Standard magnums vs. short magnums

Doc Spratley · 12-22-2003, 07:36 PM

Well, since I started my other topic regarding choosing a .300 Win Mag versus a .300 Wthby Mag, I feel I need to ask a followup question. Are the new WSM cartridges here to stay or are they a fad? Why would you pick a .300 WSM when the .300 Win Mag has been around for almost half a century and has proven itself a champion cartridge? (You can answer this question as it relates to any WSM cartridge versus its standard counterpart.) Are the WSM cartridges readily available?

ICHTHYDEMON · 12-22-2003, 09:18 PM

I think the short mags are here to stay. I also think the Winchester line will outsell the Remington line.

If you get a short mag,you get the magnum performance in short action. With the short action you'll likely get better accuracy because of the stiffer action. Look at the family of cartridges based on the .308 Win. You have the .243,.260,7mm-08 and others. All have a reputation for great accuracy.

Some say there will be less felt recoil with a short mag,due do the efficiency of the short,fat case. I don't get that though. A 180gr bullet at 3000fps is a 180gr bullet at 3000fps right? Why will a shorter case produce less recoil?

You also get a lighter rifle with magnum performance. For some guys,having the lightest rifle possible means alot.

Check out short mags they have the best site for short mag info I've found.

SeanD · 12-23-2003, 02:55 AM

I think the WSM cartridges are here to stay. Personally, I am a huge fan of the 30-06, and would choose that cartidge over any of the 30 cal magnums. If I felt there actually was an advantage to the increased velocity fo the magnums, i dont think i would choose a 300 WSM. It really doesnt match the performance of the 300 win mag, it only comes close in factory loadings. And only because they load it to higher pressures than the 300 win mag with less powder. Higher pressures= same velocity with less recoil. Anybody that handloads will find the 300 win mag will beat the 300 WSM in velocity when loaded to the same safe pressures. And as far as any accuracy advantage, it is very small, and really insignifiant in a hunting rifle. Especially when you consider people are still using the 300 win mag for 1000 yard competition. I thnk the advantages of the short mags are hype, but that doesnt make them bad cartridges at all. They will kill game just as well as the established cartriges, just not any better. If they interest you, buy one. I wont, but im happy with my 30-06 so what do i know?? :grin:

StickFish · 12-23-2003, 07:20 AM

I know I won't sell mine off (Browning Stalker in 300 WSM). Will the line of cartridges still be around in 50 years - I think so. The potential accuracy of the short fat powder column and its efficiency have already been proven before the cartridge was developed. Smaller easy handling rifle sure is nice. I also think the Winchester line will out live the remington line simply cause the winchester line has a larger capacity.

I strongly recommend www.Shortmags.org for info on short and fat cartridges.

Fish Hawg · 12-23-2003, 08:17 AM

When I think of Magnums I think of the 300 ultra mag and the 30-378 weatherby :grin: . My 300 remington sendero sf ultra mag out of the box shot a group of three at 100 yards that you can cover with a penney. shooting factory ammo. IMO long actions shoot just as good or better than short actions

ICHTHYDEMON · 12-23-2003, 09:16 AM

QF,

I agree,that any rifle may have the potential for great accuracy,but a cartridge based on a shorter action will usually have the accuracy advantage.

Take two rifles that are identical except make one a 30-06,and one a .308. We all know the 06 and .308 are close in terms of ballistics. Without having shot either rifle,which one would you pick to be more accurate right out of the box? I know I'd pick the .308.

On average you have a better chance of getting a short action rifle thats a good shooter,vs. winding up with a long action rifle that is.

Predator Dawg · 12-23-2003, 01:32 PM

I own a Win 70 300 WSM and a Rem 30-06. Don't buy a 300 WSM for the 'less' recoil, because that is inaccurate. It kicks like a mule and makes the 30-06 feel like a plunking gun. The featherweight gun and the faster burn of all of the powder combine to make for a good punch. It took me a bit at the range before I liked it and actually enjoyed shooting it. Now I am very pleased with my choice, packing it around on a hunt is very comfortable and the gun is as close as you can come to one size fits all for big game.

Doing it again, I would make the same purchase now that I am used to it.