.300 RUM Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.300 RUM Ammo: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle Magnum |
| Used For | Long-range hunting, Target shooting |
| Case Design | Rimless, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1999 |
.300 RUM Ammo: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Exceptional long-range performance
- ✔ High velocity and energy retention
- ✔ Excellent for large game hunting
- ✔ Flat trajectory for easier aiming
- ✔ Superior ballistic coefficient
Cons
- ✘ Significant recoil
- ✘ Expensive ammunition
- ✘ Barrel wear is accelerated
- ✘ Not suitable for smaller-framed shooters
- ✘ Limited firearm options compared to more common calibers
.300 RUM Ammo: In Depth
The .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM) is a powerful, high-performance rifle cartridge designed for long-range shooting and big game hunting. Introduced by Remington Arms in 1999, it quickly gained popularity among hunters and long-range enthusiasts for its flat trajectory, high velocity, and impressive energy retention at extended distances. The .300 RUM is known for its ability to deliver magnum-level performance while maintaining manageable recoil, making it a versatile choice for various shooting applications.
History and Development
The .300 RUM was developed by Remington Arms as part of their Ultra Magnum series, which aimed to push the boundaries of cartridge performance. It was designed to compete with other large-capacity magnum cartridges like the .300 Weatherby Magnum and .30-378 Weatherby Magnum. The cartridge is based on the .404 Jeffery case, which was necked down to accept .30 caliber bullets.
Remington's goal was to create a cartridge that could deliver extreme velocities and energy levels while still being practical for use in standard-length actions. The result was a cartridge that could propel heavy .30 caliber bullets at velocities exceeding 3,000 fps, providing excellent long-range performance and terminal ballistics on large game animals.
The .300 RUM quickly gained a following among long-range shooters and hunters who appreciated its flat trajectory and energy retention at extended ranges. Its performance made it particularly popular for hunting large game animals at long distances, as well as for competitive long-range shooting.
Since its introduction, ammunition manufacturers have developed a wide range of loads for the .300 RUM, from lightweight, high-velocity options for varmint hunting to heavy, high-BC bullets for extreme long-range applications. This versatility has contributed to the cartridge's enduring popularity among shooting enthusiasts.
Timeline of .300 RUM Development and Milestones:
.300 RUM Performance
The .300 Remington Ultra Magnum offers exceptional performance characteristics that have made it a popular choice for long-range hunting and competitive shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,300-3,500 fps (180-grain bullets)
3,000-3,200 fps (200-grain bullets) Varies based on barrel length and load type |
| Trajectory | Very flat trajectory at long ranges Effective for big game hunting and target shooting beyond 1000 yards |
| Energy | 4,000-4,500 ft-lbs at the muzzle (180-200 grain bullets) Provides excellent performance for large game animals at extended ranges |
| Recoil | Significant, but manageable with proper technique and equipment Recoil energy typically ranges from 30-40 ft-lbs depending on load and rifle weight |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for long-range precision shooting and competitions |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .300 RUM loads.
.300 RUM: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .300 RUM ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Range Hunting | 0-1000 | Excellent for large game at extended ranges |
| Extreme Long-Range Target Shooting | 0-1500 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Military/Law Enforcement Sniper Operations | 0-1200 | Suitable for anti-materiel and long-range precision engagements |
| Dangerous Game Hunting | 0-400 | Powerful enough for large, dangerous game at closer ranges |
| Competitive Long-Range Shooting | 0-1500 | Popular for extreme long-range competitions |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .300 RUM is known for its exceptional long-range performance and high energy retention. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .300 RUM
The .300 RUM's powerful performance profile makes it suitable for a range of long-range applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .300 RUM's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .300 RUM with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 9 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .300 RUM with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .300 RUM with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .300 RUM with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .300 RUM Ammo
The .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (RUM) is a powerful, large-caliber rifle cartridge known for its high velocity and long-range performance. This table compares the sectional density of various .300 RUM loads.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .300 RUM | 180 | 0.271 |
| .300 RUM | 200 | 0.301 |
| .300 RUM | 220 | 0.331 |
| .300 RUM | 165 | 0.248 |
| .300 RUM | 190 | 0.286 |
Note: The .300 RUM offers excellent sectional density values, particularly with heavier bullets, contributing to its reputation for deep penetration and long-range effectiveness. The cartridge's high velocity further enhances its performance capabilities.