Handgun Hunter Magazine - Forums: 300 Win Mag?

You are not logged in. [Log In] Handgun Hunter Magazine » Forums » Discussions » Shooters Bench » 300 Win Mag?

Page 1 of 3

Topic Options

Rate This Topic

#99305 - 12/31/11 02:50 PM

300 Win Mag?

pab1
Gun Slinger

Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 2895
Loc: SW Montana

Offline

I have a rifle length 300 Win Mag barrel that I planned to sell but now I'm starting to think about having it cut down for handgun use. For those of you that have them, how efficient is it (powder burned compared to velocity gained) compared to other .308 rifle rounds in a short barrel? How is the recoil of this round compared to other rounds? About the hottest load I shoot now is a 385 gr bullet at 1700 fps from a 15" Encore .500 S&W barrel.

_________________________
"If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."
Thomas Paine

Top

#99306 - 12/31/11 02:58 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: pab1]

RioHondoHank
enthusiast

Registered: 11/06/10
Posts: 253
Loc: Oklahoma

Offline

Probably far more case capacity to be useful in a handgun.

Edited by RioHondoHank (12/31/11 03:00 PM)

_________________________
Hank

Top

#99309 - 12/31/11 03:12 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: pab1]

s4s4u
Distinguished Expert

Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 4394
Loc: Northern MN

Online

The more powder you burn, the faster it will go, but it becomes a matter of deminishing returns relative to barrel length. I feel the .308 is about the perfect case size for 15" + or - tubes, but you will go faster with a 30-06 in the same barrel and still faster with a 300 WM but you will not get your money's worth in the powder department. Would be fun at the range though ;-)

_________________________
Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.

Top

#99312 - 12/31/11 03:29 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: s4s4u]

BUBBA
journeyman

Registered: 11/11/08
Posts: 64
Loc: S/E PA

Offline

Not trying to steal the thread, but what about the 300wsm. I have been told that it works very well in a 15-16 in tube. Is this true...anyone???

Top

#99313 - 12/31/11 03:38 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: pab1]

RioHondoHank
enthusiast

Registered: 11/06/10
Posts: 253
Loc: Oklahoma

Offline

I would argee that the .308 would be more practical. Maybe a better option would be to trade you .300 mag barrel for a .308 pistol barrel. I have done a lot of business with Ed's Contenders in those past and he has alway's treated me fair. More than likely he would have a used .308 in stock that would save you a few bucks.

http://edstc.com/

_________________________
Hank

Top

#99316 - 12/31/11 04:55 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: BUBBA]

s4s4u
Distinguished Expert

Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 4394
Loc: Northern MN

Online

Originally Posted By: BUBBA

Not trying to steal the thread, but what about the 300wsm. I have been told that it works very well in a 15-16 in tube. Is this true...anyone???

Savage chambered the Striker in it and that barrel is less than 13" (sans brake) and guys are getting good numbers with it, and the 7mm WSM. Again, a good bit more powder and kick for a little bit more speed.

_________________________
Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.

Top

#99317 - 12/31/11 05:07 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: s4s4u]

wapitirod
Distinguished Master

Registered: 01/19/05
Posts: 5703
Loc: Tillamook, Oregon

Offline

I'm getting 2700fps with a 180gr bullet out of a 15" barrel, I figure I should be able to run a 150 to 3000 so it will out shoot a 308 or an 06 in the same length tube and the fireball is no bigger than any of the other big rifle calibers I've shot out of short barrels and smaller than others so I'd say I'm getting a fair burn. With a brake on it it's a pussy cat and that is with the tapered handgun barrel. I rechambered it from an 06. Regardless of unburned powder or other issues more powder capacity and powder will push it harder and faster. There is a point of diminishing returns but the 300Win isn't it. I get a massive fireball from my 458 but there is nothing else in a 15" barrel that's going to give me 2400fps with a 350gr bullet.

Edited by wapitirod (12/31/11 05:12 PM)

_________________________
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.- John Wayne
http://www.dixiefirearms.net

Top

#99318 - 12/31/11 05:12 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: s4s4u]

bfr4570
addict

Registered: 11/05/09
Posts: 500
Loc: Kentucky

Offline

Im shooting a 300WSM out of 15" barrel. Im shooting 168grn VLDs right at 2900+. I was going to build a 308 but after checking ballastics and all it got change to the 300. No regrets just brake it.

_________________________
THIS SPACE FOR RENT CASH ONLY.

Top

#99329 - 12/31/11 06:58 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: bfr4570]

esoxman50
journeyman

Registered: 05/10/09
Posts: 85
Loc: Indiana

Offline

I had an 18 inch encore in 300 winchester mag and it shot very good; but not much better than my 308 winchester 15 inch encore. NOT MORE ACCURATE BUT A LITTLE FASTER. People at the range complained about the noise level, but they got over it. It was a lot of fun to shoot though.

Joe W

Top

#99340 - 12/31/11 08:31 PM

Re: 300 Win Mag? [Re: esoxman50]

Ernie
Shooting Expert

Registered: 01/18/04
Posts: 3419
Loc: Gillette, Wyoming

Offline

I wouldn't do a 300 WM in a 15 inch Encore.
Add some length and you would be okay.
Do not try to load the WM or RM to bolt action levels in the Encore-You will not get a good result.
WSM in the Encore is even more of a riskier set-up (Larger head).

_________________________
Ernie (xphunter)
Live such a life that when you awake, Satan shudders & says, Oh no, they're awake!