Some good points Oregonian. I looked up the following for round pricing:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Winchester-Ballistic-Silvertip174-Rifle-Ammunition/739976.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3D.280%2Bammo%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=.280+ammo&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

The .270 is slightly cheaper than the .280, but neither are as expensive as the .270 wsm. Short actions are nice for follow up shots, but I try to shoot with only one shot in mind. I wonder if anyone has ever timed a long action against a short action for the difference? Maybe that would splitting hairs?

I agree that modern composite stocks are the way to go in wet and rainy Washington. Wood is fine for drier climates, like my old hunting days in Colorado. Ultimately, I care more about weight reduction for long humps at altitude. I used to have an ultra light, wood stocked .280 remington pack rifle that was just a sweet heart. Should have never let her go! For me, the only reason to own a .300 or above would be for Moose and if I ever get lucky enough to draw a tag, I'll probably just have to suck it up and get a Weatherby or RUM and live with the PAIN!

Love talking & learning rifles. I know a bit or two, but there are many, many others that know much more than I do. To your point, the most important thing to know if to shoot what it takes to get the job done and what you are comfortable with.