OK, I'll throw my .02 into the fray....I don't think there's anyreason at all to replace an existingstandard caliber with a like WSM caliber. I have a .300 WinMag...there is no reason I could justify a .300 WSM or .300 RUM....diminishing returns considering the cost/effort of a new rifle and load workup. On the other hand, I have several nice (and heavy) rifles but no lightweight, good-for-most-anything (continental US)gun. When looking for my 'ultimate' lightweight gun, having nothing smaller than the mentioned .300 WinMag...the 7mm WSM did have appeal as a powerful cartridge available in a minimal weight gun.

I'm quite happy with my Browning Mountain Titanium 7mm WSM...sure it kicks, but so does the .375 H&H that I shot my last three deer with. As I get older, my guns seem to weigh more!! Contrary to some opinions, I find the lightweight easier to shoot offhand since so much of the weight is in the barrel.