5 Best 300 Win Mag Rifles for [2023] Dead-on Sharp Shooting

For quite a few reasons, .300 Win Mag is an extremely popular rifle round. As the name might suggest, it was developed by Winchester.

It was first introduced in the early 1960s. The name might also suggest that it is a magnum cartridge, which is true, as the cartridge was derived from .375 Holland & Holland cartridges.

Quick Navigation

  The Top 5 300 Rifles
    1. Weatherby Vanguard
    2. Browning X-Bolt
    3. Winchester Model 70 Super Grade
    4. Savage Arms 110BA Stealth Evolution
    5. Mossberg Patriot Predator Brown
  300 Win Mag Specs
  Choosing a 300 Win Mag Rifle
  Conclusion

It is popular in a few different niches. It’s popular for target shooters because it is one of the most accurate cartridges, and can handle long distances extremely well.

It is one of the flattest shooting projectiles available.

The round is popular among hunters because of the excellent combination of long-range ability and a larger projectile. Various militaries and law enforcement agencies use it for snipers.

The projectile is .30 inches in diameter, and the projectiles are available from 110-250 grains.

This wide variety of projectile sizes available is another reason that the cartridge is so popular. The cartridge outperforms most of the competition in terms of ballistics.

300 Win Mag Specs

While some of the more modern cartridges have begun to outperform .300 Win Mag, it has retained its popularity because of the number of available weapons and how affordable the ammunition is.

It is also one of the most popular rounds for reloading, due to the number of projectiles and amount of brass available.

Generally speaking, it is faster than .308 Winchester, and maintains its velocity over distance better. This results in a high-energy projectile that is excellent for hunting medium to large game.

How to Choose the Right Rifle

When looking to buy a .300 Win Mag rifle, there are a few factors to keep in mind. They basically boil down to what your uses for the rifle will be. However, to help point you in the right direction, we’ve identified a few key features.

  • How important is accuracy to you? Are you looking for a hunting rifle or a precision long-range rifle?
  • Are you planning on taking this rifle on any mountain hikes in search of that trophy kill?
  • Goes along with the weight. Will a long rifle be a burden for you?
  • If you are looking for a precision rifle, you probably need to be prepared to spend more money than on a hunting rifle.
  • How important is the corrosion resistance and resistance to the elements for you?

Looking for a .300 Win Mag rifle can be overwhelming, as there are many options available. We have tried to touch on the best .300 Win Mag rifles across the whole range of available weapons to help give you an idea.

Winchester Model 70 Super Grade | Wikipedia Creative Commons licenses

The Top 5 300 Rifles

1. Weatherby Vanguard

Opie In The Smokies

With its rock-solid and straightforward design, we were keen to inspect the rifle’s modernization adjustments.

Most crucially, all Vanguard Mk 2s now come with a 1 MOA guarantee, which is an improvement above the previous norm of 1.5MOA. It will be fascinating to see whether the rifle can deliver on these promises on the range, mainly since they were a gun with such a modest price tag.

The redesigned stock is the first thing you will notice when you take up the weapon. I was trying the basic synthetic model, and it had by far the finest stock of any of the entry-level rifles I’ve handled. 

It is an easy trap to fall into as manufacturers aim to slash expenses to deliver the cheapest gun. Weatherby has avoided making the most frequent errors across the board.

Range results are vital with any rifle, but as I previously said, results must be viewed with care, as it may take some time to discover a load that reveals what a rifle is capable of. The Vanguard comes with a 1 MOA guarantee when used with premium ammunition, so that’s a plus.

The rifle was able to drop bullets within the promised 1MOA with these rounds, albeit it was clear that the weapon fired better while resting on a sandbag rather than a bipod due to the absence of a free-floating barrel.

There isn’t much you can get for less than a thousand pounds these days, so anybody who adds the Vanguard to their collection will be well served. This rifle offers excellent value for money, and I am sure it will appeal to a wide range of shooters.

Top Features:

  • Cold-hammer-forged barrel finished in flat dark earth Cerakote
  • It comes with Accubrake ST muzzle brake
  • Available in nine chamberings (five standard rounds and four magnums)
  • Includes a Monte Carlo comb

Pros

  • Light enough to carry on big game hunts at high elevations
  • Easy to top-load through the generous ejection port
  • Initial take-up is smooth and light
  • Requires minimal finger pressure to drop the sear

Cons

  • The release was a bit tight (an issue for some)
  • It’s not the lightest of rifles
  • Expensive

2. Browning X-Bolt

HuntStand

If 30-06 is your favored caliber, the X-Bolt is a rifle you should not overlook.

The feather-trigger mechanism Browning has implemented on their X-Bolt series is the first thing I want to say about this pistol. It is, as stated, really sharp, with a distinct break. There was minimal take-up or creep, and there was no overtravel. Apart from being relatively lightweight for a hardwood framed rifle, the trigger on this weapon is my absolute favorite element.

When hunting with bolt action rifles, accuracy is one of the most critical criteria. I don’t believe this is anything I’d be concerned about with the X-Bolt. Browning employed their X-Lock scope mount mechanism and a free-floating barrel system to guarantee that the shooter can limit their accuracy rather than the rifle itself. 

The X-Lock scope system adds extra locking points to your optic, making it more secure during overland travel. Furthermore, the barrel has a free-floating design maintained by bedding the front and rear of the action for stability. It is a bonus.

With this weapon, we could easily hold a 1/4′′ grouping at 100 yards.

Personally, as someone who has shot and carried the Browning X-Bolt, I feel it is a good pick. It is light, has a superb trigger, and has shown to be just as accurate or better than the typical shooter. The Browning X-Bolt, in my view, will provide you with more than enough service throughout the forthcoming deer season.

Top Features:

  • It has a free-floated barrel
  • A 60 degree bolt lift makes the action buttery smooth
  • It has a feather-trigger system and rotary magazine
  • Features an inflex recoil pad and x-lock scope mounts for an outstanding shooting experience

Pros

  • The trigger is crisp, with a clean break
  • Lightweight for a wooden framed rifle
  • Great accuracy

Cons

  • Expensive

3. Winchester Model 70 Super Grade

NRApubs

The first rifle on our list of best .300 Win Mag rifles is the Model 70 Super Grade from Winchester. This bolt action rifle is extremely sleek looking, with classic walnut styling with an ebony forearm tip.

The barrel has a polished blue finish, and the wood parts have a satin finish. The two-tone walnut is very aesthetically pleasing. The weapon has a 26 inch barrel, weighs 8.5 pounds, and has a 3 round magazine capacity.

The pros of this weapon are the looks, the accuracy, and the reliability. The accuracy of the weapon comes from a few things. First, the hammer-forged barrel is free-floated. Second, the MOA trigger system allows for a very precise trigger pull.

Third, the steel receiver has an integral recoil lug that is bedded in the front and rear to prevent the bolt from shifting at all. Last, the stock has a solid steel piece for added rigidness. All of these factors increase the accuracy of the weapon. The reliability comes from the steel receiver and the controlled round feeding and extracting mechanisms.

The cons of this weapon are the price, limited magazine capacity, and weight. This is not the most expensive on our list, but it is still pricy. However, it is also the highest quality weapon on the list.

It is also a very heavy weapon, which is something to consider if you are looking for a hunting rifle. As far as uses go, it would excel in any role, but the weight and longer barrel may limit its uses to target shooting and hunts where you don’t have to travel far.

Top Features:

  • As mentioned before, multiple factors add to the accuracy.
  • Steel receiver, controlled round feeding and extracting.
  • Pre-drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
  • Sleek looking.
  • High-quality weapon at a reasonable price.

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Control round feed ensures reliability
  • Best quality parts/materials

Cons

  • Needs iron sights
  • Most expensive

4. Savage Arms 110BA Stealth Evolution

WhatAreYouBuyen

While Savage Arms is generally known for their affordably priced bolt action rifles, the 110BA Stealth Evolution is cut from a different cloth.

This is still a reliable bolt action rifle but has been given a modern, tactical look. It has an AR-15 style handguard with multiple picatinny rails to go along with a fully adjustable stock.

It also has a detachable box magazine that has a 5 round capacity. It has a 24-inch barrel and weighs around 7 pounds. With a little work, this could function well as a precision rifle. In our opinion, it is the best .300 Win Mag rifle for target shooting. It could be used for hunting, but there are better options out there.

The pros of this weapon are the picatinny rails, adjustable trigger, a manageable weight, and the modernized look. The picatinny rails allow you to mount any number of accessories on the rifle.

It also allows you to use a wider variety of scopes and optics. Savage Arms’ AccuTrigger is fully adjustable, and greatly increases the accuracy of the rifle. Adjusting the trigger pull will go a long way in increasing your shot.

The look of this weapon is nice, but some of the features that come along with it are even nicer. For example, the adjustable stock, pistol-style grip, and detachable box magazine look nice but also add a lot to the weapon.

The pros of this weapon are limited to mostly the cost. As mentioned, this is a good frame to start off, but to make a competitive rifle, it may take a little work. As far as the cost, this is a quality rifle, but given the reputation of Savage Arms, some people will struggle to pay this for one of their rifles.

Top Features:

  • Increased magazine capacity. Dependent on your use for the weapon, this may be a nice feature for you.
  • Modern look and features that go along with it.
  • Increases the accuracy of the weapon.
  • Reliable and smooth action.

Pros

  • Magazine offers lots of room for seating out bullets
  • User-adjustable trigger

Cons

  • Not cheap

5. Mossberg Patriot Predator Brown

Fear and Loading

Mossberg’s reputation has traditionally been providing affordable rifles that are useful and dependable. Like other shooters, I’ve had many of their shotguns, and you’ll always find a 500 in my van. Mossberg has introduced the Patriot Predator, a cheap bolt-action rifle in various calibers, to build on that well-deserved reputation.

Mossberg’s proprietary Lightning Bolt Action trigger is used (LBA). This user-adjustable trigger dials in pull weights ranging from 2 to 7 pounds and ships straight from the manufacturer. Like many other contemporary rifles, this trigger has an incorporated safety bar.

The bolt knob has been increased and works well. It is well set up, with enough room beneath the bolt handle for me to rapidly move my firing hand forward and grab the bolt handle in the web of my hand to operate the action fast.

The action was much smoother than I anticipated for a rifle at this price range. There were no catch places along the bolt’s path after lubed. The fluted spiral bolt is a great addition that gives the rifle a more high-end appearance.

I was pleasantly astonished by the Patriot Predator’s pinpoint accuracy. My finest groups were shot with the Hornady 120gr ELD Match cartridge with a US Optics 10X sight at 100 yards from a Caldwell Stinger Shooting rest. Under 1 MOA, that cartridge printed a tenth of an inch.

Top Features:

  • Uses a push-feed, dual-lug action 
  • Comes with a 5/8″ x 24 threaded muzzle
  • The polymer bedding block in the stock and the barrel is free-floated
  • Features a polymer stock with Strata camo

Pros

  • Superb accuracy
  • Fairly lightweight
  • Combined with smart caliber choices and the generous recoil pad
  • Precise and affordable

Cons

  • There’s a bit of squish and creep to this trigger
  • The stock is a cheap synthetic semi-flexible mold job

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a hunting rifle, the Weatherby Mark V Ultra Lightweight is an excellent option. If you’re looking for an overall excellent quality weapon, the Winchester Model 70 Super Grade is definitely something to look into.

However, if you are on a tighter budget, the Thompson/Center Compass is probably what you’re going to want. No matter which weapon you choose, .300 Win Mag is an excellent cartridge, and you will likely be happy with your purchase. Hopefully our list of best .300 Win Mag rifles has helped narrow down your search for you.

26 thoughts on “5 Best 300 Win Mag Rifles for [2023] Dead-on Sharp Shooting”

  1. Got news for you…Savage has the best out of the box accuracy of any major rifle firm and Mossberg is not behind. Ruger makes accurate rifles as well.

    I have a Ruger and a Savage that will shoot as well or better than any weatherby ever made….and I didn’t break the bank on either one…

    Sorry…guess I ad better go give CPR to my last elk that wasn’t shot with a $1000 rifle….it is in the freezer…

    Probably expressing this too aggressively but it is the shooter…not the rifle that score the hit.

    gp

    Reply
      • That’s not even the same gun LOL do some research before you open your mouth! I don’t own any of these guns but I’ve been doing a lot of research on them and that the Savage stealth is towards the top of the list on everything I’m reading

        Reply
        • Ryan: Bosco Bob up there is a sniper wanta-be and nothing but trash spews out of that big fat hole under his nose. He reads an article and believes everything in it. If its on the internet, its got to be real mentality.LMAO. Sniper Central sure isn’t the place Id go to be looking for accurate data and info on weapons systems.

          Reply
          • Reply to DevilDog: Yea, I see so many “military spec-ops” on here, it amazes me that our own Unit was so minimal in its manpower! For me the best teacher I ever had (other than experience) came LONG before the ARMY and its Nightstalker hustle and head crunching. It was from an older fella who lived in Mountain Rest, SC, way out in boonies, and he was the fire-MAN! He was always able to adjust my rifle to meet my demands, taught me all about machining, reloading my own rounds, and the value of a simple rifle over a $10k+ .50 cal., as most SSGs like me only had our hands on one while we were enlisted! Afterwards, we just compensate with dollar vs. performance and find a solid balance. And he taught me this I’ll pass on to ya, may not mean much, but; “SSG, no 2 rifles are equal in ALL ways, and no 2 shooters are endowed exactly in ANY ways, so you will NEVER get the same result from 2 like weapons, or the men that fires them. So make use of what fits best – it’s all a marriage of man and weapon – then til death do ya part!” I paraphrased best I could From “FROSTBITE FRED HAMES. Hope it means something to you too. Stay loose and hang tight! SOAR_90

  2. Wonder why the Remington 700 didn’t make the list. The action is the basis of the U.S. military .300 Win. Mag. “M24 sniper system” & several reviews rate the Remington 700 (in several calibers) one of the best “out of the box” rifles in the world. Depending on stock & other options, the 700 retails for $541 (ADL model w/ scope) to over $2200 (military / police versions), but the action is the same in all of ’em. I have looked @ many other .300 Win. Mag. rifles & several in .30-06 too — I already have a .308 Win. rifle. The Remington 700 ADL looks like the best “bang for the buck” .300 Win. Mag. for me.

    Reply
    • The bullets won’t break the bank, and you can use lighter rounds on deer, and the heavier rounds on moose/elk/bear reliably. It also has more energy at 500 yards then a 308. I’ve honestly never had to make a shot on game at that distance, but, it’s nice to know I can if I have to.

      Reply
      • You’re absolutely right Gord. No other round matches the .300WM versatility when hand loading. Lighter bullets for varmit hunting and the heavier ones for long range or large game like elk, even grizzly. It’s a true 1200yd. round! I love my 1964 Winchester Model 70 .300WM which will soon be topped with a Vortex PST Gen2 5-25×50. My next rifle will be a GA Precision in .300PRC or a Model 70 if Winchester will make it. Good Luck!

        Reply
  3. The article and the replies to it are why I don’t waste a lot of time talking firearms to most people. Ignorance abounds in the firearm world and is most apparent in forums and the comment section. You have five very different rifles as examples. If you want to cite examples of the “best” establish the parameters you are using to determine this. How the hell do you compare a Model 70 Super Grade against a cheap T/C? Why not the Model 70 Extreme Weather? Why not some of the great European rifles? What makes the quality of the Model 70 better than the others? You have real gun writers of the past rolling over in their graves with this drivel.

    Reply
  4. My cheap TC compass dropped a B&C Whitetail last year from 305 yards. Also my Cheap TC has a 3 shot grouping of 1/2 inch at 100 yards. Not everyone can afford a $1500 rifle. I will put my cheap TC up against any of your expensive rifles anytime you want.

    Reply
  5. I appreciate the advise on the 300 win mags. I prefer a solid wood stock though. Any thoughts on or models you would recommend?

    Reply
    • I have a Mossberg Patriot 300 Win Mag. It’s affordable (375.00) and with a good scope I’m shooting 4 shots and cutting holes with factory Hornady 165 power points. Also not one deer has taken more than 2 steps after first shot. I’ve only killed 6 with this rifle but 1 was 415 yards and I held dead on rear of front shoulder, dropped where it stood. I own Winchesters, Remingtons and Rugers also in different calibers. This Mossberg is way under rated and by far the BEST shooting… My opinion guys.. Thanks

      Reply
  6. You can pay about 1/2 the price of the Win. Mod. 70 and get superb accuracy from a Rem.700 Long Range Rifle.
    Mine just shot two groups at 100 yds. that measure .527″ and .321″ with 215 gr. Berger hybrids.
    While not a high dollar firearm, it will and does shoot like one. Why Remington was omitted from this article
    is beyond rational thinking. Uneducated or misinformed writers on this subject should do a field test before
    writing an article such as this. There are some newcomers to the sport that may take this as gospel.
    Please do your homework before writing your article. You may save a novice some hard earned money and frustration.

    Reply
  7. Learned so much reading all the discussion here in the comments . I thinks I’ll get the savage 110ba or TC . Thanks all

    Reply
  8. I agree with all the positive comments. I am looking forward to a purchase of a .300 Win rifle.
    Just have some more research on which one for me. Budget is about $1500, or so. Currently
    enjoying a Ruger Precision .338 Lapua. Fun gun for me. Ammo is not for the faint of heart, at
    20 rds/$85. Lots of enjoyable reloading for, .338, .308, 6.5 creedmor and grendel. BRINGS COST DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY.THANKS for all your pros and cons. Helps educate me. Oh by the way I turn 80 yrs old in a
    couple of months. SO MUCH FUN.

    Reply
  9. Got news for you…Savage has the best out of the box accuracy of any major rifle firm and Mossberg is not behind. Ruger makes accurate rifles as well.

    I have a Ruger and a Savage that will shoot as well or better than any weatherby ever made….and I didn’t break the bank on either one…

    Sorry…guess I ad better go give CPR to my last elk that wasn’t shot with a $1000 rifle….it is in the freezer…

    Probably expressing this too aggressively but it is the shooter…not the rifle that scores the hit.

    Learned so much reading all the discussion here in the comments. I think I’ll get the savage 110ba or TC. Thanks all

    Reply
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    Reply
  11. Soar_90 hit the nail on the head when he said “no two rifles are exactly the same and no two shooters are exactly the same!
    I have seen two people buy the exact same guns and the exact same ammunition and use the same shooting technique. Rarely do both guns perform the same.
    I have two pre 64 model 70 Winchesters.
    One loves 180 grain Remington core lokt bullets but hates 168 grain core lokt.
    The other shoots 150 up to168 grain core lokt bullets great, but will not hold even a 4 inch pattern with 180 grain core lokt bullets.

    Also, no two shooters shooting technique is exactly the same from their grip of the rifle to eye sight, to their breathing technique!

    Reply
  12. Someone is not paying attention to what they write. The browning is listed as expensive, when the Weatherby is $100 more and the Winchester is more than double that of the Browning. But thanks for highlighting them. I shot my dad’s browning and it was nice.

    Reply

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