No new round has impressed me more than 300 WSM. In a nutshell you get 300 WM performance in a 308 size package with 30-06 recoil.
Big 30-06 fan, used it for 40 years and killed most all of my game with it. But today I'd not recommend a new shooter buy one. I've been using 308 a lot more lately and fell into 300 WSM really by accident. It does everything the 30-06 does, and does it better.
My best 308 loads are only 3-4% slower than my best 30-06 loads, but with 25% less recoil in same weight rifles. The recoil in my 6 lb Kimber 308 is about the same as my 7.5 lb 30-06.
My best 300WSM loads beat my best 30-06 loads by 200-300 fps, coming within 50-75 fps of 300 WM. Because of slighty less speed, and the fact the 300 WSM does it with 15-20 gr less powder recoil is closer to 30-06 than 300 WM levels. Anyone who can tolerate 30-06 recoil will never notice the difference with a 300 WSM.
The 30-06 does have a couple of advantages. If you don't reload ammo is cheaper. But 300 WSM is everywhere now, albeit more expensive than 30-06. I can't recall the last time I saw 300 WM on the shelves and not 300 WSM. A 30-06 rifle will also allow you 1 or 2 more rounds in the magazine if that is important.
Good post. I'm a long time 30-06 user/fan (since I was 12), so I can relate. However, I'm finding myself using the 300 wsm more and more. It has made a huge impression on me as well..
