338wm vs 325WSM
11-02-2006, 09:49 AM
#1
Giant Nontypical
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 6,921
338wm vs 325WSM
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
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
11-02-2006, 11:00 AM
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Moccasin, Montana
Posts: 1,835
RE: 338wm vs 325WSM
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
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
11-02-2006, 11:32 AM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
RE: 338wm vs 325WSM
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.
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.
11-02-2006, 05:57 PM
#8
Fork Horn
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Nocona, Texas
Posts: 248
RE: 338wm vs 325WSM
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.
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.
11-02-2006, 06:39 PM
#10
Giant Nontypical
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 6,921
RE: 338wm vs 325WSM
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.
!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.