wildgene
Handloader
- Jul 4, 2011
- 1,597
- 2
...took 2 cow elk w/ it last fall, neither of of went anywhere, & it really thumps the 500m. gong...
325wsm load test
- Thread starter chet
- Start date
I had 300 of the Sierra 220s set aside for use in a .325 and was all excited until I saw this thread:
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... cs/5149470
No doubt they'd hold together at different angles on elk; from the results above they don't open up enough for my taste.
If I were still running that cartridge I'd have to go for the 200 NAB or 180 ETip, personally...
It is one heckofa killer though, even w/ "under expanding" Sierras (now that even felt weird to type!)!!!!!!!
http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthread ... cs/5149470
No doubt they'd hold together at different angles on elk; from the results above they don't open up enough for my taste.
If I were still running that cartridge I'd have to go for the 200 NAB or 180 ETip, personally...
It is one heckofa killer though, even w/ "under expanding" Sierras (now that even felt weird to type!)!!!!!!!
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,421
- 6,299
I've had excellent results on several elk and moose with 200 grain PTs in my 325 WSM. I have some 220 grain A-Frames loaded, but I've never used them because I keep grabbing the PTs. I haven't recovered a bullet yet. They likely failed when killing the game, but if I can't recover them, I'll never know for certain. With the results I've witnessed with 180 grain Sierra GKs on game, I wouldn't be overly concerned if I were running 220 grain Sierras in my 325 WSM.
wildgene
Handloader
- Jul 4, 2011
- 1,597
- 2
...hadn't heard about the 220gr. Sierras not expanding, not something you would normally consider w/ a GameKing. Ballistics say the 220gr. is retaining as much or more velocity @300-500yds. w/ 15-20% more energy, which is why I chose it. This one was recovered under the hide after a slightly quartering shot from 270yds. above, passing thru the ribs, lungs, & femur on the opposite quarter, retention is 70%...
- Thread starter
- #26
Tested a few loads this morning.....
kept the seating depth the same.
fed GM210M primer
4 rounds loaded with 64 gr RL17, 4 rounds loaded with 65 gr RL17.
the 64gr loads shot about 2", averaged 2785 fps
no pressure signs.
shot a 65 grainer and inspected it closely for pressure..... nadda!!!! yay!!!
ave velocity was 2890. ES was 23
group was .715 with the exception of the second shot - it was 1.5" out of the group
the last shot fired appeared to have just started to flatten the primer, the gun was hot, and the temp was 84f..... so I feel it is very safe- but I'm considering it max.
I need to verify this load, maybe try 64.5. maybe try a different primer. Then work on seating depth a little...... getting closer!!!!!! scouting for moose tomorrow!!!
kept the seating depth the same.
fed GM210M primer
4 rounds loaded with 64 gr RL17, 4 rounds loaded with 65 gr RL17.
the 64gr loads shot about 2", averaged 2785 fps
no pressure signs.
shot a 65 grainer and inspected it closely for pressure..... nadda!!!! yay!!!
ave velocity was 2890. ES was 23
group was .715 with the exception of the second shot - it was 1.5" out of the group
the last shot fired appeared to have just started to flatten the primer, the gun was hot, and the temp was 84f..... so I feel it is very safe- but I'm considering it max.
I need to verify this load, maybe try 64.5. maybe try a different primer. Then work on seating depth a little...... getting closer!!!!!! scouting for moose tomorrow!!!
Seems like your cranking now Chet. That load at nearly 2900 would be pretty comforting to me buddy. Great shooting buddy. Glad the rifle is coming around for you now. Can't wait to hear about your moose scouting. I have moose on the brain lately. Scotty
- Thread starter
- #28
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