.300 WSM as a precision caliber?

[Ttwwaack]

The 300 WSM is be used by more bullet manufacturers now to test the heavier bullets because of its inherit accuracy. From what I remember, Nosler is using 308 Win for 150 and below and 300 WSM for 165's on up. They are also using the 338 L for 338 batch testing over the 338 WM/RUM.

The question is how far do you plan on shooting. Once the 308 Win goes subsonic 850-1000 (depending on barrel length) you might as well be throwing rocks. That is where the 30-06 and mags come into play.

[Billjennings]

I find the 300WSM a bit finicky to reload. Full length sizing and bumping back the shoulder one to two thou' each time is hard on the brass. But I suppose the web of the 300WM just above the belt will give you about the same amount of firings.

I'm slinging 175 SMKs @ approx. 3040 fps from my WSM and in my 300WM, 190 SMK loaded to A191 specs.

A ballistic program will tell you that these loads are pretty similar.

Bill

[heijutsu]

Edited by YRAC. Not relevant to the original question about the performance of the .300 WSM in a precision rifle.

[Falconry]

I'm using a Browning A-Bolt Stainless Stalker for hunting, and though I haven't gotten anything with that round it is fairly reliable for what I have to do.

I've started with 165 grain Barnes TSXs and did OK for me after initial break in. I shifted around a little bit because those projoes are pricy. I can get 100 Hornady 165s for price of 50 Barnes or Nosler. Even shifting from the Nosler (which were slightly tighter than the Barnes) I'm able to put 4 shots within 1.00" at 100 yards, gun probably shoots a little better if I were more into bench equipment.

I hear that 180 grain bullets might be better than the 165.

I load the 165 SSTs over 64.4 grains of H414,CCI mag primers and Remington brass. RCBS equipment and then get a little of the lands. I hear that some rifles have different throat configurations so my length won't match anyone else.

Again, I'm happy with 4 shots under an inch without trying too hard. If I get a solid rest and maybe some more tweaking and messin I might get even better. I do need to try IMR 4350 with the next loading cycle, especially if I go up to 180 grain pills.

I think 165 through 200 grain bullets are in the sweet spot. The 200 might be too long for the normal barrel twist and compacted powder loads. 200 grainers put a lot of the bullet into the case's capacity. That might be acceptable with Berger or other VLD bullets.