I have the itch to buy a new stainless steel, composite stocked, left-handed rifle suitable for elk hunting. There are limited choices in makes, models and calibers. The new Montana Rifle Company X3 has caught my attention. They offer it in a wide variety of cartridges. A LGS said they would be happy to order it for me.
Although I like the concept of using a 338 caliber on elk, I don't have the interest in working with the recoil of the 338 magnums. So I am thinking of a 30 caliber rifle. Yes, the 30-06 will do job. In fact, the only elk I ever shot was with a 30-06. However, I keep thinking I would like something capable of a little more horsepower.
Why not a 300 WSM? What is not to like about the shorter action? The overall rifle is shorter and a couple of ounces lighter. The 300 WSM will provide more velocity than the 30-06 with the 180 AB and, if wanted, it can be loaded down to 30-06 velocities for deer hunting (165 BT) or shooting steel.
The discussion section of the 300 WSM in all the reloading manuals say that the cartridge uses a little less powder than the 300 WM for the same velocity, therefore resulting in a little less recoil. Yes, it doesn't attain quite as high a velocity as the 300 WM but I think it is enough over the 30-06 to satisfy me.
The 300 WSM seems fairly popular. The cost of brass isn't outrageous and the choice of bullets is excellent. Sure, some of the longest, heaviest 30 caliber bullets won't work as well as in a 30-06 or 300 WM, but I don't expect to ever use it for the big bears. So, I won't miss the longer bullets.
So, why not a 300 WSM for one last elk hunt and as a second deer rifle?
Dan
Although I like the concept of using a 338 caliber on elk, I don't have the interest in working with the recoil of the 338 magnums. So I am thinking of a 30 caliber rifle. Yes, the 30-06 will do job. In fact, the only elk I ever shot was with a 30-06. However, I keep thinking I would like something capable of a little more horsepower.
Why not a 300 WSM? What is not to like about the shorter action? The overall rifle is shorter and a couple of ounces lighter. The 300 WSM will provide more velocity than the 30-06 with the 180 AB and, if wanted, it can be loaded down to 30-06 velocities for deer hunting (165 BT) or shooting steel.
The discussion section of the 300 WSM in all the reloading manuals say that the cartridge uses a little less powder than the 300 WM for the same velocity, therefore resulting in a little less recoil. Yes, it doesn't attain quite as high a velocity as the 300 WM but I think it is enough over the 30-06 to satisfy me.
The 300 WSM seems fairly popular. The cost of brass isn't outrageous and the choice of bullets is excellent. Sure, some of the longest, heaviest 30 caliber bullets won't work as well as in a 30-06 or 300 WM, but I don't expect to ever use it for the big bears. So, I won't miss the longer bullets.
So, why not a 300 WSM for one last elk hunt and as a second deer rifle?
Dan