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Here we go again with another ‘what’s the best 30 caliber rifle cartridge’ piece. The easiest answer is to have at least one of each.

308 Win Vs 300 Win Mag — .308 Win Vs .300 Win Mag

We took a deep dive into the .300 Winchester Magnum from a while back. In that article, we looked at some history, some rifles, some ammo and who needs a .300 Winchester Magnum in their safe. In this article, we’ll take a side by side look at the .300 Win Mag and the more than capable .308 Winchester.

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Similarities

Both cartridges will chamber in standard length actions. The .308 will easily fit in short actions, and the .300 Win Mag will slide into a 30-06 length action (long-action). No magnum lengths that add cost and weight are necessary. Component bullets for handloaders are available from 125-grains to 200-grains, giving the rifleman a wide range of choices for everything from varmints to critters like moose and bears.

Meat, it's whats for dinner. — Aim for the heart and lungs!

A .308 loaded up with quality 200-grain bullets would even serve as a reasonable bear deterrent on a sheep or goat hunt in the north country. You have a light, accurate mountain rifle for your primary hunting, but an adequate tool in your hands when you’re packing your sheep through the alder jungles back to base camp. Both cartridges have proven themselves as accurate long-range options in military deployments as well as competitive venues to 1,000 yards or more.

Where Do They Differ?

The .308 Win started life as a military development and quickly gained favor as a capable round in the hunting fields. The .300 Win Mag was actually designed as a sporting cartridge that could be chambered in standard length actions.

Left to Right .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, .338 Winchester Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .375 H&H Magnum — (Left to Right) .308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, .338 Winchester Magnum, .300 Winchester Magnum, .375 H&H Magnum

.308’s can be found in compact, lightweight rifles that are handy and quick in tight cover. Generally, the .300 Win Mag will be a heavier and longer-barreled rig designed to take advantage of the increased powder capacity of the case. All shooters are different, but for most, the recoil of the .308 Win is manageable even by new shooters or youngsters. The .300 Win Mag is probably not something you start a new shooter on.

A Look at Head to Head Performance

In taking a quick look at the data in a few reloading manuals, we begin to see not only the capability of each cartridge but also the obvious performance gains the .300 Win Mag provides as bullet weights increase and distances begin to stretch out. The figures below come from the Speer Reloading Manual #13 and are averages in order to draw a comparison between the .308 Win and the .300 Win Mag. The 500-yard drop figures assume a 100-yard zero range.

	.308 Win		.300 Win Mag
Bullet Weight	Velocity	500-Yard Drop	Velocity	500-Yard Drop
130gr	2,785	-82.9″	3,258	-50.4″
150gr	2,665	-68.2″	3,004	-48.4″
165gr	2,512	-70.8″	2,964	-45.5″
180gr	2,297	-82.8″	2,895	-47.8″
200gr	2,224	-98.5″	2,757	-56.0″

However, all that trajectory comes at a cost. More powder equals more velocity equals more recoil.

artillery fire — The 155mm Howitzer – the logical evolution of “MORE POWER”

When we examine the data above it is readily apparent the increased case capacity of the .300 Win Mag offers much greater velocity across the board for all bullet weights. In most cases, we are seeing average velocities of 400 feet per second or more. The added velocity gives us a much ‘flatter’ trajectory out to the 500-yard mark. If we look at the recoil calculator at Beartooth Bullets here is what we find for our two rifles. Let’s assume we build up a Tikka T3 Lite in .308. Mine weighs exactly 7 pounds with a scope and three rounds of 165-grain Nosler Partition Ammo. My go-to hunting load runs about 2,650 fps. With that data in the calculator, I experience 19 foot-pounds of recoil energy and a recoil velocity of 13 fps. To keep things fair let’s assume we have our .300 Win Mag in a Tikka T3 as well. With a set of Warne one-inch steel rings and a Leupold VX-3i 3.5-10 x 40 scope mounted we’ll have a hunting rifle that weighs in at about 7.5 pounds. Now load up those 165-grain Partitions to about 3,000 fps and our recoil numbers go up considerably. We are now hit with 31-foot-pounds of recoil energy and a recoil velocity of 16 fps.

Best Ammo For Plinking, Hunting, and Long-Range Shooting

I’ll admit, this is an abbreviated list. We go in-depth for ammo choices in our Best .308 Ammo and Best .300 Win Mag Ammo guides and I highly recommend both of those, but here is the top of the top for each round to save you time!

.308 Plinking Rounds

Wolf Military Classic – Budget .308

This ammo is steel-cased and has a 145-grain FMJ bullet. Perfect for a day at the range and training. At just $9.95 per box of 20, you can send a lot of rounds downrange without breaking the bank.

Cheapest .308 Ammo

Product Image for Wolf Military Classic 145 Grain .308

$10

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$10 at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

The cases are Berdan primed and are not reloadable.

Lake City 7.62×51 – Budget Brass .308

This is Mil-Spec 7.62 NATO ammo that will run in all your semi-auto rifles as well as your bolt gun. Typically it is not loaded quite as hot as commercial ammo, so for a new shooter recoil will be a bit less.

Best Mil-Spec .308

Product Image for Lake City 149gr FMJ 7.62x51mm

$305

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$305 at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

The brass is annealed (heat treated) and is boxer primed and reloadable. A note to all you handloaders: Lake City brass is some of the best brass available and is wonderfully consistent for crafting top-quality, accurate ammunition for hunting or match use.

.308 Hunting Ammo

There is no end to quality bullets and ammo for the .308 Winchester. All major ammunition manufacturers offer choices with premium bullets and components.

Hornady Superformance GMX

I’m partial to 165-grain bullets for the .308 and the Hornady GMX bullet is one of the best, in my opinion. I’ve witnessed deer, elk and bison drop in their tracks with this ammo. It is extremely accurate and moves out a bit faster due to the proprietarily blended powder in the Superformance line.

$43

at Cabelas

Prices accurate at time of writing

$43 at Cabelas

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

A box of 20 isn’t cheap, but with one-shot kills those 20 rounds should fill your freezer for a few years.

Remington Express Core-Lokt

You can likely find a box of Big Green at any hardware store or sporting goods store you stop at should you arrive for your hunt and remember your ammo is sitting on the kitchen table at home.

Product Image for Remington .308 Win 150gr Core-Lokt PSP

$25

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$25 at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

The Core-Lokt bullet led the way in controlled expansion bullets and has accounted for many full freezers over the years. If you’re out for deer, hogs or black bear the Remington ammo will serve you well.

.308 Long Range

When we lean on the .308 to stretch out and hit targets way out there, we need to look at sleek, accurate bullets. The .308 seems to be at its best with 168-grain projectiles.

Federal Premium Gold Medal Match

There are several choices here, but the 168-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet is great for long-range shooting and considered by many to be the best long-range bullet available.

Product Image for Federal .308 Win 168gr Gold Medal Match

$33

at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

$33 at GrabAGun

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

Good ammo isn’t cheap, but this is worth it. What’s your take on Gold Medal?

Readers’ Ratings

4.99/5 (1610)

Your Rating?

Hornady Match Rifle Ammunition

The Hornady Match Rifle ammo is a solid choice for the long-range shooter.

Best Long-Range .308

Product Image for Hornady Match 168gr .308 BTHP

$30

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$30 at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

Available in several of Hornady’s very accurate bullets, won’t go wrong with the 168-grain ELD-M bullet or the boat-tail hollow point.

.300 Win Mag Plinking Ammo

I don’t know that the .300 Win Mag is really a “plinking” round, but to learn your rifle system, it’s nice to have some less expensive options for your practice sessions.

Prvi Partizan 180 Grain SP

This is a great economical round for practice and hunting.

Product Image for Prvi Partizan .300 Win Mag

$19.75

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$19.75 at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

The cases are boxer primed and reloadable and since it’s decently cheap, you can afford to get out shoot your big .300 more often. PPU is also just solid ammo, very reliable and one of our most trusted brands.

.300 Win Mag Hunting Ammo

It should come as no surprise that the best purveyors of .308 hunting ammo also churn out exceptional offerings for the .300.

Hornady Superformance 180-Grain GMX

This is a do-it-all choice for big game hunters.

Best .300 Win Mag Hunting Ammo

Product Image for 300 Win Mag - 180gr GMX - Hornady Superformance

$36

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$36 at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

With a monolithic bullet that provides up 95% weight retention and a muzzle velocity a bit over 3,000 fps, you could tote this ammo anywhere in the world and be very confident in taking all but the very biggest and most dangerous game.

Black Hills Gold 180-Grain Nosler Accubond

The Accubond bullet combines the downrange accuracy of the sleek Ballistic Tip with deep penetration and consistent expansion.

$51

at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

$51 at Lucky Gunner

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

This bonded bullet combined with Black Hills reputation for accurate and consistent ammunition is perfect for the big game hunter. Black Hills doesn’t come cheap though so…don’t miss.

Long Range Ammo

Hornady Custom Match 195-Grain ELD-M

These are Extremely Low Drag bullets meant exclusively for long-range shooting. They are not designed for game killing expansion so should not be used as such.

Product Image for Hornady 300 Win Mag 195gr ELD-M

$45

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

$45 at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

These bullets also feature a Heat Shield tip to decrease bullet nose deformity as the bullet moves through the air. This is the type of bullet you want when steel plates are on the menu.

Federal Gold Medal Match 190-Grain Sierra Match King

If you want to squeeze all the accuracy you can out of your .300 Win Mag, give the Match King a try. You won’t be disappointed with it!

Best Long-Range .300 Win Mag

Product Image for Federal 300 Win Mag 190gr Gold Medal Match HPBT

$47

at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

$47 at Brownells

Prices accurate at time of writing

Available Coupons

25% off all OAKLEY products – OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant

Lacking some of the cooler features that something like the Hornady ELD-M offers, Federal Gold Metal loaded with Sierra Match King are widely seen as some of the absolute best long-range factory ammo you can get.

Final Thoughts

In the world of 30 caliber rifles, a shooter would be well-served with a .308 Winchester and a .300 Winchester Magnum to take care of just about any hunting or shooting chore that needed to be done.

This Montana bull was taken late in the hunt...the shot was 510 yards with a .300 Win Mag — This Montana bull was taken late in the hunt…the shot was 510 yards with a .300 Win Mag

A light, short .308 for those deep woods whitetail or grueling backpack hunts and a .300 Win Mag to take of the mule deer in the Wyoming sage or knocking the paint off a silhouette 1200 yards away. While a person could probably do with one or the other, where’s the fun in that? Probably best to have one of each. Why? Because guns are cool! Our Best Large-Bore Hunting Rifles will get you started! What is your chosen round? Taken any awesome game with .308 Win or .300 Win Mag? Looking for ammo deals or reloading guides…check out our Ammo & Reloading section.

7 Leave a Reply

Grey

25-06 best deer cartridge ever.... loaded with a 140g spitzer, it will drop any game in n america at any range you dare to shoot it...

September 5, 2019 11:39 am

Ss

25/06 tops out at 120

October 14, 2020 2:45 pm

Lawrence

.300 for the long open shots on mule deer in the SW where there are few trees. Great for Elk in Colorado also. One shot doesn't rip your shoulder off, but at the range, I just zero it in to 200 yds. and 5 rounds hand loads is plenty of pain! even for a big guy like me. It's all good, get what you think will give that one shot kill.

January 7, 2019 11:30 am
John

Federal PowerPoint 180gr 300 wm $17 at Walmart ideal hunting and plinking round. My weatherby has a Blackhawk axiom stock and a Witt machine muzzle break, recoil is less than .243
300wm hands down for overall use, can outperform all others and do what they can’t

January 2, 2019 7:04 pm
Dan.

Same bullet, completely different velocity and recoil. Depends on your tradeoff between the two.

The 30-06 and .308 are actually very similar.

January 2, 2019 5:43 pm
Mike Jensen

Get a .30-06 Springfield and forget the other two.

January 2, 2019 1:40 am

Jason

Amen to that. It will bring down a Grizzly and out range any 308 in the same set up. Most men hate the recoil of either the 06 and win mag and thats why they jump to the 6.5 but even its not strong enough for the military yet, though they are building ones with uber strong chambers to surpass the 6.5 creedmore's punching power.

January 2, 2019 8:13 am

.308 Win Vs .300 Win Mag: [Battle of the .30 Calibers]

Similarities

Where Do They Differ?

A Look at Head to Head Performance

Best Ammo For Plinking, Hunting, and Long-Range Shooting

.308 Plinking Rounds

Wolf Military Classic – Budget .308

Lake City 7.62×51 – Budget Brass .308

.308 Hunting Ammo

Hornady Superformance GMX

Remington Express Core-Lokt

.308 Long Range

Federal Premium Gold Medal Match

Readers’ Ratings

Your Rating?

Hornady Match Rifle Ammunition

.300 Win Mag Plinking Ammo

Prvi Partizan 180 Grain SP

.300 Win Mag Hunting Ammo

Hornady Superformance 180-Grain GMX

Black Hills Gold 180-Grain Nosler Accubond

Long Range Ammo

Hornady Custom Match 195-Grain ELD-M

Federal Gold Medal Match 190-Grain Sierra Match King

Final Thoughts

7 Leave a Reply

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