HAWKEYESATX
Handloader
- Aug 15, 2016
- 1,828
- 115
I have noticed recently that the sporting goods stores here don’t offer the ammo anything like they used to. Is it strictly a hand loader cartridge now?
.300 WSM….Is it a Dead Cartridge Commercially?
- Thread starter HAWKEYESATX
- Start date
filmjunkie4ever
Handloader
- May 4, 2011
- 2,050
- 1,644
I wouldn’t say dead at all. Definitely not getting the limelight that it was 20 years ago but far from dead. Lots of ammo on the shelves hereabouts. I know of several of them (rifles that is) locally.
Of the WSM lineup, it is far and away the most popular and with good reason. Now the 7mm WSM is certainly a good candidate for the ghost of WSM cartridges past.
Of the WSM lineup, it is far and away the most popular and with good reason. Now the 7mm WSM is certainly a good candidate for the ghost of WSM cartridges past.
Teknys
Handloader
- Jan 14, 2008
- 839
- 361
I still see a couple choices on the shelves yet and brass on occasion.
As with many cartridges, no or few choices on the LGS shelves is due more to factories still trying to catch up with the civilian market after COVID-19 and the various war efforts, not from a cartridge being "dead". Like all other historical shortages this industry has seen, it takes a while for things to settle out and return to a "new" normal.
While not yet as good as it once was, we are seeing improvements here north of the border, but it is slow and sporadic. Going to take awhile to restock the shelves of all those stores across the country, and the globe!
I feel that as popular as the 300 WSM was 20 years ago, Winchester and other manufacturers will ensure a decent supply will be available for this cartridge for some time (as they are able to resume normal production and refill stock to the distributors and dealers), as some rifle manufacturers seem to still be producing rifles for it.
Federal has come out with 2 WSM cartridges in their newer Terminal Ascent ammunition line over recent years (270 and 300), so we know that there is still new development happening in this arena. And this is a positive sign!
While not yet as good as it once was, we are seeing improvements here north of the border, but it is slow and sporadic. Going to take awhile to restock the shelves of all those stores across the country, and the globe!
I feel that as popular as the 300 WSM was 20 years ago, Winchester and other manufacturers will ensure a decent supply will be available for this cartridge for some time (as they are able to resume normal production and refill stock to the distributors and dealers), as some rifle manufacturers seem to still be producing rifles for it.
Federal has come out with 2 WSM cartridges in their newer Terminal Ascent ammunition line over recent years (270 and 300), so we know that there is still new development happening in this arena. And this is a positive sign!
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,750
- 10,204
I believe the 300 WSM is alive and kicking (no pun intended). 
JD338
JD338
1100 Remington Man
Handloader
- May 1, 2007
- 1,184
- 386
I would not buy one today. I would look to .300 PRC or .300 Win Mag. You don't want to be like Me with a 300 H&H Mag as it keeps getting harder by to day to find brass and what you find is expensive. I am glad I most likely have all I need for the rest of my life. But that's where the .300 WSM is headed.
salmonchaser
Ammo Smith
- Dec 13, 2013
- 5,258
- 5,960
We are just a couple of old classics; Gotta love the 300 HH. I’ve always found it interesting the 300wsm and the HH have essentially the same case capacity and both fall right between the 06 and the 300 win mag.
gerry
Ammo Smith
- Mar 1, 2007
- 7,008
- 2,065
The ammo companies are guilty of pushing their new cartridges so in the last few years they created an artificial shortage of certain cartridges. In the last year or so they caught up and you can find 300 WSM everywhere here now. It's very common in BC, in fact my new boss, his dad and brother all shoot it. I've said it before but it's the best of all the 300's for the vast majority of people who want one. Even better for those who handload because of its versatility.
superdrupal
Beginner
- Mar 3, 2025
- 5
- 11
I'm in BC also and I've noticed retailers are stocking brass and various factory cartridge offerings these days. I was looking into the 300 wsm a few years ago and the story wasn't the same - hard to find brass for sure.
I'm thinking about getting a 300 wsm Tikka T3X in 2025 once their new lite models all come threaded, which was the rumor out of Shot Show in January. I think the 300 wsm is a well-balanced cartridge and I'd plan on loading 180-200 gr projectiles which would be a step up from my 308 win.
superdrupal
Beginner
- Mar 3, 2025
- 5
- 11
Hornady offers 300 wsm in the Precision Hunter, Outfitter, American Whitetail lines.
- Thread starter
- #13
HAWKEYESATX
Handloader
- Aug 15, 2016
- 1,828
- 115
There isn’t any selection here in San Antonio. I tried to order some, and a no go!
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,750
- 10,204
superdrupal
Beginner
- Mar 3, 2025
- 5
- 11
Thanks JD.
I'm a long time lurker and I thought I'd create an account now that I've recently taken up hand loading. It's cool that Guy Miner is here and I'm a fan from watching him on the UR Youtube channel. Cheers
- Nov 4, 2004
- 25,750
- 10,204
Cool. As you have probably already noticed, the fellas here are very knowledgeable and eager to help you succeed.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, we can help!
JD338
Don't be afraid to ask questions, we can help!
JD338
superdrupal
Beginner
- Mar 3, 2025
- 5
- 11
Thank you for being so welcoming JD. Yes, lots of possible help from the guys here. I do have some questions queued that I'll post soon.
Apologies to HAWKEYESATX for taking this off topic with your 300 wsm concerns!
