Which weight of bullet in 300 Win Mag?

[stownsend]

I am new here and had a question. I deer hunt in South Dakota where there is a mix of whitetail and mulie deer (mostly whitetail though). I typically have used a 180 gr bullet in my 300 but considered going to the 150 gr this year. Just thought I would get some input on what most people here prefer and why. Typically our shots are in the 100-300 yard range. Thanks!

 

[Art Eatman]

Welcome aboard! Good to have you here.

Whatever bullet or brand of ammo gives you the best groups, I guess. I've 99% used 150-grain bullets in my '06, with a muzzle velocity around 3,000 ft/sec. Good to 350 and 450 yards, for my longest one-shot kills. A bit less "thump" on the shoulder than 180s.

The only caveat I know of is that in general, 150-grain boat-tail bullets are somewhat problematic if the velocity at impact is above 2,800 or so. Thinner jackets than the flat-based. However, the issue of trajectory is trivial for shots inside 400 yards, so flat-based bullets work just fine.

If you're not a handloader, I suggest a bit of reading of the manufacturers' comments about their various bullets. No big deal, though.

Bottom line: If I get one MOA from a 150-grain flat-based bullet in a .300 Maggie, I'm gone huntin'...

, Art

 

[hamourkiller]

165gr gives you the best of both worls. High velocity with a heavier thump at the end.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

I shoot 180 grain bullets in my .30-06 and .300 wsm. I dunno, just prefer heavier bullets...especially at shorter ranges

 

[ID_shooting]

wow, max 300yd shot on deer with a 300WM. Do you even have to field dress what ever is left just joshin ya.

I have real good luck with 200gr out of 300wm but I am targeting elk with that round. Probably a bit over kill for deer.

I would think a 165 or 180 gr loaded down under 3000fps should work. pushed too fast and the bullet becomes explosive or will just pass through with out expansion depending on design.

 

[stownsend]

The 300 yards is just average distances. We have had opportunities at 400-500 yards, but the range finder in my head isn't that accurate. My next purchase is a range finder and then I will extend my distances.
I have had issues in the past with 180 gr. core-lokt bullets zipping right through with no expansion and since I have gone with ballistic tipped bullets. The only 165gr rounds I could find around me are the Fusion and I am leery about the lack of expansion they might have. I don't handload so I am looking at factory loaded ammunition. I like the Winchester Ballistic Tipped and thought about trying the XP3 this year.
I am confident that whatever loads I can get enough accuracy for the shots I will be attempting. I have a late 60's era Winchester Model 70 topped with a B&L 4-16x50 scope that has never had accuracy issues with any ammo I have fed it.
Thanks for all the input.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

When I've used my .300 on deer, I've dialed it down to 150, which I still found to be a little overkill. I don't even use the gun anymore for deer. The largest hole I've ever seen blasted out of a whitetail came from that gun.

 

[Kingcreek]

My .300wm (rem700) generally groups 165s and 180s better than 150gr bullets.

 

[koja48]

Welcome to THR. When I still used my 300, I settled on 165 grainers for deer & they served me well both in terms of accuracy & performance. I dropped-down to 150 for 'lopers.

 

[eliphalet]

Switched from 180's to 150's in 30 caliber somewhere around 20 years ago and have not looked back. We have been using them on deer, antelope and elk with no problems.
About any weight in a 300 Mag will work for deer with a bullet made for big game and proper shot placment.

 

[learningman]

I switched to 150gr's last year for deer hunting and did very well. I even took a cow elk with it at a ranged distance of 309 yards. I hadn't intended to hunt elk with that gun last year but a hunt landed in my lap and was going to happen to following day of being asked to go, so I used it and all is well. IMHO anything from a 300wm is good stuff.

 

[NRA4LIFE]

I was at the range a couple weeks ago shooting the .300 with some 190 gr elk loads, zeroing at 100 yards (our elk hunting here is in dense timber with shots generally less than 50 yards). Just for grins, I fired a couple 150's and 190's at 50 yds and they hit almost in the same holes as the 190's. Just a bit higher, but almost unnoticeable.