DJ,

Thank you for that info. I do not handload, so I'm mostly concerned with factory ammo. Have you tried using them on any game. How did they compare to the older classic cartridges?

Sevens

I've shot one deer so far with the 300WSM. A 180gr Partition at 3000fps performs the same whether it was shot from a WSM or Win or H&H. I haven't yet used the others on big game yet.
Since you don't handload you were I you I would look into the new Federal loads with the Accubond Bullets. They use a 180 30 cal at 3000, and a 160gr .284 at 3120. The 7WSM 160 federal shoots 1" for 3 shots at 200 in my Kimber at 3120+, this load also retains more energy at 300yds than the 180 30 cal! But for a non-reloader you're going to find a lot more load variety in the 300WSM. I would also pass on the 300 and 7SAUM from Remington, you don't see near the number of loads for these 2 and I wonder if they are going to make it long term.
Good luck, let me know what you end up with......DJ

The WSM's are like having a sharp shouldered wildcat with positive headspacing a straight body and still being able to get factory loads. Look at the old M70 and the new Kimber in the picture. The new rifle in 270 WSM will do what the old 264 WM will do and weigh a lot less and be more durable as well. Decelerator pads and straight combs make the handy rifle kick less. These are real improvements.

W/ My 300 WSM (Savage 16ss) I have been able to easliy meet 300 Win Mag performance w/ less powder. For instance I get 3300+/-(chronoed) when using 71 grns of R19 and 165grn pills and w/ the 300 win I have to use a few more grains to achieve that speed.

Of course, a few grains here and there is not going to save you a whole lot of money but, there are some other advantages the 300 Win Short Mags offer:

Can be had in short action rifles which are much lighter, Burn less powder for equivalent speeds of the 300 WM, and the shorter fatter case gives a more consistent powder burn which can lead to better accuracy.

Some disadvantages:

Lighter therefore, they kick a heck of alot more, may have feeding problems (b/c of the short fat cases), and If you don't reload, factory ammo may be alittle harder to find.

They are great cart. and I think they became exactly what they were supposed to become (Big Brother's Punch in a smaller package).

Good Luck!

Reloader

They are mid-way between the .30/'06 and the regular .300 Win. Mag. Since the .30/'06 is plenty powerful enough for elk and moose, so is the .300 WSM.