or how wrong its proponents are. overkill for deer, poor long range choice and has been for over 50 years, under powered for a dedicated elk and moose gun, poor brush busting. its the participation trophy of hunting rounds. put it like this. if i have to be picky with my shots on elk because of the chambering im carrying, couldn't it at least be really good if not great for something else?
@@hotramen5952 It did a good job in WW1, WW2, Korea, and by snipers in Vietnam. It's also been used for various game all over the world. Not the best for everything but perfectly capable in skilled hands.
@@kalebmcdaniel9147 I honestly can't understand why he says overkill for deer either. I have shot deer with 30 06, .308, .270, and 30 30, and to be honest the entry wounds and exit wounds look very similar. I cannot understand why anyone would say a 30 06 is too much for deer.
At normal ethical hunting ranges you seldom need more than a 30-06. I won't give up my 30-06 as my hunting is done within 350m. If it's further than 350m I get closer. It's been my go to hunting rifle for 20+ years and it has never let me down. I believe it's the perfect rifle for Africa (big 5 excluded). The new kids are always compared to the 30-06 for a reason.
i have a win model 70 ALASKANin 3006,i use 168gr nosleABLR at north of 2900fps at 400 yards,i will give him the other 200 fps with his 300 and wish him luck at 6 or 700 yards.
I live in AK, where as you know we generally have big big animals that we hunt. Both cartridges are used heavily up here. I also work at a larger retail sporting goods store in anchorage and can tell you first hand, I have not seen a box of 300WSM in months. Every week I’m unpacking a different flavors of 30-06 though. The ammo will come back, eventually, and that would definitely lean me towards the WSM. Currently, we have 100s of rifles on the shelf for sale, only one of them in 30-06 and only one in 300wsm. These get bought up the minute they hit the shelves. Needles to say, both are fantastic for our beasts up here, but today I have to vote 30-06, solely because I can grab a box of ammo today, and get out there. Can’t say the same for the WSM.
I agree with Kevin^^ I too work in a large sporting goods store and we get in more 30-06 than 300 WSM or 300 Win mag, or any of the 7MM's. Got me a box of Winchester 30-06 180 gr for $26 a box of 20 rounds today.
Depends on how far your into it. If your a shooter and like your guns I'm going wsm. If you just randomly hunt and aren't deep into it go .30-06 you'll pull a lot more out of the wsm when you can reload and change your bullet weights and change your speeds with different powder charges
I live in NL Canada. I go months without seeing a single box of 300WSM on the shelves. I can go to the store tomorrow and choose from several 30-06 brands and grains.
I live in Wasilla, Alaska, and I agree 100% with you that the 30-06 gets the okay from me (7 rifles in '06 including the '06 improved). I do have a Tikka T3 in 300 WSM; a lot of factory/handloads.
Here in switzerland, its hard to find a rifle chambered in 300WSM. But 300winmag, 30-06, 308, 8×57is, 7×64, 270win, 243win, 223rem You can find in every shop. Same with ammo. The 300WSM and 270WSM are on the way to die here.
A couple of pros for the -06 that I didn’t hear mentioned are: a). Most rifles in .30-06 will have a 4+1 capacity vs the 3+1 of most short magnums. More than once I’d have traded .3 lbs extra weight for an extra round in the magazine. +1 pt for the .30-06. b.) I realize the .30-06 Ackley Improved is not one of the cartridges in question here, but the small amount of time/money needed to pick up the extra 100ish+ FPS that come with Ackley-izing the .30-06, takes a large portion of the .300 WSM’s advantage away (especially in bullet weights above 180 gr.). Plus the .30-06 AI still shoots standard .30-06 ammunition safely, and accurately enough to hunt with in a pinch. Another aside is the sheer quantity of options in rifles chambered for .30-06. Virtually every manufacturer, in nearly every model is chambered in .30-06; far fewer chambered in .300 WSM. It might be easier to find a setup that tickles your fancy in the 30-06. Fun to debate!
I have both, and when I get a gun out of the safe to go hunting, my hand always goes for the 300 WSM. All your points are absolutely valid, and when I’m asked (I sell firearms) what’s the best all around firearm, I answer 30-06. I might need counselling!
30-06 has to win this because it's cheaper, you can actually find it in stock, pretty much every bolt gun is available in 30-06 and it works. It's the small block Chevy of rifle calibers. Is it the best out there? No, but you can get parts everywhere. 300 WSM is a better caliber, it's short action and makes for a lighter rifle but good luck finding it much less affording it! And there is a good chance the gun you want doesn't come in it, or even if it does finding it is a real hassle.
Oddly enough I got 300 wsm ammo and brass.... and I don't have one or know anyone that does anymore. I turned all my buddies 30-06 brass into 8mm mauser brass since I use 2 of them.
The speed of the recoil results in sharper impact on shooter with the WSM resulting in greater felt recoil and making the '06 a bit easier for many to shoot. While I have seen '06 on shelf I haven't the WSM. The slightly gentler shoulder of the '06 also affects feeding smoothness and reliability with the '06 being both smoother and more reliable
@ JC Gardner - the shape and contour of a cartridge case is an essential element of reliable feeding and extraction, but one that gets overlooked a lot. Those steep-shouldered short magnums hang up easier when being pushed into the chamber than the relatively smooth long-action 30-06, or for that matter, something even more gradual in shape such as the 300 H&H. And because many of those new and hotter cartridges run at higher pressures, they can be tougher to extract cleanly. It takes time for the case to cool and release from the chamber wall, and the higher the pressure, the more potential for problems. True, this issue can be mitigated by choosing high-quality brass and other components if you reload, and premium factory ammo if you do not, but it is a factor.... The last thing any old hunter wants when facing down dangerous and ill-tempered big game is a jam. Drama-free feeding and extraction are where it is it. Controlled round feed is nice, too.
I have used a 30-06 for about 47 years. Great round, I have a couple rifles chambered for it. My one knock always has been the long action. So, the 300 WSM would be a nicer in the short action. However, the 30-06 is near the top of recoil that many hunters and shooters can stand. The 300 WSM may put them over the top. For me, 30-06 recoil is very mild, especially in a hunting situation, and I doubt the 300 WSM recoil would affect me at all. However, if I was just starting deer hunting today, my choice would be the 7mm-08.
@@graynotescartridgebox I recently used a .300 short mag on a hunt. Rifle was a Tikka T3x Super Varmint with mercury tube in the stock. Shot 180gr Nosler Accubond for a total shot count of about 15 rounds. Recoil didn't feel any bit more than my 6.5mm Creedmoor using 140gr Sierra Game Kings. I was pleasantly surprised, especially since that Tikka .300 WSM felt a lot lighter in the hand than I would've thought.
@@graynotescartridgeboxI agree shouldn't be bad, weight helps with a gun. How effectively you can shoulder the weapon too like different placement of your butt pad
Your logic is solid. Good points all around. But, at the end of the day, I’m going to go with .30-06. And really it comes down to budget for me. Finding a rifle in the old 06 is easier, as well as finding dies and brass. Weight from the longer action is negligible (personal opinion). I have multiple rifles in 06, including my favorite rifle; a 92 year old 1903, and she’s still chugging out 1 MOA groups. Plus, in a pinch, I can take 30-06 brass and size it for multiple other cartridges. Is the WSM better ballistically? Sure! It is ballistically better. But! I can hand load a 30-06 load to do quite a bit more than the standard factory load, including getting out to 1,000 yards. The old 30-06 gets my vote. Great series! Keep it up!
@ Ssgt. Telrik - The venerable 30-06 still getting it done after darned near 120 years. As created the cartridge is very capable and extremely versatile, but modern propellants and bullets really breath new life into the old gal, if you are willing to reload and do some work to tailor an outstanding load. Using a 208-grain ELD-M loaded with one of the superb modern mid-range or slower-burning propellants, and you are looking at a genuine 1500-yard cartridge. In other words, getting into 300WM external ballistics territory. And loaded with a 212-grain ELD-X, you have a potent hunting round. Finally, with the time-tested 220-grain round nose dangerous game solid, you are looking at a round capable of taking the largest bears. You can even push that long-action case a bit further in terms of weight of the projectile, if you work at it... up to 230-grains. You won't be pushing it as hard as a magnum, but it will still have plenty of thump. Professional hunters and guides often stress that the choice of caliber is not as important as learning to shoot your chosen rifle well and consistently, especially under field conditions, and the use of a premium hunting bullet. Obviously, there is a floor below which you don't want to go in terms of caliber choice, but many readers might be surprised to know that for many many years, Canadian hunters have brought down the largest bears using the venerable .303 British cartridge out of their vintage Lee-Enfield Mk. IV No. I rifles. That's a cartridge slightly less-potent than the .308 Winchester. Shot placement is critical, but if you can make your shot - that 270 Win. or 30-06 might surprise you with its capabilities. The 30-06 is the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century for a reason, and it is also the most-popular center-fire hunting cartridge in the world for a reason.
My vote goes to the .30-06. 300WSM smokes the .30-06 on paper, no doubt - so many cartridges do. However, the ultimate "one gun" needs to have ammunition that's affordable and available. .30-06 in my area gets gobbled up during hunting season and gets hard to find, but it's absolutely brought in in much, much higher volume. It's cheaper, the brass is cheaper (and usually free at your local gravel pit), and you'll be able to find a box of ammo no matter where you go. Alaska? Canada? South Africa? New Zealand? Awash in .30-06.
And there in lies the crux of the matter. The cartridge must be capable of being found everywhere. He says he’s finding WSM up there but that’s gotta be a niche area. The fact that it’s around is because it’s sitting on shelves *NOT* being sold. Where as -06 might be out today because it all sold but that’s because it sells out for a reason: it’s BETTER!
The only thing I can find in 30-06 for hunting ammo is Winchester Silvertip.... for 55 doll hairs. Meanwhile I can get a bunch of weird surplus calibers for less.
This might be the toughest decision in this cartridge wars segment. I will have to vote 30-06... simply because it can do it all. 425 yards is still a fantastic hunting range, ammo cost, availability, and abilities. It simply will always be THE benchmark.
In my opinion, the advantages of the .300wsm are really only applicable to niche areas of hunting. If you hunt at the ragged edge of 450 yards or beyond it makes sense to choose the .300wsm. Anything inside that there really isn't any reason for it other than personal preference. Contrary to the video hosts experience, I think very few people would agree that the short mag is as easy to find ammo for as the '06. Currently things are crazy out there but in normal times you can find '06 in pretty much any sporting goods store or bait & tackle shop from big box to mom & pop. That is definitely not the case with the WSM. Unless you are a mountain hunter where ounces = pounds, the small weight difference in the action is negligible. What is important however is recoil. The '06 is widely regarded as the max the average person can shoot without potentially causing accuracy issues like flinch. Just me myself has known guys who bought and shoot magnum calibers because, well, it's a magnum caliber. They also definitely have developed flinches. It can be overcome with lots of practice but most people won't do that because A. It's expensive to shoot these calibers and B. It becomes painful which just reinforces the flinch. It can be done but if we're honest, very few people do it. Most people pull out the big magnum for hunting season and put it back when it's over with few, if any, shots fired. I just don't see any advantage of the WSM inside 400+ yards that overcomes it's disadvantages. It's an excellent cartridge but more suited to those hunting scenarios where the ranges exceed the ability of the '06. Even then you have to ask if there's a better choice for long range hunting. Is the .300wsm the best long distance hunting caliber? If not, what is it really best at? Maybe that will be the next video.
I favor the WSM, for the exact reasons you mentioned. 30-06 is legendary, and still a great cartridge. If you shoot one and you like it, more power to you. No reason to change. But if you're looking for a new 30-cal rifle, I'd suggest the WSM over the '06.
Enjoyed the video. I live in the east...during the shortage I have seen 30-06 more available... 10-1 over the 300 WSM on the store shelves. Maybe the difference is geographic? I vote 30-06.
I think the difference is regional. I'm in the southeast, and .300 WSM is virtually impossible to find because it's not worth a damn in this region. The biggest animals around here are whitetails and the occasional black bear (and being in the south, our black bears are wimpy little things compared to other places.) Add in the fact that you'll be lucky to get anything past a 100 yard shot, and .300 WSM is a waste of money, powder and shoulder pain for literally no benefit.
To each their own...I'll keep my 30-06 though. I like that ammo is far more available in most places for 30-06 vs 300wsm. Also when you start handloading 30-06 cases will likely give you more reloads as well as open up even more versatility with rounds as there is less chance of pressure spikes with reduced loads because of the more narrow case.
I think that the two options are pretty even in pros, but I'd have to give the edge to the 30-06 for the sheer amount of ammunition that I see on the shelf for it, and the price difference in the ammunition. I do think that the 300 WSM is a great option though, and I think it could go either way.
Hand loading really changes things . Guys are getting 2750 with a 200 grain terminal ascent out of that old 3006 . That gives it 1850 or so of energy at 600 yards . I’d never shoot elk that far but it would certainly handle elk to 600
@@userJohnSmith Very true! Then you’ve got to factor in your fixed costs (press, dies, measures, tools) and your variable costs, which for me eventually includes those Walmart calibers because volume offsets the fixed costs involved in getting started. That said, lately the cost of powders and primers not to mention their availability become factors.
The only advantage I find in 30-06 for me is I can turn the brass into 8mm mauser brass for my go to rifles. That's why I love my buddy who has 3 30-06 rifles and doesn't need me to reload for him yet
This video is a great example of classroom knowledge vs real life application. The classroom points to .300 wsm but real life application says 30-06. For 95% of hunting situations the 06 will deliver equal performance for less recoil and cost.
30-06. I believe the old studies that say the 30-06 is at the upper limit of what most people can shoot well. Your comparison saying they could be about the same if the 300 had a better stock and the 06 a poorer one could also go the other way, making the 30-06 much more shootable. Also, yes, the 300 has more power and therefore more usable range but even with rangefinders I believe 400 yards is a good upper limit for the vast majority of shooters under field conditions. Most have no business poking at an animal beyond 300 yards. Bottom line is the old 06 gets it done within reasonable range. Took down my bull elk at just under 300 yards this year with zero issues. Throw in availability, cost and I'll just say it, nostalgia, and I'll stick with the old warhorse.
300 WSM for sure has all the power for anything in North America with out a doubt and can be downloaded still for smaller things. 30-06 is still a absolute great cartridge but I feel like the 300 WSM trumps it in every category. Just my thoughts.
I'm a reloader so cost is almost identical the only difference is very small as the wsm uses a little bit more powder. As for barrel life unless your going to be shooting it every weekend as your only rifle ya I could maybe see that being a problem. But as a hunting rifle that I want to use to ring some steel a few times a year you'll never have to worry about that.
@@rudysroots2789 pfft 300 wsm kicks the shit out of a 30-06 any day of the week, ESPECIALLY if you hand load for it. The 06 is a good round, no doubt about that but the 300 wsm is the modern day 30-06
This cartridge showdown is fun but I'm waiting for it all to still come down to 30-06. Shoot-ability (tolerable recoil) Carry-ability (tolerable gun weight) Find-ability (gun availability). Vari-ability (110-225 grain bullet range) Kill-ability (self expl) Afford-ability (not expensive/obscure gun) Avail-ability (Able to find ammo or reload) I think the 30-06 wins it and I DONT EVEN OWN ONE.
.30-06 Sprg is a two time WORLD WAR CHAMP. If you don't have one, get one. I've killed more big game with 300 WSM than any of my other rifles. Do you think 300 WSM is obscure? You're wrong. It's everywhere. If you don't have one, get one. If you want to keep comparing cartridges to declare a "winner", go ahead. Meanwhile, I have one rifle of almost every cartridge and multiple rifles of the "popular" cartridges. I get ammo every time I go to the store. If there's one box, I've got a rifle, pistol, or shotgun to shoot it.
Lol it has the dame bullet range ive found more 300 wsm and for cheaper than 30-06 for last 2 years people are scared of the short mag but most sre stuck in there ways and it shows what cartridge do you use
I’ve had both over the years. I upgraded to the 300wsm to take advantage of the better ballistics and range of the wsm. Both are great options but if I only could choose one it would be the wsm. From a recoil perspective, I’ve never felt the recoil in any shot on game.
That’s smart. I’m not really convinced you need a 30 caliber plus, unless you’re planning on some large/dangerous game like moose or brown bear. 7mm rem mag is perfect for anything up to and including bull elk.
@@vitaly6312 7mm is perfect for moose as well. I have shot every animal i've ever harvested, with my 7mm rem mag. Wouldn't think twice about using it for grizz too.
The fact that every new cartridge is compared to the 30-06, pretty much sums up how great it is. New cartridges will come and go just as the wind blows, but the Springfield will be here forever!
30-06 is the winner in my humble opinion. The recoil is too large a factor. It is right on the cusp for some and beyond it for many when it comes to flinching/bracing, etc. when anticipating the shot. These tendencies may in turn have an effect on accuracy when considering 300wsm. Both are great rounds but 300WSM doesn't have enough advantages over the 30-06 to beat your shoulder to a pulp and pay higher ammo prices in my opinion. 30-06 is capable of every practical thing the 300WSM does but with less recoil.
I have .30-06, and just learning about the .300 WSM. I agree for the most part, but I do think his point about effective range shouldn't be overlooked. Making that decision when you are at a long range is definitely a factor. As for the recoil, I am thinking about putting a brake onto the -06 for that reason...that and I am tired of it blowing the diffusers off of the chrono rods! So maybe putting one on the WSM would take care of the problem. If I had neither of them, I'd still buy the .30-06. Hands down. Although if I knew I'd be hunting in areas that could result in those 400-600 yard shots, I might choose the .300...even with the ammo costs & selection. As always, just buy both.
Agree, the WSM isn't that much more recoil, but most guys are in denial about how much recoil they can take and it not effect accuracy. At ranges like 555yds, the smallest flinch fully defeats accuracy. So the ballistic advantage is often more than negated by the effects of the increased recoil. For guys that are not recoil sensitive at all, truly, and practice a lot, and hunt where those distances are relevant, the WSM has that advantage. But compared with cost, availability, and reloading versatility in components and brass acquisition and appropriation, 30-06 has a lot to commend it.
30-06…just more practical. I like the 300wsm but I guess I just see the 30-06 as being a better do all cartridge. I see more 30-06 ammo and the rifles are more accessible.
I'm with alot of the others here...with the shortage I can find 30-06, but just don't ever see 300 WSM on the shelf. That said I bought a 6.5 Creedmoor over a year ago and still haven't fired it for that same reason.
If one was intent on shooting heavy high BC bullets, go with the 300 WSM. If it is a dedicated hunting rifle, go with the 30-06. Modern bullet designs with high weight retention will allow the shooter to use lighter weight bullets at higher speeds. As hunters, we can get away with hunting elk sized game with bullet weights traditionally thought to be too light. For example, a 30-06 shooting a 150 gr. Barnes T-TSX at 3,000 fps + will yield velocities above 2000 fps and energy just below 1,500 ft/lbs. at 600 yards at typical elk hunting elevations. A 180 gr. Nosler Accubond will have almost identical velocity and energy at 600 yards, however, the 150 gr. Barnes will drop 9" less at 600 and the wind deflection, in a 10 mph cross wind, is the same. My question is, why beat yourself up with more recoil when it is completely unnecessary? The 30-06 can be shot more and more comfortably during an outing at the range than the 300 WSM. Ammo is cheaper also, if and when you can find it with today's ammo scarcity issues. Of course, if you put a muzzle break or suppressor on the 300 WSM, it will make is much more comfortable to shoot. The inverse is also true of the 30-06. However, if this is a hunting rifle primarily, you probably wouldn't want to run it with a muzzle break, unless you hunt with ear protection. You may or may not want to run it with a can. If you do, you are adding a lot of unnecessary weight. As you said, ounces can be a big deal to a mountain hunter. All else being the same, with a 200 yard zero, the 300 WSM has 1.5" less drop and .5" less wind deflection at 300 yards, 4" less drop and 1" less wind at 400, and 7" less drop and 2" less wind at 500 yards. The 300 WSM offers approximately 50 yards more in Max Point Blank Range than the 30-06. Bottom line is the benefits the 300 WSM offers over the 30-06 are fairly minuscule at "ethical" hunting ranges. I do not own either caliber and am not biased one way or the other. Just looking at numbers, for me, the 30-06 would be the winner.
One thing I’d add to the Teeter totter is magazine capacity because with the 300wsm being a fatter cartridge I believe usually instead of having a four round magazine it may be a two or three round magazine and that may help affect a decision as well in certain Hunting situation
I honestly feel you need two separate brackets: 1. disregarding availability and 2. availability considered. You may own a Maserati but it's a hunk of metal without petrol/gasoline. Subsequently, the 300 WSM doesn't stand a chance on any continent compared to a .30-06 Springfield. On the dark continent, it's pretty common knowledge the .30-06 and .375 H&H Magnum are kings of availability. No one needs you to bracket anything to regard that as fact.
In the middle of war zones in Afghanistan troops were finding 30-06 in the markets. The 30-06 is considered the top end of what most average shooters can effectively and accurately shoot because of the recoil impulse. Ammo is more expensive. Reloading it is more expensive. To take advantage of those long range attributes you need to lose the lightweight gun and step up to a heavier gun and losing that mountain weight gun. Absolutely none of his arguments seemed enough for the negatives.
Someone sounds salty but you cant argue the 300 wsm and 30 nosler and 300 win msg and 300 weatherby and 28 nosler slap the 30-06 all day and night and why do you use the bare minimum on the dark content when plenty of incapable shooters wound animals lol pipe down before everyone makes fun of you
@@MrJtin69 And yet W.D.M. "Karamojo" Bell shot more than 200 elephants with a 6.5mm Mannlicher that is slower/weaker than the .30-06. Guess what? I'm making fun of YOU. Read what is written and not what you think you read so you can post inane comments.
Thank you! People don’t seem to get it! You are giving your opinion on what works for you, why and in a very detailed manner. There is a ton of good information in this video. The reality at the end of the day is there are trade offs in any case. I chose calibers that I LIKE and can justifying my mind TO BE USEFUL FOR ME! From the research I’ve done, I haven’t really seen a game changer new cartridge come on the market recently. I like the looks of .277 Fury.
I'm from South Africa and as someone that uses store bought ammo I can say that the .30-06 is not only more readily available but also about 30-40% cheaper than the .300WSM. I'm known as a Biltong hunter in SA, ie someone who generally goes hunting to put venison on the table rather than hunting for trophies. When you factor the additional ammo cost to your "groceries" bill the .30-06 is the only logical answer.
@@dimmacommunication There isn't much difference in factory ammo price between .30-06 and .308... at least not enough to make a difference to the groceries bill. I grew up shooting .30-06 that's why I prefer it, I have nothing against the.308 it is a fantastic cartridge. It's just personal preference I suppose...
Trading 25% more recoil on every shot for an "effective range" moving from 425 to 550 doesn't seem like a great trade for me. I can't think of too many ethical shots at those ranges, and if you are willing to shoot at those ranges it seems overly cautious that you would be worried about going to 2000 fps with a 220 grn. But I can think of many situations where the extra power would over penetrate common game, making the extra power meaningless. The only advantage I can imagine is to shoot elk at slightly longer ranges. Also lost me on the short action. Why would I want a lighter weapon if I am going to have 25% more recoil than a 30-06. Seems there's better places to save that weight given you're hunting with a magnum, and defeats the idea of having a comfortable rifle for the range. At 1000 yards you're still aiming 30 ft above the target you can barely see. .30-06 -Availability of factory ammo -So many load options/brands you can find something that shoots well to your rifle -will be in production for its 200th anniversary -if you reload you have no shortage of brass -rifles will be designed with your caliber in mind -less likely to anticipate recoil for people, improving shot placement
@@chuckbrueck3125 lol expensive exotic gun? I bought a stainless tikka t3x 300 wsm. Every time I go to the store there's at least a dozen boxes of 300 wsm ammo for 36 per box on the shelf. Next time you make an argument please make it a valid one lol
@@chuckbrueck3125 I know you're trying hard to convince me that a 300 wsm is so expensive to shoot (which it isn't) and hard to find (which it isnt) $36÷20 rounds= $1.80 per round. If you reload which I do it's about a buck a round. 900 fps greater is a huge difference!
@@chuckbrueck3125 um no actually, the red box winchester 180 gr is $36 Canadian per box retail. Do you have any idea how much faster 900 fps is? Clearly not. The 300 wsm kicks the shit out of the 06 any day of the week and I know this can be painful to accept but if you start today you should be feeling better by next week
Honestly everything about the 30-06 is a compromise. It's good at everything, but great at nothing. 300 wsm just does everything better while burning less powder than a 300 win. 308 win is fantastic though, especially for practicing, due to the absurd barrel life compared to both of those cartridges
300 wsm beats the 300 win mag with lighter bullets but shooting anything 200gr or more, the 300 win mag will outperform the wsm IF you stick to SAAMI specs. If you can load as long as you want then there's really no difference
300 wsm is one of my all time favorites but the edge for me goes to the 30-06 better brass and powder options and you can pretty much find it in any state/country
Such a great way to do the classic "Cartridge War"! I'm hooked hard now to see what wins out. For this round I'd put my vote to the 300WSM although I owned a 30-06 for a long time and loved it.
30-06, easier on the recoil, and uses less powder on reloading. That’s about all I have for it’s pro’s. -06 is likely a bit cheaper too, I haven’t seen wsm too much to compare it to price wise. Out at even 750 yards, or so, you are still just breaking 1000 ft-lbs of energy which will still take a deer and an elk with a lung shot. But then again shot placement is everything and if you have confidence in your set up, that’s the best thing you can have in the hunting woods!
I have hunted for 40 years with the 30-06. The criteria of more power. faster, flatter is valid but does it make it better? I've shot white tail deer in the north woods of MN at less than 20 yards and was not happy with the amount of meat damaged by the 30-06. The WSM would have been even more damaging. I've hunted western Colorado elk for many years and found more elk in the timber at less than 100 yards than at longer ranges and the 30-06 has plenty of power at those ranges. WSM is less efficient. As a hand loader, to down load the WSM to the velocities I load 30-06 at would take 4.6 grains more powder than the 30-06 does. Is there enough difference between them to make or break the shot? Not very often in hunting. My vote is for the old reliable '06.
Interesting comparison. I personally love the 30-06 for many reasons. (Mainly availability, price, performance, and recoil) Most of my shooting/ hunting is less than 300 yards, though. For longer ranges, I would probably want a magnum.
Given that the original premise of cartridge wars was to identify a cartridge for a "one gun", ammo price has to play a role. If I want something to shoot elk, deer, and soda cans, I don't want to drop a fortune on every round. That alone should put the 30-06 in front. Besides, look online anywhere and availability is strongly in favor of 30-06.
I don't have a dog in the race as I've never been hunting yet, but I really want to go. I've been trying to decide what rifle I want to get, so I'm very interested in the outcome of this series. Currently I've been leaning towards the 30-06.
@@rockstar212121 I have done days of research on this and finally bought a browning hells canyon 7mm rem mag. I got on the wagon and bought a few rifles before I knew better. If I had to do it over 7 mm would be my ONE rifle
Have fun and enjoy the research between the two! See if you can shoot each one before you purchase. Both are awesome! I ended up with a 30-06 and would have been happy with either. So much out there between these two classic calibers, but try it out before you buy as I have seen a few buddies hang up the 7mm rem mag because of shootability. My other older hunter friends have all told me to go with the 30-06 for the same reason and many others in this thread. They just found their 7mm rem mag punishing. And yes, you can adjust things, weight, break, etc, but again for everything g I hunt in CO and practical uses, there is a reason the 30-06 is what it is. Is it “exciting” no, but sometimes exciting isn’t the best… Let us know what you grab!
@@striderwolf687 awesome and yeah if there's a way for me to shoot them first I'll definitely do so. When I was last at a big box store looking at the rifles just to check them out they unfortunately weren't able to get the one I was looking at in 30-06 for almost another year. Unfortunately for that I just enlisted and I still have no idea where I'll be in a year, so I've got plenty of time to look into them some more
No need to re invent the wheel brother. It is a hotter cartridge and shorter action , no doubt...but gotta be cheap and available to ever knock the king off the throne. Long live the King.
I've never shot the 300wsm so I have no say on that cartridge. That also means I am biased towards the 30-06. For what that says, I'd choose the 30-06 for its decades of service in the military. It was used for a reason. It works for stacking bodies. Now here in Iowa, we can't use necked cartridges for hunting unless its for coyotes. In which case a 223rem will do that job just fine. Also hunting ranges here are usually 100 yards and in. Last season I personally know a guy who got a deer with a 12ga slug at 5 yards. All in all, it really comes down to the nostalgia of the 30-06 and proven track record in military and hunting applications. The history of this round proves that it is more than adequate for whatever you put in its way.
I like 30-06 because it's "limitations" will make you focus more on making an ethical shot. The 300WSM will subconsciously make you think you're capable of more than you actually are as a shooter and hunter. I guess it would come down to the amount discipline you have during a hunt. Just because a cartridge can, dosent always mean you should.
I like both, but prefer the -06. Easier (and cheaper) to find ammo and reloading options galore. My goal is to stalk to under 300 yards anyway, so I won't be taking longer shots. Great videos as always, parabens for the almost 300k subs!
Great Video.. I have both. Love Both.. But my 3006 is my go to. I'll use it at home and on the farm. When I head out west. It my 300, winchester short mag.. 150 grain. I Love both calibers . But if I had to pick one. It's the 3006....
The WSM requires a longer barrel to take advantage of the slower powder. Any weight savings is pretty well shot right there. Everything that the WSM has over the -06 can be said about all the 30 cal magnums. Lets just go with a 30-378, it blows the WSM completely out of the water.
Lol no it doesn’t . Most 300wsm will Come in 24 or less inch barrels and that shorter action shortens the rifle even more . I’ve owned both . The wsm is superior
You forgot something in your analysis. 30-06 is cheaper, it's America's cartridge, it killed Nazis, and I disagree about it not being on the shelf. I actually had to buy a new rifle this year in 30-06 because where I live 30-06 was actually more available and cheaper than .308! .308 is my preferred cartridge but I just couldn't get it this year and when I could it was going for prices that I simply refused to pay. I also see a larger selection of rounds (plinking, match, hunting) in 30-06 over .300 WSN where I live. My vote here is 30-06. But I do agree that ballistically speaking .300 WSM is obviously superior.
@Paul past 400 yards you'll notice a difference. 30-06 isn't the end all be all my friend. 7mm rem mag is better, 28 Nosler, 300wsm, 300 win mag, 280 rem, 280AI. All the old heads praise 30-06 because it's a generational cartridge handed down thru the years for a century. Doesn't make it the cats ass
@@masondevos799 Ok. Better for you. Most people in a hunting situation won’t benefit from the negligible difference. At 600 yards I’m not missing with my .30-06 but hitting with anything else.
Appreciated the points made in the video. Superiority in some respects conceded. In my individual situation (a couple rifles in total) with cost and availability definite variables, I'll stick with the 30-06. Thanks for the comparison though.
This is a tough one, but just to add to your "effective range" point which is important. Just last week I shot a Blue Wildebeest with my 3006 at 440m and the bullet was still over 2,000fps. With my Accubond 210gr it only drops below that speed at 492 yards. I still vote 30-06 because of the lighter recoil. I dont hunt with a silenser, and need a light gun for walk and stalk hunting. Just think the 300wsm will add the extra recoil in a light gun that I might not like
My grandfather fought in WWI, my Dad and all my uncles in WWII. I shot my first deer, and also my biggest deer, with a .30-06, along with two bull moose. Therefore, I vote for….(drumroll please)…the .300 WSM. There’s nothing wrong with loving one cartridge while acknowledging the advancements of another.
Tough choice both are great hunting rounds. If where taking all things into consideration I still gotta go with the 30-06 as all manufacturers chamber for it even European manufacturers such as Beretta just released there new bolt action and one of the first offerings was 30-06. Speaks to the respect the cartridge has world wide as a hunting round. Best hunting cartridge and best cartridge will likely never hit the mark together as one. Kinda like the argument at what point do you say it’s hunting and at what is it long range target practise on game. So to be fair a maximum ethical hunting distance needs to be set and each cartridge evaluated within that range. So many other factors to consider when comparing hunting cartridges, such as meat loose.
This would have to be the first time I have disagreed with you. I love your channel mate. Here in Australia (you have a wide audience) I don’t think the 300wsm even exists haha
Alaska fish and game says this "Big Magnums Not Needed The rifle you bring hunting should be one with which you are comfortable. Because of the presence of brown and grizzly bears, many hunters have been convinced that a .300, .338, .375, or .416 magnum is needed for personal protection and to take large Alaska game. This is simply not true. The recoil and noise of these large cartridges is unpleasant at best and plainly painful to many shooters. It is very difficult to concentrate on shot placement when your brain and body remembers the unpleasant recoil and noise which occurs when you pull the trigger on one of the big magnums. The two most common complaints of professional Alaska guides are hunters who are not in good physical condition and hunters who cannot accurately shoot their rifles. Because these hunters do not practice enough they cannot shoot accurately enough. They miss their best chance at taking their dream animal or worse yet, they wound and lose an animal. Most experienced guides prefer that a hunter come to camp with a .270 or .30-06 rifle they can shoot well rather than a shiny new magnum that has been fired just enough to get sighted-in. If you are going to hunt brown bear on the Alaska Peninsula or Kodiak Island, a .30-06 loaded with 200- or 220-grain Nosler® or similar premium bullet will do the job with good shot placement. Only consider using a .300, .338 or larger magnum if you can shoot it as well as you can the .30-06.
when I compare what my online store has in terms of ammo, I see 91 different loads of .30-06 vs 9 of .300 wsm, at 2/3 the price for the .30-06 bullets. sure we are talking europe, the .300 wsm hasn't "crossed the pond entirely yet" so to speak. but until it catches up the .30-06 takes the cake for me. I am looking at buying a dedicated driven hunt gun right now and I am looking at the savage impulse specifically. My favourite caliber for that job, the 8x7IS, isnt available so far in that gun. for me it comes down to these two exact calibers if savage doesnt build one in 8x57IS. If I had to choose my caliber for that gun right now, it would easily be the .30-06 even though I would love to give the .300wsm a try and I find it interesting. on another note, while I get to bitch about stuff a bit, savage could really improve their customer service. when I asked if there were plans to build the impulse in 8x7IS they could as well have written back "just buy another gun!" their answer being so short and "whatever!".
Back in the mid 70's as a young man, I decided on a 300 Win Mag over the '06. There was a particular buck that I figured I'd need to reach out to 600 yards for. My new Father in Law delivered it on Christmas Day, and thought I was nuts due to its recoil. I was afraid then I'd only be able to afford one rifle that would do it all. In the mid 2000's, when the shorter case magnums came out, those are what I recommended to my nephews. I think you're right on with your choice. '06's are really the Queen of the gun world though, my oldest brother had a custom made rifle in that caliber, and the only '06 I ever owned was as a 'buddy loan rifle'; it was so well liked that one guy practically cried on my shoulder till I sold it too him!
I'm a huge fan of the 30-06 it was my first "real" rifle, the first one I harvested an elk and deer with. I still carry it in the woods sometimes. Those 220 grain round nose bullets in thick timber are insanely effective but that's besides the point. However, when it comes to a longer range do it all gun, the first part of the equation makes the 300 WSM the better choice. It pains me deeply to admit my beloved 30-06 is beat by that good for nothin' wsm cartridge! The one saving grace is the added recoil. For a recoil sensitive person anything over 30-06 even sometimes including the '06 is too much and induces a flinch. All things being equal and a none recoil senstive person or a good quality gun with a nice stock (maybe a suppressor) 300wsm.
Also I tried the new Winchester StaBall 6.5 powder in my 7mm-08. Was getting 2910 average with a 150 gr bullet and 2800 with a 165 Sierra game changer. 120 Barnes ttsx bullets were at a blistering 3200 FPS. Turning that cartridge into a rocket for sure. Accuracy was excellent to.
.30-06 for rifle and ammo availability. I have friends who have had reliability issues with short magnum cartridges (270 wsm). Max effective range is cool on the .300 wsm but the pros of the 06 out weigh that.
Im a hard core 30-06 fan since forever but you can't argue the numbers. Every round has it's place . I have a few 30-06 and a 300 saum (very close to the 300 wsm ) and they all preform about the same to around 400 yards (about the end of practical hunting range) sure you can stretch it farther but that excludes about 90% of the shooters me included
Where the 300 WSM really beats it is in recoil…. Said no one ever…. I’ll stick to my very capable 30-06 with better barrel life and softer recoil. No need beating yourself up if you only hunt 400 yards or less.
Cheaper to shoot, less recoil, easier to find rifles chambered for it, I'm voting in favor of the 30-06. I don't see any magnum as being a good all around cartridge at all since it's going to be overkill for half of what you are hunting. 30-06 strike an excellent balance. We aren't looking for thr best mountain hunting long range cartridge, but the most versatile, and in this matchup, that's the 30-06 hands down.
.300 WSM in my mind, wins. It is basically a modern take on the .30-06. And if you want to make the ammo availability argument, I actually find more .300 WSM because not as many people buy it
30-06 costs less, is more readily available world wide, and has power to take down elephants without bruising your shoulder 15 shots into an afternoon at the range. Please upload a video of you shooting 15 rounds of your 300wsm?
This conversations might best be enjoyed with a fresh cup of joe and a friendly reminiscing of previous hunts. I can't honestly conclude from my hunting memories that my faithful 30-06 didn't do it's part when I did mine.
What us your logic behind the meat destruction? I've seen deer shot with 7mm and 300wm that lost less than a pound of meat, I've also seen the 30-06 completely ruin both front shoulders of a similarly sized deer. Shot placement is key for this not gun. He also stated that the recoil is minimally different so your argument on that is invalid
Perfect timing. I’m considering both of these cartridges in a new rifle purchase this week. I have had a 30-06 in a Ruger M77 & I really like it. I have not owed the 300wsm yet, but after your explanation in this video I will be purchasing the 300wsm. My vote goes to the 300wsm.
@@vitaly6312 Thanks for the suggestion. I am fortunate to also already have a 7mm rem mag in a older Husky H5000. Beautiful shooting rifle. I was just looking to purchase a new rifle with a removable magazine. I am planning on keeping my 7mm though. Maybe I should just spend the money and upgrade my optics on my Husqvarna and just use it more. Now you have me thinking. 😁
Even though I dropped my deer in its tracks this year with a 30-06 and I love the cartridge I guess I’ll vote for the 300wsm. It is a superior cartridge
30-06 because less recoil means better accuracy potential and less intimidating. Also more information and track record. Qnd if your a mountain hunter it far fetch to shoot out to 500+ yards
My Tikka 300 WSM is putting out 0.30 inch groups at 100 yards and hits 1000 yard steel all day. It’s fantastic. If you’re wondering my recipe, 180 gr Berger Elite Hunter, 62.5 gr N160 VihtaVuori, mag primers
Norwegian moose and deer hunter here. I shoot 30-06 Norma 9.7 FMJ ($1.63) and Norma Oryx 11.7 ($3.92) The ONLY 300 WSM available in my local store is Norma BondStrike 11.7 ($10.56) Prices are of course pr. cartridge (20 in a box), converted from NOK to USD in late November, 2021. I shoot a modest 50-100 rounds on the range each season. Still, that could easily be over $1000 in ammo each season, strictly (in preparation) for hunting. Out of 100, I typically would shoot 90 rounds of FMJ and 10 of the Oryx, to make sure I'm still finely tuned before I go hunting. That would put the total ammo cost for my 30-06 at $186... Compared to $1000. Both cartridges are probably better in their own respects than I am at shooting anyway ;)
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 1: ua-cam.com/video/T9T9KtGj49U/v-deo.html
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 2: ua-cam.com/video/n1-nBUYr6fs/v-deo.html
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 3: ua-cam.com/video/q0rcSuLBgDM/v-deo.html
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 4: ua-cam.com/video/tRl-JgdrDfs/v-deo.html
Cartridge Wars Season 1, Episode 5: ua-cam.com/video/1aKrSfJ2_Jg/v-deo.html
That the 30-06 is still on the debating table of what is better goes to show how good it actually is.
or how wrong its proponents are. overkill for deer, poor long range choice and has been for over 50 years, under powered for a dedicated elk and moose gun, poor brush busting. its the participation trophy of hunting rounds. put it like this. if i have to be picky with my shots on elk because of the chambering im carrying, couldn't it at least be really good if not great for something else?
@@hotramen5952 It did a good job in WW1, WW2, Korea, and by snipers in Vietnam. It's also been used for various game all over the world. Not the best for everything but perfectly capable in skilled hands.
Under powered for moose and elk yet people shoot elephants with them and kill them? Also if you have 165 grain bullets and under it is not overkill.
@@kalebmcdaniel9147 I honestly can't understand why he says overkill for deer either. I have shot deer with 30 06, .308, .270, and 30 30, and to be honest the entry wounds and exit wounds look very similar. I cannot understand why anyone would say a 30 06 is too much for deer.
They can't stand it that there's really nothing wrong with the '06
Finally someone brave enough to say it the 300 wsm is among the most powder efficent cartridges ever
At normal ethical hunting ranges you seldom need more than a 30-06. I won't give up my 30-06 as my hunting is done within 350m. If it's further than 350m I get closer. It's been my go to hunting rifle for 20+ years and it has never let me down.
I believe it's the perfect rifle for Africa (big 5 excluded).
The new kids are always compared to the 30-06 for a reason.
Amen.
i have a win model 70 ALASKANin 3006,i use 168gr nosleABLR at north of 2900fps at 400 yards,i will give him the other 200 fps with his 300 and wish him luck at 6 or 700 yards.
Which bullet do you primarily use?
@@matthewknight1910
165gr Nosler Accubond at around 2800fps
I live in AK, where as you know we generally have big big animals that we hunt. Both cartridges are used heavily up here. I also work at a larger retail sporting goods store in anchorage and can tell you first hand, I have not seen a box of 300WSM in months. Every week I’m unpacking a different flavors of 30-06 though. The ammo will come back, eventually, and that would definitely lean me towards the WSM. Currently, we have 100s of rifles on the shelf for sale, only one of them in 30-06 and only one in 300wsm. These get bought up the minute they hit the shelves. Needles to say, both are fantastic for our beasts up here, but today I have to vote 30-06, solely because I can grab a box of ammo today, and get out there. Can’t say the same for the WSM.
I agree with Kevin^^ I too work in a large sporting goods store and we get in more 30-06 than 300 WSM or 300 Win mag, or any of the 7MM's. Got me a box of Winchester 30-06 180 gr for $26 a box of 20 rounds today.
Depends on how far your into it. If your a shooter and like your guns I'm going wsm. If you just randomly hunt and aren't deep into it go .30-06 you'll pull a lot more out of the wsm when you can reload and change your bullet weights and change your speeds with different powder charges
I live in NL Canada. I go months without seeing a single box of 300WSM on the shelves. I can go to the store tomorrow and choose from several 30-06 brands and grains.
I live in Wasilla, Alaska, and I agree 100% with you that the 30-06 gets the okay from me (7 rifles in '06 including the '06 improved). I do have a Tikka T3 in 300 WSM; a lot of factory/handloads.
Here in switzerland, its hard to find a rifle chambered in 300WSM. But 300winmag, 30-06, 308, 8×57is, 7×64, 270win, 243win, 223rem You can find in every shop. Same with ammo. The 300WSM and 270WSM are on the way to die here.
A couple of pros for the -06 that I didn’t hear mentioned are:
a). Most rifles in .30-06 will have a 4+1 capacity vs the 3+1 of most short magnums. More than once I’d have traded .3 lbs extra weight for an extra round in the magazine.
+1 pt for the .30-06.
b.) I realize the .30-06 Ackley Improved is not one of the cartridges in question here, but the small amount of time/money needed to pick up the extra 100ish+ FPS that come with Ackley-izing the .30-06, takes a large portion of the .300 WSM’s advantage away (especially in bullet weights above 180 gr.). Plus the .30-06 AI still shoots standard .30-06 ammunition safely, and accurately enough to hunt with in a pinch.
Another aside is the sheer quantity of options in rifles chambered for .30-06. Virtually every manufacturer, in nearly every model is chambered in .30-06; far fewer chambered in .300 WSM. It might be easier to find a setup that tickles your fancy in the 30-06.
Fun to debate!
Plus with modern powders and bullets the 3006 is much better than the old, almost like its a new cartridge.
For those of us who shoot a lot, barrel life is also something to think about
I have both, and when I get a gun out of the safe to go hunting, my hand always goes for the 300 WSM. All your points are absolutely valid, and when I’m asked (I sell firearms) what’s the best all around firearm, I answer 30-06. I might need counselling!
30-06 has to win this because it's cheaper, you can actually find it in stock, pretty much every bolt gun is available in 30-06 and it works. It's the small block Chevy of rifle calibers. Is it the best out there? No, but you can get parts everywhere. 300 WSM is a better caliber, it's short action and makes for a lighter rifle but good luck finding it much less affording it! And there is a good chance the gun you want doesn't come in it, or even if it does finding it is a real hassle.
Oddly enough I got 300 wsm ammo and brass.... and I don't have one or know anyone that does anymore. I turned all my buddies 30-06 brass into 8mm mauser brass since I use 2 of them.
I find 300wsm easier than 30-06 but ok
@@gspgsp100 I believe he means cartridge
@@terrybailey9621 want to sell all that WSM stuff?
Woh! Didn't expect to see a comment from Den of Tools on here! I love your videos!
The speed of the recoil results in sharper impact on shooter with the WSM resulting in greater felt recoil and making the '06 a bit easier for many to shoot. While I have seen '06 on shelf I haven't the WSM. The slightly gentler shoulder of the '06 also affects feeding smoothness and reliability with the '06 being both smoother and more reliable
@ JC Gardner - the shape and contour of a cartridge case is an essential element of reliable feeding and extraction, but one that gets overlooked a lot. Those steep-shouldered short magnums hang up easier when being pushed into the chamber than the relatively smooth long-action 30-06, or for that matter, something even more gradual in shape such as the 300 H&H. And because many of those new and hotter cartridges run at higher pressures, they can be tougher to extract cleanly. It takes time for the case to cool and release from the chamber wall, and the higher the pressure, the more potential for problems. True, this issue can be mitigated by choosing high-quality brass and other components if you reload, and premium factory ammo if you do not, but it is a factor....
The last thing any old hunter wants when facing down dangerous and ill-tempered big game is a jam. Drama-free feeding and extraction are where it is it. Controlled round feed is nice, too.
@@GeorgiaBoy1961 nicely put.
I have used a 30-06 for about 47 years. Great round, I have a couple rifles chambered for it. My one knock always has been the long action. So, the 300 WSM would be a nicer in the short action. However, the 30-06 is near the top of recoil that many hunters and shooters can stand. The 300 WSM may put them over the top. For me, 30-06 recoil is very mild, especially in a hunting situation, and I doubt the 300 WSM recoil would affect me at all. However, if I was just starting deer hunting today, my choice would be the 7mm-08.
You’d be surprised at the way the WSM recoils, it doesn’t feel bad at all. And recoil is very Gun-dependent.
My 7mm wsm definitely has some more kick then my /06s
@@graynotescartridgebox I recently used a .300 short mag on a hunt. Rifle was a Tikka T3x Super Varmint with mercury tube in the stock. Shot 180gr Nosler Accubond for a total shot count of about 15 rounds. Recoil didn't feel any bit more than my 6.5mm Creedmoor using 140gr Sierra Game Kings. I was pleasantly surprised, especially since that Tikka .300 WSM felt a lot lighter in the hand than I would've thought.
@@graynotescartridgeboxI agree shouldn't be bad, weight helps with a gun. How effectively you can shoulder the weapon too like different placement of your butt pad
I like to cant my butpad towards my cheek and have it up higher for when I'm using the bipod in prone positions more contact area.
I'll give my vote to the good old 30 06. awesome videos, I have learn a lot with them.
Your logic is solid. Good points all around. But, at the end of the day, I’m going to go with .30-06. And really it comes down to budget for me. Finding a rifle in the old 06 is easier, as well as finding dies and brass. Weight from the longer action is negligible (personal opinion). I have multiple rifles in 06, including my favorite rifle; a 92 year old 1903, and she’s still chugging out 1 MOA groups. Plus, in a pinch, I can take 30-06 brass and size it for multiple other cartridges. Is the WSM better ballistically? Sure! It is ballistically better.
But! I can hand load a 30-06 load to do quite a bit more than the standard factory load, including getting out to 1,000 yards. The old 30-06 gets my vote.
Great series! Keep it up!
I picked up an almost new Browing X bolt in 300wsm for $400. It shot under 1" groups with factory ammo.
@@aronschrep nice! My tikka stainless ran me $800, but sub 1" groups at 300 yards makes it worth every penny!
Both are good cartridges but there’s no way the WSM is better overall.
@ Ssgt. Telrik - The venerable 30-06 still getting it done after darned near 120 years. As created the cartridge is very capable and extremely versatile, but modern propellants and bullets really breath new life into the old gal, if you are willing to reload and do some work to tailor an outstanding load. Using a 208-grain ELD-M loaded with one of the superb modern mid-range or slower-burning propellants, and you are looking at a genuine 1500-yard cartridge. In other words, getting into 300WM external ballistics territory. And loaded with a 212-grain ELD-X, you have a potent hunting round. Finally, with the time-tested 220-grain round nose dangerous game solid, you are looking at a round capable of taking the largest bears. You can even push that long-action case a bit further in terms of weight of the projectile, if you work at it... up to 230-grains. You won't be pushing it as hard as a magnum, but it will still have plenty of thump.
Professional hunters and guides often stress that the choice of caliber is not as important as learning to shoot your chosen rifle well and consistently, especially under field conditions, and the use of a premium hunting bullet. Obviously, there is a floor below which you don't want to go in terms of caliber choice, but many readers might be surprised to know that for many many years, Canadian hunters have brought down the largest bears using the venerable .303 British cartridge out of their vintage Lee-Enfield Mk. IV No. I rifles. That's a cartridge slightly less-potent than the .308 Winchester. Shot placement is critical, but if you can make your shot - that 270 Win. or 30-06 might surprise you with its capabilities. The 30-06 is the most-influential cartridge of the 20th century for a reason, and it is also the most-popular center-fire hunting cartridge in the world for a reason.
My vote goes to the .30-06. 300WSM smokes the .30-06 on paper, no doubt - so many cartridges do. However, the ultimate "one gun" needs to have ammunition that's affordable and available. .30-06 in my area gets gobbled up during hunting season and gets hard to find, but it's absolutely brought in in much, much higher volume. It's cheaper, the brass is cheaper (and usually free at your local gravel pit), and you'll be able to find a box of ammo no matter where you go. Alaska? Canada? South Africa? New Zealand? Awash in .30-06.
And there in lies the crux of the matter. The cartridge must be capable of being found everywhere. He says he’s finding WSM up there but that’s gotta be a niche area. The fact that it’s around is because it’s sitting on shelves *NOT* being sold. Where as -06 might be out today because it all sold but that’s because it sells out for a reason: it’s BETTER!
As a non-reloader: 30-06. Easier to find, cheaper, bullet weights from 110gr to 220gr.
Depends where you live also ive seen 30-06 as high as 30 dollera more
The only thing I can find in 30-06 for hunting ammo is Winchester Silvertip.... for 55 doll hairs. Meanwhile I can get a bunch of weird surplus calibers for less.
as a reloader 300 wsm brass
are more expensive and harder to fing
300WSM
Cheap 3006 barnaul steel case in Canada means as low as a dollar Canadian per round. 300wsm not so much....
This might be the toughest decision in this cartridge wars segment. I will have to vote 30-06... simply because it can do it all. 425 yards is still a fantastic hunting range, ammo cost, availability, and abilities. It simply will always be THE benchmark.
In my opinion, the advantages of the .300wsm are really only applicable to niche areas of hunting. If you hunt at the ragged edge of 450 yards or beyond it makes sense to choose the .300wsm. Anything inside that there really isn't any reason for it other than personal preference. Contrary to the video hosts experience, I think very few people would agree that the short mag is as easy to find ammo for as the '06. Currently things are crazy out there but in normal times you can find '06 in pretty much any sporting goods store or bait & tackle shop from big box to mom & pop. That is definitely not the case with the WSM.
Unless you are a mountain hunter where ounces = pounds, the small weight difference in the action is negligible. What is important however is recoil. The '06 is widely regarded as the max the average person can shoot without potentially causing accuracy issues like flinch. Just me myself has known guys who bought and shoot magnum calibers because, well, it's a magnum caliber. They also definitely have developed flinches. It can be overcome with lots of practice but most people won't do that because A. It's expensive to shoot these calibers and B. It becomes painful which just reinforces the flinch. It can be done but if we're honest, very few people do it. Most people pull out the big magnum for hunting season and put it back when it's over with few, if any, shots fired.
I just don't see any advantage of the WSM inside 400+ yards that overcomes it's disadvantages. It's an excellent cartridge but more suited to those hunting scenarios where the ranges exceed the ability of the '06. Even then you have to ask if there's a better choice for long range hunting. Is the .300wsm the best long distance hunting caliber? If not, what is it really best at? Maybe that will be the next video.
I favor the WSM, for the exact reasons you mentioned.
30-06 is legendary, and still a great cartridge. If you shoot one and you like it, more power to you. No reason to change. But if you're looking for a new 30-cal rifle, I'd suggest the WSM over the '06.
Enjoyed the video. I live in the east...during the shortage I have seen 30-06 more available... 10-1 over the 300 WSM on the store shelves. Maybe the difference is geographic? I vote 30-06.
I think the difference is regional. I'm in the southeast, and .300 WSM is virtually impossible to find because it's not worth a damn in this region. The biggest animals around here are whitetails and the occasional black bear (and being in the south, our black bears are wimpy little things compared to other places.) Add in the fact that you'll be lucky to get anything past a 100 yard shot, and .300 WSM is a waste of money, powder and shoulder pain for literally no benefit.
In AZ its the opposite. .300WSM is everywhere.
I’m in Central/South Texas and I didn’t know .300WSM existed until I saw this video.
To each their own...I'll keep my 30-06 though. I like that ammo is far more available in most places for 30-06 vs 300wsm. Also when you start handloading 30-06 cases will likely give you more reloads as well as open up even more versatility with rounds as there is less chance of pressure spikes with reduced loads because of the more narrow case.
I think that the two options are pretty even in pros, but I'd have to give the edge to the 30-06 for the sheer amount of ammunition that I see on the shelf for it, and the price difference in the ammunition. I do think that the 300 WSM is a great option though, and I think it could go either way.
Hand loading really changes things . Guys are getting 2750 with a 200 grain terminal ascent out of that old 3006 . That gives it 1850 or so of energy at 600 yards . I’d never shoot elk that far but it would certainly handle elk to 600
You also need to factor in the price of the ammo 30-06 is much cheaper.
Not right now it certainly isn’t lol, it’s about the same where I live
Price isn’t an issue if your richy rich 🤑😜
Price isn't really a factor for hunting rounds, if your only shooting a few rounds it just doesn't matter.
@@userJohnSmith Very true! Then you’ve got to factor in your fixed costs (press, dies, measures, tools) and your variable costs, which for me eventually includes those Walmart calibers because volume offsets the fixed costs involved in getting started. That said, lately the cost of powders and primers not to mention their availability become factors.
The only advantage I find in 30-06 for me is I can turn the brass into 8mm mauser brass for my go to rifles. That's why I love my buddy who has 3 30-06 rifles and doesn't need me to reload for him yet
This video is a great example of classroom knowledge vs real life application. The classroom points to .300 wsm but real life application says 30-06. For 95% of hunting situations the 06 will deliver equal performance for less recoil and cost.
The 300 WSM has stood the test of time for new cartridges. It is now becoming a staple in my opinion and will be around for future generations.
and the 30-06 has stood the test of time, WAAAY longer, and will always be around.
To be fair, the 300 WIN is significantly better than the WSM & the negatives against the WSM just don’t add up.
Likely not! The 30-06 has been through 2 World Wars and been around over a century! The 300wsm can only hope for the 30-06's longevity!!
30-06. I believe the old studies that say the 30-06 is at the upper limit of what most people can shoot well. Your comparison saying they could be about the same if the 300 had a better stock and the 06 a poorer one could also go the other way, making the 30-06 much more shootable. Also, yes, the 300 has more power and therefore more usable range but even with rangefinders I believe 400 yards is a good upper limit for the vast majority of shooters under field conditions. Most have no business poking at an animal beyond 300 yards. Bottom line is the old 06 gets it done within reasonable range. Took down my bull elk at just under 300 yards this year with zero issues. Throw in availability, cost and I'll just say it, nostalgia, and I'll stick with the old warhorse.
300 WSM for sure has all the power for anything in North America with out a doubt and can be downloaded still for smaller things. 30-06 is still a absolute great cartridge but I feel like the 300 WSM trumps it in every category. Just my thoughts.
except for ammo cost and availibilty
I'm a reloader so cost is almost identical the only difference is very small as the wsm uses a little bit more powder. As for barrel life unless your going to be shooting it every weekend as your only rifle ya I could maybe see that being a problem. But as a hunting rifle that I want to use to ring some steel a few times a year you'll never have to worry about that.
@@rudysroots2789 pfft 300 wsm kicks the shit out of a 30-06 any day of the week, ESPECIALLY if you hand load for it. The 06 is a good round, no doubt about that but the 300 wsm is the modern day 30-06
Agree
I handload my 30-06 and push the velocities of the 300wsm so that comparison is obsolete!
This cartridge showdown is fun but I'm waiting for it all to still come down to 30-06.
Shoot-ability (tolerable recoil)
Carry-ability (tolerable gun weight)
Find-ability (gun availability).
Vari-ability (110-225 grain bullet range)
Kill-ability (self expl)
Afford-ability (not expensive/obscure gun)
Avail-ability (Able to find ammo or reload)
I think the 30-06 wins it and I DONT EVEN OWN ONE.
Great comment
.30-06 Sprg is a two time WORLD WAR CHAMP. If you don't have one, get one.
I've killed more big game with 300 WSM than any of my other rifles.
Do you think 300 WSM is obscure? You're wrong. It's everywhere. If you don't have one, get one.
If you want to keep comparing cartridges to declare a "winner", go ahead.
Meanwhile, I have one rifle of almost every cartridge and multiple rifles of the "popular" cartridges. I get ammo every time I go to the store. If there's one box, I've got a rifle, pistol, or shotgun to shoot it.
Lol it has the dame bullet range ive found more 300 wsm and for cheaper than 30-06 for last 2 years people are scared of the short mag but most sre stuck in there ways and it shows what cartridge do you use
30-06 gets my vote- enough gun without being too much gun.
Yep, if 30-06 can't kill it I'm not hunting it.
It’s really interesting that there seems to be more -06 votes in the comments yet he chose the WSM….
My main rifle is the 30-06. There is such a thing as not enough gun. But there is no such thing too much gun.
@@soonerfrac4611 lots of stubborn people lol
@@johnjay1147 shoot a coyote with it and you may have a change of heart lol
I’ve had both over the years. I upgraded to the 300wsm to take advantage of the better ballistics and range of the wsm. Both are great options but if I only could choose one it would be the wsm. From a recoil perspective, I’ve never felt the recoil in any shot on game.
I'll stay with the ole 30.06. if I was going to change to your comparisons. I would jump to the 7mm rem mag. Bang!
This 100%. i have two 30-06 and a 7mm rem mag.
That’s smart. I’m not really convinced you need a 30 caliber plus, unless you’re planning on some large/dangerous game like moose or brown bear.
7mm rem mag is perfect for anything up to and including bull elk.
@@vitaly6312 7mm is perfect for moose as well. I have shot every animal i've ever harvested, with my 7mm rem mag. Wouldn't think twice about using it for grizz too.
The fact that every new cartridge is compared to the 30-06, pretty much sums up how great it is. New cartridges will come and go just as the wind blows, but the Springfield will be here forever!
It’s literally beaten by so many calibers now. 3006 is trash and only around cos old people don’t want to let go of memories
@@campbelljamieson2714 It's a long way from being trash.
30-06 is the winner in my humble opinion. The recoil is too large a factor. It is right on the cusp for some and beyond it for many when it comes to flinching/bracing, etc. when anticipating the shot. These tendencies may in turn have an effect on accuracy when considering 300wsm.
Both are great rounds but 300WSM doesn't have enough advantages over the 30-06 to beat your shoulder to a pulp and pay higher ammo prices in my opinion. 30-06 is capable of every practical thing the 300WSM does but with less recoil.
I have .30-06, and just learning about the .300 WSM. I agree for the most part, but I do think his point about effective range shouldn't be overlooked. Making that decision when you are at a long range is definitely a factor. As for the recoil, I am thinking about putting a brake onto the -06 for that reason...that and I am tired of it blowing the diffusers off of the chrono rods! So maybe putting one on the WSM would take care of the problem. If I had neither of them, I'd still buy the .30-06. Hands down. Although if I knew I'd be hunting in areas that could result in those 400-600 yard shots, I might choose the .300...even with the ammo costs & selection. As always, just buy both.
I have a BAR MK3 in 300wsm and my 30-06 has more recoil. Semi auto vs bolt action.
Agree, the WSM isn't that much more recoil, but most guys are in denial about how much recoil they can take and it not effect accuracy. At ranges like 555yds, the smallest flinch fully defeats accuracy. So the ballistic advantage is often more than negated by the effects of the increased recoil. For guys that are not recoil sensitive at all, truly, and practice a lot, and hunt where those distances are relevant, the WSM has that advantage. But compared with cost, availability, and reloading versatility in components and brass acquisition and appropriation, 30-06 has a lot to commend it.
30-06…just more practical. I like the 300wsm but I guess I just see the 30-06 as being a better do all cartridge. I see more 30-06 ammo and the rifles are more accessible.
I'm a huge fan of the 300 WSM
30-06 gets my vote. Less recoil and rifles in 30-06 usually carry 1 more round in the magazine compared to a wsm cartridge. 30-06 for the win.
Absolutely! Glad to see the extra round topic mentioned. The 30-06’s 5 rd is a helluva lot more effective than the 300wsm’s🧐🧐
@@hikenmikes8262 I'm really surprised it was never mentioned in the video.
@@tylernunes5989 yeah...just goes to show how much of the discussions here are void of real hunting applications.
@@hikenmikes8262 Agreed
I'm with alot of the others here...with the shortage I can find 30-06, but just don't ever see 300 WSM on the shelf. That said I bought a 6.5 Creedmoor over a year ago and still haven't fired it for that same reason.
I finally found rounds for my Henry 410, only thing I could find is Hornady defense rounds but at least I got to finally shoot it lol
If one was intent on shooting heavy high BC bullets, go with the 300 WSM. If it is a dedicated hunting rifle, go with the 30-06. Modern bullet designs with high weight retention will allow the shooter to use lighter weight bullets at higher speeds. As hunters, we can get away with hunting elk sized game with bullet weights traditionally thought to be too light. For example, a 30-06 shooting a 150 gr. Barnes T-TSX at 3,000 fps + will yield velocities above 2000 fps and energy just below 1,500 ft/lbs. at 600 yards at typical elk hunting elevations. A 180 gr. Nosler Accubond will have almost identical velocity and energy at 600 yards, however, the 150 gr. Barnes will drop 9" less at 600 and the wind deflection, in a 10 mph cross wind, is the same. My question is, why beat yourself up with more recoil when it is completely unnecessary?
The 30-06 can be shot more and more comfortably during an outing at the range than the 300 WSM. Ammo is cheaper also, if and when you can find it with today's ammo scarcity issues. Of course, if you put a muzzle break or suppressor on the 300 WSM, it will make is much more comfortable to shoot. The inverse is also true of the 30-06. However, if this is a hunting rifle primarily, you probably wouldn't want to run it with a muzzle break, unless you hunt with ear protection. You may or may not want to run it with a can. If you do, you are adding a lot of unnecessary weight. As you said, ounces can be a big deal to a mountain hunter.
All else being the same, with a 200 yard zero, the 300 WSM has 1.5" less drop and .5" less wind deflection at 300 yards, 4" less drop and 1" less wind at 400, and 7" less drop and 2" less wind at 500 yards. The 300 WSM offers approximately 50 yards more in Max Point Blank Range than the 30-06. Bottom line is the benefits the 300 WSM offers over the 30-06 are fairly minuscule at "ethical" hunting ranges.
I do not own either caliber and am not biased one way or the other. Just looking at numbers, for me, the 30-06 would be the winner.
Thumbnail on point!!!
The got me hooked 😆
Komaan Piet!
Wys bietjie liefde vir die 30-06.
One thing I’d add to the Teeter totter is magazine capacity because with the 300wsm being a fatter cartridge I believe usually instead of having a four round magazine it may be a two or three round magazine and that may help affect a decision as well in certain Hunting situation
I honestly feel you need two separate brackets: 1. disregarding availability and 2. availability considered. You may own a Maserati but it's a hunk of metal without petrol/gasoline. Subsequently, the 300 WSM doesn't stand a chance on any continent compared to a .30-06 Springfield. On the dark continent, it's pretty common knowledge the .30-06 and .375 H&H Magnum are kings of availability. No one needs you to bracket anything to regard that as fact.
In the middle of war zones in Afghanistan troops were finding 30-06 in the markets.
The 30-06 is considered the top end of what most average shooters can effectively and accurately shoot because of the recoil impulse.
Ammo is more expensive. Reloading it is more expensive.
To take advantage of those long range attributes you need to lose the lightweight gun and step up to a heavier gun and losing that mountain weight gun.
Absolutely none of his arguments seemed enough for the negatives.
Someone sounds salty but you cant argue the 300 wsm and 30 nosler and 300 win msg and 300 weatherby and 28 nosler slap the 30-06 all day and night and why do you use the bare minimum on the dark content when plenty of incapable shooters wound animals lol pipe down before everyone makes fun of you
@@MrJtin69 And yet W.D.M. "Karamojo" Bell shot more than 200 elephants with a 6.5mm Mannlicher that is slower/weaker than the .30-06.
Guess what? I'm making fun of YOU. Read what is written and not what you think you read so you can post inane comments.
Thank you! People don’t seem to get it! You are giving your opinion on what works for you, why and in a very detailed manner. There is a ton of good information in this video. The reality at the end of the day is there are trade offs in any case. I chose calibers that I LIKE and can justifying my mind TO BE USEFUL FOR ME! From the research I’ve done, I haven’t really seen a game changer new cartridge come on the market recently. I like the looks of .277 Fury.
I'm from South Africa and as someone that uses store bought ammo I can say that the .30-06 is not only more readily available but also about 30-40% cheaper than the .300WSM. I'm known as a Biltong hunter in SA, ie someone who generally goes hunting to put venison on the table rather than hunting for trophies. When you factor the additional ammo cost to your "groceries" bill the .30-06 is the only logical answer.
Even regular 300 win is way cheaper and available than WSM here in Australia
@@WayStedYou WSM is almost non existent here in Italy LOL
isn't 308 better if he want's cheaper options?
@@dimmacommunication There isn't much difference in factory ammo price between .30-06 and .308... at least not enough to make a difference to the groceries bill. I grew up shooting .30-06 that's why I prefer it, I have nothing against the.308 it is a fantastic cartridge. It's just personal preference I suppose...
@@jakobusprinsloo5871 Do you/your friend reload ? or just prefer factory made ?
Trading 25% more recoil on every shot for an "effective range" moving from 425 to 550 doesn't seem like a great trade for me. I can't think of too many ethical shots at those ranges, and if you are willing to shoot at those ranges it seems overly cautious that you would be worried about going to 2000 fps with a 220 grn. But I can think of many situations where the extra power would over penetrate common game, making the extra power meaningless. The only advantage I can imagine is to shoot elk at slightly longer ranges.
Also lost me on the short action. Why would I want a lighter weapon if I am going to have 25% more recoil than a 30-06. Seems there's better places to save that weight given you're hunting with a magnum, and defeats the idea of having a comfortable rifle for the range. At 1000 yards you're still aiming 30 ft above the target you can barely see.
.30-06
-Availability of factory ammo
-So many load options/brands you can find something that shoots well to your rifle
-will be in production for its 200th anniversary
-if you reload you have no shortage of brass
-rifles will be designed with your caliber in mind
-less likely to anticipate recoil for people, improving shot placement
Put a brake on it, add a limbsaver pad and stop thinking 30-06 is better, get those bad thoughts out of your mind lol
Pretty simple fix
@@chuckbrueck3125 lol expensive exotic gun? I bought a stainless tikka t3x 300 wsm. Every time I go to the store there's at least a dozen boxes of 300 wsm ammo for 36 per box on the shelf. Next time you make an argument please make it a valid one lol
@@chuckbrueck3125 I know you're trying hard to convince me that a 300 wsm is so expensive to shoot (which it isn't) and hard to find (which it isnt) $36÷20 rounds= $1.80 per round. If you reload which I do it's about a buck a round. 900 fps greater is a huge difference!
@@chuckbrueck3125 um no actually, the red box winchester 180 gr is $36 Canadian per box retail. Do you have any idea how much faster 900 fps is? Clearly not. The 300 wsm kicks the shit out of the 06 any day of the week and I know this can be painful to accept but if you start today you should be feeling better by next week
Honestly everything about the 30-06 is a compromise. It's good at everything, but great at nothing. 300 wsm just does everything better while burning less powder than a 300 win. 308 win is fantastic though, especially for practicing, due to the absurd barrel life compared to both of those cartridges
7mm-08 beats the .308 Win
308 is the same compromise just in short action.
308 isn't great at anything, but its kinda good in most things.
@@saltcreekammo not in availability, which these days is more important than anything.
300 wsm beats the 300 win mag with lighter bullets but shooting anything 200gr or more, the 300 win mag will outperform the wsm IF you stick to SAAMI specs. If you can load as long as you want then there's really no difference
308 and a 300WSM are for two different things. Not really comparable. 308 is more comparable to a 6.5x55 Swede when hand loaded
Depends where you live and what you hunt. WSM out west for larger game at longer ranges.
300 wsm is one of my all time favorites but the edge for me goes to the 30-06 better brass and powder options and you can pretty much find it in any state/country
Such a great way to do the classic "Cartridge War"! I'm hooked hard now to see what wins out. For this round I'd put my vote to the 300WSM although I owned a 30-06 for a long time and loved it.
30-06, easier on the recoil, and uses less powder on reloading. That’s about all I have for it’s pro’s. -06 is likely a bit cheaper too, I haven’t seen wsm too much to compare it to price wise. Out at even 750 yards, or so, you are still just breaking 1000 ft-lbs of energy which will still take a deer and an elk with a lung shot. But then again shot placement is everything and if you have confidence in your set up, that’s the best thing you can have in the hunting woods!
I have hunted for 40 years with the 30-06. The criteria of more power. faster, flatter is valid but does it make it better? I've shot white tail deer in the north woods of MN at less than 20 yards and was not happy with the amount of meat damaged by the 30-06. The WSM would have been even more damaging. I've hunted western Colorado elk for many years and found more elk in the timber at less than 100 yards than at longer ranges and the 30-06 has plenty of power at those ranges. WSM is less efficient. As a hand loader, to down load the WSM to the velocities I load 30-06 at would take 4.6 grains more powder than the 30-06 does. Is there enough difference between them to make or break the shot? Not very often in hunting. My vote is for the old reliable '06.
Penetration, trauma and hemorrhaging kill. Not muzzle energy or velocity.
@@danielstewart5576 velocity is a major component to hemorrhaging so your simply incorrect in your statement that velocity doesn’t matter.
Interesting comparison. I personally love the 30-06 for many reasons. (Mainly availability, price, performance, and recoil) Most of my shooting/ hunting is less than 300 yards, though. For longer ranges, I would probably want a magnum.
Given that the original premise of cartridge wars was to identify a cartridge for a "one gun", ammo price has to play a role. If I want something to shoot elk, deer, and soda cans, I don't want to drop a fortune on every round. That alone should put the 30-06 in front. Besides, look online anywhere and availability is strongly in favor of 30-06.
I don't have a dog in the race as I've never been hunting yet, but I really want to go. I've been trying to decide what rifle I want to get, so I'm very interested in the outcome of this series. Currently I've been leaning towards the 30-06.
If you want one rifle to do it all 7 mm rem mag should be at top of the list
@@rickhofmeister2125 I feel like that's the next one I've seen pop up the most, definitely will look into that as well thanks
@@rockstar212121 I have done days of research on this and finally bought a browning hells canyon 7mm rem mag. I got on the wagon and bought a few rifles before I knew better. If I had to do it over 7 mm would be my ONE rifle
Have fun and enjoy the research between the two! See if you can shoot each one before you purchase. Both are awesome! I ended up with a 30-06 and would have been happy with either. So much out there between these two classic calibers, but try it out before you buy as I have seen a few buddies hang up the 7mm rem mag because of shootability. My other older hunter friends have all told me to go with the 30-06 for the same reason and many others in this thread. They just found their 7mm rem mag punishing. And yes, you can adjust things, weight, break, etc, but again for everything g I hunt in CO and practical uses, there is a reason the 30-06 is what it is. Is it “exciting” no, but sometimes exciting isn’t the best…
Let us know what you grab!
@@striderwolf687 awesome and yeah if there's a way for me to shoot them first I'll definitely do so. When I was last at a big box store looking at the rifles just to check them out they unfortunately weren't able to get the one I was looking at in 30-06 for almost another year. Unfortunately for that I just enlisted and I still have no idea where I'll be in a year, so I've got plenty of time to look into them some more
No need to re invent the wheel brother. It is a hotter cartridge and shorter action , no doubt...but gotta be cheap and available to ever knock the king off the throne. Long live the King.
From this bracket, I would say 7mm Rem Mag will be the winner on the left, and the .280 AI on the right with the 7mm Rem Mag winning overall.
There is another downside to a short Mag. You can fit less in the magazine ( mostly a downside for range time). I vote 30-06.
I got deep into 30-06s because that’s what my dad hand loaded for me. In hindsight I should have got 300wsm brass and dies and gone that route.
The thing is , the 30-06 will be still around in another 100 years .... That's why I have one ....
I've never shot the 300wsm so I have no say on that cartridge. That also means I am biased towards the 30-06. For what that says, I'd choose the 30-06 for its decades of service in the military. It was used for a reason. It works for stacking bodies. Now here in Iowa, we can't use necked cartridges for hunting unless its for coyotes. In which case a 223rem will do that job just fine. Also hunting ranges here are usually 100 yards and in. Last season I personally know a guy who got a deer with a 12ga slug at 5 yards. All in all, it really comes down to the nostalgia of the 30-06 and proven track record in military and hunting applications. The history of this round proves that it is more than adequate for whatever you put in its way.
I like 30-06 because it's "limitations" will make you focus more on making an ethical shot. The 300WSM will subconsciously make you think you're capable of more than you actually are as a shooter and hunter. I guess it would come down to the amount discipline you have during a hunt. Just because a cartridge can, dosent always mean you should.
I like both, but prefer the -06. Easier (and cheaper) to find ammo and reloading options galore. My goal is to stalk to under 300 yards anyway, so I won't be taking longer shots. Great videos as always, parabens for the almost 300k subs!
Great Video.. I have both. Love Both.. But my 3006 is my go to. I'll use it at home and on the farm. When I head out west. It my 300, winchester short mag.. 150 grain. I Love both calibers . But if I had to pick one. It's the 3006....
The WSM requires a longer barrel to take advantage of the slower powder. Any weight savings is pretty well shot right there. Everything that the WSM has over the -06 can be said about all the 30 cal magnums. Lets just go with a 30-378, it blows the WSM completely out of the water.
Lol no it doesn’t . Most 300wsm will
Come in 24 or less inch barrels and that shorter action shortens the rifle even more . I’ve owned both . The wsm is superior
Of course it does. Same projectile, a butt load more powder. But, seeing as I rarely shoot an animal past 200 yards, the Ole 06 is all I need.
You forgot something in your analysis. 30-06 is cheaper, it's America's cartridge, it killed Nazis, and I disagree about it not being on the shelf. I actually had to buy a new rifle this year in 30-06 because where I live 30-06 was actually more available and cheaper than .308! .308 is my preferred cartridge but I just couldn't get it this year and when I could it was going for prices that I simply refused to pay. I also see a larger selection of rounds (plinking, match, hunting) in 30-06 over .300 WSN where I live. My vote here is 30-06. But I do agree that ballistically speaking .300 WSM is obviously superior.
I really appreciate your channel as you really don't interject politics or religion. Just gun stuff. Thanks!
300wsm. More knockdown power, less bullet drop. My favorite cartridge is the 7mm rem mag but the 300wsm vs 30-06 I give it to the 300wsm
@Paul past 400 yards you'll notice a difference. 30-06 isn't the end all be all my friend. 7mm rem mag is better, 28 Nosler, 300wsm, 300 win mag, 280 rem, 280AI. All the old heads praise 30-06 because it's a generational cartridge handed down thru the years for a century. Doesn't make it the cats ass
Take a comparison between the 7mm rem mag and the 7mm WSM.
@@masondevos799
Ok. Better for you. Most people in a hunting situation won’t benefit from the negligible difference.
At 600 yards I’m not missing with my .30-06 but hitting with anything else.
30-06 all day. Big game animals killed by that round are probably 100 to 1 vs the 300WSM.
Appreciated the points made in the video. Superiority in some respects conceded. In my individual situation (a couple rifles in total) with cost and availability definite variables, I'll stick with the 30-06. Thanks for the comparison though.
This is a tough one, but just to add to your "effective range" point which is important.
Just last week I shot a Blue Wildebeest with my 3006 at 440m and the bullet was still over 2,000fps.
With my Accubond 210gr it only drops below that speed at 492 yards.
I still vote 30-06 because of the lighter recoil. I dont hunt with a silenser, and need a light gun for walk and stalk hunting. Just think the 300wsm will add the extra recoil in a light gun that I might not like
My grandfather fought in WWI, my Dad and all my uncles in WWII. I shot my first deer, and also my biggest deer, with a .30-06, along with two bull moose. Therefore, I vote for….(drumroll please)…the .300 WSM. There’s nothing wrong with loving one cartridge while acknowledging the advancements of another.
Tough choice both are great hunting rounds. If where taking all things into consideration I still gotta go with the 30-06 as all manufacturers chamber for it even European manufacturers such as Beretta just released there new bolt action and one of the first offerings was 30-06. Speaks to the respect the cartridge has world wide as a hunting round. Best hunting cartridge and best cartridge will likely never hit the mark together as one. Kinda like the argument at what point do you say it’s hunting and at what is it long range target practise on game. So to be fair a maximum ethical hunting distance needs to be set and each cartridge evaluated within that range. So many other factors to consider when comparing hunting cartridges, such as meat loose.
This would have to be the first time I have disagreed with you. I love your channel mate. Here in Australia (you have a wide audience) I don’t think the 300wsm even exists haha
Alaska fish and game says this "Big Magnums Not Needed
The rifle you bring hunting should be one with which you are comfortable. Because of the presence of brown and grizzly bears, many hunters have been convinced that a .300, .338, .375, or .416 magnum is needed for personal protection and to take large Alaska game. This is simply not true. The recoil and noise of these large cartridges is unpleasant at best and plainly painful to many shooters. It is very difficult to concentrate on shot placement when your brain and body remembers the unpleasant recoil and noise which occurs when you pull the trigger on one of the big magnums.
The two most common complaints of professional Alaska guides are hunters who are not in good physical condition and hunters who cannot accurately shoot their rifles. Because these hunters do not practice enough they cannot shoot accurately enough. They miss their best chance at taking their dream animal or worse yet, they wound and lose an animal. Most experienced guides prefer that a hunter come to camp with a .270 or .30-06 rifle they can shoot well rather than a shiny new magnum that has been fired just enough to get sighted-in. If you are going to hunt brown bear on the Alaska Peninsula or Kodiak Island, a .30-06 loaded with 200- or 220-grain Nosler® or similar premium bullet will do the job with good shot placement. Only consider using a .300, .338 or larger magnum if you can shoot it as well as you can the .30-06.
when I compare what my online store has in terms of ammo, I see 91 different loads of .30-06 vs 9 of .300 wsm, at 2/3 the price for the .30-06 bullets. sure we are talking europe, the .300 wsm hasn't "crossed the pond entirely yet" so to speak. but until it catches up the .30-06 takes the cake for me. I am looking at buying a dedicated driven hunt gun right now and I am looking at the savage impulse specifically. My favourite caliber for that job, the 8x7IS, isnt available so far in that gun. for me it comes down to these two exact calibers if savage doesnt build one in 8x57IS. If I had to choose my caliber for that gun right now, it would easily be the .30-06 even though I would love to give the .300wsm a try and I find it interesting.
on another note, while I get to bitch about stuff a bit, savage could really improve their customer service. when I asked if there were plans to build the impulse in 8x7IS they could as well have written back "just buy another gun!" their answer being so short and "whatever!".
Back in the mid 70's as a young man, I decided on a 300 Win Mag over the '06. There was a particular buck that I figured I'd need to reach out to 600 yards for. My new Father in Law delivered it on Christmas Day, and thought I was nuts due to its recoil. I was afraid then I'd only be able to afford one rifle that would do it all. In the mid 2000's, when the shorter case magnums came out, those are what I recommended to my nephews. I think you're right on with your choice. '06's are really the Queen of the gun world though, my oldest brother had a custom made rifle in that caliber, and the only '06 I ever owned was as a 'buddy loan rifle'; it was so well liked that one guy practically cried on my shoulder till I sold it too him!
I'm a huge fan of the 30-06 it was my first "real" rifle, the first one I harvested an elk and deer with. I still carry it in the woods sometimes. Those 220 grain round nose bullets in thick timber are insanely effective but that's besides the point. However, when it comes to a longer range do it all gun, the first part of the equation makes the 300 WSM the better choice. It pains me deeply to admit my beloved 30-06 is beat by that good for nothin' wsm cartridge! The one saving grace is the added recoil. For a recoil sensitive person anything over 30-06 even sometimes including the '06 is too much and induces a flinch. All things being equal and a none recoil senstive person or a good quality gun with a nice stock (maybe a suppressor) 300wsm.
Also I tried the new Winchester StaBall 6.5 powder in my 7mm-08. Was getting 2910 average with a 150 gr bullet and 2800 with a 165 Sierra game changer. 120 Barnes ttsx bullets were at a blistering 3200 FPS. Turning that cartridge into a rocket for sure. Accuracy was excellent to.
Non relevant in this conversation!
@@timherrera363 ask me if I care clown
You're the🤡
.30-06 for rifle and ammo availability. I have friends who have had reliability issues with short magnum cartridges (270 wsm). Max effective range is cool on the .300 wsm but the pros of the 06 out weigh that.
Sounds like smoke and mirrors anybody can make one look better than the other it all depends on what you like I’m still shooting a 30 odd six
Im a hard core 30-06 fan since forever but you can't argue the numbers. Every round has it's place . I have a few 30-06 and a 300 saum (very close to the 300 wsm ) and they all preform about the same to around 400 yards (about the end of practical hunting range) sure you can stretch it farther but that excludes about 90% of the shooters me included
Where the 300 WSM really beats it is in recoil…. Said no one ever…. I’ll stick to my very capable 30-06 with better barrel life and softer recoil. No need beating yourself up if you only hunt 400 yards or less.
30-06 if we're talking about for hunting...
Out of these two, even though I do love the 30-06, I have to go with the 300 WSM.
Great video BTW. I love comparisons and debates like this!
Cheaper to shoot, less recoil, easier to find rifles chambered for it, I'm voting in favor of the 30-06. I don't see any magnum as being a good all around cartridge at all since it's going to be overkill for half of what you are hunting. 30-06 strike an excellent balance. We aren't looking for thr best mountain hunting long range cartridge, but the most versatile, and in this matchup, that's the 30-06 hands down.
.300 WSM in my mind, wins. It is basically a modern take on the .30-06. And if you want to make the ammo availability argument, I actually find more .300 WSM because not as many people buy it
30-06 gets my vote.
30-06 for me. Both are great, but the 06 ammo is more available where I’m at.
30-06 costs less, is more readily available world wide, and has power to take down elephants without bruising your shoulder 15 shots into an afternoon at the range.
Please upload a video of you shooting 15 rounds of your 300wsm?
This conversations might best be enjoyed with a fresh cup of joe and a friendly reminiscing of previous hunts. I can't honestly conclude from my hunting memories that my faithful 30-06 didn't do it's part when I did mine.
300 WSM also destroys to much meat, far to much gun for many uses, harder to shoot accurately than the 30-06 for most people.
What us your logic behind the meat destruction? I've seen deer shot with 7mm and 300wm that lost less than a pound of meat, I've also seen the 30-06 completely ruin both front shoulders of a similarly sized deer. Shot placement is key for this not gun. He also stated that the recoil is minimally different so your argument on that is invalid
Perfect timing. I’m considering both of these cartridges in a new rifle purchase this week. I have had a 30-06 in a Ruger M77 & I really like it. I have not owed the 300wsm yet, but after your explanation in this video I will be purchasing the 300wsm. My vote goes to the 300wsm.
Or you could look at a 7rem mag… 30-06 -ish recoil but superior ballistics in every way.
@@vitaly6312 Thanks for the suggestion. I am fortunate to also already have a 7mm rem mag in a older Husky H5000. Beautiful shooting rifle. I was just looking to purchase a new rifle with a removable magazine. I am planning on keeping my 7mm though. Maybe I should just spend the money and upgrade my optics on my Husqvarna and just use it more. Now you have me thinking. 😁
Even though I dropped my deer in its tracks this year with a 30-06 and I love the cartridge I guess I’ll vote for the 300wsm. It is a superior cartridge
30-06 because less recoil means better accuracy potential and less intimidating. Also more information and track record. Qnd if your a mountain hunter it far fetch to shoot out to 500+ yards
300WSM got my vote 400 foot pounds is lots more power
Ihave a 3006 Ackley improved. I get 200fpsfaster with a few more grains of powder
300 wism has my vote. I will now always call it a “wism.”
My Tikka 300 WSM is putting out 0.30 inch groups at 100 yards and hits 1000 yard steel all day. It’s fantastic. If you’re wondering my recipe, 180 gr Berger Elite Hunter, 62.5 gr N160 VihtaVuori, mag primers
Norwegian moose and deer hunter here. I shoot 30-06 Norma 9.7 FMJ ($1.63) and Norma Oryx 11.7 ($3.92)
The ONLY 300 WSM available in my local store is Norma BondStrike 11.7 ($10.56)
Prices are of course pr. cartridge (20 in a box), converted from NOK to USD in late November, 2021.
I shoot a modest 50-100 rounds on the range each season. Still, that could easily be over $1000 in ammo each season, strictly (in preparation) for hunting.
Out of 100, I typically would shoot 90 rounds of FMJ and 10 of the Oryx, to make sure I'm still finely tuned before I go hunting. That would put the total ammo cost for my 30-06 at $186... Compared to $1000.
Both cartridges are probably better in their own respects than I am at shooting anyway ;)
If aliens came down and had to pick a cartridge, they would pick WSM.