325 WSM

[Superpig]

I'm looking for a dedicated elk rifle. I was thinking of going with a Winchester model 70 Featherweight. I was wondering if anyone has worked up any good loads for this round? Also, I was wondering if anyone has any chrony data to verify velocity? Looking at some initial data Hodgdon has released (which the Hodgdon data for alot of calibers is close to the real world velocity you will get) velocity for 200 gr. projectiles out of a 24" barrel runs around 2800 fps. You can exceed 2800 fps with 200 gr bullets in the 300 Win. Mag. and have better sectional density and a higher ballistic coefficient. I would like to get some of the people on this fourms opinions on this subject. Thanks in advance.

[Scott Gags]

If you are handloading, the selection of bullets is going be significantly reduced as compared toa 308 or 338, and there is a lot less loading data out there for the 325 WSM. Maybe this will change if the 325 is commercially successful. I would expect the 325 to push bullets of equal weight faster than the 300 WSM or 300 WM when it has a full case of powder andis at rated pressure due to its larger caliber.

[bronko22000]

The 325 WSM intrigues me too. My only problem is the reports I'm hearing about the feeding problems with the WSM chamberings.
I think I will stick with my old Ruger .300 Win Mag for now and see what happens.

[CapDog]

I'm thinking that a 325WSM might be my next rifle as well. I already have a 270WSM in a Winchester Super Shadow, no feeding problems with it what so ever and a very accurate rifle. Looking at getting the same rifle in the new caliber for my Elk rifle up in the mountains. Quite a bit of info coming out on it. Might want to go check out www.shortmags.com

[eldeguello]

ORIGINAL: Scott Gags

If you are handloading, the selection of bullets is going be significantly reduced as compared toa 308 or 338, and there is a lot less loading data out there for the 325 WSM. Maybe this will change if the 325 is commercially successful. I would expect the 325 to push bullets of equal weight faster than the 300 WSM or 300 WM when it has a full case of powder andis at rated pressure due to its larger caliber.

True! BUT, there are certainly ENOUGH good8mm bullets available for elk shooting. For example, Nosler makes both the Accubond and the Partition Jacket bullets in 8mm-200 grain weight. Either of these bullets will kill elk plus any other animal in North America, and most critters in Africa as well.

Additionally, if this round ever becomes popular, (questionable, since most Americans have pretty much shunned the 8mm for over 100 years) there will be new 8mm bullets......

[Scott Gags]

Not disagreeing with you regarding the good bullets available but I wonder why the Accubond only has a .379 BC. The 180 Grain 30 cal has a lower Sectional Density yet has a BC of .507. Just wondering if it a misprint, its profile on the nosler website seems really streamlined.