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I also saw a recent press release where the US Marines have replaced the 308 with the 300WM as their sniper rifle. Go figure. * * * They are no longer using Remington, but; have gone with a high end clone of the 700. You tax dollars at work, each rifle $12,000.
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It's not just the cost. The mil branches do that because the environs of certain theaters (Afghanistan) call for
really long range sniping and over-watch missions, so in that context the 300WM chambering makes sense. But if you take a hard look at the rifles themselves, they're set up with long heavy barrels, thick stocks, large, high-end/high-magnification scopes, along with the latest and greatest bipods, stock packs, slings, etc., so they end up weighing 15lbs or better. These rifles are intended for proned-out shooting from a hide, where the spotter-sniper team has likely been embedded for several days doing recon,
not humping these rifles over hills and valleys hunting elk or moose.
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Based on the OP 2nd post one of 6.5mm would be a much better choice. The rifle could be a lot lighter for those hunting roles. The weight is great for recreational target shooting but; it is just terrible curse for hunting.
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Exactly.
If the OP wants a 300WM for hunting use, then the platform needs to be one of the featherweight, "Mountain rifle" types, not the heavy Rem 700 PSS. Yeah, it'll be a shoulder-hammer for sure when siting-in off the bench to get the initial zero, or God-forbid if he should undertake extensive load development,
, and after 3-shots the groups will begin to spread anyway due to the heating of the pencil barrel, but that last shouldn't be unexpected.
In a portable hunting rig, a 300WM is intended to be carried mostly and shot very little.