First of all, per the thread topic, either 300WM or 300WSM is good and way better the typical"is this okay for elk?" threadss that we get around here.

Second, Duck, I DON'T consider you to be nuts (or any other label) for liking the light weight rifles. If light weight and plastic and higher dollar = higher qualityfits your view of things, then fine. If that fits your needs/preferences at this station in life then that is fine, and absolutely nothing wrong with a 300 Wby. Go for it.

Third, you are right one will be able to hold a light rifle without a rest longer, not a lot longer, but longer. On the other hand, if it is an off-hand shot, then it is a close shot and if it is a close shot on elk, thenthe window don't last long. Furthermore, my observation is the longer people take to shoot (don't go to extremes here) the less likely they are to get something. Close target--offhand--acquire sight picture--think kill--fire. That don't take me long, and if I have plenty of time, then the odds are very, very high I will abandon offhand for some sort of a rest (trees or knees).

Fourth, you have bumped into a group of Western hunters that do see it differently than you and apparently that comes as a surprise, especially perhaps since the West isn't big tree stand country. That happens, listen, take it for what it's worth, file it away (or not) and move on. It don't make it right or wrong. Just different.

Stubblejumper is right, it is all a compromise. Neither camp has all the advantages. There are benefits that accrue to both extremes. There are disadvantages that accrue to both extremes. There are even pro's and con's in the middle! A heavy sporter does NOT have a bull barrel (You're getting carried away there). For me 2-3 pounds extra in a rifle is nothing versus the benefits that I personally get from it.For myself and several others here, the point-set-hang-fire "feel"of a heavier rifle is heartwarming.

I've had all sorts of folks in elk camp, some durable, some not so durable, and have found myself with their rifle slung over myheador strapped to my pack while they walked behind tuckered out, my "overweight" rifle slung or in my free hand plus I was leading the packhorse and thenwhacked game on the way out. Whatever your needs are, go for it --- HOWEVER, know that cuts both ways.

Reminder:Got mags that are light like you describeAND mags that are heavier like I prefer. My heavier onesare my long standing game killers of choice. Mylight weight plastic Sako 338 generally gets used by my weight sensitive/recoil INsensitive/rarely-practices-with-itson (nothing much gets by him either). So he would like your style of rifle. OTHERs don't.I anticipate that I will "come around" to his/your view in later years (no, that doesn't say its an old man's gun, refer to my sons preference).

Nuts and other labels don't have anything to do with it.
I'm just relieved to see a "which 300 mag for elk?" discussion.
Refreshing.