Thread: Do i need a 300 win mag?

Originally Posted by Sideshow

But isn't that with all calibers?

Yes you are quite right, BUT there is a difference IMO. If you placed a 243 and a 300 Mag round through the vitals of a deer at say 400 yards I would be thinking the animal would most likely drop quicker with the 300 than the 243. Both would be dead but the impact effect would favor the bigger caliber.
The energy does have a lot to do with the outcome, some people think it is just a bunch of numbers but I think that these energy figures tell us what to expect when an animal is hit. I for instance believe that the 243 has lost its energy for effective kills at about 350 odd yards where as the 300 still has the power out to 900 plus yards with well placed shots.
I remember shooting a good sized Red Stag with my 300 RUM at only 90 yards ( big over kill ) but that stag went down like it was hit by lighting, it never moved, it's legs folded under it and there wasn't a tail or ear twitch. He was hit with over 4000 Ft lds of energy at that range. That is where the bigger magnums come into there own by delivering plenty of energy on the animal. Of all the animals I have shot with my various magnum calibers I struggle to remember any that have moved very far from the spot they were hit at, that is one reason I like the big bangers. A bit more noise and recoil is the trade off but it's not that bad and it's worth it. Meat damage is more a result of the type of bullet used, the faster opening type will damage more meat than say a bonded or full copper type bullet and because you can drive them faster you will see this effect.
Years ago me and me mate shot a Fallow Buck each, I was using my 338 Win Mag with 230 gr Fail Safe bullets, me mate was using a 308 with a cup and core type bullet. Same range and my stag had an entry and exit through the shoulder and minimal meat loss, my mates exit shoulder was destroyed, the heavier bullet had less of an explosive effect but still got the job done.
I like my Magnums a lot but I also like using the standard type calibers too, the debate over what is the best has raged for years and will for many more, long may it. By the way @muka88 enjoy your 300 and make up your own mind on how they perform . Good Shooting.