When it comes to long-range hunting and shooting, two cartridges that often come up in discussion are the 7mm Weatherby Magnum and the .300 Weatherby Magnum. Both are well-respected cartridges, known for their accuracy, power, and flat trajectories. In this article, we will compare these two cartridges to determine which one is better suited for different situations and preferences.
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm Weatherby Magnum and .300 Weatherby Magnum are both excellent cartridges, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The 7mm is better for long-range shots on smaller game, while the .300 is more suited for larger game and longer-range shots. The choice ultimately depends on the shooter’s intended use and personal preference.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in depth at each cartridge, their best uses, and how they compare to each other.
Analysis of the 7mm Weatherby
The 7mm Weatherby is renowned for consistently excellent performance and accuracy, it remains a top choice amongst the fe hunters who still use it. Its capabilities may be eclipsed by some contemporary magnum rifles; however, those seeking an accurate and dependable firearm need look no further than the 7mm Weatherby as it delivers remarkable ballistics within a lightweight design.
Much like a lot of 7mm magnums in its class, the 7mm Weatherby magnum is popular among big game hunters and has even seen some limited use among target shooters. However, this cartridge never saw too much action i the field due to the more popular 7mm Remington Magnum being a more versatile cartridge.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm Weatherby Magnum with a 150-grain soft point:
| Range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3002 | 3001 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2893 | 2786 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.7 | 2786 | 2585 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.6 | 2682 | 2395 |
| 200 | -3 | 2.8 | 2580 | 2216 |
| 250 | -6.4 | 4.4 | 2480 | 2049 |
| 300 | -11.2 | 6.4 | 2383 | 1891 |
| 350 | -17.5 | 9 | 2288 | 1743 |
| 400 | -25.6 | 12 | 2195 | 1604 |
| 450 | -35.4 | 15.5 | 2104 | 1474 |
| 500 | -47.1 | 19.5 | 2015 | 1352 |
Analysis of the 300 Weatherby Magnum
The 300 Weatherby Magnum is one of the most powerful and authoritative rifle cartridges Roy Weatherby ever made. It was initiated by Roy Weatherby back in 1945, making it a staple among big game hunters ever since then. Its impressive ballistics have also made it a favored choice for long range shooters due to its superior accuracy and terminal performance at more distant distances than other magnums like the 300 Win Mag or 338 Lapua Mag; however, this powerhouse is still an intimidating force not to be taken lightly.
The 300 Weatherby magnum is popular among hunters who hunt game such as moose or bison. This cartridge has a lot of energy and good ballistics making it ideal fo hunting big game at longer ranges.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 300 Weatherby Magnum 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 | 3002 | 3600 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2905 | 3373 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.2 | 2811 | 3158 |
| 200 | -2.6 | 2.3 | 2719 | 2955 |
| 250 | -5.7 | 3.7 | 2629 | 2762 |
| 300 | -10 | 5.4 | 2540 | 2579 |
| 350 | -15.6 | 7.4 | 2453 | 2406 |
| 400 | -22.6 | 9.8 | 2368 | 2242 |
| 450 | -31.3 | 12.7 | 2285 | 2087 |
| 500 | -41.7 | 16 | 2203 | 1940 |
Magnum Comparison: Distinguishing the 7mm and 300 Weatherby
When it comes to choosing between the 7mm Weatherby Magnum and the 300 Weatherby Magnum, there are several factors to consider. The choice ultimately depends on the shooter’s intended use and personal preference.
For hunting big game like elk or deer at long range, the 7mm Weatherby Magnum may be the better choice. It has mild recoil and less energy making it easier to hit targets accurately at longer ranges. The 300 Weatherby magnum on the other hand is too big to be sed on game such as deer without excessive bloodshot meat.
For larger game, such as moose or bison hunting, the 300 Weatherby Magnum may be the better choice. It has a significant amount of stopping power and a very flat trajectory, making it effective at ranges of up to and even beyond 500 yards.
The 300 Weatherby Magnum has a larger bullet diameter and more energy at longer distances and less drop, making it a better choice for shooting extended ranges. It also maintains its velocity and energy better than the 7mm Weatherby Magnum, making it more effective for long-range target shooting.
In terms of recoil, both cartridges are on the high end, but the 300 Weatherby Magnum has more recoil due to its larger powder charge and heavier bullet. This may be a concern for some shooters, particularly those who are sensitive to recoil or who are using lightweight rifles.
When it comes to cost, both cartridges are on the more expensive side due to the Weatherby brand name and the fact that these are not super popular cartridges. However, the 7mm Weatherby Magnum is typically slightly more expensive than the 300 Weatherby Magnum.
In terms of versatility, the 300 Weatherby Magnum is a great option for hunters and long-range shooters who need a cartridge that can handle a wide range of game and distances. It is a powerful round that can take down big game at long ranges, making it ideal for hunting elk, moose, and even grizzly bears. However, you do run into issues when hunting game smaller than elk.