Lindcott Armory Compare / .300 WSM vs .308 Winchester
Cartridge comparison
.300 WSM vs .308 Winchester
.300 WSM is faster (3,300 vs 2,850 fps); .300 WSM carries more energy (3,500 vs 2,700 ft·lb); .308 Winchester recoils less.
.300 WSM →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–1000 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.308 Winchester →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–800 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .300 WSM | .308 Winchester | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Rifle | Rifle |
| Introduced | 2001 | 1952 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.308″ | 0.308″ |
| Case length | 2.1″ | 2.015″ |
| Velocity | 2,850–3,300 fps | 2,600–2,850 fps |
| Energy | 2,700–3,500 ft·lb | 2,400–2,700 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 65,000 psi | 62,000 psi |
| Recoil | 20–28 ft·lb | 15–20 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 600 yd | 800 yd |
FAQs
- Is .300 WSM faster than .308 Winchester?
- .300 WSM is faster — up to 3,300 fps versus 2,850 fps.
- Does .300 WSM hit harder than .308 Winchester?
- .300 WSM carries more muzzle energy (3,500 vs 2,700 ft·lb).