Guys,

This recoil thing is just getting out of hand. No question, there are differences. But if anyone is so concerned that the recoil of a .300 will be more than they can handle, they need to stick to standards (.30-06, .270, etc.) or their calmer little brothers (.308, 7mm-08, .243).

Psychologically, you're letting the .300 beat you. If you compared recoil between the .30-06 and the 7mm RM, then the 30-06 and the .300 WM, the difference between the 7mm RM and the .300 WM will seem negligible in comparison to the difference between either and the .30-06. And, particularly since you've fired the .300 now, you've felt some of that. I shoot a .375 or a .300 Wby occasionally, and for the life of me I can't remember much about the recoil other than "Yeah, they kick" (but I somehow survived)."

This is just getting silly. If you want to talk recoil, pick up an 8mm RM or a .375 H&H. If worrying about a scope cut or a bruised shoulder is keeping you up at night -- SERIOUSLY -- ditch any thoughts of a belted magnum or short magnum entirely. You're just splitting hairs betwen the .300 WM and 7mm RM worrying about one over the other. If you want .30 caliber, chamber it in .30-06. If you want 7mm/.284 caliber, chamber it in .280.