+2 As an all around gun the 300wm is an excellent cartidge. However you stated you have and will use the others for deer sized (-)and this "new addition" will be dedicated for NA big game the likes of elk (+). Insert the 338wm and your GTG on any game animal you wish to hunt in NA without comprimise. The recoil difference between the 300wm and 338wm isn't what most would think, so if your comfortable with a 300wm moving to 338wm isn't a real stretch. Basically if you can handle a 300wm the 338wm should be tolerable, at least from my experience/perspective. Both will be a considerable jump from what you have now, so you'll notice either one and you'll never know the difference jumping to the 338wm instead.

You'll also have nice spacing in your arsenal .277cal, 308 cal and .338cal. The 300wm creates redundancy in the .308 cal slot. I know stretching it comparing a 30/30 with the 300wm but under the usage model it does apply.

BTW, I'dtop it witha 3x9x40 zeiss conquestwith 4" constant ER, excellent optics, etc. Add some good mounts (warne. leupold, etc)andyour all set.

Good luck