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
W/in 50 fps ? ? I don't believe you can get that close with my handloads. No way to find out w/o comparing at the same time, same components, same chrono.
IF the rifles are *identical*-- the WM should weigh LESS simply because there is more metal removed in the chamber.
Identical is the operative word because of the stocks. In wood that would be more difficult due to density issue. Maybe in composite they could be VERY close.
Granted the 300 WSM beats the 30-06
but trails the 300 W M--maybe not enuff to make a practical difference but chamber, neck, & bore differences could make them MORE---or LESS alike.
I repeat- I don't have any axe to grind. If I wanted a WSM I'd get one. If you like 30-30 get one. No Mas
Jerry
