308 vs 300win mag

[cofi]

im looking into buying my first precision rifle im pretty much settled on the remington 700s because it seems like the aftermarket loves them but should i be looking for one in 308 or 300? most of my shooting will be at my house (600yd range) but i really want to be able to stretch out to 1000+ ill also be going elk hunting with it next year if that matters and ill be reloading for this setup

also ill be wanting to run a shorter barrel 22" or so but from my research this wont really effect either caliber

[newracer]

If you want to shoot a lot get the 308.

[cofi]

If you want to shoot a lot get the 308.

from my research reloading makes 300 not all that expensive

[BuffCyclist]

from my research reloading makes 300 not all that expensive

He's talking about recoil. The 300WM has a LOT more recoil than the 308Win. Granted, I haven't fired either, but that's what I've run across the most often in my research.

For the record, I will be buying a Remington 700 5R 24" 308Win within the next month. Was originally going to get an SPS Varmint, but I was swayed by some people here to start out with a good base. And FYI, the 5R comes in a 20" with threaded barrel. It also comes in 300WM.

[merl]

I'd agree on the 308. Until you linked hunting in there I would have recommended one of the 6.5mm flavors, still would if you are comfortable making a good hit. Of the two .30 cal listed, 308 for general target use and maybe hunting.

from my research reloading makes 300 not all that expensive

Agreed, increase is the extra powder once invested in brass. I think the delta is that it'd be less comfortable to shoot alot.

[cofi]

I think the delta is that it'd be less comfortable to shoot alot.

How well do muzzle breaks mitigate the recoil? My only experience with them has been with 223 where they don't really do much

[merl]

They do work for recoil with the penalty of increased blast/sound. (based on a .50)

[asmo]

If you are going for long range precision go with something in the 6mm world.

If your going to do a 300 - then why not a WSM (you increase your barrel life and then you can do a short action).

There is a minor increase in felt recoil going from .308 to .300 - but put your big girl pants on and deal with it.

That said - all my 30 cal precision guns are in .308. But I think that's more of a historic reason than anything else.

[cofi]

If your going to do a 300 - then why not a WSM (you increase your barrel life and then you can do a short action).

I haven't done any research on the wsm I'm off to Google around for a bit

[Zombie Steve]

If you are going for long range precision go with something in the 6mm world.

If your going to do a 300 - then why not a WSM (you increase your barrel life and then you can do a short action).

There is a minor increase in felt recoil going from .308 to .300 - but put your big girl pants on and deal with it.

That said - all my 30 cal precision guns are in .308. But I think that's more of a historic reason than anything else.

I like the idea of the 300 WSM as well. Short action, 7-10% less powder than the 300 Win Mag, darn close to the same performance up to 180 grain bullets... 10 feet less drop at 1,000 (vs .308).... no stupid belt on the cartridge (better bore alignment, potentially longer lasting brass, smoother feeding). The cost? One less round in the magazine.

7mm WSM is also pretty damn impressive. Check this guy's rig out...

http://www.6mmbr.com/gunweek064.html