300 WSM vs 300 Norma Mag Varminter??

[22DASHER]

Now that Lapua is making 300 Norma Mag brass I am really kicking around a .30 cal varmint build like Mr Franklin has built in the past. However I have a major lack of experience with anything .30 cal including the positives and negatives, specifically between the 300 WSM and the 300 Norma Mag. I am at a purely brainstorming stage so any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

Firstly -
300 WSM has a case capacity of approx. 81.3 (H2O) according to Q/L
300 Norma Mag has a case capacity of approx. 104.0 (H2O) according to Q/L

Something to consider especially if your planning on shooting lighter varmint bullets. - And I realize that some folks consider barrels as a "consumable item" -
The WSM will surely offer longer barrel life than the Norma Mag.

I personally view the Norma Mag as a great option for the heavier bullets (230's & 240's).
Both are excellent cartridges & with Lapua getting ready to release the Norma Mag. brass I feel this will only help the Norms Mag to aspire as far as performance goes in several aspects.

I it were I doing the project, my vote goes to the WSM for a couple reasons. - One being barrel life & I also feel that it is a better balanced cartridge for your spoken of application.

Good Luck & Let us know how the project goes.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

I ran them on QL real quick. Theres only about 200 fps difference pushing a 110 and it takes 20 grains more powder. When it come to light bullets the point of diminishing returns is a real factor. The WSM is as big as Id go in this role. You will love it.

 

[22DASHER]

Right on. Thanks guys!

 

[fredo]

Richard Franklin's old video is fun to watch. But, if ya skip the 1:14-15 he had on his WSMs, and slap a 1:10 on a Norma, that extra ~25grains of capacity will prove its worth. With a 208-240, you'll not only smoke any varmint, you'll dig a hole & bury 'em right in it...

Wouldn't bother with the extra capacity for the lightweight pills. If they were the better bullet for extended range, the guys that shoot for score would be using them, no?

 

[SWRichmond]

300wsm was prob not intended as a "varminter", there certainly are more suitable cartridges. However, I would never say don't build a 300, I love my WSM and my WinMag....if you want the varmints to vaporize, then it should work. Mind the phrase "varminter" brings to mind quick shooting, and the magnum cartridges will heat the barrel quickly.

 

[22DASHER]

I have or pretty much have had all the other more sutable cartridges. I am looking for one thing and one thing only.... vaporize every varmint it’s pointed at.

 

[IdahoCTD]

I shot a 308 Baer, 30-8mm, and a 30-358STA for years with 150gr Nosler BT's @ 3550 to 3650fps. The Norma is about 5grs more capacity then a 8mm. I have a 30-378 Imp that shoots 150's over 4000fps.

The old 150 BT's would launch rockchucks 20 to 30 feet in the air if you hit them right even at 7-800yds.

 

[Zero333]

You'll get longer life from the 300 WSM.
Yeah I'm stating the obvious,... but...
Unless you really need to shoot 100gr of powder under a 110 gr bullet I would stay away from the 300 NM.
Barrel be gone in about 1,000 rounds. Probably less.

I don't even know if any of the 110 gr (except Solids) would handle 3,900 fps from the 300 NM (26"bbl)

Quickload is a fun as hell program.

300 Norma Magnum, 110 TTSX, 3.300"coal, 26"bbl, at 60,000 psi, max velocity from any powder is right around 3,900 fps.

300 WSM, 110 TTSX, 2.900"coal, 26" bbl at 60,000 psi, max velocity from any powder is just shy of 3,800 fps.

Disclosure:... I have not updated my QL so I don't have some of the newer powders like RL-26. So the velocity gap between the 2 cartridges could be more than what I stated.

 

[prairiesniper]

I have three of Richard Franklin's rifles in 300wsm that I use for groundhogs and prairie dogs. They are beautiful rifles and a ton of fun to shoot. If you are interested in what I use for reloading feel free to send me a message.
Also, if you are interested in purchasing one of these rifles, I may let one of them go.

 

[butler12]

I have had a 300 WSM varminter built on a Bat model M I made it for taking care of lamb killing foxes the carnage is fantastic they never walk a step.
Best one shot did 5 somersaults in the air.
Took a friend out one night and needless to stay he went home owning a 300 varminter could not resist after shooting it.
I just got another chambered for a Borden Rimrock BRL in a 1 in 17.5 twist.
Get hold of Skeetlee of the forum you can use my reamer if you want. He first one shot bugholes at 200 yards super impressed with the calibre even if it is a little excessive!!!

 

[Sniper338]

lol varminter doesnt belong in the same sentance as 30 cal.

Its like saying my 408 cheytac varminter, let me get my varmimt rifle outta the truck, these 50 BMGs really make a wood chuck fly!

lol.

Even smaller bullets 30 cal is crazy over kill...

my bro in law has a slow twist 300 win mag shooting real light bullets... still uses it for deer size game...