.325 WSM with 200 gr. Partition

[duckster]

Hello,

I appologize if this topic has been covered, but I could not get anything to come up when I looked under load data in the forum for the .325 WSM.

My rifle is a Nosler Model 48 and I just finished trying my first loads with the 200 gr. Partition. I used Win. brass, WMR primers an RL-19. All rounds were loaded to a C.O.L. of 2.860.

I started with 66 gr, working up to 68 gr in 1 gr. increments. I was disappointed in my accuracy results. The best accuracy was with 67 gr yielding a overall group of 1.75 inches for 5 shots. I was hoping for something a little better, as I would like to make the 200 gr. Partition my all-around load.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[DrMike]

I worked up an excellent hunting load for my 325 WSM using RL19 and Nosler 200 grain PT bullets. They give me consistent 3/4" groups. Similarly, using H4350, I get fairly consistent 1" groups. I see that using 200 grin AB and Big Game, I obtained 0.64" groups. What is interesting with the 200 grain bullets is that the optimum velocity appears to be about 2700 fps. As velocity increases, accuracy is degraded. Perhaps this will encourage you. Keep looking for a good load. Perhaps it would be benficial to play with seating depth. I am going to assume that you maintain the barrel. My rifle has a rough barrel that requires careful attention after a few shots to remove the copper.

 

[Greg Nolan]

DrMike
What kind of rifle are you shooting and what length barrel? I ask because I'm waiting for a Savage with a 24in barrel and I'm trying to accumulate data for when I get to start working up loads. Also what primer?

Thank You and Good Hunting
elkhunt

 

[DrMike]

Greg,

I'm shooting a Winchester stainless featherweight with a 24" barrel. On the load using Partitions I listed, I used Federal 215 primers. On the other load listed, I used WMR primers. I have not observed a significant differential in either pressure or accuracy between the two primers.

Consequently, either of these loads will be used for black bear this spring. The first blades of grass are sprouting here in the far north. I am certain to be out looking this weekend before church. The moose were hit hard by our winter; I counted at least 13 carcasses last Saturday in my first scouting trip. However, I am seeing quite a few elk in the bush, and the white tail are booming. Mule deer are thin, but they appear to be in good shape.

 

[Greg Nolan]

DrMike,

Thank you for the information. It sounds like a great way to spend the day. Good luck on your scouting. As soon as I get to pick up my gun and try the loads out I'll give a report . I'm going to use the .325 for mule deer this year if I can get it shooting fairly accurately. I use a different rifle for elk usualy but since I hunt them at the same time I use what I'm carrying.
Good Hunting
Elkhunt

 

[pirozzi]

I have a Kimber Montana rifle with a 24in. barrel in .325WSM. I too had trouble getting loading data, but hooked up with a Nosler rep at the SCI show in Reno. He gave me some starting data and I worked up a great load. I got a nice 6 point elk on my first outing with this rifle and load. After fooling around with different bullets I settled on the Nosler 200gr. AccuBond. I am loading Winchester brass, with Winchester magnum primers, 68.5 grains of RL-19 and am seating the bullets to the maximum allowed COL. I am also crimping the bullet with a Lee factory crimp die which I ordered special from Lee Inc.

The chrono shows 2970fps on average with a spread of 19fps for 10 rounds
I consistently get .6in. groups at 100yds, 1.0in. at 200yds, and 2.5 at 300yds

It is zeroed at 300yds at shoots 1.5in. high at 200yds and 3.0in. at 100yds.

I also have loaded some Barnes TSX 200gr. bullets with the exact same load. The results are almost identical.

Recoil is another issue. Even with the muzzle break, it lets you know whose boss, but the rifle only weighs a little over 6 pounds with the scope.

Hope this helps you. The .325WSM is an outstanding cartridge and it just about equals the .338 Win Mag.

Vince

 

[Jeff Olsen]

I use H4350, 200-gn Partitions, and F210 primers. I believe my load is slightly over book max. I get 2840 fps from a 22" barrel and the load is as hot as it can be.

My rifle is a Browning BLR, so perhaps not quite as accurate as a good bolt gun. I get 1.25" groups at 100 yards. My rifle actually much prefers the PT to the AccuBond, which is contrary to what I wanted- I was hoping to use the AB!

.325 is a good 'un. I am surprised at the speeds you are seeing. I guess I have a slow barrel, and I guess that extra couple inches really matters. I had to work really hard to get over 2800 fps, even.

-jeff

 

[Glock Man]

http://www.nosler.com/index.php?p=15&b=8mm&s=61
Maybe this link will be of some assistance to everyone with a 325wsm.

 

[mckie]

Hmm. I get just over 2800 fps with that same load (RL-19) except I went up to 69 grains and used Partition bullets. Also fired from a Kimber 8400, 24" barrel. I did not crimp the bullet, and used 2.86" for OAL. Since I wasn't content with the velocity, I didn't experiment with seating depth. Anyone think crimping or OAL could account for the velocity difference? Or maybe a new chronograph is in order.

 

[Jeff Olsen]

That's more my experience with the caliber. I had a HECK of a time even getting over 2800 fps. The factory 220-gn Winchester ammo clocked somewhere in the 2600's from my rifle.

I still like the caliber, but I had to kind of "let go" of my expectations for it.

-jeff