Ongoing rivalry between Winchester and Remington erupted when the 300 Ultra Magnum was first introduced in 1999, ushering in a new era for long-range hunting. Until then, the 300 Win Mag had been one of the most popular magnums after its introduction in the 1960’s.
The differences between the 300 Win Mag vs 300 RUM lie in the level of power and performance levied by each. Because of their unique differences, both 300 Win Mag and 300 RUM have earned their place in the worlds of long-range hunting, precision shooting competition, military, and law enforcement.
Table of Contents
300 Ultra Mag vs 300 Win Mag – What’s the Difference?
Both the .300 Win Mag and the .300 RUM are capable of launching heavy ammunition at high velocity with extremely flat trajectory and impressive accuracy at long distances, making them both excellent for long range, medium to large game hunting.
The 300 Win Mag, a powerhouse in its own right, is easily outdone by the beefier 300 RUM in both power and distance. Depending on the application, the biggest pow doesn’t always win out. The ammunition you choose has to align with the outcome you want.
300 RUM vs 300 Win Mag Ballistics
.300 Remington Ultra Magnum Ballistics and Specs
- Bullet Diameter: .308 in
- Common Shell Case Length: 2.850 in
- Common Bullet Weights: 150, 180 gr
- Muzzle Velocity: 3,175 – 3,150 ft/s
- Muzzle Energy: 4,030 – 4182 ft-lbs
.300 Winchester Magnum Ballistics and Specs
- Bullet Diameter: 0.308 in
- Shell Case Length: 2.62 in
- Common Bullet Weights: 150, 180, 190 gr
- Muzzle Energy: 2,950 – 3,290 ft-lbs
- Muzzle Velocity: 3,478 – 3,605 ft/s
- Max Effective Range: 1,210 yards
Detailed Comparison
Bullet Weights and Cartridge
Both the 300 RUM and the 300 Win Mag Bullet Diameter is 0.308, but the 300 Ultra Magnum cartridge is larger and holds more propellant, giving this behemoth its additional power. Factory ammunition is available for both, although 300 Win Mag has many more options and fewer stock issues than 300 Remington Ultra Mag ammo.
For other powerful ammo, try this 223 vs 6.5 Grendel article.
Recoil
As with any powerful firearm, the first thing you will notice after shooting a 300 Win Mag or 300 Ultra Mag is the immense felt recoil. As expected, the felt recoil from the 300 Ultra Mag will have noticeably more force than the 300 Win Mag. Of course this can be tamed with a muzzle brake. Just keep in mind that some competition rules outlaw the use of muzzle brakes in some matches.
Trajectory
Both 300 Win Mag and 300 RUM drive long, heavy .30 caliber projectiles at immensely high velocities. The 300 Ultra Mag does so at a faster velocity, resulting in a flatter trajectory, more resistance to wind drift, and more kinetic energy at typical hunting distances. The flatter trajectory of the 300 RUM can greatly improve shot placement when under the control of an experienced shooter.
Barrel Life
Excessive throat wear occurs very quickly with both, requiring constant attention to barrel heat, friction prevention and bore finish. All variables aside, even with excellent maintenance, peak barrel life may only be around 1,500 rounds for .300 Win Mag and around 600 rounds for .300 Ultra Mag.
Hunting
Hunters choose 300 Ultra Mag or 300 Win Mag for long-range power and precision. Both boast excellent accuracy for tissue and bone destruction and pass-through penetration. While hunters prize both for immensely fast killing, that can only be achieved with the right rifle and ammunition for the type of game you are hunting. Even the 300 Win Mag can cause delayed killing on light framed game at closer distances because too much momentum will not provide enough resistance on impact
Medium to Light Framed Game <200 lbs (Antelope, Deer)
- Bullet Weight: 150 grain
- .300 Ultra Mag ammo: Not recommended
- .300 Win Mag ammo:Winchester Deer Season XP Copper Impact, Winchester Deer Season XP Extreme Point
Large, Heavy Bodied Game 200-700 lbs (Mule Deer, Elk, Black Bear)
- Bullet Weight: 180 grain
- .300 Ultra Mag ammo: Nosler E-Tip
- .300 Win Mag ammo:Winchester Super-X Rifle Power-Point, Winchester Ballistic SilverTip
Medium to Light Framed Game
For quick kills on light framed game at lengthy ranges, The .300 Win Mag often performs best with 150 grain factory ammunition. Others may disagree, but a general concensus is that the .300 Ultra Magnum is not recommended for lighter framed game.
Large, Heavy Bodied Game
Loaded with 180 grain bullets, .300 Win Mag performs extremely well, easily taking large bodied medium game at 700-1000 yards. At these distances, however, shot placement is crucial.
With 180 grain, .300 Ultra Magnum excels at taking down larger bodied game at extreme ranges. An experienced shooter can bring down game at 1200-1400 yards.
Check out our top picks for 300 Win Mag Scopes.
Long Distance Shooting
300 Win Mag ammo is notable for its long range accuracy and is often used for 1,000 yard competitions, but the more powerful 300 Remington Ultra Magnum is also favorite in matches where it is allowed to be used.
For short-range shooting ammunition, check out this 460 Rowland and 10mm comparison here.
300 Rem Ultra Mag vs 300 Win Mag – Pricing and Availability
Components for 300 Winchester Magnum are more readily available and less expensive than those for the 300 Remington Ultra Magnum. The same is true in terms of ammo. A larger variety of .300 Win Mag ammo options are available and, while stock issues still persist, it is much easier to source than .300 RUM ammo.
Also Read: How to Disassemble Remington 870
300 Ultra Mag Pros & Cons
PROS
- Higher Velocity
- Excellent Precision
- Flatter Trajectory
- Extreme Long-range Capabilities
CONS
- Heavier
- Hefty Recoil
- Fewer options
- Issues with availability
300 Win Mag Pros & Cons
PROS
- Impressive accuracy
- Flat trajectory
- 1000 yd. match-winning range
- Factory match loads available
- Factory ammo availability
CONS
- Heavy recoil
300 Win Mag or 300 Ultra Mag? Our Choice is…
The power and precision provided by the 300 Ultra Mag will always keep this powerhouse near the top of the food chain for long-distance shooters who are willing to do the extra maintenance, endure the mighty recoil, support the heavier weight, and pay a premium for harder-to-obtain ammunition and components. Lighter recoil, lower weight, and relatively affordable, more readily available ammunition, make the 300 Win Mag a practical, all-around choice for most people.
300 Win Mag vs 300 RUM will likely be argued for a long time to come, but other cartridges are poised to take some of the glory as they increase in popularity.
If you’re looking for concealed carry handguns, you may find this Sig Sauer P365 vs P320 article interesting.
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Agreed.