DM, I could understand a 7 mag 175 grain bullet equaling the penetration of a 180 grain bullet from a 300 win mag because the bullets most used on heavy game that people expect to have good penetration(ie: trophy bonded, partition, a-frame, etc.) are used in both bullets. But to say that it out penetrates would not be correct. However, if my ballistics charts are correct a 7 mag, federal 175 grain trophy bonded has a muzzle velocity of 2860fps, while the federal 180 grain win mag trophy bonded has a muzzle velocity of 3006fps. That amounts to a 450 fpe difference. I would consider a 7 mag loaded with a heavier grain more comparable to a 30-06 than a 300 win mag. Aside from all that the three of cartridges just mentioned are far capable for any animal in North America minus big bears so i guess its just what u prefer.