You guys are lightyears ahead of me, Daryl. Though the cupboard is full (half shotguns for my kids and inherited stuff) I rarely buy anything. However, I now need a flat-shooting ss/synth rifle between 270W and 300 mag for a trip after NZ tahr next year. However, your arguments have effectively killed my first choice, the 7mm Rem mag, and I'm not sure where to go from here.

Though I hate the look of the case, I'm thinking of the 270 WSM, now hoping to get a rifle light enough for a 60-year-old to carry around the mountains that won't punish him too much at the range or the helipad (payload is shaping up as an issue).

Trouble is, it looks as though most makers don't bother to put it into a short action, posing a question as to the point. Apart from the Titanium, the Remingtons seem a bit heavy. The Winchesters seem to use a short action but are dearer and some question quality in the new ones. The Tikkas come long-actioned but light - but I don't like the look or the plastic mags.

The 7x64 could be OK but tends to come in dearer European rifles.

I may not get around to reloading for this rifle, especially before the trip.

Any suggestions?

- Paul