Two of the most popular magnum cartridges out there are the 7mm Remington Magnum and the 300 WSM. Both of these rounds are regarded as some of the best for big game hunting and long-range shooting. However, which cartridge is superior? Which is better for hunting? And which is better for long-range shooting?
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm Remington Magnum is favored for its relatively lighter recoil and flatter trajectory at long ranges, making it a preferred choice for many big-game hunters. The 300 WSM, on the other hand, offers greater energy and is generally more effective for larger game at shorter ranges, but with increased recoil.
Now that we have gone over the short answer, we can look in depth at each cartridge, their ballistics, which is better, and when you would want one cartridge over the other.
Review of the 7mm Remington Magnum
Introduced in 1962, the 7mm Remington Magnum quickly became a favorite among hunters and shooters due to its excellent performance characteristics. The cartridge is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory, which allows for precise long-range shooting. It typically fires a 140 to 175-grain bullet at speeds ranging from 3,000 to 3,200 feet per second, depending on the load.
One of the significant advantages of the 7mm Remington Magnum is its versatility. It can handle a wide range of game from deer to elk and even moose or grizzly bear with appropriate bullet selection. Additionally, it tends to have a milder recoil compared to other magnum cartridges because of its lighter bullets.
There are only a few downsides to the 7mm Remington Magnum. Although it does have lighter recoil compared to other magnum cartridges, it does still have a significant amount of recoil which shooters will have to become accustomed to.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm Remington Magnum with a 175-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2860 | 3178 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.2 | 2752 | 2942 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2646 | 2720 |
| 150 | -1.1 | 1.7 | 2542 | 2512 |
| 200 | -3.5 | 3 | 2441 | 2316 |
| 250 | -7.3 | 4.8 | 2343 | 2132 |
| 300 | -12.8 | 7.2 | 2246 | 1961 |
| 350 | -20 | 10 | 2152 | 1800 |
| 400 | -29 | 13.3 | 2060 | 1649 |
| 450 | -40.1 | 17.1 | 1970 | 1508 |
| 500 | -53.2 | 21.4 | 1882 | 1377 |
Review of the 300 WSM
The 300 WSM was introduced in 2001 as part of Winchester’s Short Magnum series. This cartridge is designed to offer magnum-level performance in a more compact case and in a short-action rifle. The 300 WSM fires a 150 to 200-grain bullet at speeds ranging around 3,000 feet per second.
The 300 WSM’s primary strength lies in its power and versatility for larger game. It delivers significant stopping power and energy, which is beneficial for hunting big game such as moose and bear. Additionally, the short action rifles the 300 WSM is chambered in will help save weight and size for backcountry hunts.
However, this power comes with increased recoil, which may affect accuracy and shooter comfort over time. So shooters will need to become very well accustomed to the recoil and may want to consider a muzzle brake or suppressor to help mitigate recoil.
Here is a ballistics chart of a 300 WSM with a 180-grain soft point:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 2950 | 3478 |
| 50 | -0.2 | 0.1 | 2852 | 3250 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.6 | 2756 | 3035 |
| 150 | -0.9 | 1.5 | 2662 | 2832 |
| 200 | -3.1 | 2.6 | 2570 | 2639 |
| 250 | -6.6 | 4.1 | 2480 | 2457 |
| 300 | -11.4 | 5.9 | 2391 | 2285 |
| 350 | -17.8 | 8.2 | 2304 | 2122 |
| 400 | -25.9 | 11 | 2220 | 1969 |
| 450 | -35.8 | 14.2 | 2137 | 1825 |
| 500 | -47.4 | 17.9 | 2055 | 1688 |
In-Depth Comparison
Ballistics and Performance: Both cartridges offer impressive ballistics, but their performance characteristics vary. If you were to consider recoil, then the 7mm Remington is the better cartridge relative to power. However, considering overall performance, the 300 WSM is better because of the larger bullet size and more effective case design
Recoil: Recoil is a significant factor in choosing between these two cartridges. The 7mm Remington Magnum has a relatively mild recoil, around 20 pounds, compared to the 300 WSM, around 25-30 pounds. This lighter recoil can make the 7mm Remington Magnum a more comfortable choice for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who engage in long-duration shooting sessions. The 300 WSM, with its increased power, produces more recoil, which can impact shooter comfort and follow-up shots.
Ammunition and Rifle Availability: Both cartridges have a broad range of ammunition options, but the 7mm Remington Magnum has been on the market longer and has a wider selection of loads and bullet types. The 300 WSM, being newer, may have a more limited selection but is still well-supported by major ammunition manufacturers. Rifle availability for both cartridges is also extensive, with numerous models offered by various manufacturers.
Hunting Applications: The choice between the two often depends on the type of game being hunted. The 7mm Remington Magnum is highly versatile and can handle a range of big game, including deer, elk, and even moose, with proper ammunition. The 300 WSM is particularly suited for larger game where extra power is beneficial such as for grizzly bears or moose.
Conclusion
In summary, both the 7mm Remington Magnum and the 300 WSM offer impressive performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The 7mm Remington Magnum excels with its lighter recoil and versatility, making it a preferred choice for those who value accuracy and comfort. The 300 WSM provides far better power and ballistics, making it ideal for hunting larger game, and comes in short action rifles cutting weight and size.