Just my opinion, but I would stick to the .300RUM load up some good 180's and you'll be set for both elk and deer. I myself do shoot the .300 RUM when I am not packing a bow. I don't know where in the west you plan on hunting but sometimes the shots tend to be long. Provided you can shoot yourrifleaccuratly I would choose it over the .300 WSM or .300 RSAUM.If you are dead set on buying a new rifle, wellbetween the two youmentionedI would choose the .300 WSM. I think in a few years the remingtonshort magwill be a thing of the past. I haven't heard of any law suitabout the WSM's, but they aregoing strong and manufactures sell a lot of them. Ihave a .270 WSM on layway right now, it will bemy new deer rifle/coyote toy. Iknow it could take down a elk too, but ifelk is on themenu I'll still choose the .300 RUM any day of the week.If you are worried about weightbetween the .300 RUM and a .300 WSM the difference will be at most 2 pounds.Also think of this if you are having a hard time packing a rifle in where you are hunting, think of how hard its going to be to pack a deer or even a elk out. Iask people if they can't hack packing in the weight of a pack plus their weapon then how in the heck are they planning to pack the animal out? Something to think about!