btiger53,

Let me review the facts.
You've owned a Weatherby already.
You have shot the 30-378 (another Weatherby)
AND LIKE IT!

Well, about the only parts lefts are: (1) enduring the barbs of those who don't want you to use such a big stick, and (2) some expense issues that while may be true, maybe no big deal for you, and(3) perhaps some hearing issues:

** Expensive ammo (I'm betting you may know that already, plus if your reload, then no big deal).

** Throat erosion. The 30-378 is overbore and barrels don't last a long time. Worst case, you may have to replace the barrel by 1000 rounds.When you are operating at this level, some consider it to be simply a cost of doing business.

** Muzzlebrake. When you tried your friend's 30-378 it MAY have been with a muzzlebrake and if you were at the range then you were probably wearing ear protection. If you usea muzzlebrake when you are hunting, if you wish to preserve your hearing, then you MUST wear hearing protection for EVERY shot. If the cost of a set of Walker's game ears for you AND your son is not an issue, then I think you are all set.

Dare to be different if you can handle the above; however, be prepared for criticism. Seen it before.

BTW, when you go to the range with it to practice, take along the old .308 and mix the two, the 30-378 will probably be the "work" part of the session and the 308 will be the play part. I'm a believe in skill transference between different long guns (even shotguns and 22LRs in the mix), especially if the two are sighted in the same, sayzero at 200 yards.