325 wsm revisited

[rjm158]

Since Dr. Mike enticed me into the WSM family I now have rifles in all the WSM calibers except this one. I found posts from several years ago, but overall there doesn't seem to be much recent info about it anywhere.

I wondered if anyone here has any more recent experience with it, especially on live game. Any issues reloading it?

Ron

 

[DrMike]

The 325 WSM is exceptionally easy to load. I am working up some new loads right now, using the 180 grain E-Tip and the 200 grain AB. I've taken moose and elk with it, and it has worked precisely as it should have worked (i.e., animals dropping dead as they should). Frankly, I have found those for which I have loaded to be very accurate, and they cover several makes of rifles. Go for it. I suspect that you'll find yourself strangely drawn to the 325 WSM while neglecting your 300 WSM.

 

[rjm158]

When Nosler came out with their 8mm 180gr BT I dabbled a bit with it in an 8mm Mauser but never shot anything with it. Dr. Mike, what would be your thoughts about it in a 325 for use on whitetails?

Ron

 

[DrMike]

For whitetail, I would think this would be a skookum bullet. You should generate a velocity of 3000+ fps, which would be well within the maximum allowable velocity for optimum performance for this bullet. You should have excellent reach and a lot of energy delivered on target, plus a slightly larger frontal area. In all, it should drop whitetail (and mule deer) right smart.

 

[6mm Remington]

The 325 WSM is exceptionally easy to load.

I agree with Mike. It was simple to work up a load for my buddies 325 WSM. I use a 200 gr. AccuBond in my friends rifle with IMR4350 and 65.5 grs for a little over 2800 fps. at OAL of 2.900 with the 200 gr. Partition and 64.5 grs. of IMR4350 for a little over 2800 fps. They both shoot under an inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards and what is really slick is he is sighted with the Partitions at 1.5 inches high at 100 and the Accubonds are hitting 2.5 inches high. He can use either bullet with the same zero and not have to worry about it! It's a really nice round to shoot and he's taken several elk, deer, and antelope with his! :wink:

 

[6mm Remington]

OAL for the Partition is 2.865. Forgot to add that.

 

[rjm158]

Dr. Mike, I don't speak Canadian. I presume "skookum" is good? :lol:

Ron

 

[DrMike]

Actually, "skookum" is British Columbian for "superb" or "excellent." It is an old Indian term that is a part of the west coast dialect. I don't talk much Canajun, but I hear it real good.

 

[FOTIS]

My boy's favorite. He shoots 200 gr partitions at 2960 or so. Took Texas hogs with it no sweat. This year he wants to use 150 Hornadies at 3350 fps for antelope.

 

[Mountain Goat]

I've owned and loaded for the 325WSM the least amount compared to the other shorts. H-4350 has always performed well, and the cartridge is at home with 200gr and heavier bullets. The 220gr GameKing at 2700-2800fps generates some impressive energy and really outpaces the 30 cals, yet doesn't hit you like the 338's do.

Skookum is also a name used by Native Americans in the northern Cascade region of Washington and B.C. for Saskwatch. The Skookum Wildman as he's commonly known. I always thought that the 325WSM should be called the 325 Saskwatch, but I'm rethinking that to the 325 Skookum! There it is.

 

[DrMike]

325 Skookum

Now, I like that!

 

[Mountain Goat]

325 Skookum

Now, I like that!

Alright then, it's confirmed, 325 Skookum it is! If we really wanted to make it official, we could neck up the 7WSM since the case is slightly different. I couldn't imagine a lot of 8mm wildcats out there.

 

[SJB358]

That 325WSM is a pretty neat cartridge and one I think my son will get a little later on as he grows up. It is really a good all around'er with the ability to shoot 150's and then really amp it up to the 220 Swifts or Sierra's. Plus, it is really available in about all good rifles, so it seems like it is here to stay. Scotty

 

[muleman]

I'm a huge fan of the 325wsm. I shoot 200gr. Accubonds loaded over 66gr. of IMR4350 for 2850fps. I've shot 11 animals with it and not one did I have to track! Check out my picts from Namibia in the Africa section. They're a testament to the cartridge and bullet! Thanks Nosler.
Scott