Sometimes you just get something because you want it and there is nothing wrong with that. Iv'e had a Remington LSS and a Weatherby Vanguard, both in .300 WSM and they were both very accurate and would reach way out there. Can't beat those short action magnums--Also, to me, the recoil was nothing compared to the 7MM mag which in my opinion, kicks like a mule. Your choice in rifles is comendable also, I have an A-bolt Medallion in .204 and it's by far one of the best rifles Iv'e ever owned, so I say go for it, get the X-bolt in .300 short mag, it'll do anything you ask of it with standard factory ammo without a problem and if you ever get the chance to go after something really heavy you'll already have the gun for it---John