I'm a 300 wsm guy. I'm just not a 6.5 fan at range on big game. The simple fact is the 6.5s just don't have the kinetic energy of the short mag with 215 grainers or the like. They are great for paper punching and I use them but I prefer the short mag on deer or bigger past 500 yards.
A 140gr 6.5 leaving the barrel at 2850fps or more can take any N. American game with confidence out to 800 yards or more with perhaps the exception of the big bears, bull moose etc.I'm a 300 wsm guy. I'm just not a 6.5 fan at range on big game. The simple fact is the 6.5s just don't have the kinetic energy of the short mag with 215 grainers or the like. They are great for paper punching and I use them but I prefer the short mag on deer or bigger past 500 yards.
How much meat damage is done is much more dependent on bullet choice, velocity, and shot placement than caliber.I'll agree with you that hunting big game it starts with a .30 cal, but for anything smaller than 500 lbs the 6.5's will get the job done with less meat damage.
Nice thing about the 300WSM it is still very efficient with a 24" barrel. You can shoot the big 215 Berger at over 2900 fps and they'll carry enough speed/energy to reach out 900-1000 yards in the mountains. Only problem I see is that it will kick like a mule in a sub 9lb hunting package.
Unless you are going to plan on using the same rifle for big elk, moose, bears etc the 6.5 would certainly be the way to go.want to build a light
Sheep style rifle. Titanium
action , carbon rapped barrel
Manners or Mc Millian stock
Opinion 's on the calibers
300 wsm Or. 6.5 -284