Is the 325 WSM going by the way side.

Wild Bill G

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 13, 2016
Messages
304
I was really thinking about getting a 325WSM but not many places offer rifles chambered for it. Even a lot of the manufacturers don't seem to offer it. It seems like a highly eficient cartridge that has just never found a following is this the case.
 
I have one in a Browning X-Bolt and really like it. Recoil is manageable and the gun is accurate. Only drawback is the cost of ammo but if you reload then it would be like any other round in that respect. But you are correct it never has caught on.
 
I would say because the 8mm bullet was never that popular here in America, so it only makes sense that it would not catch on, though it is rather disappointing, because it is an efficient cartridge.

I wish more long range bullets were made in the 8mm, it would be another great option for elk and the like before stepping all the way up from a .308 to a .338....my father has an 8mm-06 built on a mauser action that shoots great and flat out kills things. 180 grain NBT's at 2950. But in the 325 wsm case or possibly a 325 Winchester magnum wildcat or other larger cartridge, a sleek high bc 220-250 would be an awesome long range elk hammer.
 
I agree, I think the 325 wsm is a dying breed. I love my 325 but with the lack of ammo and having to custom load almost everything it makes it a pain. I've never had an animal walk away after being shot by the 325, its a great hunting round. I guess Ill have to re barrel to a 300 wsm.
 
I would say because the 8mm bullet was never that popular here in America, so it only makes sense that it would not catch on, though it is rather disappointing, because it is an efficient cartridge.

I wish more long range bullets were made in the 8mm, it would be another great option for elk and the like before stepping all the way up from a .308 to a .338....my father has an 8mm-06 built on a mauser action that shoots great and flat out kills things. 180 grain NBT's at 2950. But in the 325 wsm case or possibly a 325 Winchester magnum wildcat or other larger cartridge, a sleek high bc 220-250 would be an awesome long range elk hammer.
We make that bullet. :)

I also think the 8mm is the victim of slow twist rate barrels like the 25's. Particularly with folks that want to shoot very far.

We are building a full custom for a 8mm guy right now. 8mm-388 Lapua imp. Should be done this fall. Really looking forward to loading it.

Steve
 
In the current world, it seems that the "factory" WSMs that will survive are the 270 and 300. The 7mm and 325 may DoDo.

The 7 suffers from the different dimensions problem that so many factories succumb to. Whether lawyer driven or ballistiction driven. The ballistician did it with the Nosler....

The 325 definitely suffers from the wrong bullets at the wrong time. Hammer makes a bullet that could have made the chambering. If Winchester were to release a larger than 300 WSM it today it would be a 338. Wildcatters already figured it out. Same with the 6.5, I personally think Winchester missed the mark there as well.
 
At one time the 8mm Rem Mag was the go to round for Elk for those forward thinking Elk hunters that knew the value of a large caliber with lots of energy and velocity. Most of us rely on the 338s now days because of the available bullets for it. The .323 Bullets have always been limited because when the 8mm were popular, most people were hunting with 270s and 30/06s and could not handle the 8mms recoil.

Now that we have good muzzle brakes and plenty of 338 bullets recoil is not an issue so the 8mm (.323) bullets selection has not improved much except for the guys that see the value in this size bullet and elected to build custom bullets for a great caliber.

The 8 mm Rem can produce over 4,000 ft/lbs of energy (And that is more than many larger cartridges). In my opinion the 325s only short coming was some of the rifles built for it and the availability of loading components for it. With energies approaching 3,900 ft/lbs it is also more than capable enough to take Elk.

There are still plenty of good bullets and components available for the 325 but wild caters have necked it up to 338 for a broader selection of bullets and it is essentially its ballistic equal.

The 325 will only die if we let it.

J E CUSTOM
 
I may still get one if I can find one at a good price. It is still my goal to own a rifle in every caliber and I don't have a 8mm yet. As was mentioned many times it looks super efficient like all the WSM's.
 
I was really thinking about getting a 325WSM but not many places offer rifles chambered for it. Even a lot of the manufacturers don't seem to offer it. It seems like a highly eficient cartridge that has just never found a following is this the case.
Great cartridge.
 
At one time the 8mm Rem Mag was the go to round for Elk for those forward thinking Elk hunters that knew the value of a large caliber with lots of energy and velocity. Most of us rely on the 338s now days because of the available bullets for it. The .323 Bullets have always been limited because when the 8mm were popular, most people were hunting with 270s and 30/06s and could not handle the 8mms recoil.

Now that we have good muzzle brakes and plenty of 338 bullets recoil is not an issue so the 8mm (.323) bullets selection has not improved much except for the guys that see the value in this size bullet and elected to build custom bullets for a great caliber.

The 8 mm Rem can produce over 4,000 ft/lbs of energy (And that is more than many larger cartridges). In my opinion the 325s only short coming was some of the rifles built for it and the availability of loading components for it. With energies approaching 3,900 ft/lbs it is also more than capable enough to take Elk.

There are still plenty of good bullets and components available for the 325 but wild caters have necked it up to 338 for a broader selection of bullets and it is essentially its ballistic equal.

The 325 will only die if we let it.

J E CUSTOM
I love the cartridge. Got a Kimber and an ABolt
 
I agree, I think the 325 wsm is a dying breed. I love my 325 but with the lack of ammo and having to custom load almost everything it makes it a pain. I've never had an animal walk away after being shot by the 325, its a great hunting round. I guess Ill have to re barrel to a 300 wsm.
I been thinking about converting to 300wsm one day. It's kind of a tough one. I love the cartridge and have plenty of brass. Plus you can still get ammo from a few places.
More than people ever mention on these forums.Wisconsin Cartridge, Copper Creek,
Double Tapp, Hendershots,Selway, Pendleton,(at times Nosler and Hornady).
 
I was really thinking about getting a 325WSM but not many places offer rifles chambered for it. Even a lot of the manufacturers don't seem to offer it. It seems like a highly eficient cartridge that has just never found a following is this the case.
Did you ever get the 325wsm? Great cartridge!
 
morning, WSM's cartridges were very good loadings at one time.
from what I understand the producer of this cartridge got greedy.
wanted a portion of proceeds for all WSM's manufactured and ammo
sold. I for one loved the 7wsm. I bought a considerable amout
of Winchester brass in this caliber. gave the rifle to a friend.
I hand load for him. loves the rifle-caliber. I hand made the rifle
off a rem. 721 la action. just a suggestion, anytime a new
caliber-cartridge is produced. findings r favorable. savage arms
pushes the finding. buy a large amount of brass!! simple
suggestion. I like the 260 rem. justme gbot tum
 
Warning! This thread is more than 5 years ago old.
It's likely that no further discussion is required, in which case we recommend starting a new thread. If however you feel your response is required you can still do so.
Top