The 300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 300 Remington Ultra Magnum (300 RUM) are two powerful cartridges that are popular among hunters and long-range shooters. This article will provide an in-depth comparison of the 300 Win Mag and the 300 RUM, including their histories, specifications, ballistics, and suitability for different types of shooting.
Here is the short answer:
The 300 RUM offers slightly higher velocities and more power than the 300 Win Mag, but at the cost of more recoil and barrel wear. The 300 Win Mag is a more versatile cartridge that is easier to find ammunition for and is suitable for a wider range of game.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and see how they compare in-depth.
In-Depth Look at the 300 Win Mag
The 300 Win Mag was introduced in 1963 and quickly gained popularity among hunters and long-range shooters. It is a belted magnum cartridge that is based on the 375 H&H Magnum case, shortened and necked down to .30 caliber. The 300 Win Mag is capable of firing bullets weighing between 150 and 220 grains, which is why it is capable of taking game from deer to grizzly bear.
The 300 Win Mag is capable of everything from taking medium game like deer to taking large game such as moose, or even long range shooting. Additionally, the popularity of this cartridge makes it easy to find and cheaper to shoot than many other magnums in its class.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 Win Mag with a 180-grain soft point bullet:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2960 | 3502 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2852 | 3250 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2746 | 3013 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.6 | 2643 | 2791 |
| 200 | -3.1 | 2.9 | 2542 | 2582 |
| 250 | -6.6 | 4.5 | 2443 | 2385 |
| 300 | -11.6 | 6.6 | 2346 | 2200 |
| 350 | -18.2 | 9.2 | 2252 | 2027 |
| 400 | -26.5 | 12.3 | 2160 | 1864 |
| 450 | -36.6 | 15.9 | 2070 | 1712 |
| 500 | -48.8 | 20 | 1982 | 1570 |
In-Depth Look at the 300 RUM
The 300 Remington Ultra Magnum was introduced in 1999 and was designed to offer high energy and be capable of taking large game such as grizzly bear. It is a beltless magnum cartridge that is based on the 404 Jeffery case, necked down to .30 caliber.
The 300 RUM is popular among big game hunters for its extremely high energy at both close and long range. This cartridge is popular among hunters of the biggest game animals such as moose, bison, and grizzly bear. There is the downside that this round does have a lot of recoil which can be hard to handle for most shooters.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 RUM with a 180-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3100 | 3841 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.1 | 3003 | 3604 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2908 | 3379 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.2 | 2815 | 3167 |
| 200 | -2.6 | 2.3 | 2724 | 2966 |
| 250 | -5.7 | 3.6 | 2635 | 2775 |
| 300 | -10 | 5.3 | 2548 | 2594 |
| 350 | -15.6 | 7.3 | 2462 | 2422 |
| 400 | -22.6 | 9.6 | 2378 | 2259 |
| 450 | -31.2 | 12.4 | 2295 | 2105 |
| 500 | -41.5 | 15.7 | 2214 | 1960 |
In-Depth Comparison
The 300 Win Mag and the 300 RUM are both excellent cartridges for long-range shooting, but they have some significant differences that set them apart.
Ballistics:
In terms of ballistics, the 300 RUM has an edge over the 300 Win Mag. The 300 RUM can launch a 180-grain bullet with about 300 more foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle. This does give it the advantage of having more stopping power on big game like grizzly bear or moose.
Recoil:
Both cartridges generate significant recoil, but the 300 RUM has a reputation for being a heavy kicker. This is due to the larger powder capacity. The 300 Win Mag is also no slouch in the recoil department, but it is generally more manageable than the 300 RUM.
Accuracy:
Both cartridges are capable of excellent accuracy when paired with the right rifle and load. The 300 Win Mag is a popular choice for long-range target shooting and hunting, and it has a reputation for being accurate and consistent. The 300 RUM is also an accurate cartridge, but it can be more difficult to shoot due to its heavy recoil.
Price and Availability:
The 300 Win Mag is both more affordable and easier to find, with a variety of ammunition options and rifle manufacturers offering chamberings in this cartridge. The 300 RUM, on the other hand, is a more niche cartridge and can be harder to find especially for a reasonable price.
Applications:
Both cartridges are excellent choices for hunting medium and large game at long ranges. The 300 Win Mag is a more versatile cartridge because it has a wider array of bullet weights available. The 300 RUM is a more specialized cartridge, favored by long-range hunters and shooters who need the extra velocity and energy it provides.
Conclusion
Both the 300 Win Mag and the 300 RUM are excellent cartridges, each with their strengths and weaknesses. The 300 RUM has an edge in terms of ballistics and long-range performance, but the 300 Win Mag is more widely available and generally more affordable.