I did tons of research and testing before buying this drill. I was in the market for a cordless or corded, so I looked at both. I had to drill 40-50 7/8" holes through 1/4" steel and it killed my old 3-amp Craftsman drill doing it. I then purchased a Ryobi cordless (300lb./in. torque) and drilled some of the holes. The battery typically drained after 3 holes. I used the first gear for most of the holes I tried, but when I tried to use second gear to drill them faster it smoked the motor. I returned that and then read tons of reviews on corded and cordless for about 3 weeks. The Milwaukee cordless was my favorite but I couldn't afford the $100 more. As far as corded drills go, I looked really close at the DeWalt DW236 and the older short fat-body Milwaukee cordless also. The DeWalt feels slightly better in your hand, but only if you're holding it down on the handle. If you hold them higher up, they feel about the same except the Milwaukee 0302-20 is a tad bit heavier. The DeWalt and Milwaukee both have a single sleeve, all-steel keyless chuck, but the Milwaukee 0302-20 is much better. The 0302-20 holds the spindle in place so you can just turn the chuck with a single hand, whereas the DeWalt requires that you press a button with your other hand to hold the spindle in place while you tighten or loosen the chuck. The chuck tightens down really well and will not slip. Even when the bit caught and spun the upper half of my body with it, the chuck didn't lose grip on the bit. The Milwaukee also has the removeable cord, which is nice. Now that I've used the Milwaukee, I like it even more. The way you grip it really lets you get straight pressure to whatever you're drilling. The cord is somewhat of a hassle since I typically run a grinder, welder, and drill all at the same time and have cords going everywhere. Compared to the older fat-body 5.5 amp Milwaukee corded, this one feels way better. I leaned toward the fat one for a while until I actually picked it up. Your finger gets pinched as you release the trigger on the older ones and they're just not comfortable to hold, plus they cost the same for the same gears but only a 5.5 amp motor.

I bought this after nearly burning out a cheaper drill while trying to drill holes to plant bulbs with a large bulb auger. The difference was amazing. Although more than twice as powerful as the other drill, this one is equally light, and far smoother and more controllable for this task. It quickly drilled 3" diameter holes 8" deep, even when it had to cut through gravel or a tree root to do so.
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br /How powerful is this drill, and how well does the keyless chuck hold? After drilling 10 holes, ithe auger got stuck, and instead of stopping, the drill snapped off the end of the auger at the chuck. Fortunately, losing an inch of length didn't matter at all, but it emphasizes the respect with which such a powerful tool must be treated.
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br /The all-metal keyless chuck is worth its added cost. The drill automatically locks in position while off, and releases when power is applied. This makes tightening a bit a simple matter of rotating the chuck clockwise. It has a ratchet action which holds the bit tighter than I can usually get a keyed chuck, yet releases easily when time to change bits, by simply rotating counter-clockwise.
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br /Highly recommended.

This is the only corded drill I own though I have used many others. This Drill is rated at 8amps and you can really feel the power of it as I have never seen it bog down. The keyless Chuck is excellent and grips small bits very well. I was skeptical about a keyless chuck at first but after using this drill my fears were dispelled. The side handle is very versitile and sturdy providing positive control. Though the drill may at first appear large and awkward it is actually ergonimically very well designed. The drill is ment to be held between the thumb and index finger while the trigger is engaged by your other three fingers. This is a very stable and comfortable position. The only thing I thought would of been nice to see is the inclusion of user replaceable brushes. This is included on their 5.5 amp models but was removed on the new 8amp. I must also add that Amazon is selling this a bit higher than most local stores. This is not normal of Amazon so if anyone from Amazon is reading this check into it...

I got this drill while doing some landscaping. I was drilling 1/2 inch holes through railroad ties. My cordless drill was useless, and I stripped my old 3 amp corded drill after drilling about 10 holes. I struggled with spending $150 on this drill, but I am so glad I did. Drilling the railroad ties was a piece of cake with this thing. It was also much more comfortable to hold than my old drill. I highly recommend it!

POWER is the word! I was on a ladder drilling with a 4" hole saw overhead. You can see where this is leading. Use to wimpy 18 volt guns I was 1 handing it when hole saw hooked up and stopped! My new magnum however kept on turning. I hung on for 1 turn and got clobbered on the following 2! I love my drill! It broke my wrist and I still say it's the best! It's the Top-Fueler's of screw guns.

One definition of an expert is someone that makes what he does look simple and easy. This drill does exactly that. Plenty of power whether you're drilling into concrete or wood. It is deceptively light and slim and easy to hold and use. Very satisfied and highly recommended. My only gripe is that it does not come with a case. What's up with that Milwaukee? A simple plastic case wouldn't cut into your price point. Still it's a 5 star product.
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br /Follow up: I mostly use my incredible Panasonic cordless drill and reserve this one for when I need a more aggressive bite. I like Milwaukee tools, but am sorry to report that after minimal use, the clutch in this seems to be fouled up already! I imagine it's still under warranty, but how a clutch can break after such light use makes me change my recommendation and discourage anyone interested from buying this drill. Now I'll see how good their customer service is and will report back later.

If you can deal with a cord, you can't do better than this drill. It's very impressive. Amazon is selling them a little high, so check around. I got mine on ebay for $80 brand new.

The 302's long fault is that it needs a cord.
br /I have had this drill for 3 years and I don't use it much.
br /I use my cordless drills including my powerful Dewalt 988.
br /Today I used a 3 in holesaw to drill thru a 2 by 4,once I used the Dewalt,It struggled but drilled the hole. Then I used the
br /Milwalkee 302,it drilled It with ease and didn't even slow down.
br /I was very impressed.I will use the Milwaukee for the really heavy drilling from now on.I will use the cordless drills for
br /light to fairly heavy use (about 95% of the time). Why put unneeded strain on a good cordless drill?
br /If you are looking to buy a strong corded drill,look at Milwaukee first.

This is a 1/2" chuck, 8 amp, VSR (to 850rpm), powerhouse of a drill. It has the Quik-Lok cord, adjustable side handle, and a great keyless chuck with carbide teeth.
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br /I had it's predecessor, the famous magnum hole shooter, for years and loved it. My dad is still using it and hasn't had any problems. That speaks to the lineage here. The 0302-20 has 2 more amps, a great keyless chuck, an adjustable side handle, and is a bit more svelte than the old hole shooter.
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br /I bought this model 18 months ago and have had nothing but pleasure from it. I ran it for 6 hours straight once with a water pump on it and it wasn't even warm after that. I've drilled through cement block and foundation with a foot long 1" masonry bit, used hole saws and buffing wheels on it (where the VSR comes in very handy). It has always performed flawlessly. I expect that a hammer drill would be better for masonry but I don't do enough of that to worry about it. If I were going to be popping a lot of holes in sheet metal, I might want higher rpms but I don't do enough of that to worry about it either. If I do I'll buy an air drill. The trigger is sensitive enough that you can drive screws with the drill without ruining your bits if you're careful. It has tons of power and will drive a deck screw completely through a 2X4 and out the other side if you aren't careful.
br /It will also twist you silly if you jam a spade bit and aren't hanging on.
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br /The handles are comfortable and the whole setup is solid, predictable and just very professional. I'm not the fan of quik-lok cords that some people are because I have enough cords for my tools thank you, and I worry about them coming disconnected, but I had this thing on the roof for three days once - mostly dangling by its cord - and it never disconnected, so I can't complain. It may even be better for that because of the added bulk where the cord connects. I was also apprehensive about the adjustable side handle which attaches via a constricting ring behind the chuck instead of a threaded hole on the body like the older hole shooters. I have put extreme pressure on this handle on many occasions and it hasn't budged. I no longer have reservations about it and I really like the ability to adjust it to any angle around the drill.
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br /I saved the best for last. I love the chuck on this drill. It took a few minutes of getting used to to get it to lock so that I could loosen it but once I got that, it was smooth sailing. I have had brutally misbehaving bits in this thing and jammed them, and it held on without a spin. This chuck is unlike any keyless I've ever seen. It is quick, easy, and holds tight.
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br /Every type of drill has it's virtues, this is the ultimate, corded 1/2" workhorse. A hammer drill would be heavier, a cordless or air drill, less powerful. This is a perfect blend for a lot of people.

Yes, this a more expensive drill then your run-of-the-mill, but oh so worth the money. My husband and I put in landscape timbers around the side of our front steps, and this thing drilled through layers of wood to make holes for the rebar, and it went into the masonery where we put stablizing brackets, like a charm. Top of the line!!

This drill works well; is sturdy and strong; chuck grips the bits well. I am not sure what the removeable cord does for it though. I also wish it had some sort or "hook" or "loop" to use for hanging it on ladders or a tool belt. I also wish it were made in USA - I thought it was when I ordered it. I also wish the clamp-on handlebar has the grip closer to the drill instead of extending out so far.

this is a heavy duty drill that will easily handle hole saws or spade bits. has tons of torque. i like the power cord that can be disconnected and replaced if necessary. make sure to use the side handle cause this thing can really give your arm a good twist. like all milwaukee tools, this is built to last

The other reviewers have given a thorough appraisal of the product so I won't go into the details. But if I could I would give this a 6. Its the best non-battery drill I have. The power is unbelievable and the drill has lots of little features that make it a joy to use.
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br /I also have a Milwaukee router that I equally love to work with because it is so well designed and the workmanship is far better than anything else I have seen, just like on the drill (you know thats not going to last if the bean-counters take control). I have Porter Cable and Delta tools and I wont ever buy those brands of tools again because they fall apart, are poorly designed and made,and work poorly as well.
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br /After you own a Milwaukee tool (at least the drill and router)you won't ever go back to Porter Cable. I gave my Porter Cable 690 router to an acquaintance (I wouldn't do that to a friend).

I have had this model for over a year now and am ordering another for a gift to my electrician friend. I was amused by some of the reviews - Joe's in particular. This is a great drill. I used (abused) the predecessor with keyed chuck for over 20 years before replacing it with this model last year. Joe - the cord is wonderful the way it is. It disconnects for easier replacement. Over the 20+ years I replaced the cord on the last one twice. The handle (sissy bar) sticks out that far for added leverage. Put a 4" hole saw on this baby and it has enough torque to break your arm. Since I am a contractor I use a hole hawg for mixing drywall mud and heavy stuff. I use my three cordlesses for most light drilling and srewdriving. I use a SDS hammerdrill for concrete. However - I have used these magnums for all of the above when it was more expedient or the more proper tool was not close by. This thing can do it all, do it well and do it quickly. It's relatively small size might be misleading. I recommend the proper drill for your job at hand as mentioned above but I cannot imagine a better all-round tool for a homeowner who does not have all the drills I do. Joe - don't badmouth a great tool because you do not know how to use it's design features.

I purchased this drill at Amazon to replace a 10-year old well-used abused Sears drill that went up in smoke. I was told by my FIL (contractor) to get the Milwaukee since "they're the best". I've used it only 3 or 4 times now and it spits out oil (from the motor vent). I guess it's only a matter of time before all the supposedly sealed oil leaks out burns out the motor. Would NEVER purchase another Milwaukee product. I really thought this to be the last drill I'd ever need but now expect it to start smoking in a few more uses. Perhaps I got their only lemon but this tool was way too expensive to take another chance. Back to Sears for me cause on-sale I can get a corded 1/2" drill for $100. I should've sent it back to Amazon after the first use but it's been too long so I'm stuck with this POS. Also hate that keyless chuck.

This is a powerful drill. Reliable, compact, well-balanced and strong. Highest rating....