300 WSM or 325 WSM

Garrett H. · #1 12-01-2006, 01:27 AM

I need some help choosing a great round for target shooting/hunting out to 1000+ yards. I have read some great stuff about both of these rounds but I have never personally shot or tested them. If anyone has any other suggestions on other rounds I should pursue please throw it out there.

lazylabs · #2 12-01-2006, 06:21 AM

The 300 has about 500 GOOD bullet choices to try and the 325 has about 5, match bullets maybe less. That alone is worth staying with the 300... just my 2 cents.

screech · #3 12-01-2006, 07:50 AM

lazylabs is right, the only thing holding back the 325 is the lack of bullet selection.

D.P. · #4 12-01-2006, 08:51 AM

On targets at 1k the 300 wsm. When you say hunting at 1k and beyond, Varmint would not be a problem. I feel the my 300 WSM lacks a little ass for 1k deer. It doesn't take much energy to kill a deer if the bullet is placed in the right spot. Under the right conditions I might pull the trigger at 1k. on a deer. If I intended to hunt deer at 1k and beyond I would shoot a 300 Rum or 338 Lapua.

Garrett H. · #5 12-01-2006, 10:52 AM

Rim,

I have considered the 300 Rum or 338 Lapua because these are awesome rounds but I think that shooting allot off of the bench could wear on me bit and I don't want to have to put a break on the rifle.

BountyHunter · #6 12-01-2006, 12:11 PM

the 300 WSM is the caliber mainly due to bullets.

I have three 300 WSMs currently and had two more. It is very good for target to in excess of 1k. I have shot a 18" five shot group at one mile with one of mine with 210 JLKs starting at 2975 fps in a 30" tube. I currently win more than my share with them now.

I would have no problem with a deer out to 1k (but that is the limit) with the WSM with a premium bullet in the 180 gr range. I have just built one with 26" #4 Lilja to do that now. Yes it is light at 9 lbs with scope. It really will be best as a carry gun and comfortable to 800.

If you are going out past you would want either a 338 or large case 30 that can shoot the 240s.

BH

Ian M · #7 12-01-2006, 04:11 PM

Guys,
I have no less than 20 different bullets on hand for reloading my .325 WSM so bullet selection is definitely not the issue you might believe. The range is from Matchkings to Accubonds, with lots in between as far as bullet weight and styles. Look at Hornady's 8mm lists, you will be surprised.

Not as many as .30's but still pretty impressive selection.