New Rifle

Bear27 · #1 11-26-2015, 06:55 PM

Hey guys

looking at buying a new rifle. Deer moose and blackbear are the main animals i hunt. i have a 270 now but looking to step up to a bigger caliber rifle. Thinking about a 300wsm. What are your guys thoughts on the 300wsm. Also open to other suggetions.

Flieguy · #2 11-26-2015, 07:03 PM

your 270 will work, but friends don't talk friends out of buying another rifle

check the price of a box of ammo before you buy it. If that doesn't scare you too much then the 300wsm is a valid cartridge.

nelsonob1 · #3 11-26-2015, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear27

Hey guys

looking at buying a new rifle. Deer moose and blackbear are the main animals i hunt. i have a 270 now but looking to step up to a bigger caliber rifle. Thinking about a 300wsm. What are your guys thoughts on the 300wsm. Also open to other suggetions.

It took you six years to come up with that one and only question?

Lots of threads on this subject but the 270 you have deals with all three of the game you mentioned. If this is about getting another rifle just because, then you have definitely come to the right place. 300wsm, 300 win mag, .338 - these are all great hunting calibers that pack some more wallop but your moose and bear wont be any deader.

Andrzej · #4 11-26-2015, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear27

Hey guys

looking at buying a new rifle. Deer moose and blackbear are the main animals i hunt. i have a 270 now but looking to step up to a bigger caliber rifle. Thinking about a 300wsm. What are your guys thoughts on the 300wsm. Also open to other suggetions.

No 300 WSM in my arsenal ever and this is why:

This brass was once fired Factory ammo and reloaded very first time and fired
second time:

Annealing after one shot ...BS in my books.

Whats wrong with 300 Win Mag ?

CanuckShooter · #5 11-26-2015, 08:48 PM

338 win mag is what you should get...avoid WSM they have issues sometines

Asherwerx · #6 11-26-2015, 08:55 PM

With all the ammo these days save your money and use the .270. I hunt everything you do with a .270 and zero issues. Its the shooter not the caliber. Bullet placement means everything!

260 Rem · #7 11-26-2015, 10:23 PM

If you are just looking for change, maybe try a 280? Can't help with 300 Wsm as all I can report is what I hear at the Range ...usually after about six shots ... rubbing his shoulder says "should be good to go".

Dick284 · #8 11-27-2015, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrzej

No 300 WSM in my arsenal ever and this is why:

This brass was once fired Factory ammo and reloaded very first time and fired
second time:

Annealing after one shot ...BS in my books.

Whats wrong with 300 Win Mag ?

So you blame the cartridge, because a manufacturer botches a run of brass.

I've been reloading for the .300WSM, for over 10 years, haven't had a neck, or shoulder split either, but then again I'm not shooting Federal cases either.

.300 WSM, .300 Win Mag, two peas in a pod for most shooters. But be ready for an increase in recoil, and muzzle blast.

Try one before you buy one!

Pathfinder76 · #9 11-27-2015, 06:53 AM

My two main hunting rifles are chambered in the 280 Rem and 338 WM specifically. I'm hunting bull Elk tomorrow and will likely pack the 280. From experience I think worrying about cartridge size is highly over rated.

JCart · #10 11-27-2015, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nelsonob1

It took you six years to come up with that one and only question?

Perhaps it's because he shoots a 270.

Thoughts:

Generally given your criteria it's hard to beat the 270 when you consider felt recoil, reasonable shot placement, ammo availability etc. Having shot 270 for the last 45 years or so and over those years have wanted to upgrade to bigger caliber too.... Most guys will not admit they have a flinch and my thinking anything over 18lbs felt recoil and chances are most will develop one. Try some larger calibres first to help make up your mind.

Tried buddies 7mm STW and a 300WSM, 45-70 (in B78 with BP) all nice calibres ... Just don't care for recoil and how that affects shot placement.

So I re-evaluated and as wife shoots lefty, wanted a quick light rifle to match my S&W 629 Classic in 44 mag. Bought a Marlin 1894ss in (JM vintage) same caliber, aside from being a significant challenge in getting to shoot consistantly, (it's still a work in progress), it is fun to shoot. And will dispatch most NA game under the right conditions.

Current notion is a Win 1885 or B78 ideally in 6.5 X 55 or 260 albeit hard to come by still looking, for her, daughter and maybe me ahem...

Good shooting and luck with a bigger cal.

jrc

pilotguy89 · #11 11-27-2015, 10:49 AM

I love the wsm's. I have 2 300s and 1 7WSM.

My kimber 300 wsm is 6 lbs and it hits hard. I developed a flinch after shot #1! But this is to be expected in any straight comb style of rifle in that caliber and at that weight.

I really like the 280 for being an all around nice shooting caliber.

But to reiterate I have loaded 1000 rounds for the 300wsm with not one case issue. (I know its 1000 because I just finished the box of primers yesterday!)

Flight01 · #12 11-27-2015, 10:59 AM

Since you are used to the long action of your 270, I would suggest a 300win mag. Or of you reload... 338-06.

👍

JustMe · #13 11-27-2015, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear27

Hey guys

looking at buying a new rifle. Deer moose and blackbear are the main animals i hunt. i have a 270 now but looking to step up to a bigger caliber rifle. Thinking about a 300wsm. What are your guys thoughts on the 300wsm. Also open to other suggetions.

While your 270 is a great cartridge (It's my go to rifle) if you want something a bit bigger, maybe consider the 30-06. Easy to find ammunition, bullet weights from 110 - 220 grain allow you to use it for any N American big game under most circumstances. Won't cripple you from recoil and is available from every manufacturer.

Unless you're considering consistent extreme long range shooting, personally I wouldn't look at the magnums too hard. They're rough on the wallet both for the rifle and the ammo, and rougher on your body.

32-40win · #14 11-27-2015, 01:22 PM

To jump size from a 277, try 33cal or 35cal., 8mm, 9.3mm.
Then you will have something different than what you already have.
Don't have to go to the magnum cases, 338-06, 35Whelen, 8x57, 9.3x62, that sort of stuff will do what needs doing.

muledeer1 · #15 11-27-2015, 01:49 PM

If wanting to stay in something more common. Try 300win mag. Ammo is fairly common if your not a re-loader. And in most instances it out performs the wsm a little bit. I also run a 280. Nice calibre .

Serenity Farms · #16 11-27-2015, 02:06 PM

love the 300wsm - i reload too and have never had an issue with brass cracking - some brass is on the 3rd or 4th go round. .270 is a pretty damn nice calibre for all you mention though

CMichaud · #17 11-27-2015, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustMe

While your 270 is a great cartridge (It's my go to rifle) if you want something a bit bigger, maybe consider the 30-06. Easy to find ammunition, bullet weights from 110 - 220 grain allow you to use it for any N American big game under most circumstances. Won't cripple you from recoil and is available from every manufacturer.

Unless you're considering consistent extreme long range shooting, personally I wouldn't look at the magnums too hard. They're rough on the wallet both for the rifle and the ammo, and rougher on your body.

30-06 or 308. I always go back and forth on this.

Both are readily available off the shelf.

Here is a write-up for you

http://www.petersenshunting.com/big-...ame-cartridge/

JustMe · #18 11-27-2015, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMichaud

30-06 or 308. I always go back and forth on this.

Both are readily available off the shelf.

Here is a write-up for you

http://www.petersenshunting.com/big-...ame-cartridge/

Thanks for the link, enjoyed the article. Although we're splitting hairs, I'll stick with the 06 as my first choice as an all around rifle. Here's another article you and the OP might enjoy:

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...ears-of-30-06/

Okotokian · #19 11-27-2015, 03:06 PM

I guess I'm a traditionalist. If I wanted a hard hitting .30 cal and was recoil resistant (which I'm really not. don't enjoy it), I'd get a tried-and-true .300WM. More factory ammo and brass around I would think, ballistic differences between it and wsm are negligible, and how much more does a long action really weigh than a short action?

Flieguy · #20 11-27-2015, 04:34 PM

is your 270 a bolt?

try something with a little more personality, like a lever or a single shot

pumps are fun guns too.

CMichaud · #21 11-27-2015, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustMe

Thanks for the link, enjoyed the article. Although we're splitting hairs, I'll stick with the 06 as my first choice as an all around rifle. Here's another article you and the OP might enjoy:

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/201...ears-of-30-06/

I too currently use a 30-06. I am attracted to the 308 though because of the ammo avail due to use by NATO for mg and the like

I do fear that 30-06 may go the way of 303 Brit eventually

Flieguy · #22 11-27-2015, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMichaud

I too currently use a 30-06. I am attracted to the 308 though because of the ammo avail due to use by NATO for mg and the like

I do fear that 30-06 may go the way of 303 Brit eventually

I doubt it, pretty much everyone still makes ammunition for it, virtually every rifle manufacturer still makes rifles chambered in it, it's been going strong since 1906 and probably will for many years to come. Just because the military doesn't use it anymore doesn't mean it's going obsolete.

catnthehat · #23 11-27-2015, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMichaud

I too currently use a 30-06. I am attracted to the 308 though because of the ammo avail due to use by NATO for mg and the like

I do fear that 30-06 may go the way of 303 Brit eventually

That will never happen .
Way too popular s cartridge all over the world fir hunting and far too many sporting rifles chambered for it as opposed the the .303 Brit.
Cat

harv3589 · #24 11-27-2015, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

My two main hunting rifles are chambered in the 280 Rem and 338 WM specifically. I'm hunting bull Elk tomorrow and will likely pack the 280. From experience I think worrying about cartridge size is highly over rated.

U said it all right there...his 270 already has it covered but if he wants to buy a new rifle have at it! Won't argue ones need for a new rifle but it's not because what he has won't serve his purpose.

catnthehat · #25 11-27-2015, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck

My two main hunting rifles are chambered in the 280 Rem and 338 WM specifically. I'm hunting bull Elk tomorrow and will likely pack the 280. From experience I think worrying about cartridge size is highly over rated.

My take on things as well.
Cat

Percher · #26 11-27-2015, 08:23 PM

Fifty years ago Jack O'Connor talked me into buying a .270, never looked back. The only game I'd want a heavier caliber for is the grizzly which I never hunted.
Trouble i$ there are so many fancy looking rifles and calibers to be had and admire! The secret is in the ammo, choose the construction and grain for the game.

PartTimeHunter · #27 11-27-2015, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harv3589

U said it all right there...his 270 already has it covered but if he wants to buy a new rifle have at it! Won't argue ones need for a new rifle but it's not because what he has won't serve his purpose.

Maybe you guys have it all wrong. Could be that he really just wants a new gun but the bride is resistant to the idea. So he comes on here asking the question, hoping to get the answer he wants that he can show the bride - "see honey, all these guys think I'm under gunned and for safety sake need a bigger gun". And you all blew it for him.

Having said that - the 270 is fine for what you're doing.

RZR · #28 11-28-2015, 07:32 AM

Buy a .243 win. Then between your .270 win. and the .243 win. you are set for anything from coyotes to moose.

JCart · #29 11-28-2015, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RZR

Buy a .243 win. Then between your .270 win. and the .243 win. you are set for anything from coyotes to moose.

if you reload, I think you can get 90 grn bullets in .277 not looked at comparative ballistics but thinking the 270 will have it covered and then some. I do like the 6.5 X 55 as noted earlier as it had very broad capability very low recoil.

Halfton · #30 11-28-2015, 10:29 AM

You would find a hill of beans difference in the real world between your 270 and a 300 whatever. If you are going to go to a bigger caliber then pick a 338 something. My choice would be a 338 Win Mag but if it is something you want for long range shooting then go with the 338 Lapua or if you reload a 338 Edge. Lots of 338 bullets have a very high ballistic coefficient which make for a flat shooting combination with a lot of stopping power to match. Recoil with the 338 Win Mag would actually probably be more pleasant over any of the 300 mags in comparable rifles. The other 338 choices will let you know they kick but if you stick with a heavier rifle then you can deal with it ok I would think.

Jim