Thanks for the review. I've been waiting for this review for a long time. I have a .325 WSM and it's dead on. From Elk to mule deer to whitetails to black bears, it does it all. I hope this cartridge never dies. 200 grains always does the job. I have many Browning Rifles from .243, .308, 6.8 Western but the .325 WSM is my favorite.
Great episode. I’ve had and used a 325WSM for years guiding in BC. It’s an awesome cartridge. I’ve killed everything Grizzly, Moose, Elk, Mountain Goats and Sheep, many Deer, Wolves and coyotes. Pretty much everything in BC. Was originally looking at a 338WM but it was too long for me. I’m a handloader and have lots of rounds and components. Should be set to shoot my 325 for as long as I need to. Peace dudes, keep up the good work.
Another northern bc guy here . I run a 35 Whelen with 225 accubonds up here and have killed elk , deer and bears so far , I just picked up a 325wsm in a pistol grip browning blr . I’m excited to try it on game
The problem with 8mm cartridges is that Americans don't understand ballistics. And for the longest time it was very hard to find good US 8mm bullets. The 8mm Mauser--one of the all time great cartridges--was underloaded by US ammo companies for years because Americans don't understand ballistics. So Americans never appreciated the 8mm bore diameter.
I bought a .325 WSM Browning X-Bolt at Gander Mountain in DeForest, WI when they went out of business. I can resize .300 WSM brass and there are plenty of 8mm options for bullet availability due to the unpopular diameter. It is as close to benchrest accurate I’ve found with Varget powder and Nosler AB’s. I took an elk with it and it performed like a 338 WM. I personally don’t care how popular a cartridge is. I care about terminal performance. Absolutely love this cartridge/ rifle combination. Never getting rid of it.
Love this cartridge. I took my first (and only) bull elk with this cartridge, and my first (and only) desert bighorn sheep with this cartridge. The sheep was taken at 510 yards. The Browning X-Bolt that I shoot this in, is one of my most accurate hunting rifles. Load it heavy and it's a .338 WM. Load it lighter, and it's a .30-06.
Just bought a Savage Bear Hunter in .325 WSM. Stainless, fluted barrel, integrated brake. Shooting 220gr at 2900fps. G1.521BC. I'm happy with it. Approx 2000ft/lbs at 500 yards.
And me waiting for this episode to talk about .284 / 7mm cartridges. Definitely would have been the best episode. No problem thanks for everything Vortex.
I hope this series continues!! I'd love to hear you guys talk about the smallest of the big bores the 375 Winchester centerfire Magnum, could have been a very successful straight walled cartridge only to die out within a few years of its existence.
In the process of building a 375 WSM, necking up 325 WSM. Should run a 250 CX @ 2550, 3500 ft-lbs. 4" Max Trajectory Height, 236 Yd zero, 285 MPBR, 6" drop at 300 yds, 24" drop at 400 yds. Elk Thumper. Great job guys.
You should see better performance than that ... ive built a couple one on a browning lever gun. My favorite wsm variant is the 358 wsm or 35 sanbar. It pushes a 250 gr partition @ 2850 fps with 4500 fpe at the muzzle . It is the twin of the 358 norma mag in every aspect. Flatter than a 30-06 and still has 2500 fpe past 500 yrds.
160 Gr .375 RCM with a German 8mm extracted SMK 130gr tungsten core enveloped in brass would go through level 4 @ 300y with a 16 inch KAC SR25. Zero recoil.
I love waking up to God's green country, seeing a cartridge talk pop up on my RUclips. Makes for a good day. Maybe do a whole wsm and wssm cartridge talk.
This made our day! Thanks so much for your support, Quinton! It truly means the world to us. We'll definitely see what we can do for you on that topic, my friend!
If you don’t have a WSM already…. And you have the time and money to find the decent .323 components then it’s a good choice. Otherwise a person could be a one gun hunter with a 300WSM and a reloading press.
01:34 That's another reason I like you guys. Because you speak proper English. The word is, in fact, regardless. But I have heard so many people say irregardless and think they are being proper. It grinds me as much as people calling a certain equipment a hot water heater. It is not a hot water heater, it is a water heater. If the water was already hot, such as a hot spring, you would not need a heater. Do not get me started no "nuculer" (the mispronunciation of nuclear.) So, immediate thumbs up before I have seen the whole vid.
Being a guy who constantly scans forums and gun mags for new cartridges, just because I'm a gun nerd, I really appreciate the Lead Balloon series. Great background, current updates, and everything in between. It's like "Behind The Music" for cartridge junkies. Please keep at it! Best, JBR
I would suggest the WSSM series of super-short magnums. The .510 Beck (I wanted that to happen bad). The .224 Boz (both versions). 9x25 Dillon. .480 Ruger. Best, JBR
This could be a great series but it would have been even better if you had the rounds on the table for a physical comparison, maybe for the next episode? Cheers
I have a 325 WSM in Winchester M70 feather weight. It performs well, and I don’t think it’s recoil too bad. I haven’t fired it in years because of poor ammunition supply. I like it, but it’s gone the way of the dodo. Thanks for your show.
I like this round so much, I just re-barreled a Montana 1999, but have to admit that I've only used it in years past in Alaska for moose. It and the 338 RCM are both about perfect for a handy rifle, especially for float trips.
I have the 325 WSM in. Browning Xbolt. I absolutely love this cartridge. Very very efficient, it likes two bullets more than any other, the Nosler Accubond and the Barnes TSX, both 200gr and both over RL17. I can’t quite reach the book numbers for the Accubond without a compressed load which I prefer to avoid. The TSX reaches the book MV easily. That issue points out the isdue with the chamber/cartridge design that handicaps it. The throat of factory rifles/standard chamber design prevented bullets in the 200 gr and 225 grn weights from being seated out far enough to not intrude into the case capacity. Issues that later cartridge designs from Creedmore and PRC which allow heavy for caliber bullets to be used without sacrificing case capacity. The reporting at the time was that they couldn’t keep it in a short action and give it the design the throat length it needed - which was supposedly also a reason why the 338 test cartridge was dropped. Despite what some writers have written, the recoil is mild IMO. I literally could discern very little difference between the 325 in the Xbolt SS Stalker from my Remington 270 BDL. That mild recoil easily makes the 325 a true all rounder for every animal in North America and African plains game. The only real drawback currently is Norma is the only brass still readily available.
Ive been looking for a 325 WSM Since i first shot one way back when it came out. Love this cartridge. It and the 270 WSM are faves out of the series. My next fave? The 25 WSSM 😉
My uncle in law has a browning a-bolt in 325 wsm for when he goes elk hunting. He loves the thing and swears by the cartridge. Knowing him, its probably loaded with swift sciroccos. They tend to be his bullet of choice. Last I talked to him about building a rifle, he suggested I build a 6.5 prc so he can take me on an elk hunt with him. I think, He has come to the realization that critters of all sizes really don’t need the amount of power the old school bullets required.
@ if i build something new I’m leaning toward a 7 at this point. But, I’m also looking at the dust collecting 30-06 in my safe, knowing I can push it hotter than I have, and thinking a 180 ablr would be quite effective.
I like this series concept. There's so many cartridges that were released and died on the vine for one reason or other; 338 Fed (a favourite of mine) comes to mind
It solved my problem in Alaska as I owned neither a 300 or 338. This was in a lighter rifle, had a shorter action and had all the power I needed. I knew it wasn’t popular so I bought dies and a lot of cases. They will last me a long time.
300 Savage….does everything you talked about. 150-180 factory, 200 hand loads , still the best North American cartridge for medium ranges. 308 while the child of the 300 SAVAGE is still a beast on short actions…recoil on both, minimal
I can say from personal observation the 325 WSM is an absolute hammer on game. Despite its ballistics shortcomings, which I am very familiar with as a long distance shooter it is an awesome round to hunt with if you are shooting within reasonable shooting distances.
A guy in my elk camp loads his 325 wsm with 220 grain woodleighs at 2900fps. It flat crushes elk. He calls it his light 8mm. His heavy is a long throated 8mm rem mag.
When i was looking for a rifle for Canadian moose back in the 00's, i briefly flirted with the 325 wsm before settling on a 300 RUM. No regrets, but I've always had a bit of a fondness for the 325. Great podcast, I'll take all the lead balloons you got.
I really enjoyed this particular podcast. I bought one when they first came out in a Browning A-Bolt and absolutely love the round. I owned a 338 Win Mag and sold it after I bought this rifle. So far my A-Bolt has taken 5 elk, a couple of Yukon moose, and two Kodiak Bears. It is sad that the caliber never took off and ammo is almost impossible to find now, but honestly, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I loved my 270WSM have hunted everything with it. I have loads that stay inside coyotes, loads that wreck deer on very long desert shots, and loads that hammer elk. Working for an outfitter I felt the need to have a brown bear caliber. Many a moose and bear has been taken with a 270 win, but my goal was a shoulder breaker (theirs not mine) I have 338 win mags and the preferred rifle with the outfitters was a 300 win mag. 325wsm is everything you could ask for if you want a very pleasant to shoot freight train. The drop at long range is noticeable and I would not recommend it for shooting distances longer than 400 yards (while hunting) but if I have both rifles available I’d choose it nowadays even for deer when there’s wind and no brush. It ignores the wind.
The 270wsm was bought in 06. I bought the 325wsm in 2015. Both are winchesters, but made in different factories. The 06 is classic Winchester, the FN Winchester is a different model 70 entirely.
I have a browning x bolt in 325 wsm. Amazing killing machine elk and moose cartridge at 400-600 yards. It’s deadly I have taken many elk in Colorado shooting across mountains/ridges 1 shot kills that don’t run I have had my 300 wsm and 300 win mag. But the 8 mm bullet just kills quick. It dumps energy and turns Harry and lungs into soup and drops game quick. Wish it was more available. 338 win mag power and carries like a carbine rifle all day. LOVE mine
Great video, great series! Would love to see more! So naturally, I’d love to add a few things about 325 WSM. 2001. They introduced the 300 WSM as the newest greatest cartridge. Then four years later, they introduced the 325 as the newest greatest… you can’t stack the newest greatest cartridges so close, especially when ballistically the difference is… Minimal. Certainly availability is a big thing, I reload for the 8×57 and at this point the only bullets I can find are PPU. Fine for shooting at the range but not something I would take on a once in a lifetime coastal brown bear hunt. (of which Alaska fishing game on their website even says the two biggest reason people fail in their hunts here are lack of physical conditioning, and they brought a brand new fancy magnum rifle they are not familiar with, for big bear hunts. They recommend a 30-06 with 200 bullets.) The 300 cartridges are more than enough gun for anything in North America, and unfortunately, the 325 isn’t bringing enough difference to make all of the work it takes to become familiar enough with the cartridge to hunt confidently at distance. When I brought home my first 300 WSM, the only loading component I did not have s was the brass. I already had a very wide range of weights, brands, and bullet construction for the 30 caliber from my previous calibers I reloaded. The 325 also doesn’t legally meet the requirement for most African hunts so anyone with the resources to enjoy those won’t even consider the 325 WSM. I feel that it suffers the same fate from a non-Hunting perspective. It doesn’t bring enough difference to the table. If someone is shooting long range be it for competition, or just for fun there are a plethora of medium bore cartridges that absolutely smokes the 325 WSM. And if you’re shooting from a bench, what is the advantage of having a short action versus a magnum action? I wish I could lament the failure of the 325 WSM, but unfortunately, I used up all of my lamenting at the failure of the 8mm Rem Mag.
I talked to Ryan last October about this cartridge when I came across a Kimber Montana chambered in it and didn’t know much about it…glad you guys did this, appreciate it!
My first hunting rifle (got in the early 1970s) is a 8X57 IS. It was my only rifle until the mid 1990s. I've killed tons of game with it over the decades. It's a great cartridge and I have a 325 WSM as well. 8mm is not too large for deer sized game using 150-170 grain bullets and due to the added frontal area, more potent on elk sized game than a 30 caliber. With a 200 or 220 grain bullet, I believe the 325 WSM is an ideal elk cartridge. I have one of Mauser's current production 98s in 9.3X62 and for moose, large brown bear or African game, with a 250 or 286 grain bullet, it is more than adequate. I shoot Long-Range and Mid-Range F-Class Open with 215 grain Berger Hybrid Target bullets in 300 WSM and 300 SAUM. If there was a high BC .323" bullet available, I'd use 325 WSM too.
The WSM's were designed just before laser rangefinders became widespread. Short-mags were really considered flat-shooting 500-yard max cartridges. The 325 WSM more of a 300-yard cartridge. They generally used relatively light bullets to get high velocities. Before many hunters had good range finders, a flat trajectory was needed to minimize range-estimation errors. Long-range cartridges as we think of them today, mainly became popular after 2010. Most early 300 WSM loads, for example were around 150 grains. The 325 often shot 180grains.
@@kalen4246 I am saying how it was viewed at the time. Look up some of the articles from when it came out.. The main original loading was 180 grain. It was marketed as a "bigger game", cartridge that shot very flat out to 300 yards. That was when the whole goal was to point and shoot without worrying about bullet drop. The .323 bullets make good use of the case capacity and using today's bullets is capable of excellent performance. Luckily, the spec is 1:10" twist which permits fairly long bullets. Like the other WSM's, using a standard action and loading long really helps.
I think you’re probably correct. I have a 270wsm, and as a 350 yard and in type of hunter, it’s perfect. Also I use copper bullets, so maximizing velocity is important. The WSMs are great, and a 300 might just be in my future.
I bought a Remington 700 BDL in 8mm mag when it came out never caught on same thing as the 325wsm the 8mm mags problem was when it came out there wasn't any good bullets that would stand up to that velocity. Today we have good bullets for it now. It's a great cartridge also just never caught on.
Sherman Short Magnums! 338 SS and 338 Mega! The SS is pushing 250's at 2800 and the Mega at 2950! If you build a magnum short action of any sort, it needs to be on a long action or Tikka action and custom throat to seat the heavies to where they need to be and still fit in a factory mag. Great video guys!
6.5 SS owner checking in! I put it together right before the 6.5 PRC came out. The PRC would have fit my needs just fine, but I dig the Sherman Shortmag.
450 Marlin would be a great one, by the time it was released, 45-70(thanks to higher case capacity) was being handloaded in leverguns to higher velocities/energies than it. 450 Marlin was basically solving a problem no one had, even at the time.
I had a Savage model 16 in 270 WSM that I re-barreled with a 24" custom barrel chambered in 325 WSM. I took an average Shiras Bull Moose with it here in Idaho. I was using the Winchester Factory load that had a 220 gr Sierra GameKing bullet. I shot the moose at about 80 yards with one shot broadside and it reacted instantly. It ran in an approximately 20ft circle and fell over DRT. The bullet was located just under the hide on the far side perfectly mushroomed. It was a heavier rifle than the one I wanted in 325 WSM which was the Kimber Montana. The Montana was probably as much as a pound to a pound and a half lighter. The Savage was pretty easy to shoot and didn't seem to kick any harder than a 30/06. I have since sold the 325 WSM. Ironically, my dad gave me his Remington 700 BDL chambered in 8mm Rem Mag. So I still have something in 8mm cal. I also own a 338 Win Mag in a Winchester mod 70 stainless CRF action and it will do anything and everything I could ever need a medium bore to do with a much wider bullet selection than 8mm. Mostly now I choose the rifle I take hunting based on whether it is raining/snowing or not as the 8mm Mag is Blued with a wood stock. I like them both and either one is adequate for deer thru bears of either the black or brown variety. The 325 WSM is definitely capable if that was the only big game rifle you owned. I think you would be considered well armed and could handle any game animal you cared to shoot at reasonable ranges. YMMV
You guys read my mind. I stumbled upon this cartridge a week or so ago in my reloading manual and after checking it out, I was shocked I haven't heard more about it. Per Lyman's 51st Reloading Manual, the fastest 325 WSM 220 grain loading hits 2790, while the fastest 225 grain loading for the 338 win mag is 2769 (no 220 grain loadings listed). Nearly 338 win mag performance out of a short action rifle, with about 10% less recoil? Wow.
I own the 325 wsm and the 300 wsm and hand load for.both. 325 with 180 grain copper bullet like the gmx, cx ttsx or lrx smokes the 300. In velocity and energy. It's like the hate on for the 7mm rem mag vs the 300 win mag or the 7mm08 vs 308. All great cartridges listed above. Personal preference or lack of experience with a certain cartridge is something we can all associate with. But I recommend trying some hand loads in a 325 wsm and doing some hunting with it. You wont be disappointed.
If we are talking about cartridges that never really took off, I’d love to hear more on the 30 T/C. It’s one of my favorite cartridges and superbly accurate. Love the podcast!
Thanks for this. Its intriguing cartridge. Im glad you mentioned the 338 RCM. I have a 338 RCM and use it in Alaska. Handy rifle to go in the airplane or as one of your other commenters mentioned in the boat. Nice discussion also abt the 338-06 which is also intriguing. I have a 338 win mag tho and am not sure i need 3 338s (but maybe i do!). I have taken the 338 RCM bear hunting. Thanks for the program.
Vasilent arsenal has a full line of wsm based cartridges. The biggest problem with the wsm cartridges is that factory loads had to be loaded to 2.800 inches to fit in most magazines and the winchester rifles had a magazine box length of 3.100 inches.
I took that 325 WSM case and necked it up to .358” PAC Nor built the barrel, and Redding made the dies. It will push 225 grain bullets to 2930 fps, and 250s to 2800 fps even. A hell of a Moose killing machine.!
I love these cartridge Podcasts! Podcast Suggestion: Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn having a conversation with "Ron Spomer" I hope you are preparing a Super-Special Ep. 308 Podcast to the iconic .308 / 7.62 cartridge. Thank you Vortex Team
Like the segment. A co-worker of mine had the 325 and did wonderful with it. It was easier to shoot than my 338 win with close to the same performance. My cousin has the 7wsm and loads 180 hybrids and sees numbers very close to the 7 PRC, but like Ryan said in that segment, he had to get the chamber custom made to handle his loading.
I am a big fan on the 300 wsm. Im also really liking the 35 whelen. How about a wsm case necked out to .358 and made readily available. Now thats something i think would take off
I like that idea. I might have to try and wildcat that one. i love the 358win but wish i could have a little more and in iowa we can deer hunt with necked cartridge over .35 and 35 whelen is a great but if its going to be hard to find i might as well try and make a short action option
@@timbjork2098 i believe it has been done . Would just be cool if it was readily available. I think it would be a hit with alot of north americans that elk hunt in grizzly country.
Love my 325wsm and all the wsms for that matter have matching model 70 stainless in 270 , 300 and 325 all shoot barnes ttxx or lrx.sub moa . They are Very efficient cartridges Great case life for reloading . My 325 shoots 160 gr ttxs at 3380 fps avrage absolutely awesome preformance on elk
I have a .325wsm. Found an unfired Xbolt Stainless Stalker about 5yrs ago. I have put only 20rounds through it, of the Win Exped 200gr CT ammo. The last shot it fired killed a young bull moose at 162yards. Moose walked 25yards and fell over. Bullet was recovered on the opposite side, stuck into the hide. I have 6 full boxes of ammo for it. They were $78/box (CAD)at the time, now they’re usually $110 if I can find them lol.
There are too many cartridges on each side of the 325 WSM . As an original 323fan. If your hand loading, the 325 really didn't do much more than 8mm Mauser . But it still all comes down to what you want and what you think is viable for your situation.😊
Regardless of whether the lead balloon floats...you should provide best platform for the cartridge discussed. I think the answer for the .325WSM would be a BLR Takedown. Small, compact, fast cycling, and with a 22" barrel not a ballistic slouch. Great pack gun for Big Bear territory.
I actually happen to have a .325 WSM savage barrel sitting in my basement, which I ironically rebarreled to 6.8 Western when the cartridge was first announced. I never had the pleasure of shooting at game with it, kind of wish I tried it once or twice.
My main gripe with the WSM cartridges is that they use an older style straight-taper chamber which tends to make it more difficult to get an accurate load. The SAUM and RCM cartridges use the now-standard design with a section of relatively tight freebore (leade) to help align the bullet before it enters the rifling. Even Winchester's later 6.8 Western uses that design. FWIW, the "match" chambers for the WSM's add a section of freebore. IMO, the reason that the WSM's became more popular than the other early short mags is that their cases are slightly larger and have slightly higher velocities. If you read comparison articles, they always point out that the WSM are faster and therefore must be better.
358win and 338fed should be an episode. I stilll don't understand why these 308 case family rounds didn't become more popular? 307 and 356 fall into that same family and should have been more appreciated. 7-30 Waters is a great but forgotten round, as a single shot or lever action round it is one of the best!
I was gifted a Win 70 in 325 WSM that my Ma won and had zero use for in Wisconsin (I live in Montana). I don't know I would have bought one (or any of the WSMs for that matter), but I can say owning one, this cartridge is a beast! It will put down anything shot with it with extreme prejudice. I do handload for it, since factory ammo is roughly $6 a round now, but getting brass is a challenge.
@@jmgates09 In a pinch, you can neck up 300 WSM to 325 WSM without too much effort, but finding those are getting harder all the time too. One could size down to 7 WSM, but you may need to turn down the neck depending on the brass. I figure for the price, a new 6.8 Western barrel can be swapped easy-peasy too (Same .404 Jeffery parent case as the WSM family). So I guess we'll see what happens going forward.
@Ebbyman413 I was able to get 100 new pieces of brass off gun broker and 3 boxes of HSm ammo with Bertram Brass so I should be good with 7wsm for some years but I also have 400 rounds of 300wsm and 100 rounds for 270wsm I just started reloading so it's a slow learning process for me
338 RPM from weatherby (who does not make mistakes) is almost the exact thing you are describing for fixing the .325. I wish you had brought that up. Also my elk camp in Eastern Washington State is almost 50% .325 WSM. Steep grade+lightweight magnum= Fun.
I think it was Jeff Cooper who said that the first question that shoukd be asked whenever a new cartridge design was released is "What will it do that previous designs won't?" In the case of the .325, the answer is "very little". There were already a number of cartridges that use similar bullet weights at similar velocities, and the supposed design advantages of the short magnum case are - at best - marginal in hunting rifles used in the field. Any claims otherwise must be assessed with all other variables eliminated. Same weight rifle, same quality build, same projectile design, etc. The ask who is actually going to notice 1/2" difference in trajectory or group size at 500 yards. Good luck, fellas.
I think it would be cool if you all talked about what you would do to make your own personal wildcat cartridge. What parent case would you use and what would you change about it to make it into your "ideal" hunting rifle cartridge
Great discussion guys. I wanted a 325 for a long time. I am glad i waited! I will be going with a 300. Ok so that said, I have a 25 WSSM. What are your thoughts? In my opinion it is a fabulous round in my browning A bolt. Love to hear thoughts on this in your series! Cheers Gents
I have a browning a-bolt in .325 wsm. The only time I use it is when I go elk hunting with my family and it has never let me down since I first bought it.
Great episode guys, I was wondering if we could talk about some more 35 caliber stuff. I'm a big fan but it seems like they haven't done well commercially.
How about doing a 10 minute episode on left-handed versus right handed shooters. I shoot pistols right handed, but I’m a natural lefty with long guns. I noticed two of the three of you are left-handed, but do you both shoot right hand rifles? Why? Are there disadvantages to being left-handed in today’s shooting sports? Thanks again, love your podcast.
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I need this lead balloon series to continue. Please do more love the channel.
YES
🙌
👍👍
Definitely stay tuned!
Love the Lead Balloon idea. Great concept for a podcast. Nobody can get too much cartridge talk
Thanks for the review. I've been waiting for this review for a long time. I have a .325 WSM and it's dead on. From Elk to mule deer to whitetails to black bears, it does it all. I hope this cartridge never dies. 200 grains always does the job. I have many Browning Rifles from .243, .308, 6.8 Western but the .325 WSM is my favorite.
Same here. I love my 325 and 200 grain hits like a lead balloon !
I smoked my bull elk at 780 yards with my 325..
How does the 325 compare to the 300 with 200 gr bullets
.325 WSM 200 gr. Accubond @ 2950. It's very efficient!
I wonder the same. I bet a 200 grain 300wsm makes more sense ballistically
Great episode. I’ve had and used a 325WSM for years guiding in BC. It’s an awesome cartridge. I’ve killed everything Grizzly, Moose, Elk, Mountain Goats and Sheep, many Deer, Wolves and coyotes. Pretty much everything in BC. Was originally looking at a 338WM but it was too long for me. I’m a handloader and have lots of rounds and components. Should be set to shoot my 325 for as long as I need to. Peace dudes, keep up the good work.
Another northern bc guy here . I run a 35 Whelen with 225 accubonds up here and have killed elk , deer and bears so far , I just picked up a 325wsm in a pistol grip browning blr . I’m excited to try it on game
The problem with 8mm cartridges is that Americans don't understand ballistics. And for the longest time it was very hard to find good US 8mm bullets. The 8mm Mauser--one of the all time great cartridges--was underloaded by US ammo companies for years because Americans don't understand ballistics. So Americans never appreciated the 8mm bore diameter.
I bought a .325 WSM Browning X-Bolt at Gander Mountain in DeForest, WI when they went out of business. I can resize .300 WSM brass and there are plenty of 8mm options for bullet availability due to the unpopular diameter. It is as close to benchrest accurate I’ve found with Varget powder and Nosler AB’s.
I took an elk with it and it performed like a 338 WM. I personally don’t care how popular a cartridge is. I care about terminal performance. Absolutely love this cartridge/ rifle combination. Never getting rid of it.
Love this cartridge. I took my first (and only) bull elk with this cartridge, and my first (and only) desert bighorn sheep with this cartridge. The sheep was taken at 510 yards. The Browning X-Bolt that I shoot this in, is one of my most accurate hunting rifles. Load it heavy and it's a .338 WM. Load it lighter, and it's a .30-06.
At 500 yards the 6.5 PRC has the same energy as the 325 WSM.
Ope. Looks like you hit your 10-like threshold... looking forward to the next lead balloon segment. 7 STW would be a weird cartridge to talk about.
😂 we tried. Thanks for tuning in!
If I were to sell my STW, it would be for the 7 Rem Mag or PRC
Just bought a Savage Bear Hunter in .325 WSM. Stainless, fluted barrel, integrated brake. Shooting 220gr at 2900fps. G1.521BC. I'm happy with it. Approx 2000ft/lbs at 500 yards.
Where did you find that at I need one in my life
And me waiting for this episode to talk about .284 / 7mm cartridges. Definitely would have been the best episode. No problem thanks for everything Vortex.
We appreciate the feedback and will definitely see what we can do for you on that in the future! Thanks so much for tuning in!
Finally thanks mark and Ryan much love for the 325 here in Australia🇦🇺🇦🇺 it’s hard hitting and it’s not some boring 30cal
I had 300wsm first and sold it and brought the 325wsm cause it’s unique different not everyone has one and it’s not a tikka haha
We're so happy you enjoyed it, Luke! Thank YOU so much for tuning in all the way from Australia! 👊
Like they say, the “cool factor” trumps everything. Same reason I like the 16ga over the 12ga.
I hope this series continues!! I'd love to hear you guys talk about the smallest of the big bores the 375 Winchester centerfire Magnum, could have been a very successful straight walled cartridge only to die out within a few years of its existence.
Can absolutely look into that! Definitely stay tuned - more to come and appreciate the suggestion!
In the process of building a 375 WSM, necking up 325 WSM. Should run a 250 CX @ 2550, 3500 ft-lbs. 4" Max Trajectory Height, 236 Yd zero, 285 MPBR, 6" drop at 300 yds, 24" drop at 400 yds. Elk Thumper. Great job guys.
Wow that sound intriguing
8X57JSM :)
Glad to enjoyed the episode, thanks for tuning in! Keep us posted on the new build!
You should see better performance than that ... ive built a couple one on a browning lever gun. My favorite wsm variant is the 358 wsm or 35 sanbar. It pushes a 250 gr partition @ 2850 fps with 4500 fpe at the muzzle . It is the twin of the 358 norma mag in every aspect. Flatter than a 30-06 and still has 2500 fpe past 500 yrds.
160 Gr .375 RCM with a German 8mm extracted SMK 130gr tungsten core enveloped in brass would go through level 4 @ 300y with a 16 inch KAC SR25.
Zero recoil.
I love waking up to God's green country, seeing a cartridge talk pop up on my RUclips. Makes for a good day. Maybe do a whole wsm and wssm cartridge talk.
This made our day! Thanks so much for your support, Quinton! It truly means the world to us. We'll definitely see what we can do for you on that topic, my friend!
@@VortexNation thank you! I'll be looking forward to it.
🤜 🤛
Absolutely love these cartridge talks!! Keep ‘em coming!!!
More to come for sure! Stay tuned!
The 325 is the best of the wsm series , absolute hammer
Numbers say the 300 but I have all but the 325 I'm looking for one but I'd say the 7mm is my fav
@@jmgates09the 7wsm is a hugely under appreciated cartridge
If you don’t have a WSM already…. And you have the time and money to find the decent .323 components then it’s a good choice. Otherwise a person could be a one gun hunter with a 300WSM and a reloading press.
Makes zero sense that .270 wsm did better than 7mm. Competition from 7mm R.M. caused that?
@@ScottH-hl3zvmust have been . The 7wsm is an awesome cartridge !!
01:34 That's another reason I like you guys. Because you speak proper English. The word is, in fact, regardless. But I have heard so many people say irregardless and think they are being proper. It grinds me as much as people calling a certain equipment a hot water heater. It is not a hot water heater, it is a water heater. If the water was already hot, such as a hot spring, you would not need a heater.
Do not get me started no "nuculer" (the mispronunciation of nuclear.)
So, immediate thumbs up before I have seen the whole vid.
In Europe we use 8.68s, since 1938, and it’s a great cartridge, sometimes used for dangerous game in Africa. 5:27
There are folks still rocken the 8mm Remington Magnum which also faded, so the 325 WSM will still be around for a long time.
Being a guy who constantly scans forums and gun mags for new cartridges, just because I'm a gun nerd, I really appreciate the Lead Balloon series. Great background, current updates, and everything in between.
It's like "Behind The Music" for cartridge junkies.
Please keep at it!
Best,
JBR
I would suggest the WSSM series of super-short magnums.
The .510 Beck (I wanted that to happen bad).
The .224 Boz (both versions).
9x25 Dillon.
.480 Ruger.
Best,
JBR
This could be a great series but it would have been even better if you had the rounds on the table for a physical comparison, maybe for the next episode? Cheers
Stay tuned 😏
I have a 325 WSM in Winchester M70 feather weight. It performs well, and I don’t think it’s recoil too bad. I haven’t fired it in years because of poor ammunition supply. I like it, but it’s gone the way of the dodo. Thanks for your show.
Definitely understandable! Thanks so much for tuning in, my friend!
I like this round so much, I just re-barreled a Montana 1999, but have to admit that I've only used it in years past in Alaska for moose. It and the 338 RCM are both about perfect for a handy rifle, especially for float trips.
I have the 325 WSM in. Browning Xbolt. I absolutely love this cartridge. Very very efficient, it likes two bullets more than any other, the Nosler Accubond and the Barnes TSX, both 200gr and both over RL17. I can’t quite reach the book numbers for the Accubond without a compressed load which I prefer to avoid. The TSX reaches the book MV easily. That issue points out the isdue with the chamber/cartridge design that handicaps it. The throat of factory rifles/standard chamber design prevented bullets in the 200 gr and 225 grn weights from being seated out far enough to not intrude into the case capacity. Issues that later cartridge designs from Creedmore and PRC which allow heavy for caliber bullets to be used without sacrificing case capacity. The reporting at the time was that they couldn’t keep it in a short action and give it the design the throat length it needed - which was supposedly also a reason why the 338 test cartridge was dropped.
Despite what some writers have written, the recoil is mild IMO. I literally could discern very little difference between the 325 in the Xbolt SS Stalker from my Remington 270 BDL. That mild recoil easily makes the 325 a true all rounder for every animal in North America and African plains game. The only real drawback currently is Norma is the only brass still readily available.
Ive been looking for a 325 WSM Since i first shot one way back when it came out. Love this cartridge. It and the 270 WSM are faves out of the series. My next fave? The 25 WSSM 😉
Mark talked me into a 300wsm liked it so much got the 270 n 7mm wsm now I just need the 325
My uncle in law has a browning a-bolt in 325 wsm for when he goes elk hunting. He loves the thing and swears by the cartridge. Knowing him, its probably loaded with swift sciroccos. They tend to be his bullet of choice. Last I talked to him about building a rifle, he suggested I build a 6.5 prc so he can take me on an elk hunt with him. I think, He has come to the realization that critters of all sizes really don’t need the amount of power the old school bullets required.
@fnkdtnk Nah, build or buy a 7mm PRC for Elk. I handload and don't give a crap that my 300 RCM has been dropped.
@ if i build something new I’m leaning toward a 7 at this point. But, I’m also looking at the dust collecting 30-06 in my safe, knowing I can push it hotter than I have, and thinking a 180 ablr would be quite effective.
@fnkdtnk 180 gr for Elk probably. Otherwise, 165 in 30-06 for trajectory
I like this series concept. There's so many cartridges that were released and died on the vine for one reason or other; 338 Fed (a favourite of mine) comes to mind
Right on! Glad to hear you enjoy it! Stay tuned because there's more to come!
It solved my problem in Alaska as I owned neither a 300 or 338. This was in a lighter rifle, had a shorter action and had all the power I needed. I knew it wasn’t popular so I bought dies and a lot of cases. They will last me a long time.
300 Savage….does everything you talked about. 150-180 factory, 200 hand loads , still the best North American cartridge for medium ranges. 308 while the child of the 300 SAVAGE is still a beast on short actions…recoil on both, minimal
Muckenhirn has been a good boy, just give him his series already!
Thanks for tuning in! Muck is a wealth of knowledge!
I can say from personal observation the 325 WSM is an absolute hammer on game. Despite its ballistics shortcomings, which I am very familiar with as a long distance shooter it is an awesome round to hunt with if you are shooting within reasonable shooting distances.
A guy in my elk camp loads his 325 wsm with 220 grain woodleighs at 2900fps. It flat crushes elk. He calls it his light 8mm. His heavy is a long throated 8mm rem mag.
I just had my reamer delivered for 375 WSM. I necked up 325WSM brass. Pretty straight forward, but I am really excited to try it out.
Tell me more how is it working out??
When i was looking for a rifle for Canadian moose back in the 00's, i briefly flirted with the 325 wsm before settling on a 300 RUM. No regrets, but I've always had a bit of a fondness for the 325. Great podcast, I'll take all the lead balloons you got.
Glad to see you all mention the 8mm Rem Mag!
🤜 🤛
I really enjoyed this particular podcast. I bought one when they first came out in a Browning A-Bolt and absolutely love the round. I owned a 338 Win Mag and sold it after I bought this rifle. So far my A-Bolt has taken 5 elk, a couple of Yukon moose, and two Kodiak Bears. It is sad that the caliber never took off and ammo is almost impossible to find now, but honestly, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
I loved my 270WSM have hunted everything with it. I have loads that stay inside coyotes, loads that wreck deer on very long desert shots, and loads that hammer elk. Working for an outfitter I felt the need to have a brown bear caliber. Many a moose and bear has been taken with a 270 win, but my goal was a shoulder breaker (theirs not mine) I have 338 win mags and the preferred rifle with the outfitters was a 300 win mag. 325wsm is everything you could ask for if you want a very pleasant to shoot freight train. The drop at long range is noticeable and I would not recommend it for shooting distances longer than 400 yards (while hunting) but if I have both rifles available I’d choose it nowadays even for deer when there’s wind and no brush. It ignores the wind.
The 270wsm was bought in 06. I bought the 325wsm in 2015. Both are winchesters, but made in different factories. The 06 is classic Winchester, the FN Winchester is a different model 70 entirely.
I have a browning x bolt in 325 wsm. Amazing killing machine elk and moose cartridge at 400-600 yards. It’s deadly I have taken many elk in Colorado shooting across mountains/ridges 1 shot kills that don’t run I have had my 300 wsm and 300 win mag. But the 8 mm bullet just kills quick. It dumps energy and turns Harry and lungs into soup and drops game quick. Wish it was more available. 338 win mag power and carries like a carbine rifle all day. LOVE mine
Great video, great series! Would love to see more!
So naturally, I’d love to add a few things about 325 WSM.
2001. They introduced the 300 WSM as the newest greatest cartridge.
Then four years later, they introduced the 325 as the newest greatest… you can’t stack the newest greatest cartridges so close, especially when ballistically the difference is… Minimal.
Certainly availability is a big thing, I reload for the 8×57 and at this point the only bullets I can find are PPU. Fine for shooting at the range but not something I would take on a once in a lifetime coastal brown bear hunt. (of which Alaska fishing game on their website even says the two biggest reason people fail in their hunts here are lack of physical conditioning, and they brought a brand new fancy magnum rifle they are not familiar with, for big bear hunts. They recommend a 30-06 with 200 bullets.)
The 300 cartridges are more than enough gun for anything in North America, and unfortunately, the 325 isn’t bringing enough difference to make all of the work it takes to become familiar enough with the cartridge to hunt confidently at distance. When I brought home my first 300 WSM, the only loading component I did not have s was the brass. I already had a very wide range of weights, brands, and bullet construction for the 30 caliber from my previous calibers I reloaded.
The 325 also doesn’t legally meet the requirement for most African hunts so anyone with the resources to enjoy those won’t even consider the 325 WSM.
I feel that it suffers the same fate from a non-Hunting perspective.
It doesn’t bring enough difference to the table.
If someone is shooting long range be it for competition, or just for fun there are a plethora of medium bore cartridges that absolutely smokes the 325 WSM. And if you’re shooting from a bench, what is the advantage of having a short action versus a magnum action?
I wish I could lament the failure of the 325 WSM, but unfortunately, I used up all of my lamenting at the failure of the 8mm Rem Mag.
I talked to Ryan last October about this cartridge when I came across a Kimber Montana chambered in it and didn’t know much about it…glad you guys did this, appreciate it!
Absolutely! Thanks for turning in!
My first hunting rifle (got in the early 1970s) is a 8X57 IS. It was my only rifle until the mid 1990s. I've killed tons of game with it over the decades. It's a great cartridge and I have a 325 WSM as well. 8mm is not too large for deer sized game using 150-170 grain bullets and due to the added frontal area, more potent on elk sized game than a 30 caliber. With a 200 or 220 grain bullet, I believe the 325 WSM is an ideal elk cartridge. I have one of Mauser's current production 98s in 9.3X62 and for moose, large brown bear or African game, with a 250 or 286 grain bullet, it is more than adequate. I shoot Long-Range and Mid-Range F-Class Open with 215 grain Berger Hybrid Target bullets in 300 WSM and 300 SAUM. If there was a high BC .323" bullet available, I'd use 325 WSM too.
The WSM's were designed just before laser rangefinders became widespread. Short-mags were really considered flat-shooting 500-yard max cartridges. The 325 WSM more of a 300-yard cartridge. They generally used relatively light bullets to get high velocities. Before many hunters had good range finders, a flat trajectory was needed to minimize range-estimation errors. Long-range cartridges as we think of them today, mainly became popular after 2010. Most early 300 WSM loads, for example were around 150 grains. The 325 often shot 180grains.
Lol I’ve dropped moose, caribou, grizzlies over 500yards with that round but sure yeh 300 yard round lol
@@kalen4246 I am saying how it was viewed at the time. Look up some of the articles from when it came out.. The main original loading was 180 grain. It was marketed as a "bigger game", cartridge that shot very flat out to 300 yards. That was when the whole goal was to point and shoot without worrying about bullet drop.
The .323 bullets make good use of the case capacity and using today's bullets is capable of excellent performance. Luckily, the spec is 1:10" twist which permits fairly long bullets. Like the other WSM's, using a standard action and loading long really helps.
I think you’re probably correct. I have a 270wsm, and as a 350 yard and in type of hunter, it’s perfect. Also I use copper bullets, so maximizing velocity is important. The WSMs are great, and a 300 might just be in my future.
I bought a Remington 700 BDL in 8mm mag when it came out never caught on same thing as the 325wsm the 8mm mags problem was when it came out there wasn't any good bullets that would stand up to that velocity. Today we have good bullets for it now. It's a great cartridge also just never caught on.
Sherman Short Magnums! 338 SS and 338 Mega! The SS is pushing 250's at 2800 and the Mega at 2950! If you build a magnum short action of any sort, it needs to be on a long action or Tikka action and custom throat to seat the heavies to where they need to be and still fit in a factory mag. Great video guys!
6.5 SS owner checking in! I put it together right before the 6.5 PRC came out. The PRC would have fit my needs just fine, but I dig the Sherman Shortmag.
I've got a 270 wsm and a 325 wsm and love them. Rounds were hard to get till i found Outdoor limited and stocked up for life.
Need more Lead Balloon episodes for sure .
We're glad you enjoyed it! Stay tuned!
450 Marlin would be a great one, by the time it was released, 45-70(thanks to higher case capacity) was being handloaded in leverguns to higher velocities/energies than it.
450 Marlin was basically solving a problem no one had, even at the time.
The 7 wsm was amazing it’s a shame it didn’t take off
Agree. Same with the 270wsm, though it’s more popular than the 7. I like the wsm line in general.
My 7wsm still putting in work with the 168 and 175gr bergers
@fjb5263 Other than the number of competing cartridges, it makes no sense that .270 wsm has a bigger following than 7mm wsm
I had a Savage model 16 in 270 WSM that I re-barreled with a 24" custom barrel chambered in 325 WSM. I took an average Shiras Bull Moose with it here in Idaho. I was using the Winchester Factory load that had a 220 gr Sierra GameKing bullet. I shot the moose at about 80 yards with one shot broadside and it reacted instantly. It ran in an approximately 20ft circle and fell over DRT. The bullet was located just under the hide on the far side perfectly mushroomed. It was a heavier rifle than the one I wanted in 325 WSM which was the Kimber Montana. The Montana was probably as much as a pound to a pound and a half lighter. The Savage was pretty easy to shoot and didn't seem to kick any harder than a 30/06. I have since sold the 325 WSM. Ironically, my dad gave me his Remington 700 BDL chambered in 8mm Rem Mag. So I still have something in 8mm cal. I also own a 338 Win Mag in a Winchester mod 70 stainless CRF action and it will do anything and everything I could ever need a medium bore to do with a much wider bullet selection than 8mm. Mostly now I choose the rifle I take hunting based on whether it is raining/snowing or not as the 8mm Mag is Blued with a wood stock. I like them both and either one is adequate for deer thru bears of either the black or brown variety. The 325 WSM is definitely capable if that was the only big game rifle you owned. I think you would be considered well armed and could handle any game animal you cared to shoot at reasonable ranges. YMMV
Now that y'all have introduced the lead balloon concept there's no reason that my beloved .41 rem mag should continue to get the snub
A decent cartridge plagued by the firearms it was chambered in. Its a shame, really.
You guys read my mind. I stumbled upon this cartridge a week or so ago in my reloading manual and after checking it out, I was shocked I haven't heard more about it. Per Lyman's 51st Reloading Manual, the fastest 325 WSM 220 grain loading hits 2790, while the fastest 225 grain loading for the 338 win mag is 2769 (no 220 grain loadings listed). Nearly 338 win mag performance out of a short action rifle, with about 10% less recoil? Wow.
We've never claimed to be mind readers but....... 👀
I own the 325 wsm and the 300 wsm and hand load for.both. 325 with 180 grain copper bullet like the gmx, cx ttsx or lrx smokes the 300. In velocity and energy.
It's like the hate on for the 7mm rem mag vs the 300 win mag or the 7mm08 vs 308.
All great cartridges listed above. Personal preference or lack of experience with a certain cartridge is something we can all associate with. But I recommend trying some hand loads in a 325 wsm and doing some hunting with it. You wont be disappointed.
Love it. Thanks guys!
Thank YOU for tuning in! We're glad you enjoyed it!
Great round!!!! I love my 358 Norma mag too--another lead balloon
Keep the lead balloon series going, great content, 👍
If we are talking about cartridges that never really took off, I’d love to hear more on the 30 T/C. It’s one of my favorite cartridges and superbly accurate. Love the podcast!
Thanks for tuning in!
Thanks for this. Its intriguing cartridge. Im glad you mentioned the 338 RCM. I have a 338 RCM and use it in Alaska. Handy rifle to go in the airplane or as one of your other commenters mentioned in the boat. Nice discussion also abt the 338-06 which is also intriguing. I have a 338 win mag tho and am not sure i need 3 338s (but maybe i do!). I have taken the 338 RCM bear hunting. Thanks for the program.
Thanks for tuning in - glad you enjoyed! And thank you for being a part of Vortex Nation!
After watching the full video I’m Deff going to bring my .325WSM on my Canadian moose hunt this October!
Love your pod casts over here in the UK so much so that I purchased a new set of your Razor binoculars and I’m loving them
Keep up the good work
Thanks so much for tuning in! And thanks for being a part of Vortex Nation!
Vasilent arsenal has a full line of wsm based cartridges. The biggest problem with the wsm cartridges is that factory loads had to be loaded to 2.800 inches to fit in most magazines and the winchester rifles had a magazine box length of 3.100 inches.
338 06 AI seems like it would be an awesome rifle
It is!
They do great. My 35 Whelen is really similar . Just a bit higher velocity but a lower bc bullet . At hunting ranges bc means nothing tho
I took that 325 WSM case and necked it up to .358”
PAC Nor built the barrel, and Redding made the dies.
It will push 225 grain bullets to 2930 fps, and 250s to 2800 fps even.
A hell of a Moose killing machine.!
For closer range shots meaning 300 an in a guide in alaska said the 325 wsm is his fav go to for short barrel and kicls less than a 375 hh
I love these cartridge Podcasts!
Podcast Suggestion: Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn having a conversation with "Ron Spomer"
I hope you are preparing a Super-Special Ep. 308 Podcast to the iconic .308 / 7.62 cartridge.
Thank you Vortex Team
We greatly appreciate the feedback and can definitely look into it! Thanks for tuning in, my friend! Glad to hear you enjoy the cartridge talks!
I need more of these. I love this cartridge talk.
More to come! Thanks for tuning in and glad you like it!
We need a 10 minute talk on why Ryan hates the 7 mag. I love watching his demeanor when it comes up.
😂 😂 😂
Up next on 10 minute talk 340 weatherby
Like the segment. A co-worker of mine had the 325 and did wonderful with it. It was easier to shoot than my 338 win with close to the same performance. My cousin has the 7wsm and loads 180 hybrids and sees numbers very close to the 7 PRC, but like Ryan said in that segment, he had to get the chamber custom made to handle his loading.
I love the lead balloon series idea. 224 Valkyrie and 6.8 western definitely need on the schedule
I would like to see a lead balloon on the .224 I think it's well on its way there
Love this idea. Should do one on the 264 win mag please!!!!!!
Sure can! Appreciate the suggestion!
I am a big fan on the 300 wsm. Im also really liking the 35 whelen. How about a wsm case necked out to .358 and made readily available. Now thats something i think would take off
I like that idea. I might have to try and wildcat that one. i love the 358win but wish i could have a little more and in iowa we can deer hunt with necked cartridge over .35 and 35 whelen is a great but if its going to be hard to find i might as well try and make a short action option
@@timbjork2098 i believe it has been done . Would just be cool if it was readily available. I think it would be a hit with alot of north americans that elk hunt in grizzly country.
@@GHarasym your right it has been done, I found reamers for it and dies. I found a thread claming RL17, 73gr with 200gr barns getting 2950fps
I really like the 325
As an owner of a 25wssm i appreciate any conversations about Winchesters era of these lol
Love my 325wsm and all the wsms for that matter have matching model 70 stainless in 270 , 300 and 325 all shoot barnes ttxx or lrx.sub moa . They are Very efficient cartridges Great case life for reloading . My 325 shoots 160 gr ttxs at 3380 fps avrage absolutely awesome preformance on elk
Please do more cartridge autopsies! So many fantastic rounds over the years that are dead/on the brink of death!
I have a .325wsm. Found an unfired Xbolt Stainless Stalker about 5yrs ago. I have put only 20rounds through it, of the Win Exped 200gr CT ammo. The last shot it fired killed a young bull moose at 162yards. Moose walked 25yards and fell over. Bullet was recovered on the opposite side, stuck into the hide. I have 6 full boxes of ammo for it. They were $78/box (CAD)at the time, now they’re usually $110 if I can find them lol.
Gotta see more of these lead balloons! How about the .358 win and in one form or another I still need to see Ryan's knowledge on the .458 SOCOM
Had a huge want for a .325 WSM. Loved the ballistics and thought it would've been great in a BLR takedown.
I won the 2008 RMEF banquet rifle in .325 WSM, and I must say that I feel bad that such a beautiful rifle lives forever at the back of the safe.
Use it. Great cartridge!
Lead Balloon Idea: 25 WSSM
Do the 9.3x72R Sauer as a 10 minute Obscure Cartridge Talk
There are too many cartridges on each side of the 325 WSM . As an original 323fan. If your hand loading, the 325 really didn't do much more than 8mm Mauser . But it still all comes down to what you want and what you think is viable for your situation.😊
Regardless of whether the lead balloon floats...you should provide best platform for the cartridge discussed. I think the answer for the .325WSM would be a BLR Takedown. Small, compact, fast cycling, and with a 22" barrel not a ballistic slouch. Great pack gun for Big Bear territory.
I actually happen to have a .325 WSM savage barrel sitting in my basement, which I ironically rebarreled to 6.8 Western when the cartridge was first announced. I never had the pleasure of shooting at game with it, kind of wish I tried it once or twice.
My main gripe with the WSM cartridges is that they use an older style straight-taper chamber which tends to make it more difficult to get an accurate load. The SAUM and RCM cartridges use the now-standard design with a section of relatively tight freebore (leade) to help align the bullet before it enters the rifling. Even Winchester's later 6.8 Western uses that design. FWIW, the "match" chambers for the WSM's add a section of freebore. IMO, the reason that the WSM's became more popular than the other early short mags is that their cases are slightly larger and have slightly higher velocities. If you read comparison articles, they always point out that the WSM are faster and therefore must be better.
325 wsm suffers from no supply of affordable rifles, no reduced recoil ammo options. I love mine as a hunting cartridge.
358win and 338fed should be an episode. I stilll don't understand why these 308 case family rounds didn't become more popular?
307 and 356 fall into that same family and should have been more appreciated.
7-30 Waters is a great but forgotten round, as a single shot or lever action round it is one of the best!
I was gifted a Win 70 in 325 WSM that my Ma won and had zero use for in Wisconsin (I live in Montana). I don't know I would have bought one (or any of the WSMs for that matter), but I can say owning one, this cartridge is a beast! It will put down anything shot with it with extreme prejudice. I do handload for it, since factory ammo is roughly $6 a round now, but getting brass is a challenge.
Can't you use 300wsm brass I've just started reloading since I got a 7wsm and was wondering was sizing up or down is better
@@jmgates09 In a pinch, you can neck up 300 WSM to 325 WSM without too much effort, but finding those are getting harder all the time too. One could size down to 7 WSM, but you may need to turn down the neck depending on the brass. I figure for the price, a new 6.8 Western barrel can be swapped easy-peasy too (Same .404 Jeffery parent case as the WSM family). So I guess we'll see what happens going forward.
@Ebbyman413 I was able to get 100 new pieces of brass off gun broker and 3 boxes of HSm ammo with Bertram Brass so I should be good with 7wsm for some years but I also have 400 rounds of 300wsm and 100 rounds for 270wsm I just started reloading so it's a slow learning process for me
338 RPM from weatherby (who does not make mistakes) is almost the exact thing you are describing for fixing the .325. I wish you had brought that up. Also my elk camp in Eastern Washington State is almost 50% .325 WSM. Steep grade+lightweight magnum= Fun.
I think it was Jeff Cooper who said that the first question that shoukd be asked whenever a new cartridge design was released is "What will it do that previous designs won't?"
In the case of the .325, the answer is "very little".
There were already a number of cartridges that use similar bullet weights at similar velocities, and the supposed design advantages of the short magnum case are - at best - marginal in hunting rifles used in the field.
Any claims otherwise must be assessed with all other variables eliminated. Same weight rifle, same quality build, same projectile design, etc. The ask who is actually going to notice 1/2" difference in trajectory or group size at 500 yards.
Good luck, fellas.
Just my comments, I want to see more of the prep video/ bug out. That video you guy recently made was my favorite 😊 I thought it was Super funny.
Appreciate the feedback, Oscar! We'll likely be diving into more on that topic - stay tuned!
I think it would be cool if you all talked about what you would do to make your own personal wildcat cartridge. What parent case would you use and what would you change about it to make it into your "ideal" hunting rifle cartridge
More cartridge talks....lead ballon or otherwise......OUTSTANDING!
Appreciate the feedback! More to come!
Great discussion guys. I wanted a 325 for a long time. I am glad i waited! I will be going with a 300. Ok so that said, I have a 25 WSSM. What are your thoughts? In my opinion it is a fabulous round in my browning A bolt. Love to hear thoughts on this in your series! Cheers Gents
I have a browning a-bolt in .325 wsm. The only time I use it is when I go elk hunting with my family and it has never let me down since I first bought it.
Please do this series. I’m actually building a 338 RCM currently for a Tikka Switch Barrel rifle 😅 so I wanna see the RCM lead balloon series 😊
Great episode guys, I was wondering if we could talk about some more 35 caliber stuff. I'm a big fan but it seems like they haven't done well commercially.
You betcha! We'll get that on the docket and see what we can make happen.
Have the 338f balloon ,,remember when the wsm was hot and nearly pursued the 325, the fealing left quickly with no regrets….
Really in joyed this! I have a 7wsm and love it! But I would like to hear this on the 7wsm!!!
Thanks for tuning in! We'll add that to our list for sure!
32:38 Ryan's British accent. Good stuff.
I've recently acquired a 325 wsm and with it a decent stock of ammo
I'd call the 204 the biggest lead balloon if it wasn't for its horrible wind drift! Lol, great videos!
Thanks for tuning in!
How about doing a 10 minute episode on left-handed versus right handed shooters. I shoot pistols right handed, but I’m a natural lefty with long guns. I noticed two of the three of you are left-handed, but do you both shoot right hand rifles? Why? Are there disadvantages to being left-handed in today’s shooting sports? Thanks again, love your podcast.
Hey Scott! Certainly something we can look into and put in the topic hopper! Appreciate the suggestion!
Im the same way. What a mess with mixed eye dominance!🤪