6 Best .300 Win Mag Rifle: Ultimate Guide

.300 Win Mag is a hugely popular hunting and long range cartridge that has served Americans well for nearly 60 years.

From the deserts of Arizona to the snows of Maine, .300 Win Mag puts a lot of power in the shooter’s hands. Picking a rifle from the sea of options isn’t easy, so we’ve picked some of best .300 Win Mag to help guide you!

What Is a .300 Win Mag Rifle?

The .300 Winchester Magnum, often referred to as the .300 Win Mag, is a highly regarded rifle cartridge that has been a favorite among hunters and shooters since its introduction in 1963. Known for its powerful performance, this cartridge excels in long-range accuracy and energy retention, making it ideal for big game hunting and precision shooting.

The .300 Win Mag is versatile, accommodating a range of bullet weights from 150 to 200 grains. This flexibility allows shooters to tailor their loadouts to suit specific needs, whether it’s for taking down large game or hitting targets at extreme distances. Its popularity stems from a blend of reliability, power, and precision, cementing its status as a staple in the world of high-powered rifle cartridges.

How I Chose the Best .300 Win Mag Rifle

As someone who’s been shooting since my boy scout days, I’ve had my hands on quite a few 300 Win Mag rifles over time. Some were sent over by the makers, which was pretty cool. When writing this article, I reflected on those experiences and also got input from expert shooters. Their favorites and insights helped me create a list of the best 300 Win Mag rifles, focusing on shootability, reliability, ergonomics, accuracy, and value.

Keep in mind, 300 Win Mag rifles vary a lot, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. What’s ideal for me might not be for you, as everyone has their own preferences. So, while I’ve ranked these rifles, each one is picked to meet different needs. I’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help you know what to look for when shopping for a 300 Win Mag rifle.

Now that I’ve shared the criteria for my selection, let’s dive into the lineup of the top 300 Win Mag rifles.

Best .300 Winchester Magnum Rifles

1. Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range		Best Long Range Great stock design Amazing trigger Powerful brake	Check Price
2. Tikka T3x Lite		Smoothest Factory Bolt Bolt feels like glass Short bolt throw Lightweight	Check Price
3. Bergara B-14 Ridge		Editor’s Pick Classic design R700 footprint Great stock	Check Price
4. Gunwerks Magnus Rifle System		High Roller Money Turnkey rifle package Custom rifle perfection Built exactly to your needs	Check Price
5. CVA Cascade		Best Budget Rifle Cheap and accessible Softtouch grip Accurate	Check Price
6. Savage 110 Hunter		Most Options Offered Huge range of colors and calibers Great trigger Wide range of aftermarket options	Check Price

Best .300 Winchester Magnum Rifles

1. Browning X-Bolt Max Long Range
2. Tikka T3x Lite
3. Bergara B-14 Ridge
4. Gunwerks Magnus Rifle System
5. CVA Cascade
6. Savage 110 Hunter

Best .300 Winchester Magnum Rifles Reviews

Now we’ve had an overview and looked at our list, let us take the time to individually review each item. In this section we’ll be revisiting our specs, speaking into the product and looking at the pros and cons.

Buyer’s Guide For The Best .300 Winchester Magnum Rifles 

.300 Winchester Magnum (Win Mag) is an old cartridge that has been around since 1963. This is a big cartridge designed to knock down big targets at long distances.

While a bit outdated by modern standards, it still serves in the US military (for now) and is a favorite among big game hunters across North America.

From deer to moose, .300 Win Mag won’t let you down when you need to smack something with a whole lot of energy.

But how does it fit into the modern arsenal and what you should look for in your next .300 Win Mag rifle? We’ll cover that and more!

When To Choose .300 Winchester Magnum

Right off the bat — I really only recommend .300 Win Mag for people that need raw energy on target and normally that means hunters.

Hunting is really where this cartridge shines, particularly when hunting elk. It’s capable of firing .30 Cal bullets ranging from 165gr to 220gr at velocities of 3,300-2,900 FPS, delivering the power needed right on target.

For almost 60 years .300 Win Mag has harvested every type of game in the nation. When you’re looking for a classic cartridge for that once-of-a-lifetime moose or elk hunt, most of us turn to .300 Win Mag.

Long Range Precision is the shooting sport that I love most, from benchrest to F-Class to PRS. One of the most common amateur mistakes I see is when someone buys a magnum as their first long range shooting rifle.

There is a long list of reasons why any magnum is a bad choice for your first LR cartridge and .300 Win Mag is no exception.

From the massive recoil making spotting shots very hard to the short barrel life to the expensive ammo to the fact that magnums really don’t give you any advantage inside of 1,000 yards when shooting paper and steel, it all adds to one simple answer; don’t buy a magnum for your first long range rifle.

Now if a .300 Win Mag is all you have, roll with what you got. Never let the lack of “perfect” equipment keep you off the shooting range.

What Specs Matter Most

Because .300 Win Mag really is a hunter’s cartridge, I’ve approached this list and these specs with that in mind. 

If you’re planning to use .300 Win Mag for something other than hunting, you might want to reevaluate that choice. 

Weight is often the enemy when it comes to hunting, but when you’re working with a beast of a caliber like .300 Win Mag, a little weight can be a good thing.

Weight soaks up recoil and less recoil means a nicer day at the range, less flinch, better tracking after you pull the trigger and more effective training.

Granted, too much weight means hiking will really suck — so it’s a trade-off that only you can be the judge of.

If you go lightweight I strongly recommend making sure your barrel is threaded or comes with a brake. A big brake or the right suppressor makes a lot of difference.

Overall Length isn’t really a huge deal. Longer is longer and longer is harder to stalk with, but half the point of .300 Win Mag is giving yourself more range to work with. While stalking and movement are harder to do with a long rifle, you’ll have to do less of it if you can shoot from further away.

Barrel Length 24” is about the minimum for most .300 Win Mag rifles. Not because it performs poorly with a shorter barrel, but because if you’re shooting a magnum then you want to take advantage of that and get as much muzzle velocity as you can get.

26” barrels aren’t uncommon with .300 Win Mag and give you even more of a boost. But be warned, a 26” barrel plus a brake or suppressor and your rifle quickly turns into a lance.

If you want a brake or especially a can on your rifle, try to get a 20-24” barrel.

Trigger Style is basically two categories — single-stage and 2-stage. 2-stage triggers have more movement to them, the first “stage” is basically a lot of planned creep before you get to a “wall”. The wall is when the trigger really gives you firm resistance. Overcome that wall and the rifle will fire. Single-stage triggers forgo that first part and basically start at the wall.

Single-stage triggers are normally seen as being better for precision shooting since you have a consistent and light trigger to work with.

2-stage triggers are a little “safer” because it takes a more deliberate pull.

Personally, I like both for different reasons. But it really comes down to personal likes and dislikes.

Threaded barrels are something I look for in any rifle I buy, but for a magnum like .300 Win Mag, I would say that I absolutely require it. I’m a big fan of muzzle brakes in any rifle and .300 Win Mag really benefits from a good brake.

Even if you don’t want to hunt with a brake, using one during range days makes shooting a lot more comfortable and lets you shoot longer.

DBM or fixed magazines are totally up to you. If you’re the kind of mad lad that wants to take your .300 Win Mag to a PRS match, opt for a detachable box magazine rifle. Otherwise, DBM or fixed really doesn’t make a difference.

Extra features like brakes or adjustable length of pull and cheek rest add a lot of value to a rifle. It also means a higher price tag, but at least you get more for your dollars — normally. I also love a folding stock to make packing the rifle easier. If you’re rolling with a 24”+ barrel a folding stock really helps.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, these .300 Win Mag rifles offer a variety of options to suit different preferences and needs. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or a target shooter, each rifle has its own strengths. The goal is to find the one that matches your style and requirements best, whether you’re in the field or on the range. With these insights, you’re well-prepared to make an informed choice for your adventures. Stay safe out there and enjoy your time outdoors!

Best .300 Win Mag Rifle – FAQs

Is the .300 Win Mag suitable for dangerous game hunting?

Yes, you can use the .300 Win Mag for dangerous game hunting. Its powerful performance and range make it effective for hunting large and potentially dangerous animals. Just make sure you use the appropriate bullet weight and type for the game you’re pursuing.

What are the advantages of heavier rifles in .300 Win Mag?

Heavier rifles help reduce the substantial recoil of the .300 Win Mag. This results in more comfortable shooting, better shot placement, and improved accuracy, especially during extended shooting sessions. However, keep in mind that they can be harder to carry over long distances.

Can you use a .300 Win Mag for mountain hunting?

Absolutely! If you’re planning on mountain hunting, the .300 Win Mag provides the power and long-range capability you need to take down game from a distance. Its ability to maintain energy over long ranges makes it a great choice in the rugged and variable terrain of mountain environments.

How do barrel lengths affect the performance of a .300 Win Mag rifle?

Barrel length is important in a .300 Win Mag rifle. A longer barrel (24-26 inches) helps you maximize muzzle velocity and accuracy, which is essential for long-range shooting. Shorter barrels (20-22 inches) offer better maneuverability but may sacrifice some velocity and range.

Can you find factory ammo for .300 Win Mag easily?

Yes, you can easily find factory ammo for the .300 Win Mag. It’s a popular caliber, and many manufacturers offer a variety of factory loads, ranging from lighter bullets suitable for target shooting to heavier bullets designed for big game hunting.