Standard (non-mag) loadings should suffice for just about all hunting requirements in North America inside 500 yards. The WSM (or other overbore mag) simply delivers a solution with greater velocity and shorter barrel life. Any accomplished shooter can make lethal hits in wind at 500 yards with a .308
The 7WSM shines when you want to shoot VERY long range with manageable recoil in a hunting weight rifle. The cartridge is very consistant, fits in a short action and the capacity balances well to the premium bullet selection for the caliber. I built my 7WSM around the 175 sierra and 180 gr berger match bullets...with a nice brake, it kicks less than a standard .308 and has very good wind and drop performance out past 1000 yards.
If you don't handload... the 7WSM is an exotic...but then, so is the 270 WSM. Most work is done equally well by a basic .308 or 30-06 with premium factory loads.
