Everyone has had valid and interesting input. No doubt that a properly loaded 338 is stout and carries that energy well. I almost bought one but decided on the 300 at the last minute. What I was comparing energy-wise was a factory 338 load to a max load 300 pushing a 200 gr bullet. The gist of my original post was the fact that factory loads for the 300 range from 2400-3900 lb/ft and bullet weights come in a range of about 100 grains. That creates options that beat/compete with everything from 270 to 338. I simply don't know how excited I would be about varmints with a 338 or a moose with a 270. The moderate recoil (especially with a limbsaver pad and 9 lb total gun weight) and flat shooting make the 300WM effective in many situations. It appears we all have our favorite and have many reasons why it is such.