There was an recent article in one of the gun magazines that suggested Winchester's original intent was to produce a .338 WSM. After playing with it for awhile, they determined that it just didn't produce the results they were hoping for; so they decided to try the 8MM bullet diameter. It appears to have the potential to be a very good elk round - particularly with the Nosler Accubond 200 grain bullet that I understand was introduced in conjunction with this project. Time will tell . . . .

Thanks for all the comments guys they are all much appreciated