Combining both power and accuracy without causing much recoil, accompanied by a predictable trajectory, is the goal of every ammunition manufacturer. Winchester is one manufacturer that has come close to making a hunting cartridge that ticks all of the above.
Alongside other hunting essentials, the .300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) ammo is the perfect example as it provides users with both a powerful and accurate solution that has a flat trajectory. The recoil of the 300 WSM cartridge doesn’t go unnoticed, but with a muzzle brake, it can be controlled without compromising on both usability and versatility.
What Are .300 WSM Cartridges Suitable For?
Game
When it comes to the type of game animal you can shoot at effectively, the 300 Winchester short magnum can be used to hunt a wide range of different animals. While it can be too much, you can use it to hunt white tail and mule deer, but where 300 WSM ammunition sits at home is when hunting elk, moose and black or grizzly bear. Just make sure to go with heavier bullets when hunting for large game.
Rifle
It’s obvious that the 300 WSM is best paired with Winchester’s own rifles, such as the XPR and Model 70. However, you can also go for more versatile bolt-action rifles such as the Model 110 and Impulse from Savage. Browning has the X-Bolt and A-Bolt II, and Tikka offers the T3x Lite and T3x Lite Roughtech as solid contenders. You can also go with the Fierce CT Rage by Fierce Firearms and the Ridgeline FFT by Christensen Arms.
Shooting Distance
Being a long-range hunting cartridge, the 300 Winchester short magnum is more than capable of taking on game animal at an ideal range between 300 and 400 yards (275 and 364 metres). You can also take shots as far as 500 or even 600 yards (457 or 548 metres), as the cartridge has been used to break a world record at 1,000 yards (914 metres). While you won’t achieve such shooting distance easily, knowing the limits of your 300 WSM ammunition is key to making the most out of it.
Hunting Big Game With .300 WSM Ammunition
Test
Before taking the shot, it’s important to start by testing out different ammunition loads of the 300 WSM cartridge. This involves getting different bullet weights and trying them out. If they are any tighter, then you might want to stick with them.
Scout
Scouting out the area in which you plan to hunt or multiple areas in order to find the most adequate one is also quite important. Make sure to look for trails left by animals, natural funnels and any bedding spots. This can also help you select the correct 300 WSM weight.
Plan
Every hunt should be planned accordingly, especially when you want to take down large game. Having a strategy on how and where to approach your prey from can make a big difference. Taking into account wind direction and shooting angles also matters.
Try
Practice is never enough, even for an experienced hunter, which is why you should take some shots at a gun range before going to hunt. This way, your familiarity with both the cartridge and rifle is fresh and you can take on important shots more confidently.
Prepare
Before you head out, you should pack everything you can to make your hunting trip as effective as possible. This includes clothing, aiming accessories, reloading accessories and basic survival gear and accessories that include food, a food prep kit and a first aid kit.
Backup Plan
Hunting isn’t just about being proud of your skills, it’s also about ethics and ethical hunting involves having a backup plan. This plan should be made after scouting out your hunting area so that when you take your shot, you can make a follow-up one without hesitation. Knowing how to reload quickly and where to track your prey are key points here, as well as knowing the area in which you can safely take a second shot without taking too long to do so.
Aim
The quickest and most exhilarating part of hunting is actually the most demanding. It requires your full focus and calmness at the same time. When you need to take a shot, take a deep breath in and calm your breathing, then aim for the animal’s vital zone and swiftly take the shot. When hunting with a bolt-action rifle, especially big game, there is no space for hesitation and second thoughts.
Conclusion
All else falls into water if you are not mentally ready to take a shot and do so effectively. This is why taking practice shots matters and having a well-prepared bag as much as a thorough plan on where to start and until which point in your hunting you can go to, is as, if not more, important as pulling the trigger.
