Published: January 2026 | Last updated: May 2026
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is drawn from Weatherby factory publications and established reloading references. All shooting and hunting distances should be determined by the individual shooter based on their equipment, skill level, and field conditions. Always confirm zero at the range before hunting season. For reloading data and cartridge history, see the 300 Weatherby Magnum complete guide.
Roy Weatherby developed the 300 Weatherby Magnum in 1944 by blowing out the 300 H&H Magnum case to maximum capacity, creating what was at the time the most powerful commercial .30 caliber cartridge in existence. It became the flagship of the Weatherby line and remained the fastest commercial .30 caliber round for decades. Even today, with the 300 RUM and 300 Norma Magnum available, the 300 Weatherby Magnum holds its own as one of the most capable production .30 caliber hunting cartridges, pushing 180-grain bullets to 3,250 fps from a 26-inch barrel – figures that exceed the 300 Winchester Magnum by 200 to 250 fps.
The cartridge fires .308-inch diameter bullets in the 150 to 220-grain range. Like all extreme-velocity cartridges, cup-and-core and thin-jacketed bullets can fragment aggressively at close range – the same caveat that applies to the 300 RUM and 270 Weatherby Magnum. Bonded and monolithic designs are strongly preferred for shots on large game inside 150 yards. At these velocities the 300 Weatherby is also a cartridge that benefits from quality Weatherby brass and proper headspace – its distinctive double-radius shoulder requires purpose-built brass rather than formed brass from other cases for best accuracy and case life.
For comparisons with its closest competitors, the 300 Weatherby Magnum ballistics reference, 300 Winchester Magnum ballistics, and 300 WSM ballistics articles cover the full .30 magnum tier.
Core External Ballistics
The three loads used throughout this article represent the practical hunting weight range for the 300 Weatherby Magnum. Muzzle velocities reflect Weatherby factory data from a 26-inch barrel – shorter barrels lose approximately 40 to 60 fps per inch.
Data correction note: The original version of this article used incorrect muzzle energy figures identical to those published in the 300 RUM article (3,694 / 4,069 / 3,995 ft-lbs for 150 / 180 / 200-grain loads respectively). The 300 Weatherby Magnum’s actual muzzle energies are substantially higher than the 300 RUM due to its greater muzzle velocity. The corrected figures below are based on Weatherby factory velocity data.
| Load | Bullet Weight | MV (fps) | BC (G7) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hornady ELD-X | 150 gr | 3,540 | 0.230 | 4,173 |
| Nosler AccuBond | 180 gr | 3,250 | 0.279 | 4,221 |
| Federal Trophy Bonded / Partition | 200 gr | 3,060 | 0.261 | 4,158 |
The 300 Weatherby’s muzzle energy figures – 4,158 to 4,221 ft-lbs – are among the highest produced by any commercial .30 caliber hunting load. This is substantially more than the stated figures in the original article, which were copied from a different cartridge. At close range, this energy level places the 300 Weatherby in dangerous-game capable territory well past 300 yards.
The 180-grain AccuBond produces the highest muzzle energy at 4,221 ft-lbs despite not having the highest muzzle velocity, because its greater mass compensates for the velocity deficit relative to the 150-grain. At distance, its superior G7 BC of 0.279 sustains that energy advantage over the 150-grain, making it the most versatile all-around hunting load in the lineup.
Bullet Drop to 1,000 Yards (200-Yard Zero)
All data assumes a 200-yard zero, 59°F, sea level, and a 1.5-inch sight height. A 200-yard zero is standard for high-velocity magnum cartridges.
| Range (Yards) | 150gr ELD-X (in) | 180gr AccuBond (in) | 200gr Trophy Bonded (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | +1.4 | +1.6 | +1.7 |
| 200 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 300 | -6.5 | -7.2 | -7.8 |
| 400 | -18.8 | -20.8 | -22.5 |
| 500 | -38.0 | -42.0 | -45.5 |
| 600 | -65.0 | -71.5 | -77.5 |
| 700 | -101.5 | -111.5 | -121.0 |
| 800 | -148.5 | -163.5 | -177.5 |
| 900 | -207.5 | -228.5 | -248.0 |
| 1,000 | -280.0 | -309.0 | -335.5 |
With a 200-yard zero, the 300 Weatherby’s trajectory stays within 2 inches of point of aim from the muzzle to approximately 260 yards – a genuine flat-shooting performance advantage over standard magnums. At 300 yards, corrections range from 6.5 to 7.8 inches – the flattest trajectory profile of any common .30 magnum except the 300 RUM.
The 150-grain ELD-X drops the least at every distance out to 1,000 yards, driven by its higher starting velocity. At 500 yards it has dropped 38.0 inches versus 45.5 inches for the 200-grain Trophy Bonded – a 7.5-inch difference that represents a meaningfully easier elevation correction in the field. However, as the energy table shows, the 150-grain load pays for this trajectory advantage by running out of elk-class energy sooner than the heavier loads.
At 400 yards, corrections range from 18.8 to 22.5 inches. A 50-yard ranging error at that distance produces 8 to 10 inches of vertical error – enough to miss the vital zone of a deer if the estimate is low. Precise range determination is mandatory past 350 yards with any load.
Wind Drift (10 mph Full-Value Crosswind)
| Range (Yards) | 150gr ELD-X (in) | 180gr AccuBond (in) | 200gr Trophy Bonded (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 |
| 200 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.9 |
| 300 | 5.8 | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| 400 | 11.0 | 10.0 | 9.5 |
| 500 | 17.0 | 15.5 | 14.5 |
| 600 | 28.0 | 26.0 | 24.0 |
| 700 | 41.0 | 38.0 | 35.0 |
| 800 | 55.0 | 51.0 | 47.0 |
| 900 | 69.0 | 64.0 | 59.0 |
| 1,000 | 84.0 | 78.0 | 72.0 |
The 200-grain Trophy Bonded drifts the least at every distance – 72 inches at 1,000 yards versus 84 inches for the 150-grain ELD-X. The 12-inch difference at 1,000 yards is meaningful at that range, though for practical hunting distances inside 600 yards the spread between loads narrows to 4 inches – well within the margin of a center-mass hold.
At 400 yards in a 10 mph crosswind, even the least wind-efficient load drifts only 11 inches – within the vital zone of elk or moose with a deliberate hold. At 500 yards, 14.5 to 17 inches of drift requires a specific wind correction, and a 15 mph gust during a shot at that distance would push the bullet 7 to 9 inches beyond the listed values. Beyond 500 yards, accurate wind reading is as important as elevation correction with this cartridge.
The 300 Weatherby’s wind drift figures are broadly comparable to the 300 Winchester Magnum at equivalent bullet weights – the Weatherby’s higher velocity compensates for its similar BCs, producing nearly identical wind deflection to the Win Mag despite the velocity advantage.
Velocity Retention
The expansion thresholds: 1,800 fps for standard soft points; 1,600 fps for bonded designs like the AccuBond and ELD-X; 1,500 fps for monolithics like the Barnes TTSX.
| Range (Yards) | 150gr ELD-X (fps) | 180gr AccuBond (fps) | 200gr Trophy Bonded (fps) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3,540 | 3,250 | 3,060 |
| 200 | 3,115 | 2,913 | 2,748 |
| 400 | 2,714 | 2,589 | 2,449 |
| 600 | 2,337 | 2,277 | 2,162 |
| 800 | 1,984 | 1,976 | 1,886 |
| 1,000 | ~1,659 | ~1,685 | ~1,623 |
| 1,200 | ~1,372 | ~1,411 | ~1,373 |
All three loads remain above 1,800 fps past 800 yards – well beyond the expansion floor for any hunting bullet at practical hunting distances. At 1,000 yards, the 180-grain AccuBond retains 1,685 fps, above its 1,600 fps bonded expansion floor, while the 150-grain ELD-X has dropped to 1,659 fps, also still above its threshold.
The velocity data reveals a characteristic of extreme-velocity cartridges: the close-range impact velocity is extremely high. At 50 yards, the 150-grain ELD-X is hitting at approximately 3,500 fps – velocities at which cup-and-core bullets can fragment nearly completely on impact with heavy bone. Bonded or monolithic bullets are strongly preferred for all shots on large game inside 200 yards with the 300 Weatherby. The ELD-X’s bonded construction handles these velocities, but the Nosler Partition and Barnes TTSX provide the most reliable penetration at extreme close range.
All loads remain firmly supersonic past 1,200 yards at sea level.
Energy Retention
The thresholds: 1,000 ft-lbs for deer, 1,500 ft-lbs for elk and moose, 2,500 ft-lbs for dangerous game.
| Range (Yards) | 150gr ELD-X (ft-lbs) | 180gr AccuBond (ft-lbs) | 200gr Trophy Bonded (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4,173 | 4,221 | 4,158 |
| 100 | 3,235 | 3,390 | 3,355 |
| 200 | 3,238 | 3,393 | 3,358 |
| 300 | 2,572 | 2,684 | 2,649 |
| 400 | 1,952 | 2,130 | 2,107 |
| 500 | 1,459 | 1,676 | 1,658 |
| 600 | 1,073 | 1,307 | 1,282 |
| 700 | 776 | 1,008 | 985 |
| 800 | 557 | 774 | 752 |
| 900 | 397 | 593 | 572 |
| 1,000 | 281 | 453 | 436 |
The energy data defines the honest hunting envelope. For elk and moose, the 1,500 ft-lbs threshold is maintained as follows:
- 150gr ELD-X: approximately 495 yards
- 180gr AccuBond: approximately 635 yards
- 200gr Trophy Bonded: approximately 625 yards
The 180-grain AccuBond extends the ethical elk range by approximately 140 yards compared to the 150-grain ELD-X – a substantial advantage in open-country hunting. For hunters who anticipate shots past 500 yards on elk, the 180 or 200-grain loads are the only appropriate choices based on energy retention.
The original article stated “400-600 yards for elk” as a general range applicable to all loads. That figure is accurate for the 180 and 200-grain loads, which hold the elk standard to 625 to 635 yards. It overstates the 150-grain ELD-X’s elk capability at 495 yards. Hunters should select their load based on anticipated maximum engagement distance.
For dangerous game – grizzly and brown bear – the 2,500 ft-lbs threshold is met by all three loads inside 350 to 380 yards. Inside 200 yards, all loads deliver more than 3,200 ft-lbs – comparable to the muzzle energy of many standard hunting magnums. The 300 Weatherby at close range on dangerous game is formidable.
Terminal Performance Profiles
Hornady ELD-X
The Hornady ELD-X uses a Heat Shield polymer tip that maintains consistent BC through flight and two-stage expansion with InterLock bonding preventing core-jacket separation. In gel it mushrooms to 1.6 to 1.8 times its original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches with weight retention above 80 percent.
At the 300 Weatherby’s extreme close-range velocities of 3,500 fps, the ELD-X expands very aggressively, generating a wide wound channel. The bonded construction keeps the jacket and core together at these velocities – an important distinction from unbonded designs. Inside 495 yards on elk the ELD-X is effective; for deer inside 400 yards it is decisively lethal with any shot angle. For shots inside 100 yards on large game, the Nosler Partition or Barnes TTSX provide more reliable penetration depth at the most extreme impact velocities.
Best application: Deer and elk at 100 to 500 yards. Best choice for flat trajectory within the elk energy envelope.
Barnes TTSX
The Barnes TTSX is an all-copper monolithic bullet expanding via four petals at velocities as low as 1,500 fps, retaining virtually 100 percent of its original weight. In gel at 300 Weatherby velocities it drives 20 to 26 inches with a wide, consistent wound channel. At muzzle-adjacent velocities above 3,200 fps the petals open dramatically – the combination of .308-inch expanded petals and full weight retention produces exceptional tissue disruption.
For the 300 Weatherby, the 180-grain TTSX is the optimal close-range large-game load. Its monolithic construction handles the cartridge’s extreme impact velocities without any jacket-core interaction – there is no core to separate – and deep penetration is guaranteed from any angle. For hunters in lead-free hunting zones and for grizzly and brown bear inside 350 yards, the TTSX is the strongest choice in the lineup.
Best application: Grizzly, brown bear, moose, elk, and hogs at 50 to 500 yards. Required for lead-free zones.
Nosler AccuBond
The Nosler AccuBond bonds a lead core electrochemically to a tapered copper jacket, preventing separation at the 300 Weatherby’s extreme impact velocities. A correction from the original article, which stated the AccuBond “often sheds weight on heavy bone”: the bonded construction specifically prevents core-jacket separation, and weight retention is consistently above 65 percent even at 3,250 fps muzzle velocity. In gel it expands to 1.5 to 1.8 times original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches.
The 180-grain AccuBond is the primary all-around hunting recommendation for the 300 Weatherby. It delivers the most muzzle energy of the three loads, maintains the elk energy standard to approximately 635 yards, and provides reliable expansion from close range through to extended distance. For deer, elk, and pronghorn across the full range of this cartridge’s practical hunting applications, the AccuBond covers every scenario.
Best application: Deer, elk, moose, and pronghorn at 75 to 650 yards. The primary all-around recommendation.
Swift Scirocco II
The Swift Scirocco II uses a bonded polymer-tipped design with a boat-tail and progressive-expansion jacket. The bonded construction prevents core-jacket separation at high impact velocities, and the tapered jacket wall thickness controls expansion rate – slower at the tip, faster as the bullet mushrooms. In gel it expands to 1.5 to 1.7 times original diameter and penetrates 16 to 20 inches with weight retention consistently above 70 percent.
For the 300 Weatherby, the Scirocco II in 180-grain is an effective alternative to the AccuBond with comparable terminal performance. Its bonded construction handles the cartridge’s high impact velocities reliably. Where it differs from the AccuBond is in its expansion profile – the Scirocco tends to expand slightly more gradually at lower impact velocities, which makes it a consistent performer at extended range past 500 yards on deer-sized game. For elk inside 400 yards it performs comparably to the AccuBond.
Best application: Deer and elk at 100 to 600 yards. A reliable bonded alternative to the AccuBond.
Nosler Partition
The Nosler Partition in 200-grain is the deepest-penetrating hunting load for the 300 Weatherby, with its dual-core design ensuring the rear section drives through the heaviest bone regardless of what the front half encounters. In gel it penetrates 18 to 24 inches with near-complete rear-core weight retention.
At the 300 Weatherby’s close-range velocities, the Partition’s front core expands aggressively – at 3,060 fps impact inside 50 yards the mushroom is dramatic and wide. The rear core remains fully intact throughout, providing deep penetration after the front section has done its damage. For moose and grizzly at close timber range inside 300 yards, the 200-grain Partition is the most reliable choice in the lineup for penetration from any angle.
Best application: Moose, grizzly, elk, and large bear at 50 to 450 yards. Top choice for dangerous game requiring deep penetration.
Practical Range Recommendations
The 300 Weatherby Magnum offers one of the longest ethical elk hunting ranges of any commercial .30 caliber cartridge outside the 300 RUM and 300 Norma Magnum. Its velocity advantage over the 300 Winchester Magnum extends the elk energy standard by approximately 100 yards with comparable loads – a meaningful difference in open mountain terrain.
Whitetail and mule deer: All three loads meet the 1,000 ft-lbs deer standard well past 700 yards. The practical limit is the shooter’s skill. The 150-grain ELD-X is the flattest-shooting choice for open-country mule deer. Inside 300 yards, the 300 Weatherby delivers more than 2,500 ft-lbs on deer – far more than needed, but producing decisive kills.
Elk: The 180-grain AccuBond maintains the 1,500 ft-lbs elk standard to approximately 635 yards. The 200-grain Trophy Bonded or Partition extends to approximately 625 yards. In realistic field conditions, 600 yards is a responsible practical maximum for most experienced hunters. Inside 400 yards all loads deliver more than 2,100 ft-lbs – a comfortable margin above the elk minimum from any angle.
Moose: Inside 500 yards with the Nosler Partition 200-grain or Barnes TTSX 180-grain. At 500 yards both loads retain approximately 1,650 to 1,680 ft-lbs with bullet construction that handles large moose from any presentation. For timber moose hunting inside 200 yards, the Partition’s dual-core penetration at extreme close range is especially valuable.
Grizzly and brown bear: Inside 350 yards with the TTSX or Partition. All loads deliver more than 2,500 ft-lbs at that distance with bullet construction designed for the heaviest bone. The 300 Weatherby’s combination of close-range energy and quality bonded or monolithic bullets makes it a capable bear cartridge in a rifle that is more portable than many dedicated dangerous-game alternatives.
For how the 300 Weatherby compares to the 300 Winchester Magnum, 300 WSM, and 300 PRC, the long-range hunting calibers guide covers the full .30 magnum tier in practical hunting terms.
FAQ
How does the 300 Weatherby Magnum compare to the 300 Winchester Magnum?
The 300 Weatherby pushes 180-grain bullets to 3,250 fps versus approximately 3,060 fps for the 300 Winchester Magnum – a 190 fps advantage that translates to roughly 300 ft-lbs more muzzle energy and a noticeably flatter trajectory. The 300 Weatherby extends the elk energy standard approximately 100 yards farther than the 300 Win Mag with equivalent loads. The trade-offs are more recoil, faster barrel wear, the need for proprietary Weatherby brass, and higher ammunition cost. For hunters who primarily shoot inside 500 yards on deer, the 300 Win Mag is more than adequate. For open-country elk hunting where shots regularly extend past 500 yards, the Weatherby’s additional 100-yard elk range is meaningful.
What is the maximum ethical elk range with the 300 Weatherby Magnum?
With the 180-grain AccuBond, the 1,500 ft-lbs elk threshold is maintained to approximately 635 yards. In realistic field conditions, 600 yards is a responsible practical maximum for most hunters with verified ballistic data. Inside 400 yards the 300 Weatherby delivers more than 2,100 ft-lbs on elk with any of the three loads – one of the most capable elk cartridges at that distance range.
Why use bonded bullets at close range with the 300 Weatherby?
The 300 Weatherby’s muzzle velocities of 3,060 to 3,540 fps produce impact velocities inside 100 yards that can cause thin-jacketed cup-and-core bullets to fragment aggressively, limiting penetration depth on large or tough game. Bonded bullets like the AccuBond and Partition, and monolithics like the Barnes TTSX, maintain structural integrity at those velocities and produce consistent, deep penetration regardless of range.
What is the barrel life of the 300 Weatherby Magnum?
Like all high-velocity overbore cartridges, barrel life is limited. Most barrels show meaningful accuracy degradation between 1,200 and 1,800 rounds, depending on shooting frequency and powder temperature. Weatherby’s double-radius shoulder design may slightly reduce throat erosion compared to standard belted designs, but the overbore nature of the case remains the primary limiting factor. Hunters who shoot 75 to 150 rounds per year will see 8 to 15 years of useful barrel life.
What powders work best for handloading the 300 Weatherby Magnum?
The 300 Weatherby’s large case capacity requires slow-burning powders. Hodgdon H4831 and Hodgdon H4831SC are the most widely cited choices and are referenced in most published data for this cartridge. Alliant Reloder 22 and Alliant Reloder 25 produce excellent velocities with 150 to 200-grain loads. IMR 7828 and IMR 7828 SSC are established alternatives. Hodgdon Retumbo and Alliant Reloder 26 work well with heavier 180 to 200-grain loads where maximum velocity is the goal. Always use Weatherby brass rather than formed brass from other cases for best accuracy and consistent headspace. Start 10 percent below published maximum charges and work up carefully.
What primers does the 300 Weatherby use?
Large rifle magnum primers are standard. The Federal 215 and CCI 250 are the most commonly specified. The Federal GM215M match magnum primer is preferred by precision handloaders. Some published data specifies standard large rifle primers like the CCI 200 with specific faster-burning powder combinations – always follow the primer specification in your source data.
Disclaimer: Ballistic data in this article is provided for reference purposes only. Actual performance will vary based on rifle barrel length, atmospheric conditions, altitude, and individual load parameters. Always verify your zero at the range before any hunt. Do not apply published handload data without consulting current reloading manuals from Weatherby, Hodgdon, or Nosler. Never exceed maximum published charges. The author and myreloading.com assume no responsibility for misuse of this information.
Editorial note: Originally published January 2026, revised May 2026.
