When it comes to the assessment of cartridges, few can rival the discussion concerning the 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM) and 300 Winchester Magnum (Win Mag). Both cartridges are renowned for their ballistics and provide an extensive range of hunting prospects. But how do they compare when measuring velocity, bullet size as well as accuracy? In this blog post, we shall delve deeply into these two cartridges by contrasting them side-by-side.
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm RUM is a better cartridge for those who desire a long-range performance or those who are hunting big or dangerous game like bison, moose, or brown bear. The 300 Win Mag is a more versatile cartridge that is more popular and cost-effective.
Since we have looked at the short answer, we can look in depth at each cartridge, what their best uses are, their ballistics, and how they compare in depth.
In-Depth Look at the 7mm RUM
The 7mm RUM’s parent case is the 404 Jeffery necked down to a .284 caliber (7mm) bullet and can hold as much as 100 grains of powder. The 7mm RUM is capable of launching a 140gr bullet at 3300fps and can effectively take elk out to 600 yards. The cartridge has become popular among long-range shooters who need plenty of power and accuracy over extended ranges, as well as hunters who want maximum performance in a lightweight package.
The 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum provides excellent ballistics compared to other cartridges in its class, allowing users to reach targets at extreme distances without compromising on energy per shot or trajectory flatness. Its popularity continues to grow due too its high level of performance and utility under various conditions; thus making it an ideal choice for those seeking precision shooting capability combined with impressive terminal ballistic effectiveness down range.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm RUM with a 150-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3325 | 3682 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.2 | 3198 | 3407 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 3076 | 3150 |
| 150 | -0.6 | 1.5 | 2956 | 2911 |
| 200 | -2.2 | 2.6 | 2840 | 2686 |
| 250 | -4.8 | 4.2 | 2727 | 2477 |
| 300 | -8.7 | 6.1 | 2617 | 2280 |
| 350 | -13.8 | 8.5 | 2509 | 2097 |
| 400 | -20.2 | 11.2 | 2404 | 1924 |
| 450 | -28.2 | 14.5 | 2301 | 1764 |
| 500 | -37.9 | 18.4 | 2201 | 1614 |
In-Depth Look at the 300 Win Mag
The 300 Winchester Magnum is a powerful and versatile round that has been in existence for over sixty years. It was developed by Winchester in 1963 as an improvement to the 30-06 Springfield, taking no time at all before it became sought after amongst hunters, target shooters, and military personnel alike. The intention of its creation had been to have a loaded cartridge with more power than that achieved through the 30-06 yet still able fit within standard-sized rifle actions; this was accomplished by enabling it to fire heavier bullets at higher velocities which gives rise to greater capacity of range and power.
The 300 Winchester Magnum is there to bridge the gap between the world of magnum cartridges and standard-size cartridges. This makes it extremely suitable for various activities, including hunting and long-range shooting. If used for the purpose of taking down large game like elk or moose at extended distances, this ammunition will provide shooters with ample power while keeping excessive recoil and muzzle blast to a minimum.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 Win Mag with a 180-grain soft point:
| 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 Answer
When it comes to choosing between the 7mm RUM and the 300 Win Mag, there are several factors that hunters should consider. Here are some of the key differences between the two cartridges:
Velocity: The 7mm RUM is known for its high velocity, which makes it a great choice for long-range shooting. The cartridge can maintain accuracy at distances of up to 1,000 yards, making it a popular choice for hunters who want to take down game from a distance or those who desire a round that can be shot at long range. The 300 Win Mag, on the other hand, has a lower velocity but is still capable of shooting accurately at long ranges.
Power: When it comes to power, both the 7mm RUM and the 300 Win Mag are powerful cartridges that are capable of taking down medium to large game at long ranges. However, the 7mm RUM is known for its impressive velocity and flatter trajectory, which makes it a popular choice among long-range hunters and shooters.
The 7mm RUM is capable of reaching muzzle velocities of up to 3,500 feet per second (fps), which is significantly faster than the 300 Win Mag’s maximum velocity of around 3,100 fps. This means that the 7mm RUM delivers more energy to the target and has a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at longer ranges.
Recoil: One major difference between these two cartridges is the level of recoil they produce. The 7mm RUM generates more recoil than the 300 Win Mag due to its larger powder charge and higher velocity. This can make the 7mm RUM more challenging to shoot accurately, especially for inexperienced shooters or those who are sensitive to recoil.
The 300 Win Mag, on the other hand, is known for having a more manageable recoil that is easier to handle for most hunters and shooters. This makes it a popular choice for those who want a powerful cartridge that is still comfortable to shoot.
Ammunition availability and cost: Both the 7mm RUM and the 300 Win Mag are widely available and popular cartridges, so finding ammunition for either one should not be a problem. However, it’s worth noting that the 300 Win Mag has been around for much longer than the 7mm RUM, so it may be easier to find a wider variety of ammunition options for the 300 Win Mag.
In terms of cost, the 7mm RUM is typically more expensive than the 300 Win Mag due to its larger powder charge and higher velocity. This means that the cost of shooting and practicing with the 7mm RUM can add up quickly, which is something to keep in mind for hunters and shooters on a budget.
Conclusion
The choice between these two cartridges will come down to the specific needs of the individual hunter or shooter. Those who prioritize power and long-range performance may prefer the 7mm RUM, while those who value manageable recoil and wider ammunition availability may opt for the 300 Win Mag.