300WSM vs 325WSM

[6x6in6]

Struggling with which caliber to go with next and input from both caliber owners appreciated.
Searched here a bit over the past few weeks/month and found some pretty good stuff but just wanted to see if anybody had some fresh insight.
I'm going in the SM direction to shed some weight.  My current 338WM is a fantastic gun but it's just flat heavy to pack around.  I'll lay that one out in the classifieds soon enough.

The primary use for either caliber would be elk.  And, someday moose....  Not needed for deer, got the 270 for that.
Strictly hand loads pushed through it.

What opinion and experiences would you care to share?

Thanks!

[bearpaw]

Short mags shoot great, and I have seen lots of animals taken with them, but we have seen them jam up in the time of a needy follow up shot at least a dozen times, for that reason I would recommend you find a lightweight standard length caliber rifle. You may have to carry an extra pound but it could save losing an animal. I think there are some newer model rifles that are not too much heavier than a short mag. Just my two 

[SkookumHntr]

-Ive had my 300wsm A-Bolt for 5 years now and have never had a jam ever! Absolute Meat Hammer on everything that I have shot with it, Bull Elk, Mule Deer, 2 Blacktail, 1 Wolf, nothing has taken a step after the shot! Great to pack, Short Bolt throw, You cant go wrong. I shoot 180grn Federal Premium Nosler partitions. Hoping to start hand loading this year.

[GoldTip]

My hunting buddy, Silent Bob packs a 300wsm and I pack a 325wsm.  He hasn't used his on elk as of yet, but he's killed 2 Moose with it, one Shiras one canadian.  I've also killed 2 moose with my 325wsm and 1 elk and a couple deer or so.  I think either one will fit the bill your looking for.  None of the Moose went anywhere after being shot and only one took two bullets and the second shot was probably not necessary when evaluating my Shiras post mortem, but I say shoot till they hit the ground with big critters.  If you like the 338 for the bigegr critters I think you'll love the 325wsm, as it will shoot right with the 338 with the 220/225grainers, which is what I've used.  Good luck.

[Bob33]

The 300 shoots flatter; the 325 shoots a bigger bullet (although it is not .325; it is a .315 caliber).

The 300 has a better selection of bullets. 

Take your pick.  Both will do the job if you do yours.

[bearpaw]

bob33 summed it up pretty good....

I used the 300 WSM all over NZ and Australia on a dozen species and had no problem. That was with a new Win Mod 70. However, I used a 375 HH on the water buffalo.

I am trying to remember which brand/models jammed, I will ask my son later if he remembers, he was with a couple different bear hunters who had jam ups. If we come up with a particular model I will let you know what it was.

[Wacenturion]

My son and I both have .325 wsm's.  Don't think you could go wrong with either one.

[Red Dawg]

If you are a 338 man then you should go with the 325 shorty. The 300 is by far more versatile but in the end I think you would enjoy them both equally.

[Bofire]

 :)I think you should study the reload books, since that is what you will use. Factory and reload ballistics can vary widely, many factory loads use blended powders we cannot buy.
Carl

[ecnclan]

Don't think you can go wrong with either, good idea to look at reloading manuals like Bofire said.  See what bullets and loads your looking at.  I have a 270 WSM and had a 300 WSM with no jams or malfunctions to date.

[superdown]

I shoot a 325wsm a-bolt II hunter left hand with Leupold VX-III 2.5-8x36 the 325wsm uses 8mm bullets which are .323 . i have taken two deer with it my late season 08 whitetail at 75yds and and a mule deer at 310yds last year both were taken using Winchester 220grn power points and no hold over was necessary on the muley .I love this round it preforms flawlessly .http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.325_WSM

[BrandonWatts]

i shoot a 300wsm and have been happy with it took a bear with it last summer drop in his tracks. 300 is a flatter shoot like said before also put out almost as much energy as the 325wsm.

[Jamieb]

300wsm with a 165 gr tsx would make for a fine elk/moose killer.

[Deep Forks]

 

300wsm with a 165 gr tsx would make for a fine elk/moose killer.

    I've shot elk with this load and it whomped him in his tracks.
        The gun is a Tikka t3 stainless and is just under 1" at 200 with the load    above and just as good with 180 partitions.  Awesome gun, load and mild      enough the wife shoots it.   

[sako223]

I know a guy who decided  take his .300wsm for a trophy hunt out of state. On camera the gun jammed. a frustrating loss. this is not an isolated case. Also the WSM runs higher pressure and limited bullet weight. For me the .300 WM is a better choice.