which is better?

Question

I am wondering which gun i should buy a 7mm mag or a 300 win mag for hunting in northern minnesota? the guns are the same price.

Answer 1

Northern Minnesota - so you're not going to be shooting all that far. So trajectory in my opinion does not matter (not that there is a whole lot of difference anyway).

Price - the 7mag is going to be a little cheaper (sometimes a lot cheaper if it's on sale). That all depends on how often you shoot.

For some people, 7mag's have a reputation of the bullet exploding on impact shoulder shots. I suspect they are not using 150 grain bullets. I've used the 150's and haven't had any problems, including double shouldering a buck that probably weighed 250. Now that was a heck of a mess grant you and the bullet did explode lead pieces inside the deer. But it certainly wasn't to the point where it would wound it b/c it left a baseball size exit hole. But they also make heavier bullets.
I mainly shoot shotguns and rimfire rifles, so the 7mag is my only centerfire and is likely to remain so. In a lot of ways, I wish I would have got a 300 to be my only rifle.
It's going to do better on bear, moose, elk, etc
If you found it was doing too much damage to deer, you can shoot the remington managed recoil which should put the cartridge in the 308-3006 range.

However, given the 2 rounds, the 300 is going to be "better" on bigger game. You guys have some true giant whitetails as well as other big game.

Both are great rounds though. If it's whitetail only, maybe go with the 7. If there's bigger game, certainly go with the 300.

Answer 2

There is not a whole lot of difference between the 2 in the practical world. Both will take animals within the same range, both have the same ammo availability, and either can do the job. Recoil is noticeable with both; however, the 7mm mag is not much of an improvement over a .270 (100 fps or less with 130 gr bullets) and a 300 win mag is a marginal improvement over the .30-06 (200-300 fps). If I were to endure the extra noise, recoil, and cost, I would look towards a .338 win mag.

John

Answer 3

I own a 300 win mag and I have used the 7mm mag before, both work great but the price of ammo is sky high. If I were you I would look into a 30-06 or .270. That way you can spent more time practicing your shot, cause well placed shots are what make the kill.

Answer 4

That's a lot of rifle to be hunting in minnesota. Either will work, but why the extra recoil from such large calibers? try a .270 winchester or even a 30-06. A .308 is also a good choice. Save the money on that more expensive ammo as well as your shoulder. I've taken everything except moose with my .270, including a lot of elk. I've taken deer and black bear with my .308 and used the 30-06 for moose.
Just my 2 cents worth.

Answer 5

I would say it depends on what you are hunting and at what ranges you will most likely be shooting at. For bigger game, I would go with the .300, where as with smaller game (average size elk and deer) the 7 mm would be fine. Also if you are recoil sensitive, then go with the 7 mm.

If none of the above is relevant and it's just between the two, go with what gun fells the best.

Answer 6

go with the 300 wim. mag. the ammo cost more but the over all quality is better in most cases. ck the ballistics and make up your own mind because both rifles will get the job done.

Answer 7

I'd choose the rifle with the highest muzzle velocity. The accuracy of your shooting will benefit from this in terms of less having to adjust for bullet drop over a given distance.

Answer 8

Night *2 points*

Answer 9

Neither one your best choice would be the 30-06, because you have a greater variety of bullet weights to choose from.* When you have a 30-06 you don't need another rifle.*