RE: .308 vs. 300 WSM for Girlfriend?
Please consider the .300 Win Mag (not short) and using the Remington "Managed-Recoil" ammo. They boast a 50% reduction in recoil with a 150gr bullet and 8lb rifle. So you can go big, and still keep recoil down.
Muzzle breaks are always a popular consideration when reducing recoil is a factor. But you (and every one else at the range) go deaf shooting them.
I'd stay clear of the .308 and any "short mag" for the game you listed. No appreciable beenfit to either. The .308 is great for under 200 yard shots, but for out west hunting, you need flat shootingto 300 yards+. Short mags are popular (for now) because they are supposed to provide: a.) Better accuracy due to shorter, wider powder column, and b.) Quicker reload with about .5" less action.Not a significant reduction in recoil either.So why bother?