I have a 270 WSM and a couple of 260 rems, and i know i could use the 270 wsm its got some thump, just thinking i may need a elk thumper and someday i will draw a moose tag. Whats your likes and dislikes of the 300 WSM and 325 WSM. My local gunshop has a few of each. thanks in advance guys, happy hunting- a good excuse to get a another gun right!
Wanting a new ELK rifle-300 WSM or 325 WSM
- Thread starter rmarshall
- Start date
I have an M70 EW in .300, and a Montana in .325. I think the .300 is more versatile, due to a better selection of bullets, and a few bullets with outstanding BC. The .325 does have greater frontal area, which does have it's own quality. I kinda wish my Kimber was a .300 (or even better, a 7 WSM). But I do like it a bunch.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,595
- 6,775
I've used both cartridges multiple times on moose and on elk; either will put them down with real authority when you use a quality bullet and sufficient mass. I probably like the 325WSM because of the (marginally) greater frontal area and because I tend to shoot bullets with more mass. In reality, however, I've never had a moose or an elk walk away from one of the 180 grain Fail Safes, 180 grain Hornady InterLocks or 180 grain Partition. Dead is dead, and all the moose and elk I've shot dropped pretty quickly with these two rifles. Were I you, I'd pick the one that fits you best and never look back.
Mountain Goat
Handloader
- Dec 14, 2010
- 386
- 12
The 325WSM is somewhat of an oddball, as are all 8mm's in the US market, but it's a heck of a cartridge. You can't go wrong with either one. If you shoot factory ammo only, then look no further than the 300WSM. If you plan on shooting 200 grain or heavier bullets, then the 325 is the way to go.
A
Anonymous
Guest
I've got a .300WSM and have used it a great deal at this point. The .300WSM/180gr AccuBond combo has proven extremely deadly and I'd use it on elk without hesitation.
A friend of mine uses the .325 with tremendous result.
I can't say there would be much field difference in the two at practical ranges given similar shot placement...but if you don't reload it's a .300WSM all day long.
A friend of mine uses the .325 with tremendous result.
I can't say there would be much field difference in the two at practical ranges given similar shot placement...but if you don't reload it's a .300WSM all day long.
Yeah, that is a tough call. If your a reloader, there are plenty of great choices for the 325WSM. It is the only WSM I am lacking right now, but man, it is a great cartridge when you get into the 200's and 220's.
The 300WSM is a great one as well. Probably just about the most versatile out of my entire line up of rifles, but that is probably why it see's the least amount of use...
The 300WSM is a great one as well. Probably just about the most versatile out of my entire line up of rifles, but that is probably why it see's the least amount of use...
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 7
I guess, having been a reloader and hunter for nearly 60 years, that there are some facts which are pertinent to your decision. As a background, I have been an elk hunter since 1962. I have been a magnum rifle owner since 1962. My first magnum was and still is, the 7mm Rem Mag. Now I use the 7mm Mag for exreme range deer hunting.
My first elk was NOT killed by a 7mm Mag 175 factory load and was lost, so I bought a .338 Win Mag and never had another issue with elk hunting. However, I have killed elk with a .30-06 and .300 H&H as well. These two calibers worked just fine for the task at hand.
If I was buying your rifle, I would get a Model 70 .325, given your choices but I am a rifle Loonie. Despite a lack of many commercial bullets available, there are some very good American and European 8mm premium bullets and ammo availble for the 8mm. Actually, Winchester's factory ammo for the .325 is good stuff as well. The caliber, as DrMike and others have said, is an "elk hammer" and that means something.
The .300 Mag is also used by many experienced hunters here and worldwide, as a has the 8mm more with Europeans. The .300 Mag is a very capable elk round and has probably killed as many ek as the .30-06 has. I guess that would decide what you like and go for it with either caliber.
My first elk was NOT killed by a 7mm Mag 175 factory load and was lost, so I bought a .338 Win Mag and never had another issue with elk hunting. However, I have killed elk with a .30-06 and .300 H&H as well. These two calibers worked just fine for the task at hand.
If I was buying your rifle, I would get a Model 70 .325, given your choices but I am a rifle Loonie. Despite a lack of many commercial bullets available, there are some very good American and European 8mm premium bullets and ammo availble for the 8mm. Actually, Winchester's factory ammo for the .325 is good stuff as well. The caliber, as DrMike and others have said, is an "elk hammer" and that means something.
The .300 Mag is also used by many experienced hunters here and worldwide, as a has the 8mm more with Europeans. The .300 Mag is a very capable elk round and has probably killed as many ek as the .30-06 has. I guess that would decide what you like and go for it with either caliber.
HOGWILD338-378
Handloader
- Aug 22, 2012
- 1,219
- 0
:mrgreen: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =308725337
All this rifle needs is a blue pen and a black sharpie as it will sell for less than 600.00
All this rifle needs is a blue pen and a black sharpie as it will sell for less than 600.00
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 7
Aw, man! That is trajic! Somebody will get a heck of an elk rifle for a great price! I have a dremel and a blue stick pen that will fix that!
HOGWILD338-378
Handloader
- Aug 22, 2012
- 1,219
- 0
:mrgreen: http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewIt ... =308727175
This Mark V should sell for around 600.00 also these are Dan Weatherby's auctions both of them!
I own a 300 WSM & 300 Wby and have shot many of 300 Win Mags and I would be happy with any one of them for Wapiti
This Mark V should sell for around 600.00 also these are Dan Weatherby's auctions both of them!
I own a 300 WSM & 300 Wby and have shot many of 300 Win Mags and I would be happy with any one of them for Wapiti
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 7
Used Fibermark's typically retail LNIB around here for what Hogwild says. The .300 is prety nice and may go for more. Both calibers of course, are elk hammers. My personal favorite is the .340 Weatherby.
HOGWILD338-378
Handloader
- Aug 22, 2012
- 1,219
- 0
Charlie I was checking NIB prices on Fibermarks and they were running around 1140.00 at the cheapest Internet store fronts!
Oldtrader3
Ammo Smith
- Nov 6, 2009
- 8,406
- 7
Maybe I am behind? I have seen some for $600-700 at Kesselring, locally this past year. Weatherby Fibermarks are not popular around here. Do not know why since this is an elk region? The Deluxes are going for $1200-1300
Well, since I only have the 300WSM, I'll comment on it. Mine is a Browning A-bolt and I like the short action. It is a light rifle but does not kick any harder than my 30-06 eventhough I hand load rounds that are a good 6-8 grains heavier. The gun is more accurate than I am and I can shoot a good 30+ rounds in one outing. I find reloading a 30 cal gun pretty easy, lots of choices to develop really good rounds to explore with. I would choose the same gun (300WSM) again over the 325WSM if I had to do it over.
Just 1/2 of my two cents worth,,,,,,America has been known .30 caliber country. And with good reason. However I do like different suffice from the usual or norm. For me it would depend on what I already have already. Otherwise I would go whatever suit your desires,,,, makes little difference in the end, I agree with other's.
DrMike
Ballistician
- Nov 8, 2006
- 37,595
- 6,775
And Kurt cuts the Gordian knot. Good advice, Kurt. Spoken like a true rifle crank. :mrgreen:
- Oct 30, 2004
- 24,502
- 3,696
Flip a coin. If you like the oddballs like my son get the 325 WSM. He wanted something different. The 200 PT or AB is all he needs.
Here is his group with 200 AB's at 2975 or so.
Here is his group with 200 AB's at 2975 or so.
- Thread starter
- #20
Thanks guys for all the responses. The 325 is very tempting. In fact if my brother was not getting new rifle too, and him wanting the the 300 wsm i would probably get one. If i get a 300 then i can load for the both of us. If i were rich i would say to him you get the 300 i will get the 325 and load for both. But convience wins out. I think a 300 wsm with 180 AB will do the trick for whatever i need to hunt. Besides i found a smoking good deal on a win model 70 nearly brad new for 300 bucks.
