FSU_Seminole Posted August 12, 2007 Report Share Posted August 12, 2007 Hey guys got a question. I'm in the market for a 300 WSM. I know their are guns out there bigger than the 300 but I'm not very fond of things like the 300 ultra mag, 375, 338, 416 ect ect because I really have no plans or interest in hunting brown or grizzlies & I'm not a recoil addict. I plan over the next 3 years to book hunts in Texas, Canada & my soon to be wife, her father lives in Wyoming. We've also had a dream of hunting Africa. I know that a 300 can take most game in Africa minus the hippo, elephant & water buffalo. But I am wondering. Could a 300wsm cleanly take one of these guys at lets say 100-200 yards? Or would I have to buy one of the cannons I mentioned above? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 "Could" it??? Yes. Would a P.H. be happy to see you show up to kill a lion with it??? Probably not. Things that bite back also seem to have a very strong will to live. From what I have seen, read and heard (all 2nd hand) lions are no exception to the rule. General concensus seems to be that a .338 Win Mag would be the starting place and go on up from there. If you can shoot a .300 WSM you can definitely shoot a .338 Win Mag. But don't scare yourself out of a medium-bore such as a .375 or .416 until you've tried them. Find somewhere you can fire a few rounds through them. You may be surprised to find you WILL live through it and most likely will be wishing to shboot them some more. A .375 would be just about the perfect 2nd gun to take to Africa if lion was as big & nasty as you were going to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Have heard and read that the 30-06 has been used by a many of hunters for african big game safaris, so I would think then that the 300 wsm would be well capable for lions. In the July issue of field and stream there was an article on choices on rounds for specific types of game and it mentioned Bob Lee hunting lions in the 1950's with a .270. If a .270 is an adequate enough round for lions, the 300 wsm should be plenty capable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted August 13, 2007 Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 I do believe the 300 wsm is enough too..... However, in NRA's magazine (either this months or last months) there is an article about hunting game in Africa. A couple of experienced hunters talk about what guides expect for weapons in the field. They also explained what guides consider a minimum. You might try to find a copy. The 300wsm wasn't one of the choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSU_Seminole Posted August 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2007 Hey guys thanks for the adivce. I've also heard & read stories about Bob Lee killing full grown lions with a .270. Thats something I'd NEVER even think about. The man had alot of guts, simply being honest I'm not that brave. LOL!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ronin Posted August 14, 2007 Report Share Posted August 14, 2007 From what I understand, the 300wsm isn't exactly light on recoil either. I know a couple of people who expected that and were disappointed. I think you would have the velocity for the job but I would enlist the aid of a top bullet that can handle the impact and velocity without fragmentation. I would use a Barnes TSX or VLX or MRX for the job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted August 16, 2007 Report Share Posted August 16, 2007 Lions aren't small critters. 600lbers are possible. That's about elk sized. Even an elk shot clean through the vitals with a 300WSM will go further than I'd ever want a lion to travel. So don't kid yourself. A lion can kill you while he's dead. Some countries have a 375H&H minimum so the 300WSM would not be an option. If you book a hunt to Africa, your professional hunter will tell you what he's willing to let you do. His life is on the line too hunting dangerous game. Discuss these things with him in detail long before you get on the plane to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted August 17, 2007 Report Share Posted August 17, 2007 Here's a link to some responses from guys who have actually killed lions. Might wanna read it before heading off to Africa. http://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1411043/m/314103517 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missed160 Posted August 21, 2007 Report Share Posted August 21, 2007 Remember - when hunting lions with a 270, you don't need to outrun the wounded lion, you just need to outrun one of your hunting buddies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSU_Seminole Posted August 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2007 Remember - when hunting lions with a 270, you don't need to outrun the wounded lion, you just need to outrun one of your hunting buddies! LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FSU_Seminole Posted August 21, 2007 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2007 Hey strut thanks for starting that thread. I've been wanting to buy a 300 wsm for hunting Elk & other things out west. But reading that it looks like I'll have an excuse to buy a 375HH now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted August 21, 2007 Report Share Posted August 21, 2007 Hey strut thanks for starting that thread. I've been wanting to buy a 300 wsm for hunting Elk & other things out west. But reading that it looks like I'll have an excuse to buy a 375HH now. You're quite welcome!! Why does anyone EVER need an excuse to buy another rifle?? If you end up with a 375 H&H and would like to kick it up to 375 Wby (for a VERY reasonable amount of $$) I'll give you the name of my smith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.