Well its down to the wire.
I've made a deal with the local shop and I've chosen a Classic Model 70 Featherweight with a Burris Signature 3x12 44mm with Leupold mountings.
I've tagged the .270 WSM, but while waiting for the scope to arrive, its not too late to choose the .300 WSM instead.

The rifle will be used for all big game in Western Montana.
Primarily Deer, 'lopes and Elk.
Possibly Moose, bear and cats.

What say you?

I would go with the 300 WSM if you intend to use it for elk and bear. That said, the 270 WSM will sure do the job as well. I would prefer to have the option of heavier bullets. If I had a 270 I would use it but where you have not made the purchase yet, I would go up to the 300 WSM.

That's kinda where my thinking is.
I stopped by on the way home this afternoon and the .300 is still on the rack.
I'm leaning that way, now. The only downside is recoil, but I am not really recoil sensitive.
I have no problem with a 30-06 nor with my encore 209/50 with 3 pyrodex pills.

The Winchester .300 WSM would be a better choice. Good luck.

For where you're going and what you're doing, between the two,
---- 300WSM ---- hands down.

Bigger guns can be loaded down to little gun levels.
Little guns are always little guns.

Since "recoil sensitivity" [:'(][:'(][:'(]is not one of your problems, then it is non-issue.
Besides Short Mags are supposed to "magically" kick less.

Personally, I prefer something that is frisky and lets me know it is there and dishes out a "world of hurt" on the business end.

EKM

300wsm is great, i love myne

Based on what you plan to use it for I wouldn't think twice about going with the 300 WSM. More bullet selection and more factory loads too.

I would go with the Model 70 300WSM Featherweight..which isn't so much of a featherweight (7.4oz)and therefore won't kick so bad. If it were the Browning Micro-Hunter A-Bolt at 6-1/2lbs. the recoil would be more noticable.

For everything you mentioned except bear, I wouldn't hesitate to use the 270 or 300. For bear, I'd probably want the 300WSM, if not something a little larger.

Take the 300 WSM for what you wanna do,I use,used 165 gr Noslers for everything from Antelope to elk,might wanna step up to 180's for moose and BIG bears.
If deer/antelope are going to be the mainstay,and elk and moose are after thoughts get the 270 WSM and use 150 gr loads on the big stuff.
BBJ