.338 Win Mag vs .325WSM

Cappy said:
When I stated recoil was mild I ment it was less than I would expect from the somewhat light rifle I have it in, considering the weight and velocity of the bullet.

I'm kind of along the same views as Amphip....either would be great, but the 325 is just a little more different.
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Cappy, you are undoubtedly correct that the .325 has less recoil than the .338. With less powder and velocity it only stands to reason that it would. It has exactly the type of recoil you'd expect from a cartridge with that velocity, powder and bullet weight.
 
I'm a 30-06 fan. If I was to want to get anything any bigger than that, it would have to have an appreciably larger bore size, and heavier bullets. The 325 has neither. Hornadys new bullet for that caliber is a 190gr bullet. The Nosler partition is a 200gr bullet, and the heaviest X bullet is 200gr as well. The bore size is like stepping upo from a 7mm to a 30 cal, when compared to the 30 cal (this isn't a significant step up, no matter what the guys in the magazines would like to say. Just because components are advertised doesn't mean that they are available (call Wholesale sports and try to place an order). last but not lest; in most rifles, there are some serious problems with the feeding of short mag cartridges.
On the other hand, the 338win is significantly larger than the 30-06. Heavier bullets are available, and components are generally in stock. Lasst but not least; most companies have figured out how to make a belted magnum feed properly.
Er; did I say last. The 338win is also easily re-sellable.
Mike
 
I have an 8 Rem Mag (and a 8x57, 8mm-06 AI (2 actually), 8x68. Used to have a 8mm PMM as well). Also have a 338-06, 338 Win Mag, 340 Wby and a 338 Lapua. The 8 Rem Mag is a better long distance killer then the 338 Win Mag, but not by a lot, and with some of the new wonder bullets, "not a lot" is even less. In the same vein, the 340 Wby is better on game then the 338 or the 8 RM. I'm an 8mm fan, but for an all around hunting rifle, go with the 338 Win Mag. over the 325 WSM. FWIW - dan
 
I got my .325WSM because I shot a deer with Cappys a couple years ago and was hooked. He has it dialed in with handloads to where its sub MOA. After seeing what his super accurate, heavy hitter would do to a deer at 220yrds, I had to have one.

I ended up finding a nice Win 70 Coyote not too long ago in the EE. I have all the components to load for it but haven't had the time to to put it all together. I was quite surprised when I bought a box of factory ammo to sight it in, and the bill was $65! Won't be doing that again!
 
.338 Win Mag vs .325WSM

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Hey folks,

I am seriously considering picking up a .325WSM but wanted to hear everyone's opinion on the calibre and comparisons for hunting against a .338 win mag. Now I know it's a bit flatter and higher velocities but that doesn't really tell the whole story when it comes to killing game. Not too concerned with availability of commerical ammo as I will handload for it. I will be using the new rifle (and I will get one in either .338 or .325 within the next 45 days)for all types of hunting out to 400yrds on large game such as grizz and elk. So please everyone who knows about these two, chime in.
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I have no direct experience with the 325 but I do own a 338wm.

For what the charts are worth the 325 and the 338wm look very similar as far as velocities and trajectory, enough so that I don't see a lot practical difference with respect to going one way or the other based on ballistics.

In my own experience the 338 factory loads appear to be more readily available and in a broader variety than the 325. Although as you will be handloading this may not be an issue for you.

As far as handloading goes I see a lot more variety of bullets and brass available and more powder capacity for the 338wm. More options = good when finding the perfect combination for your rifle.

The wsm actions (and other short actions) are a little more compact and accordingly lighter - a few ounces. Some may purport that this shorter action enables faster cycling - in real world I do not believe there would be any meaningful difference in cycle time between a standard length action and a short action but there may be a "stopwatch" time difference.

Another point for consideration is feeding. Do a search on the various forums and you will hear about feeding issues with the WSMs. Some are great from the get go and some need work to cycle well. Please note that this observation is not based on experience on my part but where there is smoke there is often fire, accordingly this may be worth consideration.

So in summary:

Ballistics
The factory loads are nearly identical but the 338wm enables greater flexibility due to a broader range of bullets and a higher available powder capacity.

Factory Cartridges
338wm - more readily available

Weight of Rifle
At the Winchester website the 325wsm is listed as 4ozs lighter than the 300wm. The 325wsm, depending on the maker will likely be a few ounces lighter.


With all these factors brought into consideration my choice a few years ago was the the 338wm rather than the 325wsm. However, Bambi or Bullwinkle will never know the difference - with either cartridge critters will be just as dead. I hope this helps in your evaluation.
 
I'm reminded of a line from a review i read shortly after the 325 first came out. It went something like:

"We managed to spot a nice elk, and after a short stalk i shot it. Predictably, the animal died" :D

The shooter seemed pleased with the gun, but the bottom line is either are going to be more than lethal on any normal north american animal you're likely to encounter. Try to shoot both and go with whichever you like, i doubt the animals will notice much difference.
 
The choice between two such ballistically similar cartridges may be more a matter of fitting them into your rifle battery than the direct comparison between them.

If your other favourite hunting rifle is a 30 cal of some sort than you might want to go 338 to maximize the difference between the two. If on the other hand your other go-to rifles are quite heavy, you might want to go 325 so that it'll be easier to make it you mountain gun, or something filling a niche like that.

RG

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i own and hunt with a 338 win mag tikka model 695 and i use a 225grain accubond round and it does all my hunting needs from grizz to elk. i love this rifle as it fits me. The best suggestion i can give you is use what you are most comfortable with for recoil and fit to your person as you will be the one behind the trigger. if you can not shoot a tight group with either fifle it will not help the hunting
 
I would say for the very, very small differance between the two, just get the 338. Its been around forever, and probably will be here forever. Like previous ppl said, there are such small differances between the two, if ur gonna make a decision between the two, make it a big differance. Same thing as lets say, "what should I buy, either a 243 or 6mm"?
 
I'm an 8mm fan, but I'd take the 338 WM over the 325 WSM, unless there's a gun you want that's not available in 338 WM.
 
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