Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 325 WSM popularity

I have two 8x57, two 8mm rem mag and a 325wsm. The 325 is a tremendous offering in my opinion. Recoil is minimal for the performance.

I put brakes on both my 325s. 5 1/2 lb. and a 6 1/2lb. rifles, shooting 220gr bullets, producing 35 ft.lbs.of recoil energy, really made me appreciate brakes. A bit loud, but testing loads and drops from the bench are more tolerable now.

I can't comment on the sales, efficiency, or popularity of the 325wsm as I have no experience. I do know that when the 325wsm came onto the scene that it was a shot in the arm for those of us who enjoy shooting our 8mm niche rifles. I have a modern action 8x57 and the bullet selection (while small) is better than its ever been. Suffice it to say that the 170gr Hornady SST has turned my 8x57 into a bad mama jama of a deer rifle.

I agree. I thoroughly love the 8mm caliber.

I jumped on the 325 WSM not long after it came out. Have enjoyed hunting with it, and it drops pretty much everything like the Hammer of Thor hits it. I know it's WAY overpowered for whitetail, but it's nice to have that power when a 300+ lb feral hog wanders up.

Hornady 195gr Interlocks, 200gr Accubonds, and 220gr GameKings all work well here.

I like the cartridge. Many cartridges duplicate out of the barrel bullet performance.
I cannot see a .323 diameter 200 grain TSX at 2800-2950 FPS lacking for performance on hoofed game in North America. Same could be said for the 220 grain Swift A-Frame at 2750- 2800 plus FPS. At least for the distances that I shoot, these would work.

A 200 grain 8mm swift AFrame moving 2750 will kill anything on this planet. You can bank on that.

I’d like to get a 700 in 8 mag. I’d be the only guy in deer camp with one.

Unpopular cartridges with low sales here in the states have their advantages. And yes, you’d likely have the only one in camp which is kinda cool when your buddies aren’t in the mood to mock you. When I show up with one my 325 wizzums at camp or at the range, some have a stymied expression after they ask. But it’s the fact that it draws their attention in the first place that makes it stand out. When they see that short beefy cartridge they just can’t resist their curiosity and start asking questions. Happens every time I load and shoot one at the range. After I put brakes on mine, I’ve noticed the benches on either side of me end up empty after I shoot a bunch-lol. Apparently the blast is too much for some. Practical cartridge? Not really. Awesome performance? Pretty much so. Kool factor? Definitely so.