I recently shot the 325wsm in a BrowningMedallion with factory pad. Using 200gr handloads the kick was more then 300's I have shot and I found it sharper thenmost 338wm loads, not more persay but rather a jab vs a good push that 338wm seem to give. Like most wsm's I notice them more muzzle jump due to the smaller/lighter package which probably accounts for the sharpness I feel vs there counterparts. FYI, I just picked up my 338wm Browing Stalker and shot it this weekend, with 225gr very moderate handloads it felt just fine with the factory pad. You know when you shoot either and I wouldn't sit down on a bench to crack out a ton of shots with either but they certainly aren't horrible either.
An addition of a either a sim or pachmyar pad would help the felt portion for sure. I have used both and they work! The sims IMO is slightly better at the cushioning portion where as the pachmyar resin is more durable and user friendly for me as I wear a lot of fleece outerwear. I find the sims to be tacky and grabs fleece, just not as smooth in shouldering as the pachmyar IMHO. If LOP is a factor (as the recoil pad will lengthen the LOP about 1/2") &/or your just worried about range work the other option is a PAST shoulder pad. I have one of these and it also works very well off the bench. I never used it with my 338wm this weekend but plan to once I start ramping upfor load development.
As far as the 325wsm goes I thought about buying one found a LH 325wsm Browning at a good price but in the end the 8mm bullet choices are still a limiting factor. Especially here where I found only 4 possibles I would use being a elk/moose setup - 200gr Nosler Part or AB, 200gr Barnes TSX and220gr Seirra. The 338 I have numerous options from 200gr to 270gr locally. In terms of factory ammo the 325wsm had only 3 locally and 338wm has numerous as well as being stocked at near every mom and pop shop outside of the major centres. Something you may want to consider.
If your really worried about recoil buy a 7mm rem mag, recoil is not a lot different the 3006 really. Less then the .300 in a comparable gun but with the selection of ammo/bullets every bit asavailable& capable. Since most 300 user don't go above the 180gr mark, the 7mm rem magshows very well with 160gr bullets. I have useda 7mm rem mag to shoot a number of moose and elk, wouldn't hesitate to suggest it for such. As far as longer range deer, done that as well and will continue to call upon my 7mm rem mag
. Its not that I needed a 338 I just wanted to buy a LH one..price was right so I did but I gaurantee the 7mm rem mag will along on every trip as well as a reliable, trust worthy back up iron.