30 Nosler vs 300WM vs 300PRC

[FEENIX]

You guessed it...can't decide what my next .30 cal magnum should be. Trying to consider everything as a whole as far as velocity, energy, brass availability, reloading sensitivity, etc. I'm also tossing around other 30 magnums but I keep coming back to these three. Any recommendations or thoughts?

I always reload everything so factory ammo isn't a factor. Just wondering if you noticed one burns more efficiently than the other or anything like that. I'd like to stay away from a RUM as I just don't quite need that much horsepower. Also at least in my area, everybody and their kitchen sink reloads so finding dies is always an issue. Obviously the WM is gonna be the most available as far as dies and brass go but what are the other runner ups?

When "I" consider what caliber/chambering to consider, it depends on my current inventory (most of the time) and for what purpose. Any chambering on your list will serve you well up to 1KY from antelope to elk size game; no need to complicate it unnecessarily - this is NOT going to be your last scenario. Load it with 215 Berger, and you're golden. It boils down to your personal preference. BTW, I have two .300 WSMs, three .300 WMs (remains my go-to chambering), and .30 LARA. Good luck!

(.300 WM, .300 WBTY, and .30 LARA)

 

[elkaholic]

You guessed it...can't decide what my next .30 cal magnum should be. Trying to consider everything as a whole as far as velocity, energy, brass availability, reloading sensitivity, etc. I'm also tossing around other 30 magnums but I keep coming back to these three. Any recommendations or thoughts?

A lot of people are liking the benefits of the 30 SM. You can shoot 300 PRC factory ammo very accurately if you want to and then reload the brass with 30 SM dies. The 30 SM will push a 245 Berger to 3000' no problem and brass will last. I keep ADG head stamped brass, Match dies, and reamers in stock. Many long range target shooters, as well as hunters, are loving the wide nodes and high node accuracy of the SM. Couple that with long case life, and its pretty hard to beat!

 

[FEENIX]

The 30 SM will push a 245 Berger to 3000' no problem and brass will last.

Barrel length?

 

[elkaholic]

Barrel length?

Mine is 28" but several clients run 3000' with 26" barrels which is about max in a 26" with N570 or RL33.

 

[FEENIX]

Mine is 28" but several clients run 3000' with 26" barrels which is about max in a 26" with N570 or RL33.

That's better than .300 RUM and .30-378 WBTY performance with 230s out of 26"; ~2800 FPS and ~2900 FPS respectively (source: Berger manual 1st ed). What's the .30 SM's case capacity.

 

[Tidus56]

I always forget about going 30-28 Nosler. I would have chambered my last barrel in 30-28 had I remembered lol. Great suggestion probably best overall pick

 

[Wolf76]

If you list your priorities, this would be easier to answer.
More powder capacity = more velocity = more recoil
Max range? Purpose?
They all have their place and at some point you'll see diminishing returns with case capacity.

I think about power "steps" with regards to cartridges. Like 257wby, 308, 300wm, 338 edge. It helps me rule in or out new stuff.

 

[RebelGuard]

My priorities are namely-
Enough downrange velocity/energy for elk up to 800 yds
Capability of repeatable shooting for fun at 1k+ yds
Availability of all reloading components to crank out more than enough rounds than I have time to shoot.
The last one is becoming more important these days unfortunately.
First and foremost this will be my new long range elk gun. I have no desire or need (yet) to be able to take an elk at 1k+ yds.

 

[L.Sherm]

Whatever you decide get 100 pieces of ADG or Lapua Brass and it will last the life of the barrel probably as long as you dont over pressure it and kill the primer pockets.

 

[elkaholic]

That's better than .300 RUM and .30-378 WBTY performance with 230s out of 26"; ~2800 FPS and ~2900 FPS respectively (source: Berger manual 1st ed). What's the .30 SM's case capacity.

97.4
Ok, I'm ready

 

[FEENIX]

97.4

The 30 SM will push a 245 Berger to 3000' no problem

Depending on the source, the .300 RUM has 110 H2O, and the .30-378 WBTY has 133 H2O. Did you mean 215 Berger instead of 245 Berger?

 

[Ua26fitter]

I know of a rum getting nearly 3100 with a 230 berger and N570.
26" barrel and no pressure signs

RL26 was close in fps but ES was better

Kris

 

[L.Sherm]

Rum has 110 H20 capacity which i bet is getting that, identical to the 300NMI which i know will do the same

 

[L.Sherm]

There is a difference between pur raw velocity and velocity and accuracy.