Don't be mis led ! The WSM means something. It does NOT equal the WM.
It was never intended to match 300 WM. It does come within 50 fps and can be had in a rifle that is 1/2 lb lighter and still have the same or less recoil to a 300 WM in a heavier rifle. It was intended as an option for guys who wanted near 300 WM performance, but in a lighter mountain weight rifle that still had manageable recoil. It works just as designed.
The worst thing that ever happened to the round was Winchester putting the magnum tag on it. It was originally called the 300 Jamison after the man who designed the cartridge. Winchester stole the idea and lost a lawsuit where any rifle or cartridge sold must pay a royalty to Jamison.
That price difference has held the cartridge down, and forced Remington and Ruger to develop their own line of short action magnums rather than pay the royalty. There are only a few years left on that settlement. I look for the WSM line to pick up more interest when rifle and ammo manufacturers can sell at the same price as other rounds.
