I currently have a xbolt stainless 338 win mag right handed I had for 3 years now but I'm a left handed shooter. My friend is willing to buy my current rifle wonce I find a left handed x bolt originally in a 338 as well but the gun so long! It would be nice to have a shorter gun but I'm bit sceptical of the 325 wsm's performance on moose compared to the 338. what do you guys think! Enny 325 short mag owners with some experiance?
Xbolt
.......................I`ll pass along some info to you.
My buddy whom I reload for has a 338 Federal chambered in a shorty 16.5 barreled Ruger Frontier compact. He liked my short, fast `n handy Frontier and bought one. About three years ago he took a nice bull moose with that rifle from about 140 yards.
I am very inclined to believe without any reservation, that a 325 WSM from even that same barrel length and surely from a 20" barrel length (if you want a shorter/handier rifle), that it will have no issues turning any moose into moose meat as long as you do your part and place the shot where it needs to go.
If you wish a 325 WSM, I wouldn`t worry about the diameter difference between the 338 vs the 325.
Given the same barrel length and bullet weights, the 325 WSM is more potent than is a 338 Federal by approx 275-350 fps.
Even though I have not used my 300 WSM Ruger Frontier on moose, I wouldn`t hesitate using it on any moose. Ballistically or performance wise, it is on par with a 26" barreled 30-06 that is condensed down to a rifle length of 35.5".
So if you want a shorter rifle chambered in a 325 WSM to use for moose hunting,,,,then have at it.