7mm Rem Mag vs .300 Win Mag: Which Magnum Ammo Should You Feed?

Two magnums from the same family

Both cartridges trace back to the .375 H&H Magnum case, and they arrived almost back to back. Remington introduced the 7mm Remington Magnum in 1962 alongside its new Model 700 bolt-action rifle. Winchester answered with the .300 Winchester Magnum in 1963, using a .375 H&H case that was blown out, shortened and necked down.

Both are belted magnums that fit standard-length actions, and both became fixtures in Western elk camps. The 7mm is especially popular for big game in the western U.S. and Canada and for mountain hunting. The .300 went further into military and law-enforcement use as a long-range sniper round; the U.S. government bought MK 248 MOD 1 match ammunition for it in 2009 for the M24 and MK 13 systems.

Specs side by side

Velocities are drawn from published factory ballistic tables in each cartridge's reference entry. Energy and momentum are calculated from those figures.

Recoil is the real dividing line

On paper, the .300 Win Mag does everything a little better at long range. In practice, many hunters shoot the 7mm Rem Mag better, because recoil changes how people shoot.

The .300's reference entry puts its recoil at about 30 percent more than a .30-06 Springfield, with average recoil energy around 30 ft-lbs, which it fairly calls "stout." The 7mm Rem Mag's recoil is described as relatively tolerable, and that tolerability is part of why it became so popular. A hunter who flinches at the shot loses more accuracy than any ballistic chart can give back.

Ways to manage either magnum: a quality recoil pad, a stock that fits, a rifle that is not ultralight, and practice sessions that stop before fatigue sets in. Remington has also offered "Managed-Recoil" loads for the .300 Win Mag for shooters who want lighter practice.

Elk, moose and long range

Elk

Both cartridges kill elk cleanly with good bullets and good placement. The 7mm with a 160 to 175 grain bonded or monometal bullet is a long-standing elk choice. The .300 with 180 to 200 grain bullets brings more momentum and energy, which some hunters prefer for quartering shots on big bulls.

Moose and bears

The .300 Win Mag is the better fit. It is used on moose and on black and grizzly bears, with heavier 200-grain bullets for thick-boned game. The 7mm can do the job, but it gives up bullet weight.

Long-range target work

The .300 has the deeper match-ammo history thanks to its military sniper use. The 7mm Rem Mag shoots flat and has plenty of high-ballistic-coefficient bullets, but you will see more .300 match loads on the shelf.

What's actually on the shelves

Both are mainstream cartridges, so hunting loads are easy to find. Ammunition Depot lists dozens of loads for each. Here are sensible picks by job.

7mm Rem Mag loads

Also listed: Barnes Harvest 150 gr for a copper option, and Remington Core-Lokt 140 gr PSP for a lighter, flatter deer load.

.300 Win Mag loads

Also listed: Winchester Power-Point 180 gr as a traditional soft point, and Sig Sauer 190 gr OTM for long-range target practice, not hunting.

Barrels, brakes and real-world velocity

Magnum cartridges burn a lot of powder, and they like barrel length. Factory rifles in both chamberings usually come with fairly long barrels. Cutting a magnum barrel short gives up velocity and adds muzzle blast, which erodes some of the reason to own a magnum in the first place.

Muzzle brakes are common on both cartridges because they cut felt recoil noticeably. The trade-off is noise: brakes redirect blast sideways and back toward the shooter and anyone beside them. Always wear hearing protection when shooting a braked rifle, and warn hunting partners and guides before you shoot.

The simplest way to compare what you will actually get is to look at the ammunition maker's published velocity for the exact load you plan to buy, note the test barrel length, and expect a little less from a shorter barrel.

Bullet construction for magnum velocities

Both cartridges drive bullets fast, especially at close range. A soft, fast-opening deer bullet that works perfectly from a .30-30 can come apart on the shoulder of an elk when it hits at magnum speed. That is why bonded and monometal copper bullets are so popular in these chamberings. They are built to hold together at high impact velocity and still expand at longer ranges.

A simple rule: for deer at moderate range, a tipped cup-and-core bullet is fine. For elk, moose or any shot that may hit heavy bone, choose a bonded or copper bullet, and use the heavier weights for the cartridge.

How to choose

1. Be honest about recoil. If you have shot a .30-06 and disliked it, the 7mm Rem Mag is the safer bet.
2. Match the biggest animal you will hunt. Mostly deer and elk: either works. Moose or big bears regularly: lean .300.
3. Pick a bullet built for that animal. Tipped cup-and-core bullets are great on deer; bonded or copper bullets are the usual elk choice.
4. Buy enough to zero and practice. Magnum ammo is not cheap, so plan for a box to zero and confirm, and another to practice from field positions.

Editorial note: This is an independent editorial overview built from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and published sources. We have not performed hands-on testing of the products discussed, and nothing here is a performance guarantee. Verify specifications, compatibility and the law where you live.

Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links to Ammunition Depot. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial choices are not influenced by commissions. Check current price, stock and specifications directly with the retailer.