Wow - this question, like all others regarding "which is best" has raised a lot of ire, and some B.S. too My approach when I start looking at a new rifle is simple. I compare the calibres that seem to most likely meet my requirements, narrow it down to two, or three on an objective basis, and thenpurchase the one that seems to best meet all of my requirements. If it comes down to two that are basically identical, I take the one with the better secondary attributes - The one I know I can buy ammofor anywhere in the USA,or reload easier, or provides a wider bullet selection or etc. In other words, I apply some common sense. If both are nearly identical there, I use the old car purchasing saying - buy the one that fits your butt!

So, here goes an attempt at that [&:].

1. Ballistics (from guddersden.com) with 180 grain bullets. And yes, I know you can reload above these.
A. WSM = 2,970 fps
B. WM = 2,960
This is a push (and please, don't take me to the cleaners for 10 fps).

2. Felt recoil. The law of physics says it will be identical if both rounds are shot from identical rifles. This isa push.

3. Availability of ammunition. If wallyworld carries both, this is a push.

4. Accuracy. My experience with each is limited to having shot both exactly four times in my life, and each time out of a bolt action rifle at a 100 yard target. Each shot one inch groups or better. However, all four of the folks who let me shoot their rifles are competition shooters, and all four were more than happy with the round they were shooting. So, another push.

So Josh, it comes down to this, which round do you think fits your butt best?

As an example of my "common sense" approach,when I bought my last rifle, I needed a "mid" range caliber deer rifle.I havetwomags, and two varmiters. So, this meant something from 7-08 up through 30-06. I settled on the .308. Why - I can get performance equal to the 270 and better than 30-06 withHornady Light Magnum ammunition; less than both (but still potent on deer)in the standard loads, which my daughter can handle; better bullet selection than any of the 25, 270,7mm, or 280calibers;and rifle selection was wider. I settled on the Weatherby VanGuard SMOA.

I hope this helps some.

End of my Rant