Print Page | Close Window

300 Win Mag for elk hunting?

Printed From: OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc.
Category: Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition
Forum Name: Firearms
Forum Description: All makes, models and uses
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=24067
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 07:20
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com


Topic: 300 Win Mag for elk hunting?
Posted By: CDLEE
Subject: 300 Win Mag for elk hunting?
Date Posted: June/29/2010 at 18:19
Considering a purchase of Browning X bolt 300 Win Mag for elk hunting.  Have been using Browning A bolt 30-06 with no issues.  Thoughts? 



Replies:
Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: June/29/2010 at 21:08
ive used both on elk and yes they both work the .300win just kills them extra dead.
on a side note i still own a .300win mag, and just bought a .300wby


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: ckk1106
Date Posted: June/29/2010 at 22:46
If I had a 3006 that worked fine for elk I probably wouldn't buy a 300 win.  It doesn't make a whole lot of sense unless you  just have your mind set on a 300 win.  I'd probably get a 338 win if I was looking to get get a more powerful caliber.


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 00:56
Basically, what one will do, the other will do until you stretch shot distance.  .300 just does it while shooting flatter and carrying more energy further out.

-------------
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: martin3175
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 06:13
If you want a 300 Win mag ..it'll get it the job done ,, but if the elk thing is the real reason for this rifle .. I agree with ck ...go with a 338 win mag


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 06:25

wyoming desert elk taken by my dad with a .300win mag a few years ago. he wouldnt have taken the shot with his 30-06, good thing he has my .300 in his possession right now.





-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 07:51
 If you want to move up to the 200gr bullets the .300 magnums will give you definite boost in energy otherwise I'd go up in bullet diameter.  OR take your .30-06 and go kill elk!

-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: lucytuma
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 07:51
While there really isn't a whole lot of difference between the .300win and the 30-06, I see no reason not to own both.

-------------
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson


Posted By: Longhunter
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 16:05
The Browning X-Bolt  looks (and feels) like a sweet rifle.  Haven't owned one, though, which is the real acid test.  The 26-inch barrel they are putting on the .300 and .338 magnums is just a little too long for my taste.
 
 The .338 is probably a better choice, as suggested (unless you just want to collect a variety of .30 caliber rifles)!    The .338 will do the job nicely, and expand your capabilities to include brown bear as well as elk.  You can load it to different velocities with lots of different bullet choices and weights, depending upon the game you are hunting.
 
If you really like your .30-06, you might think about trying Hornady's new Superformance ammunition for the relatively few rounds you will be sending downrange at elk.


Posted By: bugsNbows
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 16:39
You could always go with a Sako 85 Kodiak in .338 WM. I believe it's barrel is about 21.5".

-------------
If we're not suppose to eat animals...how come they're made of meat?
               Anomymous


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 17:25
Originally posted by Longhunter Longhunter wrote:

The Browning X-Bolt  looks (and feels) like a sweet rifle.  Haven't owned one, though, which is the real acid test.  The 26-inch barrel they are putting on the .300 and .338 magnums is just a little too long for my taste.
 
 The .338 is probably a better choice, as suggested (unless you just want to collect a variety of .30 caliber rifles)!    The .338 will do the job nicely, and expand your capabilities to include brown bear as well as elk.  You can load it to different velocities with lots of different bullet choices and weights, depending upon the game you are hunting.
 
If you really like your .30-06, you might think about trying Hornady's new Superformance ammunition for the relatively few rounds you will be sending downrange at elk.

 my .300wby will shoot a 220gr bullet just as fast as a .338win will, and if i could get a 250gr .308 bullet im sure it would be in the same ball park too. the .338 means more recoil than the .300 does.
the .308 bullets also will have a higher b.c for long range retention.


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 19:15
I love my 300 WM.  I shoot a 190 gr bullet.  I knocked down my elk at 430 yards this year with it.  Double lung.  Dropped him like a hammer.



-------------
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 19:46
  Excellent  GOOD GOIN,Drew!!

-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 19:54
In my time guiding, the most common gun I saw was 30-06.  Second was the 300 WM.  Third was the 338.  Most guys used the 30-06 because of the recoil.  If you can't shoot the gun, you won't hit the elk.  The 300s aren't for everyone, but it would be my #1 recommendation for an elk gun.  Then the 338.

-------------
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 19:59
I sadly sold my 300 Win Mag a few years ago................I owe myself one.   Bucky   
 
I have two 30-06s right now.  But we all need a 300 Winchester!    Whatever
 
 
 
 


-------------
Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 20:04
 "The 300s aren't for everyone"
 
  Your right,although I've shot a few .30-06's that were worse than my .300.  One in particular was a Parker-Hale 1200.


-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 20:05
True.  Some of those light weight guns can be worse.  My 270 is one like that, but still not as hard hitting as my 300 with the heavy bullets.

-------------
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 20:11
  The Parker-Hale wasn't light it was the stock design. It had a VERY HIGH Monte Carlo that  just wanted to smack you in the cheek every time.

-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 20:18
My 300 Winchester was an XTR sporter that used to smack you in the face. I had it restocked with a classic style stock with a long length of pull.  It weighed about 8 pounds naked with no scope.  I put a 4X scope on it and it shot like an 06. 
 
I don't want any featherweights in a 300 Magnum.  


-------------
Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 20:36
  Of course I can't speak for all brands composite stocks but the Brown Precision on my .300 tames the recoil VERY WELL.  Right now w/a 4X Conquest,sling,and 2 in the mag it goes 7lbs 9ozs.  Everyone whose ever shot it likes it. 

-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: ckk1106
Date Posted: June/30/2010 at 21:20
I shot this cow with a 270 win and 150 grain nosler partitions using RL22.




Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 06:31
  IMPOSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!          Whistling

-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: johnnyo
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 08:25
I was once asking the same Question that you are. I got ahold of Kenny Jarret(One of the best gunmakers in the country) and ask him what caliber to get for a all around big game gun  for North America. He answered the 300 win mag. It will do the job on about anything( might go to a 338 or 375 for Alaskan Brown Bear) I love the caliber and the 180 grain nosler partician bullets. I don't think you can go wrong!


Posted By: hunterwingler
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 10:19
whatever one you chose will be a good one unless u don't get  the right shot place meant.

-------------
I wasn't upset about the black cat crossing my path this morning but mouthing "your fu@#ed" as he passed was just rude.

If Guns kill people mine are all defective


Posted By: RifleDude
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 12:35
Originally posted by johnnyo johnnyo wrote:

I was once asking the same Question that you are. I got ahold of Kenny Jarret(One of the best gunmakers in the country) and ask him what caliber to get for a all around big game gun  for North America. He answered the 300 win mag. It will do the job on about anything( might go to a 338 or 375 for Alaskan Brown Bear) I love the caliber and the 180 grain nosler partician bullets. I don't think you can go wrong!
 
Agreed.  I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better "all around, do anything" North American big game round than the .300 Win Mag.  For Alaska, .338 is probably a better choice, and would also make an excellent "all-around" cartridge if you're willing to live with extra recoil where it isn't really necessary.  The .30-06 and 7 Mag will ably fill the "do-it-all-in-North America" role as well if the big bears aren't on the menu (even though they'd certainly work fine in many instances).


-------------
Ted


Money can't buy happiness... but it's much more comfortable to cry in a Porsche than on a bicycle.


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 16:15
if i were to got to alaska i would take my .375H&H it aint scared of nuthin, with a 250gr bullet a .338win isnt to far behind the performance of a 260gr bullet in the H&H

a good 180gr bullet like a nosler part. or accubond or a swift a frame would be hard to beat for elk.


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 21:18
Originally posted by ckk1106 ckk1106 wrote:

I shot this cow with a 270 win and 150 grain nosler partitions using RL22.


 
 
 
......................we all need a 270 Winchester!!!!     Over the years I have had four of them and I am fresh out of them right now.   I owe myself a 270 Winchester!!!    Bucky  
 
 
 
                                                            Laugh
 
 
 
 
 


-------------
Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 21:44
Originally posted by Ed Connelly Ed Connelly wrote:

Originally posted by ckk1106 ckk1106 wrote:

I shot this cow with a 270 win and 150 grain nosler partitions using RL22.


 
 
 
......................we all need a 270 Winchester!!!!     Over the years I have had four of them and I am fresh out of them right now.   I owe myself a 270 Winchester!!!    Bucky  
 
 
 
                                                            Laugh
 
 
 
 
 

id get the .300 first ed


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: Ed Connelly
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 21:57
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                Stare
 
 
 
 
 


-------------
Be sure to visit,

http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_topics.asp?FID=50 - THE ED SHOW

Ju Cucarachas!!!


Posted By: pyro6999
Date Posted: July/01/2010 at 22:06
Originally posted by Ed Connelly Ed Connelly wrote:

 
 
 
 
 
                                                                Stare
 
 
 
 
 

dont give me that chit just say sir yes sir!Salute


-------------
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"


Posted By: billyburl2
Date Posted: July/02/2010 at 01:22
I have a 30/06 and a .300 WSM. I love them both, but like the .300 just about 200fps more! Seriously, my '06 has killed an elk and a bison, and neither one looked not dead. The reason I bought the .300 was I wanted a short actioned rifle with better ballistics than my 30/06. I haven't had the opportunity to use the .300 on anything larger than a very unfortunate jack rabbit, but the deer draw results will be out next month! 

-------------
If it is tourist season, why can't we shoot them?


Posted By: Bigdave
Date Posted: July/28/2010 at 20:18
The .300 WSM will make a white tail do a back flip on a chest shot. The 180gr. ballistic tip will also put a hole in that chest bigger than a large mans fist.


Posted By: saitotiktmdog
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 09:07
My dad grew up in Ethiopia and many times elephant were taken down with the trusty old .30-06. The bullets were solids. Millitary rounds I think. He was not the shooter. It was a government guy getting rid of rogues. However without the solids they dont do squat agains elephants. Id say get yourself some barnes banded solids and go nuts with the 06. I know a guy who has killed Rhino with a shotgun with home made slugs too. He is a Maasai and he used an older belgian smooth bore shotgun. He just got really close. I think the 06 gets poo pood on myself. NOt saying that the 300 is not sweet. I wouldn't mind having one myself. But seeing as I already have an 06, if I were to go bigger, I would go Bigger. Why not the 300 RUM or the 338 RUM or the 340 weatherby Mag etc. Just my 2c.


Posted By: magshooter1
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 10:46
I still own an 8mm Mag. that was purchased for an elk hunt that a divorce cancelled.  It's got good performance too.
 
Before you ask why 8mm Mag. 
 
At the time availability, price and the fact that I like oddball cals. were factorsWhacko


-------------
Some people are educated BEYOND their intelligence.


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 14:17
Anything in .30cal seems a little light for anything bigger than rabbits...

-------------
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 14:22
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

Anything in .30cal seems a little light for anything bigger than rabbits...
I'm thinking 50 BMG for anything larger than deer.

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: SVT_Tactical
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 14:27
20mm preference myself

-------------
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 14:32
20-50, now THAT"s a rifle.  Has a pleasantly rolling recoil in a light 36lb rifle with a 30in barrel... I wouldn't recommend the HE rounds for anything other than dangerous game, though...

-------------
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 14:35
Originally posted by Kickboxer Kickboxer wrote:

20-50, now THAT"s a rifle.  Has a pleasantly rolling recoil in a light 36lb rifle with a 30in barrel... I wouldn't recommend the HE rounds for anything other than dangerous game, though...
  Laugh Above

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 14:39
Might want to try to figure out how to neck this down.
 


Posted By: cyborg
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 15:13
Shocked

-------------
With Freedom comes great responsibility, you cannot have one without the other

An armed public are citizens. A disarmed public are subjects.

OATH KEEPER #8233 Support us, and join our cause.

Cyborg


Posted By: Kickboxer
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 15:43


-------------
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living


Posted By: 300S&W
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 17:14
Originally posted by Roy Finn Roy Finn wrote:

Might want to try to figure out how to neck this down.
 
 
 
 


-------------
"I ain't got time to bleed!"


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 17:27
I find that I have more problems reloading 30-06 than any other caliber. I load 30-06, 300 WM, 300 WSM and .375 H&H.  Since the belt does not get resized on the belted mags I have been becoming increasingly more fond of the 300 WSM and I find that it reloads a lot like a .308 which for some reason I find to be the easiest rifle cartridge to reload. If youre not reloading I dont suppose it makes much difference and availability of ammo for the 300 WM should be quite good where 300 WSM is harder to find and more expensive.  I have never owned the .338 WM but it has impressive balistics. I am quite fond of .375 H&H but mine is a light little single shot encore so it will let you know you did something.  I probably own myself a few other calibers but one which I would really like to own is a 6.5x284 which should also be a nice choice for elk I just dont have any elk on my farm.

-------------

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 17:32
Wes, what problems are you having with the 06 ?


Posted By: Urimaginaryfrnd
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 18:20
I tend to think the thickness of the brass and shoulder angle contribute to it forming dents in the case on resizing. I had a set of FL dies that dented dam near every case and I bought a new set of Redding dies which are a vast improvement but still have some issues. In comparison I almost never have an issue with .308 .223 300 WM 375 H&H and never with the straight wall stuff 45-70 44mag .45acp .357 the only thing I shoot that I dont load for is 40 S&W the rest I have to load it to be able to shoot it. Part of it could be that most of my 30-06 brass has been around a while but I really feel that it is something about the angle of the case shoulder that encourages it to dent.

-------------

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger


Posted By: Roy Finn
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 20:24
What kind of case lube are you using ? If it's not the case lube (the amount of lube that is) then I would just back off the die till the dents disappear.


Posted By: helo18
Date Posted: August/19/2010 at 21:59
Do you always FL size it, or do you neck size at all?

-------------
To be prepared for War is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.

GEORGE WASHINGTON


Posted By: TheDuke
Date Posted: August/21/2010 at 17:31
If you just want a 300 and can afford it, then by all means. The 300 is very versital and can be made to shot like a 30/06 or loaded up with heavy rounds while still delivering good performance well over the 06. If this was to be your mainstay weapon, I would go 300 over the 338 unless as mentioned you will be doing frequent brown bear hunting(If you are doing freq B Bear, i  might suggest the 375 ). If no brown bear or very infrequent like most folks again do the 300 which will take them and ammo is more reasonable. I use the 300 weatherby (ammo costs more!!)as my typical elk,moose bear weapon. Ballistically I can meet/beat the 338 with 200 grain rounds and then down load it as well with all the great 30 cal rounds. If I need more its the 375 (or 340 weatherby).



Print Page | Close Window

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd. - https://www.webwiz.net