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Benelli R1

spousespy
Looking to buy a Benelli R1 in either 300 Win Mag or the WSM (win Short Mag). Probably a used one.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons between these two cartridges??
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5 comments

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  • spousespy
    Benelli R1 anybody own one or shot one? Looking for a nice semi-auto rifle in .300 WM...
    Looking for some opinions on this rifle... And how easy is it to switch barrels and calibers in this rifle?

    Is there a such thing as a rifle scope for semi-auto rifles? I have a upper end Leupold right now...
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  • Nwcid
    Both are a good round. .300 Win Mag has been around a long time and is not going away any time soon. The same can not be said about the WSM. The WSM is a neat idea and does have a place but it will be interesting to see how long it really sticks around.

    If you are not a hand loader then the WSM is not the way to go.
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  • nononsense
    spousespy,

    If you have to have a semi-auto hunting rifle, this is the one to get. I like this rifle a lot. The best part is that the rifle is available in 24" barrels for both cartridges.

    Comparing these two cartridges requires some footwork (fingerwork...) to get the information which is already published by the ammunition manufacturers on their websites. It's a simple task of going to the websites and selecting the factory ammunition for both cartridges and letting the manufacturer's software do the rest.

    One chart that has been compiled for you already:

    http://www.z-hat.com/300wsm.htm

    If you intend to stick with factory ammunition there is very little difference between these cartridges when we keep the playing field reasonably level. You will notice a couple of small anomalies in some of the charts, more like little bumps when a particular load outperforms the norm or under-performs the norm. It happens.

    I have had great success with both cartridges which is unfortunate with regard to your question. I have hunted with both and shot competitions with both and each has performed up to my expectations. The discriminator could be the belt or the lack thereof. This usually comes into play with reloaders who often prefer the beltLESS cartridges as opposed to the beltED cartridges. I don't have a problem with either so again, I'm not much help with your decision.

    Check availability and pricing to see if that helps with making a choice.

    Best.

    ADDED:

    I disagree about having to handload the WSM. There are plenty of factory loads and bullet selection to accommodate most shooters if hunting is the object. No doubt that you could realize some improvements through reloading but for the average person the factory stuff will suffice.

    Best.
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  • TWalker
    The only advantage to the 300 Winchester Magnum is better ammo availability at lower cost. I'm an old fart, so I like the "classic" old time calibers better. I think the 300 WSM is here to stay and eventually will pass the 300 Win. Mag in sales. Either cartridge is a good choice. A decision based on the price of a used rifle might be a good way to decide. I like the Benelli R1 and have been considering buying a nice used one in 30-06 caliber at a local shop.
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  • spousespy
    Thanks everyone for the input.

    I will probably buy the Benelli in either cartridge, and base it more on the condition and price of the rifle.
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