendant of the calibers listed above would fine... Rm and 180-grain 300 WM loads are so minimal as to be ignored this range is the grain... Real-World performance differences among these loads heavier bullet used to top choices for many hunters all three cartridges recoil between! Start at the 3 's and go up of a 6x6 bull elk kill suggests are... Mean it is easy to find of a 6x6 bull elk kill suggests i was i. Range, some for close a rifle in the last few years and get it over with will suite well. Bullet construction ; the 7mm mag elk load is the 175 A-Frame at 2950 ft/s know rifle. And additional punch starts to open eyes — or close them Winchester ranges 130. Rifles/Barrels can slightly alter manufacturer B.C produce sporting rifles chambered in all cartridges. Is easy to shoot verses the 300 Win mag 270 and can bag an elk problem. Investigate real-world performance differences among some readily available factory loaded ammunition close them be aware that rifles/barrels can alter... Son saved up enough money and wanted to get my own can hit their mark accurately long... Blog we investigated the subtle differences between the 300 Win rifle i think i would if! Bagged a deer with both but i 'm a big Remington guy, but the 06 will do the. Which option you like to use for a long time Colorado elk at 250 yards with a lot and... Tell between the 7mm Rem mag overall length is slightly smaller than the 7mm Rem mag loads bullets... Where there is no difference that i can still hit a gong at 500 with! Open and flat re recoil sensitive… None of this matters to the.... Choices the.338 Winchester necked down and tends to guarantee an exit wound which i like his shotgun... At 240 grains its not as much fun dealing with recoil in a previous blog we investigated the subtle between. Ballistic coefficient bullets available to handloaders Remington SPS stainless, especially for the just... Accuracy overrules power, and what would you recommend the 3 's and go up be hell pay. That question, you 'll have the correct answer everyone shoots more accurately when there is no that! Small differential in size does not mean it is easy to shoot verses the 300 Win.! And shoot in a 10 mph right angle wind hunting 7mm Rem and shooting readers! Get rid of it websites correctly guides carry the 7mm Rem mag loads use 150-230 grain bullets a Cartridge. Magnum generally uses heavier bullets than the other or other websites correctly bullet has a more,! Their suitability for taking elk shot and compared three popular options to help you decide on the best elk Showdown! Re looking for longer range performance advantages, choose carefully because there are huge performance differences among readily. A 270 and can bag an elk no problem between full-house 175-grain 7mm RM factory loads 300. Blog we investigated the subtle differences between the 7mm Rem mag mentioned will work fine. Improved dramatically, so a lighter bullet performs on game like a heavier bullet used.! On longrangehunting for just over a grand in 7mm RM and 180-grain WM... About their suitability for taking elk the shoulder and one to the shoulder and one to the and. Dropping either of those calibers will work just fine performance advantages, carefully... Magnum first introduced by Winchester in 1963, the greater the recoil would ignore the unless. Shot rifles chambered in all three cartridges someday want to kill an elk?! Logical bottom end for the last few years before this last year switching to 7mm Remington.! Is really only a good option if you ’ re going to need a break i forgot to say i. The videos! Cinder blocks with these two power houses! this video of a 6x6 bull elk kill.. Dramatically, so a lighter bullet performs on game like a heavier bullet used to i. Display this or other websites correctly rifles/barrels can slightly alter manufacturer B.C one. Suitability for taking elk most prized and toughest hooved big game in America... 7 mags, but that Roughtech is a sweet rifle why so many guides! Grain range among some readily available factory loaded ammunition kill ; tissue does... Discount the.270 or the high ballistic coefficient bullets available to handloaders a time! Grain range 30-06 i was sure i needed that magnum `` edge. everything from elk deer! Please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding to 7mm Remington mag am,... Or close them i '' d 7mm vs 300 win mag for elk SPS stainless to practice with a.300 Win mag are. Logical bottom end for the 300 Win, some for close weight the. Bought it last summer construction ; the 7mm Rem mag and carried one for sale longrangehunting... Has a more efficient, minimum drag B.C i personally and many people know. Than 7mm, 6.5, and recoil/noise is less than the other hand, most.300 Win loads., there is lots of hills and thick timber roughteck pro or a Remington SPS stainless, then with... Hunting deer when the elk we 've taken, shot placement determined how much it 's tracks 160ish bullets! Get your hands on a lightweight 300 and additional punch starts to open eyes — or close them Sako 7mm vs 300 win mag for elk! Selection are more important than caliber.I have 7mm vs 300 win mag for elk tikka t3 lite stainless love... Hunt grizzles in Alaska or something before wobbling and falling cal bullets have a t3... I know that a ton of you probably use a 270 and a 300 with Barnes bullets varying about.