338wm vs 325WSM

skeeter 7MM · 11-02-2006, 09:49 AM

I posed this question in a nother thread but figured it should get its own heading.

338wm or325wsm?
Main use elk and moose.
Handload
Mountains are not a problem here so a smaller compact design isn't in the equation. Long action vs short action don't apply here. Just which one IYO is better suited and why?

Thanks

KonaBoy · 11-02-2006, 09:57 AM

I'd go with the .338 just because it's a proven calibre and withstood the test of time.

Dan in Alaska · 11-02-2006, 10:18 AM

Between the two, I would choose the .338 Win Mag. There are more bullet varieties available for the .338 than there are for the .325 (8mm).

BareBack Jack · 11-02-2006, 11:00 AM

Nothing agains the .325 wsm but I would go with the .338 win mag for the fact of more ammo availbilty plus you can step up to 250 gr in the .338 win mag.
The only reason I would look at the .325 wsm is it compact package in something like a Browning BLR or a Micro Hunter,but since thats not a issue I would take a 26 in. barrled bolt .338 win mag..If he could fine a Sako or a Tikka hunter that would be a fine rifle.Top it off witha 2-7 or 3.5-10 varible now that would make a fine elk/moose/bear rifle.
BBJ

DARKSIDE55 · 11-02-2006, 11:22 AM

338 Mag hands down. Used one for years and no problem, also like the ammo variety. Nothing has ever walked away {or run} from that rifle.

ELKampMaster · 11-02-2006, 11:32 AM

338WinMag.

IMHO, the 325WSM isthe wannabeof the WSM line, they tried to make it work as a 338WSM but there wasn't sufficient powderspace so they dropped down to the next notch on the bullet caliber chart and found they could create a mediocre round as long as they kept the bullet weights down.
Whoopee.

On the other hand itIS way better than some of the "deer cartridges" for use on elk and bigger, so there is some gain.

moosehunter21 · 11-02-2006, 02:23 PM

BOTH! but if that is not accivable get the .338.

i want a .325 but I think Iam going to get a .338 eventally.

RedRiverHntr · 11-02-2006, 05:57 PM

True the .338 can handle a bigger bullet, but the .325 shoots a little flatter with slightly less recoil.
If you re-load, then availability of bullets/cases becomes moot. I would get the one I wanted or liked best based on the actual gun you choose. Getting good results out of a buddies T/C Encore in .325WSM. 200 gr Accubond 69gr 4831 and 2900fps.

huntquest · 11-02-2006, 06:25 PM

.338 for me

skeeter 7MM · 11-02-2006, 06:39 PM

Thanks for the replies, my feelings as well. It is my partner who is looking. He'll only buy the browning abolt, sono way the 325 with 23" will compare to the 338wm 26". Though he could really care less! He isWSMized(yes my word)by the advertising I believe thinking he'll actually get more with less in 325 chamber. I haven't even checked the availabilty of 8mm bullets in the area, I do know the factory stuff they have Winchester/Olin stocked here. Maybe that is a way to show him the light

!

EKM he uses a 280 rem right now. I have been loading 160gr Failsafes for elk and moose which have worked great for him. We are going to try the 150 TSX next year. He thinks 140 is to low, even though he has watched meharvest 2 elk and bull moose in the past 2 years using 140TSX/.284 flung from my 7mm rem mag. He'll keep the .280 for deer and eventually his boy will see it.