Aldebaran

Hi.
I'm looking at a new rifle for big game (moose) and considering one of the 2 calibers in <subj>.
I never shoot either of them, and am looking for inputs from current users.
Appreciate your help.
Dan

EKM

Of the two, 325 WSM.
IMHO, 338 Federal is weak.
338WinMag beats them both.

340 Weatherby, 338 RUM, or 338-378 would be my choice in that slot since I already have the 338WinMag.

SILVERTIP-CO

I've recently seen several hunts on tv using the 338 Federal and I am NOT NOT NOT impressed. In all three huntsthe hunters had to keep pumping the ammo to the animal to kill it. If the 325wsm is close to the 338 then I would suggest neither. I think the WSM's are all hokey anyway as they do nothing that any other older calibre cant do.

Go for a REAL calibre like the 338 WinMag, or 340 Wby, or any of the RUM cals and get some horsepower in the gun for one shot kills. Heck the 7mm Rem Mag is almost as good as it gets, as is indicated by continuing top ammos sales figures.

RedRiverHntr

Hmmm....Silver....you had me there for a minute! But to mention the "horsepower" calibers such as 338WM, Weatherby/RUM's and then to foul it up with the last sentence. The 7mm RemMag might be popular, and is a nice caliber, but please don't put it in the same paragraph with the others mentioned!
Without getting too off course, I would argue that with the 7mag (Rem not the Weatherby) is only marginally more potent than a .270 or .280, not enough difference to warrant it's popularity other than the word "MAG" is involved!!!

As per the original question....only you can be the judge. The .338 Federal is a milder kicking version of the .338.
The .325WSM is a blend of the .338 and the .300...."tweener". More bullet than a .300 and flatter shooting than .338. I like the caliber. But to each his own.

skeeter 7MM

.323/8mm bullets are still on the short side therefor I really don't see any advantage to the 325wsm other then a fancy new name. The 300 wm doesn't lose much to the .325wsm IMHO and has more choice in bullets or ammo if you don't reload.

If your wanting a .338 bullet thenwhy look any further then the .338wm at least it will do what your hoping it too. If recoil is the reason then like aboveconsider the 300wm. .338 federal is real an answer to problem that didn't exist...just my opinion.

BTW, I currently use a 7mm rem mag and have had zeroproblems anchoring moose with it.It's agood fit to my situation flat for longer shots on deer sized game but can be loaded upto handle elk and moose with ease. Similar to a 300/.308cal it is just I have had good success with the .284 cal and bullet choices are vast allowing me to tailor it for the application.

Waterproof

I love my .325 WSM and sold my .338WM after killing several animals GYD with the .325. To each their own though. Between the two calibers you listed the .338 Federal is pretty anemic

bronko22000

My Browning Micro Hunter in 325WSM topped with a Burris Short Mag scope is a joy to carry, is extremely accurate and as effective on elk as any 338WM. I shoot 200 gr Nosler Accubonds pushed by 68 gr of RL19. True the WSMs won't do anything another cartridge won't do (300WSM vs 300 WM, etc) but when you're carrying a rifle weighing in at just over 7 lbs all day to one weighing 9 or 10 lbs the difference gets noticed. And, I haven't seen a well madeproduction rifle (Browning, Savage, Winchester) chambered in a WSM that didn't shoot accurately. Can't say that about a 300 WM or 338 WM.

Aldebaran

Thanks guys for your input.
I think I shall settle down for 7mm-08 Rem at the end.

EKM

Wow. That is quite the lowering of expectations. What happened?

Wolf killer

I have not shot the 325-WSM or 338-Federal. I never got bit by the short-magnum bug.

I recommend the 338-winchester magnum. The 338-R.U.M. or 340-Weatherby are also fine choice.