Pricing ? I can't imagine the price of .270 being noticably different than .280. As far as ballistics goes, the .270, .280, and .30'06 are the same case...the only difference is the diameter of the bullet. Velocity is tangible for comparison, but ft.lbs is the stuff of mermaids and tooth ferries. I think you would have to choose the most appropriate bullet for the task...from what is actually available, and then compare ballistic coeficient and velocity. Still don't see how any of the '06 cases is going to do anything to compare with the wsm case..............and the wsm operates from a short action. I am sure all the rifles we're talking about recoil a noticable amount, but I have other rifles for high volume shooting that don't kick.

I have shot some pretty heavy rifles with excellent McMillan stocks...I think wood is the the very last choice of material for a stock on a hunting rifle. There is plenty of weight to be had through barrel contour and stock design, but in the end each of us has to like our own rifle...not anybody else.