Author Topic: .325 WSM (Read 3135 times)

Zachary · « **on:** December 06, 2004, 04:13:08 AM »

So, it appears that Winchester and Browning are going to chamber this new round in their M70 and A-Bolt IIs respectively.

Your thoughts?

mountainview · « **Reply #1 on:** December 06, 2004, 06:05:06 AM »

Intriguing. Could be a tough sell though given that the 300 (long and short) and 338 are so well established. Still I welcome the prospect of new choices to fill my actual and perceived shooting needs.

270Handiman · « **Reply #2 on:** December 06, 2004, 06:05:36 AM »

This is the first I've heard of it. Is there some info on the "net"?

KYsquirrelsniper · « **Reply #3 on:** December 06, 2004, 07:27:13 AM »

My thought is "why?". 8mm bullet selection isn't anywhere near that of the 338, and although 8mm bullets generally have good BCs, for the cartridge's intended purpose I don't think anyone is going to care if they're shooting a high BC bullet or not. Also, if I'm going to shoot something that requires bigger than a 30cal, I'd want at least a 338 or 35. I've certainly been wrong before, but I don't see it selling worth a darn.

oliverstacy · « **Reply #4 on:** December 06, 2004, 07:38:54 AM »

There is an article in the newest addition of Shooting Times on this round. They explained that they lost performance in the 338 short round that they weren't willing to live with. Since they would have to shorten the length of the body and change the angle of the shoulder. They do pretty good job explaining why they did what they did.

Funny, with a 200 grain Accubond it has approx. the same trajectory as a 270 with a 140 bullet.

Josh

Questor · « **Reply #5 on:** December 06, 2004, 02:17:52 PM »

I like it. It should sell very well with elk hunters. It's an idea whose time has come. Today's better bullets make it a practical combination.

Questor · « **Reply #6 on:** December 06, 2004, 02:20:58 PM »

And by the way, I think Winchester is reading the public better than Remington. Remington came up with these loser RUM cartridges which just gives the shooter punishing recoil for no real value. The WSMs, do give good value when we consider the rifles and and performance levels available. Basically they've re-packaged combinations that were known to be good in the first place: light rifles and clones of the most popular magnum cartridges.

Vern Humphrey · « **Reply #7 on:** December 07, 2004, 04:57:26 PM »

Quote from: Questor

And by the way, I think Winchester is reading the public better than Remington. Remington came up with these loser RUM cartridges which just gives the shooter punishing recoil for no real value. The WSMs, do give good value when we consider the rifles and and performance levels available. Basically they've re-packaged combinations that were known to be good in the first place: light rifles and clones of the most popular magnum cartridges.

Remington came out with a kludge -- they designed the RUMs to barely fit their 700 action -- in fact, the walls of the magazine box had to be cut away to allow them to take these cartridges. As a result, the first rifles were less than reliable -- feeding problems and magazine floorplates popping open under recoil.

Winchester built a rifle around the new cartridges -- a better mousetrap.

ms · « **Reply #8 on:** December 08, 2004, 04:13:44 AM »

I think the 270 wsm is the best. Its the only standard cartidge that went magnum. As for the 325 I don't know how far it will go. For as Remington there one of the oldest gun maker around. To me there no reason why they shouldn't be on top. I hope one day Remington will be on top again. Not the butt of a joke. :lol:

charlesr · « **Reply #9 on:** December 09, 2004, 04:14:03 PM »

There is an article by Dave Scovill on this cartridge in the January issue of Rifle. See page 12.

mr.frosty · « **Reply #10 on:** December 10, 2004, 02:57:57 PM »

Kimber usa has a link to the news article about the 325 wsm.
Their going to produce one in the model 84.

razmuz · « **Reply #11 on:** December 10, 2004, 04:35:57 PM »

Great round. It's really needed. Rush out and buy full house reloading stuff for it. Be sure and buy a few more guns, because deer get tougher every year. Keep in mind that next year it will be considered a "pip-squeak" when they come out with the new 326WSM. Fat cases need lots of powder. New York types have changed their names and are now operating as gun magazine writers. Be sure and follow the hype.

Zachary · « **Reply #12 on:** December 11, 2004, 06:04:01 AM »

Quote from: mr.frosty

Kimber usa has a link to the news article about the 325 wsm.
Their going to produce one in the model 84.

Wow, I didn't know that. I know that Kimber has their 8400s chambered in the 270, 7mm, and 300 WSMs, but I'm surprised about the .325. Usually, manufacturers wait a while to make sure that there will be a demand for a new round. I guess Kimber must think that it is going to be a hit.

Zachary

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 11, 2004, 06:17:09 AM »

Quote

Usually, manufacturers wait a while to make sure that there will be a demand for a new round. I guess Kimber must think that it is going to be a hit.

I think Kimber jumped on the ball immediately because they wanted to be known as the "325 WSM Manufacturer." Not saying that in a bad or mocking tone, I mean that when the 325 becomes popular( I hope it does, seems to have good intentions :wink: ), Kimber will sort of come to mind first. Just like when you hear about the other WSMs, you imagine A-Bolts, and M70s. Just my thoughts here. Patriot

mr.frosty · « **Reply #14 on:** December 11, 2004, 12:10:27 PM »

maybe winchester is trying to do something lazzeroni has done
shorten the 338 i think its called the 8.57 galaxy

Lawdog · « **Reply #15 on:** December 11, 2004, 12:41:20 PM »

razmuz,

Quote

Be sure and follow the hype.

It's no hype that these short fat little cartridges are performing just as advertised. The design is proving to be inherently more accurate than the longer cartridges. Just look at the record books(not talking big game here either) or ask the benchrest crowd. You may not like them but dont try to tell everyone they are just hype because they do just what they say they will. I just wonder if introducing an 8mm will work out. Still would have preferred a .350 WSM instead. Lawdog

Graybeard · « **Reply #16 on:** December 11, 2004, 01:36:26 PM »

Quote

Still would have preferred a .350 WSM instead. Lawdog

Trouble is lotsa folks say they'd like a .35 but hardly anyone buys one. But then even fewer buy 8MM's. Geez this one is gonna be a disaster for them. Bad marketing move even if it might be an excellent round. Just ain't gonna sell in the US.

Yeah I like .35s and have more rifles in that bore size than any other. I do buy them.

lilabner · « **Reply #17 on:** December 12, 2004, 03:10:04 AM »

Well, if you want flat trajectory get a .300. You'll also get a wide range of bullet weights and shapes to work with. If you want a stopper, go with the .338 - makes a bigger hole, shoots a heavier bullet. I don't see much of a niche for this round as a hunting cartridge.

NYH1 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 12, 2004, 07:32:30 AM »

Quote from: Questor

Remington came up with these loser RUM cartridges which just gives the shooter punishing recoil for no real value.

How can you say loser RUM cartridges for no real value? The 7mm RUM and 300 RUM definitely have a place in their intended hunting market! The 338 RUM and 375 RUM don't really have a place here in the "lower 48", but in Alaska or Africa they probably see a lot of use! Winchester doesn't have a 7mm or 300 that will stay with the RUM's, Let look!
140 gr.
7mm WSM= 3225 fps - 3233 ft. lbs.
7mm RUM = 3425 fps - 3646 ft. lbs. RUM + 200 fps & 413 ft.lbs.

150 gr.
300 WSM = 3300 fps - 3628 ft. lbs.
300 RUM = 3450 fps - 3964 ft. lbs. RUM + 150 fps & 336 ft. lbs.

180 gr.
300 WSM = 3010 fps - 3628 ft. lbs.
300 RUM = 3450 fps - 4221 ft. lbs. RUM + 240 fps & 601 ft. lbs.

The RUM's shoot a little flatter and buck the wind a little better then the WSM's do for really long shots. Will the average shooter benefit from this, maybe not, be the fact is the RUM's do out perform the WSM's and the other Win Mags.! Recoil and muzzle blast is the nature of the beast!

Quote from: Questor

The WSMs, do give good value when we consider the rifles and and performance levels available. Basically they've re-packaged combinations that were known to be good in the first place: light rifles and clones of the most popular magnum cartridges.

I'm gonna get a 300 WSM myself. But I wouldn't say the RUM's are losers. I just don't need all that power! My friend shoot a Canadian moose at 280 yards with his 300 WSM. He used 180 gr. Winchester Failsafe ammo. How did it perform, one shot one kill! He also shot a wild boar with it. You want to talk about lighting fast performance! :-D

Lawdog · « **Reply #19 on:** December 12, 2004, 10:35:24 AM »

Graybeard,

I have more Quarter Bores and Thirties than any other calibers. Got three Thirty-Fives at the moment(although the .35 Whelen isnt finished yet) and am looking toward building either a .358 Norma or a wildcat .350 Weatherby(most likely going to be the Weatherby as I have come into possession of a good used Weatherby Mark V action). As for a Forty caliber I havent found one that floats my boat yet and I have a good start on the Forty-Fives with 4 of them. I tell my wife its logical owning .25, .30, .35, .40, and .45 calibers. Guess I need to check out the .204 Ruger for the front end(a "Twenty"). Lawdog

NYH1 · « **Reply #20 on:** December 12, 2004, 01:42:14 PM »

Quote from: New York Hunter

I'm gonna get a 300 WSM myself.

Actually I'm probably going to get a regular 300 Winchester Mag. I really like the Remington model 700 CDL. Remington doesn't chamber any of their rifles for the WSM's that I know of! I might look at the Ruger model 77. That comes in both 300 Win. Mag and 300 WSM.

Lawdog · « **Reply #21 on:** December 13, 2004, 12:33:37 PM »

New York Hunter,

Quote

Remington doesn't chamber any of their rifles for the WSM's that I know of!

NO, but if you really have to have a Remington rifle then you can do as a few in our club has done. Re-chambered their .300 RSAUM to .300 WSM. An easy process. Lawdog

copp · « **Reply #22 on:** December 13, 2004, 01:18:23 PM »

Believe Remington is going to chamber for the wsms in 2005. Need to make sure but I have heard Remington finally has made this decision.

Paul Barnard · « **Reply #23 on:** December 13, 2004, 02:36:49 PM »

I think the 325 WSM has a place. More so than any of the new 300 magnums. Let's say I was going to be moving out west. I envision myself hunting moose, elk, mountain goat, mule deer, whitetails and blacktails. I am even entertaining thoughts of going after brown bear or grizzly in Alaska one day. I would have to say the 325 would make an attractive option to the 300 magnums and the 338 Win Mag. Not that I would not be well served by the 300's and 338, but the 325 seems to represent a nice middle ground. I tend to think the above scenario is why Winchester went with the 325.

Lawdog, I've had the same 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 thoughts before. Those should pretty much do anything you need done.

NYH1 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 13, 2004, 03:00:07 PM »

Quote from: Lawdog

New York Hunter,

Quote
Remington doesn't chamber any of their rifles for the WSM's that I know of!

NO, but if you really have to have a Remington rifle then you can do as a few in our club has done. Re-chambered their .300 RSAUM to .300 WSM. An easy process. Lawdog

I never even thought of this! :grin: What do I have to do to re-chamber it? Is it just a chamber ream? Or do I have to do anything to the action or bolt face?

Lawdog · « **Reply #25 on:** December 14, 2004, 09:59:45 AM »

New York Hunter,

From the guys that have had it done they say all you need is the .300 WSM reamer. Might check with your local gunsmith on this. Lawdog

Mauser · « **Reply #26 on:** December 16, 2004, 07:31:49 AM »

I just can't see this cartridge ever becoming popular. I've read a lot of stuff over the years about how great folks thought their 8mm Rem mags were and they have been abysmal sales wise. Medium bores have rarely been popular here in the US. This is a marginal medium bore which isn't all that different than a .308 caliber.

We'll be reading articles 10 years from now wondering what Winchester was thinking with this one.

Graybeard · « **Reply #27 on:** December 16, 2004, 09:17:11 PM »

Remington is RIGHT NOW this minute chambering for the WSM rounds. I held one in my hand earlier this week. It was a most unusual Remington. A BDL configuration with hinged floor plate but with the usual plastic ADL type stock and the ADL type black matte finish. The one I saw was in .270 WSM. Might have been some limited edition type but it was there and so were others just like it but in different chamberings so this new BDL version is also making a debut.

Zachary · « **Reply #28 on:** December 17, 2004, 03:45:43 AM »

I can see Remington making a rifle in 270WSM because none of their RSAUM are in .277. I wonder if Remington would make rifles in their Competitor's 7mm and 300WSM?

Zachary

anthony passero · « **Reply #29 on:** December 21, 2004, 02:16:13 PM »

Is Winchester going to offer this 325 WSM in thier Featherwieght ? If they do, I cannot think of a better all around elk gun! 8mm bullets that were designed for the Rem mag are accurate. Many hard core gun cranks out west felt that was about the best elk cartridge designed. I bought one in a 700 classic but it stolen by some *%$ # before I ever got to fire it.