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.325 WSM

Old 01-17-2009, 04:13 AM
  #1  
Fork Horn
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Default .325 WSM

What are your thoughts on this caliber? Will it be around in 10 years?
How about the recoil, less than a .338? I have some interest in this caliber but dont want to get to beat up. I also don't want to carry a 9lbs rifle around either to soak up the recoil.
Just looking for some input and your personal experience with the .325
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Old 01-17-2009, 04:49 AM
  #2  
Nontypical Buck
 
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Default RE: .325 WSM

I'm pretty interested in the .325wsm myself. Been wanting to get 1 even though I have no immediate use for it. I wouldn't worry too much about ammo being dropped very quick, but resale may be lower many years later if they do decide to drop factory rifles being chambered for it. Bottom line-if you're buying it for now on, go for it. If you're buying assuming you might want to sell it later, I might not get it. almost all of the firearms I get, I keep, unless they are real losers. I highly doubt the .325 wsm is an loser with the ballistics it offers. That don't mean it's any better than something like the .338 wm.
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Old 01-17-2009, 05:37 AM
  #3  
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Default RE: .325 WSM

I have a 325 in a Browning Micro Hunter. I never feel undergunned for sure. And this rifle is light and easy to carry all day tipping the scales at just over 7 lb. It is very accurate with both 200 gr Accubonds and 220 gr Sierras. I perfer the accubonds because of the better ballistics. The recoil in this rifle is substantial but tolerable. All in all, I like it. I haven't shot anything but paper with it yet. I took it on an elk hunt but never had a chance to drop the hammer on something worthwhile.
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Old 01-17-2009, 01:20 PM
  #4  
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Default RE: .325 WSM

For some reason the .325 WSM hasn't been as accepted as the more popular little brother.300 WSM. There are only a few factory loads easily available for the .325 and not many guns that are built on the caliber. I think I would go with the .338 Win mag instead.
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Old 01-17-2009, 03:28 PM
  #5  
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Default RE: .325 WSM

I'm not sure about the .325wsm being around down the road...the .300 wsm definitely will.

Ruger has the .300 RCM and .338 RCM, not sure how the .338RCM compares to the .325WSM but I did read an article saying they tried to make a .338WSM and couldn't get it to work right to their standards etc..., ruger apparently has...

Also there's the .338 federal, based on the .308 etc..

I don't really see the .338RCM being a hit, a .338-375 Ruger I could though, but that doesn't exist yet and you sound like you're looking for a short magnum.

I'd say consider the .338 Federal vs. .325WSM, maybe youre research will show one to be more likely to survive...most of the .308 cousins seem to all do well, ie .243, 7mm-08, .260 seems just ok though.

Also the .325 is an 8mm, which doesn't seem to have had much success in this country, also you're looking at a .323 bullet vs. a .308 bullet dia. so it may make more sense to just get a .300 WSM in that case and load it heavy if that's what you're looking for instead.

btw the .338 win mag isn't going anywhere....and that is a tad shorter than a .300 win mag, the kick isn't all that bad, may just consider a .338 win mag.

If you're looking for something lightweight and less kicking, I think .338 federal is the way to go, a .325wsm, or .338win mag in something light is going to kick.

So either get a .300WSM, or get a heavier gun in .338win mag, or just deal with more kick, or consider a .338 federal in the setup youre looking for
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Old 02-12-2009, 06:19 PM
  #6  
Fork Horn
 
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Default RE: .325 WSM

what about the .338 lapua mag.
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Old 02-12-2009, 08:11 PM
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Default RE: .325 WSM

The .323 is a dang good caliber. I think that it is one of the best bullets around. Yet its not popular in america. Idk how long the 325 WSM will be around, but the 8mmx57 in an old mauser is a really good combination and it has been around for close to if not over 100 years. Its a good bullet, i just dont know about the 325 WSM case, tho. If i was to go on a moose/bear/caribou type of hunt or a large antelope hunt in Africa, this would be a good choice.
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Old 02-13-2009, 08:44 AM
  #8  
Nontypical Buck
 
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Default RE: .325 WSM

I don't think it will be around that long. Just doesn't do enough or fill enough of a niche to remain viable. Like has been said it's not going to give any better performance compared to the 300 WSM or WM, the 338 WM beats it hands down and the 338 Federal while not as fast gives the availability of the same bullet weights that are more readily available. Personally I'll stick with my 35 Whelen.
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Old 02-14-2009, 05:57 AM
  #9  
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Old 02-14-2009, 06:24 AM
  #10  
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Default RE: .325 WSM

The 325 fills a niche. Its just another choice for the hunter. Its sort of like the 204 Ruger. Did we need it? No, but its out there. As for the 325, no, Its not a 338 WM regardless of the claims. But it is close. Factory ammo may be tough to get if it goes under. But the components will still be around. The same bullets are used for the 8mm Mauser and the 8mm Rem Mag. Both good cartridges in their own right but just never caught on here in the states.
There are other cartridges that have fallen by the wayside too and you can still get components for them. For instance the .45-90 or .45-120, the 405 Win, 348 Win. just to name a few.
I will repeat, I love my 325 WSM. Its accurate, hard hitting and the rifle is light weight. (Browning Micro Hunter).
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