Home › Browse Calibers › .300 Win. Mag.
Common uses: Hunting, Big Game, Long Range
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 180gr Norma Bondstrike Extreme |
| Muzzle velocity | 3084 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 3802 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.615 |
| Case length | 66.5 mm |
| Overall length | 84.8 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 64000 PSI |
| Common twist rate | 1:10" |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3084 | 3801 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2923 | 3415 | 0 |
| 200 | 2769 | 3063 | -2.6 |
| 300 | 2619 | 2741 | -9.7 |
| 400 | 2474 | 2446 | -21.9 |
| 500 | 2334 | 2177 | -39.8 |
At 1,000 yards, .300 Win. Mag. (180gr at 3084 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 23.2 MOA / 6.8 MIL, retaining 1704 fps (supersonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2619 | Supersonic | -9.7 | 3.1 | 0.90 |
| 400 | 2474 | Supersonic | -21.9 | 5.2 | 1.52 |
| 500 | 2334 | Supersonic | -39.8 | 7.6 | 2.21 |
| 600 | 2199 | Supersonic | -64.0 | 10.2 | 2.96 |
| 700 | 2068 | Supersonic | -95.5 | 13.0 | 3.79 |
| 800 | 1942 | Supersonic | -135.1 | 16.1 | 4.69 |
| 900 | 1820 | Supersonic | -183.9 | 19.5 | 5.68 |
| 1000 | 1704 | Supersonic | -243.3 | 23.2 | 6.76 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .300 Win. Mag. is regarded as a versatile all-around big-game cartridge, capable of taking everything from deer and elk to moose, bear, and open-country game at extended ranges. It fits in standard-length rifle actions yet drives heavy .30-caliber bullets fast enough for flat trajectories and reliable energy well past 400 yards, which is why it remains a staple for mountain and plains hunting. Beyond hunting, it has a strong reputation in precision and long-range shooting and has seen extensive service as a military and police sniper round. Its main drawbacks are stout recoil, sharp muzzle blast, and shorter barrel life than milder cartridges, trade-offs most shooters accept for its reach and power. Factory ammunition and component bullets are broadly available, making it one of the more practical magnums to feed.
Introduced by Winchester in 1963, the .300 Winchester Magnum was the last of Winchester's belted magnum family (following the .264, .338, and .458 Winchester Magnums) based on the shortened .375 H&H Magnum case.
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