What’s your pick, 300win or 7-300win

[Timnterra]

I'm trying to simplify my life and focus on family and other things so I'm planning on not buying or building any more rifles for a couple years. This is my last chance to build a rifle that will be my go to hunting rifle for a while. I have everything, but the barrel, to build a long action magnum rifle but can't decide whether to go with a 30 cal or 7mm. I have brass and dies for 300win and could easily swap in a bushing to make it a 7-300win. I have wanted a 28nosler for a while, but I don't think I can justify the $ for dies and brass when I already have plenty of 300 Win components. Have owned several 300win mags and always liked them, I've also had several 7mm rem mag and a 7wsm Rifles and I liked them too. I just can't decide... what would you pick and why.

FYI, I live in western SD and it is wide open country. Last fall I killed a doe at 980yds, so long shots are a reality. I plan on using this rifle for hunting and practice. Mostly deer and antelope but i hope to draw an elk every year. This rifle is not going to be for fun steel shooting, I'll use a creedmoor or 6.5x47 for that.

 

[NEMTHunter]

300 win mag load it with 215 Berger's and your set to take Elk to 1000 yards no problem and even farther. You can by custom made amo for it. Plus most places that sell amo carry the 300 win mag. Another thing is less brass prep and a longer barrel life. the list goes on.
Not saying the 7mm-300 is bad. Just for your buck the 300 as it is I feel is a little better. Both would be fine for long range hunting.

I am a fan of the 300 win mag.

 

[JJMoody]

300 gets my vote. You already have everything you need. It'll get the job done, whatever it may be. Off the shelf ammo in a pinch. 7-300 might scratch an itch, but that's the only real reason I can think of. It's flatter, but ...meh.....

 

[dmj]

I'm sure that either one would serve you well. If it was me I would choose the 300 win mag. But then I've been accused of trying to own every 300 win mag made. My reasons are probably flimsy but you are already set up to reload for one, you would stand a better chance of purchasing ammo for the 300 win mag if the occasion ever came up that you needed factory ammo. While both calibers have a good bullet selection I just feel the 30 caliber selection is a little better, especially the upper end. Don't get me wrong I have several 28 caliber rifles and they're great. But if I was going to narrow it down to one it would probably be the 300. Good luck with your decision

 

[HARPERC]

.300

 

[Timnterra]

No 7mm fans? I think maybe it is an itch I'm wanting to scratch with the 7-300, I don't know. The 300 is for sure the more "practical" of the two choices. But then again I have had a box of 7mm 195 EOL bergers that I've been dying to try out. But the 215 is a slick bullet. Assuming that I'd get 3,000fps with either bullet the ballistics are almost identical at 1000yds. The 195 has 0.2 moa less wind drift and 0.3 moa less drop. That's not much difference!

 

[MudRunner2005]

.28 Nosler or 7mm STW

 

[jgal72]

I have a 28 and love it. But the arguments that everyone made for the 300 are very valid based on the criteria you stated in the opening of the thread.

 

[FEENIX]

Between your two choices. .300 WM.

 

[Bravo 4]

You said simplify, that = .300

 

[Slick8]

I agree with bravo and most above. If you really want to simplify then go with the 300wm and run something in the 210-220 range.

If you want to have some fun go with the 7-300. To take it a step farther I'd go with the 7APR. It's an improved version of the 7-300 by the guys at Alamo Precision Rifles.

 

[KyCarl]

30 Nosler...

 

[FEENIX]

No 7mm fans? I think maybe it is an itch I'm wanting to scratch with the 7-300, I don't know. The 300 is for sure the more "practical" of the two choices. But then again I have had a box of 7mm 195 EOL bergers that I've been dying to try out. But the 215 is a slick bullet. Assuming that I'd get 3,000fps with either bullet the ballistics are almost identical at 1000yds. The 195 has 0.2 moa less wind drift and 0.3 moa less drop. That's not much difference!

I think you answered your own question on relative practicality. If your decision relies heavily on trying out a box of 195, I say go for it. It boils down to personal choice and preference, go with what you think will serve you well for your intended purpose. Good luck!

Ed

 

[FURMAN]

I have owned a few of each. If you will be hunting elk a lot I would go 300 win.