I meant to say marketing gimmick to sell more guns and higher priced ammo, especially a .270 WSM. A regular ol' .270 is prefect for deer, but a bit light for Elk unless you are within 250 - 300 yards and are a good shot. I've taken 4 Elk with a .270, but would only shoot when the animal was close and the shot was perfectly presented. If you want a magnum, just get a .300 and be done with it. I just don't buy that a WSM's slightly better performance is worth the much higher costs of ownership.

If you want a light and handy rifle:

http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84l/mountain-ascent
Or slightly heavier
http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles/model-84l/montana

The .280 Ackley Imp would SMOKE a .270 WSM and its a long action rifle.

RH - .300 WM's are a belted round that is fussy to reload and can only be done 2-3 times before it blows out. If someone is not a reloader and only plans to shoot factory ammo, its just about the perfect gun for any NA game.

For my personal tastes, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the Ol' 30-06. It's taken more game than any other round in NA. I'm not a big believer on long shots on game (300+), so the 06 is perfect and cost effective. Its heavier than the .270 and doesn't mule kick like the .300 and ammo can be found anywhere (present circumstances excluded)

But hey, to each his own. All of the above calibers are great choices for Elk and Deer, so shoot what you are comfortable with - which is the most important thing...