When it comes to big game hunting, the .300 caliber magnums are some of the most popular cartridges on the market. In this article, we’ll be comparing two of the most well-known cartridges in this category: the .300 Weatherby and the .300 H&H Magnum.

Here is the short answer:

The .300 Weatherby is slightly faster and flatter-shooting than the .300 H&H Magnum, while the .300 H&H Magnum has a longer history and is more widely available.

Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look closer at each cartridge, their ballistics, and how they compare to each other.

In-Depth Look at the 300 Weatherby

The 300 Weatherby was developed by Roy Weatherby in the 1940s and was one of the first cartridges to utilize the belted magnum design. It’s based on the 300 H&H Magnum case, but has been improved to provide higher velocities and flatter trajectories. The 300 Weatherby has a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi and can push a 180-grain bullet at around 3,200 fps, making it one of the fastest .30 caliber magnums on the market.

The 300 Weatherby’s high velocity and flat trajectory make it an excellent choice for long-range shooting and hunting big game animals such as elk, moose, and brown bear. However, the high velocity also means that it can have a significant recoil, which can be uncomfortable for some shooters.

In-Depth Look at the 300 H&H Magnum

The 300 H&H Magnum was introduced by Holland & Holland in 1925 and was one of the first commercially available magnum cartridges. It’s based on the 375 H&H Magnum case, necked down to .30 caliber. The 300 H&H Magnum has a maximum average pressure of 54,000 psi and can push a 180-grain bullet at around 2,900 fps.

The 300 H&H Magnum has a long and storied history and is still widely used today. It’s an excellent all-around cartridge that can be used for hunting big game animals such as elk, moose, and brown bear, as well as for long-range shooting. The 300 H&H Magnum has a mild recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot than some of the other .30 caliber magnums.

In-Depth Comparison

When comparing the 300 Weatherby and 300 H&H Magnum, there are several differences to consider.

Ballistics: The 300 Weatherby is faster and flatter-shooting than the 300 H&H Magnum, thanks to its higher velocities and improved design. The .300 Weatherby has a flatter trajectory and more energy at longer ranges than the 300 H&H Magnum.

Recoil: The 300 Weatherby has a greater recoil than the 300 H&H Magnum due to its higher velocities and greater powder charge.

Availability: The 300 H&H Magnum has been around for much longer than the 300 Weatherby and is more widely available in terms of ammunition and components.

Cost: The 300 Weatherby is generally more expensive than the 300 H&H Magnum in terms of ammunition and components.

Application: The 300 Weatherby is an excellent choice for long-range shooting and hunting big game animals, while the 300 H&H Magnum is a more versatile cartridge that can be used for a wider range of hunting applications.

Conclusion

Both the .300 Weatherby and .300 H&H Magnum are excellent cartridges that offer exceptional performance for big game hunting. The .300 Weatherby is faster and flatter-shooting than the .300 H&H Magnum, but also has a greater recoil and is more expensive.