.325 Wsm

[Yooper]

I know it's pretty new, but has anyone shot one of these? I really like the looks of what I've seen so far and am thinking of snagging one for elk and caribou.

[Buckbuster]

Hey Yooper, you've picked a good one. It's a powerful load, flat shooting and based on my limited shooting very accurate. I was fortunate to fire one of these little darlings and am thinking about picking up a Winchester myself. I fired it six times and put together a very tight grouping with a rifle and scope that wasn't set up for me. When you can do that, shooting off the rack, it can only get better.

Basically it's an 8mm bullet, which never caught on with deer hunters in this country, but it's a little lighter on the kick than .338 and 300 Win Mag. According to the specs the .325 wsm develops more energy downrange than the .338. Don't get me wrong, it's still a pretty serious punch but it won't loosen the filings in your teeth like the later.


The .325 is available in a 220 grain power point bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2840fps, a 200 grain Accubond CT bullet (2950 fps and a 180 grain Ballistic silvertip bullet with a screaming 3060 fps.

Browning is offering an A-bolt in this caliber and of course Winchester has the Model 70.

This is one new caliber in the short mag cartridge family that I think will catch on. I'm going to do my part sometime before this year's hunting season.

B-Buster

[Yooper]

Thanks. I think I'm going to snag one. I'd really like it if Weatherby would chamber the Vanguard in .325 WSM. I really like those guns. But if not, there is still the Model 70 which I'm a big fan of too.

[chinook]

I loved my Rem. BDL 8mm Mag.! The only centerfire I've ever regretted selling. It did not "Kick"! Others that shot it thought it did tho! " Prolly All in the head". I am short and think the long length of pull is why it didn't "bite". I've just ordered a Kimber 325 WSM Montana. It's ultra light! Stainless, and composite stocked. I know it will be too long for me but I know it won't be a fright to shoot either! I'm not bothered much by "Bite" anyhow. It has 1" of decelerator pad too! It's the "Bark" that I can't stand. No ported barrels for me! I'll always send the "blasted" bark down field. If you've ever held the Kimber, you'll want one. "One week later" ; It came all the way from Yonkers in a little over a week. And what a sweety! It 's the first rifle I won't have to shorten the stock on. It'll Prolly get a 1" Leupold VX111 1.5-5x20mm scope "German Reticle" on the Kimber bases with Leupold superlow rings. I noticed Leupold used the same Lens in the 1" tube as the 30mm and didn't find superlow rings in 30mm anyhow! Kimbers bases are not dual dovetail tho! "three weeks later" ; "NOT" I put a Leupold 6x42 VX111 on Talley lightweight one piece aluminum rings, "German reticle"! What a trigger pull! The thing goes off when i think about pulling the trigger. Somewhere around 3-4 lbs tho! Feels like a half pound tho. Oh so Sweet! Now if I can just find some 200 gr bullets!

[CrazyCloud]

I just got a Winchester Coyote Stainless in .325 wsm.

I've only shot paper so far but I have put 5 shots into 1" at 100yds using 180 grn NBT.

The rifle does not recoil any more than my ultralight 270 using 140 grn.

Really.

Extra pound in front probably helps but rifle is still not too heavy.

Trigger breaks like glass around 3 lb.

I have not shot the 200 grain yet (cannot get any).

Tha ammo is sold out everywhere.

I am hunting whitetail so not really concerned w that one yet.

By the time I get to Elk Country I should be able to get 200 or 220 grains or load my on.

[chinook]

Well,
After an easy go at it and a 3" high 100 yard zero. I love the Kimber Montana. I'd go with the 300 WSM for sure if I did it again. Because shells are a lot cheaper, Walmart has them on the shelf. I had some trouble finding a good price on the 180 Gr. 325! $35.00 for the 200 Gr. 325! And I'm sure efficiency drops off a little in 325 WSM. The 300 WSM is optimum and my pick. But the 325 will do. I'll drop the trigger down about a pound. It's a little heavier than I like. The Talley one piece aluminum ring/base and 6-42 Leupold VX111 work superb.

[Dclewis]

I just picked up my new Browning A-bolt Medalion. A couple of tune up shots from the bore site brought me right in at 100 yards . My fist 3 shot group was in the 1 inch range. I topped it with the AV-4 12x50
Swarovski.
I only put 12 rounds through it so far but will be doing lots more range work soon.
The 325 WSM had little more kick than my 270 with the 180 grain winchester rounds. I cant wait for the season to open here in NY to give it a try on whitetail.
Jan will see me and my son in Texas for a Whitetail / hog hunt with 2J outfitters (Deer are actualy in Mex.). Shots on average are around 200 yards from what they tell me. Ill be ready!
Ill send some pics when I return. Dave

[Whitecloud]

Made a shot on scrubby 4 point last weekend.

150 yds in Brushy cover.

180 grn NBT went into the chest at an angle and exited the left shoulder taking a fist sized section of the joint with it.

Buck never knew what hit him.

I feel a little silly shooting Georgia whitetail with this firearm but I have no way to practice for Elk !

[Dclewis]

Found a big bodied six point in my crosshairs. No wallhanger but decent,might be ok for a set of rattling horns.
The 325wsm was dead on at 100 yards, could barely find an entrance but when flipped over it was a different story. Exit was devestating with the heart and lungs completely scrambled.
This round (180 grain) is intended for deer sized game with the larger bullets (200 & 220 grain) reserved for elk, browns and grizz sized critters.
Think it a tad much on the deer but the stopping power is incredible and with a properly placed shot will not waste a lot of venison.
What impressed me the most is its longrange ability. Went yesterday and did a little more benchwork.
At 200 yds was less than an inch from its 100 yd sight-in. At 300 yds only about 1 1/2 down.
I will reajust zero for 200 before heading for Texas in a couple weeks. Im now more confident than ever for a good outcome.
At this point I am thrilled with the Browning A-bolt and hope to take it out west next year and get er done on some elk or muley.

[guitarman]

Yooper,

This reply may be a little late but here goes. I did some research on the .325 WSM and decided on the Kimber 8400 Montana. The rifle is very light and a pleasure to carry during long hours a field. I took a nice 6X6 bull at last month, at 300 yards with one shot using Winchester Supreme 200 grain Accubond CT ammo. [This was a quartering toward shot that broke the front leg. The bullet was found just under the hind on the off side. The Accubond exhibited good expansion and weight retention.] I am planning to the same load on a Caribou hunt, next year.

[Yooper]

Thanks and congrats!

I've been looking HARD at the Kimber Montana and as long as I don't tell the wife, I think I may have to snag one in the spring.

[7mmbomb]

sorry if im a little late on this thread. ive always heard people talking about the short mags and how much THEY have heard about them, but really havent talked to anyone first hand. what makes them any more powerfull than a regular load?? ive never gave them a shot becuase im one of those bigger is better guys. i shoot a 7mm ultra mag and love it. but im looking to buy another rifle and i am really thinking about this .325wsm or a 300 ultra mag. just seems like as small as the cartriges are i just dont get whats so great about them. anyway can anyone fill me in or send me in the right direction to some real good info on the short mags. thanks.

[The Norseman]

Merry Christmas to all,

Say I have a Remington Model 7 SS/Blk Stock in .223. I have a Leopuld Scope on it. I like this
rifle very much because I don't have to be fussy with it, but I'm still careful with it.

It is easy to handle, because of it being short.

It is very, very accurate too. The reloads for it, group easily within a dime at 100 yds.

The caliber you have choosen is very good too.

Good luck in whatever you purchase.

[guitarman]

7mmbomb,

There is a web page http://shortmags.org/ with a lot of information on the short magnum. I’ve shot a 300 Weatherby for years. When the short mags came out, I too was a little skeptical. Not owning a 7mm, I decided to buy one and purchased a Winchester M70 in 7mm WSM. The rifle turned our to be vary versatile when glassed with a Swarovski 4-12x50 AV series scope (using the TDS reticle). I have been shooting Winchesters Ballistic Tip CT ammo and have taken several deer at ranges over 400-yards with this combination. So, I can attest to their performance. Anyhow, I have been pleased with both the 7mmWSM and the 325 WSM. Good luck with your research.

[turner1978]

7mm bomb,
Don't let their smaller apearances fool you. The WSM's perform just as good as the longer magnums and in some cases better. The real gain that you do get, with the WSM's, is the fact that you can get the same performance out of a smaller/lighter rifle. I shoot a 270 wsm and it wooks good for deer and elk. Great long range shooter and the recoil isn't too bad for a magnum either.

[qbalaska]

I have a lot of experience with this round now since I bought my Winchester Coyote Lite in June and have put about 100 rounds through it. I shot a box just breaking in the barrel and sighting it in without realizing it. It is extremely accurate - I put 3 shots (factory 220 grain bullets) under an inch at 240 yards off the bench on a bet with my hunting buddy and took a moose with it in October at a lasered 254 yards with one shot. I am selling my 300 win mag because I love this round so much and am currently loading and shooting the accubond bullets in front of Reloader 19.
I've sold several guys on it since they saw me drop the moose and or shot it for themselves. This one is a winner and will take moose, elk and grizzly without problems.
Good hunting

[chinook]

The main benefit for me in the short mag calibers is rifles in these calibers can be shorter too. I found a rifle that fit me perfectly right out of the box. Basically my Kimber is "youth" size. That's the only reason I went WSM! Now if I can find pants in a 29" length I can have it all!

[Han hunter]

Hunting with .325 WSM:
To all interested in .325 WSM, I have bought 2 model 70 winchesters in .325 WSM last fall and took some blacktail deer with the 180 gr ballistic silvertip load; instant stopping power was seen with deer only staggering a few steps after being hit ; the .325 bullet enters small but rips a big hole out andleft one deer with a front arm hanging by the fur only. Ialso took out two big goat bucks with the 200 gr accubond loads and they instantly collapsed on the spot. Some big feral hogs also felt the slam of the red tipped accubond 8mm bullets recently with long range shots ; they could not make it back into the woods after being hit. The .325 WSM has more power than a .300 win mag but kicks less and is far easier to shoot than a .338 win mag but has nearly the same impacat power! I own two rifles in all WSM calibers but the .325 is by far mymost favorite as it gives the most power with reasonable recoil and is very , very accurate. I look forward to Ruger's new stainless M77 in .325 WSM, an affordable option for bad weather hunters. I also got lucky and took a black bear with the 220 gr powerpoint .325 wsm; it shattered the shoulder bones and the Ursus americanus did not run far into the woods at all. Buy the .325 WSM and use it! It will not leave anyone dissapointed!

[Stevenson]

Regarding this cartridge. Has anybody handloaded anything? Looking for an Elk load for the Browning version. Please reply to stevensonfamily@comcast.net, please. Thanks

[Stevenson]

sorry if im a little late on this thread. ive always heard people talking about the short mags and how much THEY have heard about them, but really havent talked to anyone first hand. what makes them any more powerfull than a regular load?? ive never gave them a shot becuase im one of those bigger is better guys. i shoot a 7mm ultra mag and love it. but im looking to buy another rifle and i am really thinking about this .325wsm or a 300 ultra mag. just seems like as small as the cartriges are i just dont get whats so great about them. anyway can anyone fill me in or send me in the right direction to some real good info on the short mags. thanks.


the thing about these short mags is the cartridge is fatter and shorter. the fatter and shorter creates a more cylinder-shaped cartridge. a cartridge that is perfectly round would be the more efficient because the powder burns evenly. I have several different calibers and like them all. Hope this helps

[Mark]

The WSM family of cartridges operates at 65,000 PSI when the rest of the world maxes out at 50,000 to 55,000. The fact that they are larger in diameter has little to do with it.
Mark

[Vikingsin05]

The WSM family of cartridges operates at 65,000 PSI when the rest of the world maxes out at 50,000 to 55,000. The fact that they are larger in diameter has little to do with it.
Mark


Now am am not an expert by any means but didn't Stevenson say the same thing but in a different way? My understanding is that the WSM cartridges operate at a higher PSI because they burn the powder more effeciently because of the way they are shaped. It makes sense to me. The powder is not stretched out so the all of the powder burns faster then in a normal case thus making more pressure.

[Mark]

Looking back at cartridge development shows factory loaded cartridges operating at 45,000 to 50,000 around the turn of the century. This would include 7MM Mauser, 30-06, etc. As technology, particularly in steels and heat treatment advanced, pressures crept up to operating at 50,000 to 55,000 PSI. Examples of this are .300 Winchester Magnum, 7MM Rem. Mag., etc. The new WSM family of cartridges can and do operate at 65,000 PSI.
You have to consider the variables here. For instance, if you could load a standard .270 Winchester to 65,000 PSI would you approach velocities of the .270 WSM? You have to consider freebore and throat configuration in a case like this. Is a .270 reamer configured the same as a .270 WSM in this area? Would you surpass a .270 WSM with a .270 Weatherby Magnum loading the Weatherby at 65,000 PSI?

I'm not badmouthing the WSM line of cartridges. When the .308 Winchester came out in the mid 1950's it wasn't met with huge enthusiasm. Who wanted one when the 30-06 surpassed it and there was all that surplus ammo to shoot up? The target shooters went to work with the .308 and eventually beat all the records set with the 30-06. Let's give the WSM some time, as development and experimenting progress, I believe good things will happen. The short, fat, configuration of the case does do good things for accuracy.
Mark

[rooster52]

I have never been disapointed in my 30-06 and 7Mag,but the new short mags sure have my interest,I am thinking the 325WSM will be my next moose hunting pardner,maybe a Browning A Bolt in left hand.

[turner1978]

The 300 WSM is better!

[Dclewis]

You say;

The 300 WSM is better!

How so and what for?

[Dclewis]

Just an update,

After shooting my Browning A-bolt Medalion in 325.wsm for a couple months I decided to dump my old 270. I will never again take it out of the safe and I needed to free up a slot for the Savage 93R17 I picked up last week.

I absolutly love this gun and it will travel long and far in the coming years.

The recoil is not unlike that of my 270 but it is much more accurate and a lot moe fun to shoot. I guess its about the confidence level. Ive never felt so confident about pulling the trigger on a animal as I am with this weapon. Bye Bye 270!

Dave

[turner1978]

DCLewis,
I was more or less just joking about the "300WSM is better". But I do like the 300WSM better. It has less recoil. Better Balistic coeficiant and sectional density. Bullet availability in both reloading components and factory ammo are better. I don't think that you really gain a whole lot by bumping up from a .308 to .323. Now if it had been a 338 with flat trajectory similar to the 300wsm then that would have been something. My biggest beef with any 8mm is the availability in premium bullets. I do think that the 325wsm is a good cartridge but my favorites are the 270WSM and the 300WSM. Just my opinion.

[Dclewis]

Turner,

You must have a much bigger safe than me! Ha Ha

Best of luck on the new weapons. Your right about the ammo problem. I hope soon we will have some more choises.

Dave

[Han hunter]

.325 WSM riflemen:
update: since last autumn I have since traded in my big Browning A bolt stainless/BOSS rifle in .338 win magnum as it still had unpleasant recoil even with the BOSS and got instead a new stainless synthetic A bolt stalker in .325 WSM, no boss but with a Limbsaver pad on , Leupold VX I scope 3x9 and Leupold mounts. I kept the lens far from the eye due to Leupold's long eye relief, leveled the scope with a bubble level and bore sighted with a BSA kit. Took 2 boxes of Winchester supreme 200 gr red tipped accubonds to the range and immediately zeroed it to 100 and 200 meters. Sitting on a chair makes the .325 recoil enough to move back the shoulder but it is not painful. Standing up and shooting off hand makes the .325 WSM pleasant to shoot. I had some extra cash on hand and took the new 8mm magnum Browning out to meet some Bison. A drive to snowy eastern Washington state led me to a Bison ranch of 30,000 acres, where you have to jog for a long time in order to close in on nervous Bison, a wild animal that happens to be an exotic in WA, thus only money is needed to hunt. AT 311 meters I sighted a good Bison on the plain and took a shot off the bipod while sitting on the ground. I aimed at the shoulder and the 200 gr accubond shattered the arm bones , crippling the bison instantly. Another 8mm round into the lower chest quickly drained the energy out of the big buffalo, snapping ribs going in and out. Bison meat is good, 3 times less fat than regular beef . Only the elk is as good for a wild animal in terms of eating . The .325 WSM gives tremendous power at long range yet is easy and not painful to shoot unlike the .338 or .300 win mags, of which I have owned 6 such rifles and now all are traded in for the .325 WSM. I also have 2 rifles in .300 WSM, 1 in 7mmWSM and 1 in .270 WSM but it is the .325 WSM that I trust the most and have the utmost confidence it when the stakes are serious; the .325 by is larger bullet and higher recoil is the most difficult of the WSM to shoot but it is my favorite. Sure the 7.62 /.308 bullet is far more poular in the USA but just compare it to a 8mm 200 or 220 grainer and the .30's don't look so big at all! Just pull the bullets and compare them!.

[amwed]

I am now the proud owner of a 325 wsm. I bought a 300 wsm but was unable to dulicate factory velocity with my handloads. I sold it and bought a stainless stalker in 270 wsm. It was easy to beat factory loads by handloading. When they announced the closing of the Winchester factory I found I needed a model 70. A sporting goods chain found one in Iowa and I bought it. I have only been able to find 180 gr BT in my area so loaded them. With IMR 4350 I duplicated factory velocity. While the recoil is stout it isn't objectionable. It is much less than my 338. I can't wait to get some accubonds and take it elk hunting this fall.

[chinook]

I received good news back from Swift. They are going to manufacture the .323 "8MM" Scirocco bullet next year. The weight is still undecided and they will put it on their website when it's ready to ship next year! It's a real humane bullet. My favorite of all the bullets. The accubond is fine but I feel it just sheds a little more than it should for the dangerous stuff. There, the A-frame or partition stand out!

[amwed]

I am now the proud owner of a 325 wsm. I bought a 300 wsm but was unable to dulicate factory velocity with my handloads. I sold it and bought a stainless stalker in 270 wsm. It was easy to beat factory loads by handloading. When they announced the closing of the Winchester factory I found I needed a model 70. A sporting goods chain found one in Iowa and I bought it. I have only been able to find 180 gr BT in my area so loaded them. With IMR 4350 I duplicated factory velocity. While the recoil is stout it isn't objectionable. It is much less than my 338. I can't wait to get some accubonds and take it elk hunting this fall.

Update:
I ordered some 200 gr, accubonds and was able to come very close to factory with IMR 4350. I then saw in a gun mag they worked up the exact load so I felt good about it. I also was drawn for a cow tag this year so can get either. My 325 wsm should get a work out.

[Robertesq1]

So.... What's the verdict on the .325 WSM for Grizzley or brown bear??

[amwed]

Update:
I ordered some 200 gr, accubonds and was able to come very close to factory with IMR 4350. I then saw in a gun mag they worked up the exact load so I felt good about it. I also was drawn for a cow tag this year so can get either. My 325 wsm should get a work out.

Update !!!!
I filled my cow elk tag at 7am the first morning. The shot was 206 ranged yards with my 325 wsm. I was shooting up hill and at a slight quatering. It took out a rib going in hit the heart and broke the off shoulder. The cow dropped in her tracks. WOW!! It like the 325 wsm with the 200 gr accubond. The hanging quarters at the butcher shop was 306 pounds. Must have weighed over 400 on the hoof. Big cow.

[FalconDave]

I had a .325 WSM built by HS Precision with a 24 inch barrel. The stock has a built-in mercury recoil reducer, which allows me to shoot comfortably just wearing a shirt. A big improvement over my .340 Weatherby.

I shot a few boxes of factory ammo to get some fire-formed brass, and then loaded it with 200 grain Barnes Triple Shock bulllets. It shoots 3-shot groups under 1 inch all day long.

I shot an elk broadside at 300 yards. In one side, out the other, taking a little bit of rib on the way out, looking like a golf ball had passed through. He didn't take a step.

[buckgitter]

I had a .325 WSM built by HS Precision with a 24 inch barrel. The stock has a built-in mercury recoil reducer, which allows me to shoot comfortably just wearing a shirt. A big improvement over my .340 Weatherby.

I shot a few boxes of factory ammo to get some fire-formed brass, and then loaded it with 200 grain Barnes Triple Shock bulllets. It shoots 3-shot groups under 1 inch all day long.

I shot an elk broadside at 300 yards. In one side, out the other, taking a little bit of rib on the way out, looking like a golf ball had passed through. He didn't take a step.

Thats good to hear!! I like the 325's...had one but sold it ..might get another!!

[Vaultman]

I have said from the start of this caliber that I would rather see this survive over any of the other WSM's.

Not that I have it out for any other WSM's, but this one really does IMO fill a gap. I hope it catches on or picks back up, that is...

[rooster52]

I just purhased a 300 WSM left hand Savage,I wish it was the 325 WSM as I am going t use it strictly for elk,but the deal I got I will take the 300 .Probably will use 165 or 180 grain Accubond bullets over 4350 or 4831 powder,which ever shoots the best.

[losttrail]

I was looking at a .325WSM Browning A-Bolt Stainless last week at an auction for a local gun shop that went out of business.

I previewed the auction with intention of attending the following day. My daughters would be at their Girl Scout meeting, wife would be on a business trip, so I had it all planned. A day for myself at a gun store auction!

Day of the auction, one of my daughters got sick so I had to stay home. Missed out!

I hade every intention of bidding on that or a 7mm-08 Win 70 Stainless.

Oh well, wasn't meant to be.

[lindstd]

I thought the 325 WSM has about the same kick as a 300 Win Mag? I don't know that personally but that is what a good friend told me. He is an average size guy and he hates to shoot his 300 Win Mag because he would naturally flinch, so that is why he bought a 325 WSM. He likes the caliber a lot but he thought it kicks about he same? If anyone knows this for sure I would really appreciate it.

[buckgitter]

My 325 kicked much harder than any 300 I ever shot...depends on the model maybe... my Browning had a pretty good punch to it... I want another but it will have a muzzlebrake or I will find one with the Boss...

[Vaultman]

I thought the 325 WSM has about the same kick as a 300 Win Mag? I don't know that personally but that is what a good friend told me. He is an average size guy and he hates to shoot his 300 Win Mag because he would naturally flinch, so that is why he bought a 325 WSM. He likes the caliber a lot but he thought it kicks about he same? If anyone knows this for sure I would really appreciate it.

Some scientific numbers to show this:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm

That way it is not just a guess. I look at tables. Because there is so much variable in how much a rifle kicks. I have never shot a 325, but I hope to someday. Like when I draw a Moose Tag. Hopefully the 325 will still be around. And hopefully I will not be using a walker yet. LOL.

[lindstd]

Thanks for showing the information on recoil, but it appears there is not even that much difference between the 30-06 and the 300 Win Mag in regard to recoil? I have shot both and I feel the recoil is significant. Maybe it was just the bullet weight or weight difference of the guns? I guess I was surprised by how close the two are.

[all_about _the_chase]

The recoil energy numbers are the only way to compare the recoils of various calibers without having them chambered in exactly the same guns. I think you will find that the stock design, recoil pad and rifle weight will have as much difference as the numbers in the calibers you are talking about. I have a heavy barreled 300rum that kicks less than my 30-06 (rem adl), there is a 4 pound difference in the wieght of the rifle and the rum has a limbsaver pad.

I also have a HS 325wsm (prohunter lite). The recoil is pretty similar to my M70 300wsm. When I put my muzzle break on the 325 the muzzle blast is very distracting, but your shoulder feels like you just fired a 257roberts... The muzzle blast and the visible fireball makes your brain feel like you just fired a cannon.

I like the 325 plenty of pop, not a ton of recoil, light and short rifle. I get a little better trajectory that what the reloading manuals say, but that may be due to shooting at 3000'+ feet instead of at sea level. I wish a few more companies would come out with 8mm bullets, but the 180 tsx, 200 accubond and 220 gamekind can do anything I need from the 325.

[Oldtrader3]

The 8mm Mag concept has not caught on in this country. The 8mm Rem Mag is a terrific, magnum length cartridge that will push a 180 gr bullet over 3000 fps. Recoil energy pretty much tells the tale for me and a 180 grain bullet fired at close to 3000fps out of an 8 lb rifle (with scope) is an 8 lb rifle with 30 pounds of recoil energy. This includes all magnums from 180gr, .30WSM to 180 gr, 325 WSM. Any way that you slice it and dice it, it is still 30 pounds of recoil energy.

Someone may notice a slight difference in jet effect or ejecta weight but I doubt it because these WSM's are cooking off at 60+KPSI, not 52KPSI. Someone show me the difference. I have not shot the .325WSM but have shot the .300H&H (hot loads at 3000fps), .30WSM, .308 Norma Mag, .300 Win Mag, and .300 Weatherby Mag. The .300 Norma has the least recoil and the Weatherby the most with 180 gr bullets. Basic physics don't lie. Cartridge case shape does not have much to do with felt recoil. It is all jet effect, ejecta weight, rifle weight, bullet weight and velocity. These are the variables in the recoil equation.

[j270wsm]

My 325 kicked much harder than any 300 I ever shot...depends on the model maybe... my Browning had a pretty good punch to it... I want another but it will have a muzzlebrake or I will find one with the Boss...


why dont you replace the garbage recoil pad that browning puts on there rifles.


all_about_the_chase

how is your bear season so far. I have'nt got out yet, 2 nights then days off, mabey this week I will get out.

[C. Schutte]

My 325 kicked much harder than any 300 I ever shot...depends on the model maybe... my Browning had a pretty good punch to it... I want another but it will have a muzzlebrake or I will find one with the Boss...




Every Browning that I have ever shot seems to me to have a little more bite. I think that their stock design lends itself to that with me. I will say this, rifle weight, stock design, recoil pad and the weight of the bullet has everything to do with it. My 300 wby kicks the same as my 300 win mag due to it's weight and the stock design. Neither bother me at all. A regular at the range has an old mauser chambered in .375 H&H that kicks less than my 300 magnums.

If you get a well designed stock, stay away from the light rifles and use a good recoil pad recoil is not nearly the beast that some say. You can also train yourself to tolerate recoil too if you start out using a sissy pad.

[Oldtrader3]

I wish that Browning would upgrade the pad on the A-Bolt composite. The A-Bolt now costs nearly as much as tha X-Bolt but without the premium pad. I guess that I would have to take a hacksaw or an axe to my A-Bolt Composite to get the pad off. It is almost worth it, except the rifle is pnly a .280 and doesn't have much recoil. Plus, the highly touted floating barrel is not because after fifteen years the composite stock has warped. I need to Accraglass the action and float the barrel again on the .280.

The only factory pad that is worse than the Browning A-Bolt is the joke pad that they put on most Rugers. You would think with all the shooters who buy magnum rifles, that they would at least put on a softer pad. This is especially true with composite stocks were you have to dynamite the old pad off the stock. Rifles are not cheap anymore.

[buckgitter]

why dont you replace the garbage recoil pad that browning puts on there rifles.


all_about_the_chase

how is your bear season so far. I have'nt got out yet, 2 nights then days off, mabey this week I will get out.

I do ...I replace everyone with a Limbsaver...

[buckgitter]

I wish that Browning would upgrade the pad on the A-Bolt composite. The A-Bolt now costs nearly as much as tha X-Bolt but without the premium pad. I guess that I would have to take a hacksaw or an axe to my A-Bolt Composite to get the pad off. It is almost worth it, except the rifle is pnly a .280 and doesn't have much recoil. Plus, the highly touted floating barrel is not because after fifteen years the composite stock has warped. I need to Accraglass the action and float the barrel again on the .280.

The only factory pad that is worse than the Browning A-Bolt is the joke pad that they put on most Rugers. You would think with all the shooters who buy magnum rifles, that they would at least put on a softer pad. This is especially true with composite stocks were you have to dynamite the old pad off the stock. Rifles are not cheap anymore.

I have a Limbsaver on my 280 and my 300 Brownings...simple replacement..unscrew them and replace...is yours an Abolt or Abolt II?

[all_about _the_chase]

j270wsm

I worked 12 straight so I haven't been out yet. Who would have thought that being laid off would be so much work... I got out yesterday, ran into some fresh sign, but not the bear. Judgeing from the tracks and crap, should be a decent black... now i just need to connect with the bear.

Recoil pads - Defintely get rid of those hard things from the factory. A friend of mine in college bought a ruger synthetic, the one with the wierd stock design and inlaid grip panels, it was torture to fire that thing. Jump ahead about 10 years and he finally had a limbsaver installed, now he says he should have done it years ago... his shooting is much improved, and he can actually fire 3 shots without getting a bruise.

[Oldtrader3]

Buckgitter, mine was made in 1995 and is the A-Bolt II Composite model. However there are no screw slits visble in the pad and the edge appears to be glued with a pad spacer. I guess that I can stick the stock in the oven at 250 degrees to soften the hotmelt and lever the pad off with pliers or wrap some primer cord (if I had any) around the glued joint of the pad. The stock spacer will fit a 10002 Limbsaver pad. I would say that the factory pad would have to be measured on the Mohs or maybe Brinell or Rockwell "B" hardness scale because it is harder than a steel belted radial tire. I have had lead sinkers that were softer than this pad.

[dubyam]

I bet there are screw slits in the pad, Oldtrader3. They're just hard to find because the pad is so tough to 'squeeze' any appreciable amount to make them appear. I'd consider hitting it with a heat gun before trying the oven, personally, but it's up to you. Another option is to find a good aftermarket stock (like a B&C) that comes with a good pad, but that will be substantially more cost overall. Of course, in some instances, you do get what you pay for. Try using a little baby powder and dust the face of the existing (so called) 'pad' and squeeze it around while you're dusting. Any slits should show themselves as a straight line of white powder. There must be a way to get that thing off...short of a hacksaw.

[all_about _the_chase]

If you can't find the slits you can cut the "pad" with an electric carving knife. or if your pad is really that hard with a bandsaw/sawsall. Cut it about an 1/8 - 1/4 inch from the spacer and you will find the screws. If it was glued on you can grind the rest of the pad material off with a belt sander, just go slow, and wrap the stock with some tape to protect it. If you want the new pad glued on find some good epoxy and it will be permenently attached...

If you are not handy with these sorts of things get a gunsmith to do the work, it is money well spent.

[Oldtrader3]

My wife is going to stay with a friend in eastern Washington for a couple of days after Mother's Day. While she is gone, I will make this pad replacement a priority. I will have time to fool with the pad removal and I can order and have a Limbsaver on hand by then. In the meantime, I will will take a retractable razor trimmer blade and try to enlarge or open the pad surface and find the screw heads.

If I fail to get the pad replaced, I will just take the stock to the local gunsmith to have the pad ground off.

[chiefjefe]

Oldtrader keep me posted, I need to do this my abolt as well. Thanks.

[lindstd]

Since the subject here is recoil I am wondering what would have more recoil if all things were equal with the guns-300WSM or a 300 Win Mag. I was out with some buddies last night and there seems to be a difference in opinion. If anyone has any insight I would appreciate any advice.

[chiefjefe]

This is posted in an earlier post.


http://www.chuckhawks.com/recoil_table.htm



.300 WSM (180 at 2970) 8.25 23.8 13.6
.300 Win. Mag. (180 at 2960) 8.5 25.9 14.0

[Oldtrader3]

Oldtrader keep me posted, I need to do this my abolt as well. Thanks.

Jefe, I will keep you posted. It will be after Mother's Day, that week sometime.

[dubyam]

If all things are equal, the 300WSM will recoil slightly less than the 300WinMag due to the smaller powder charge in the WSM. The difference will be functionally imperceptible for all intents, as it will be remarkably small. In real world situations, the two cartridges are going to recoil about the same if the velocities and bullet weights are the same because the short action is going to weigh less than the standard length action, and thus any reduction in recoil will be offset by the weight reduction, approximately. Stock design probably has more impact on felt recoil than the difference between these two rounds.

[all_about _the_chase]

I have a 300wsm, and my friend just bought a 300win mag last week. Mine is a M70 stainless/synthetic his is a 700sps stainless/synthetic. Not the same make/stock design, but we both shot last weekend. If there is a recoil difference I coulnd't tell. His is slightly heavier, but it is pretty close (I have a 7 ounce heavier scope/ring on mine) and he has a 26" barrel to my 24. Both have good recoil pads. You really couldn't tell the difference in recoil when firing the same weight bullet (we had 165 and 180's). I also had my 325 along, with 200 and 220 grain bullets the recoil was slightly faster than either 300, but not noticeablely harder than either. That rifle is 1.5 pounds lighter than my 300wsm, but has a very straight stock.

The only difference between 300's was mine was firing developed handloads and his was fireing the cheapest ammo we could find (barrel breakin) and my groups were better than his. His groups were all less than 1 1/2" cleaning between each shot, so with some good handloads who knows...

[j270wsm]

[QUOTE=dubyam;180869]If all things are equal, the 300WSM will recoil slightly less than the 300WinMag due to the smaller powder charge in the WSM.


Yes the powder capacity of the 300wsm is less than the 300win mag, but the shoulder angle is 35 degrees which means higher pressure, so in theory you would think that they would be pretty close.

[Oldtrader3]

All about the chase, I have removed the pad from my 1995 manufacture A-Bolt. There were no slits for the screws so I made some and removed the pad easily. I have a Limbsaver pad on it's way. It should be here on Monday and I will mount it on the rifle. Thanks for the help with this, all of you.

[chiefjefe]

All about the chase, I have removed the pad from my 1995 manufacture A-Bolt. There were no slits for the screws so I made some and removed the pad easily. I have a Limbsaver pad on it's way. It should be here on Monday and I will mount it on the rifle. Thanks for the help with this, all of you.

Oldtrader, I have an abolt but a newer one, no screws are showing on the pad, did you find the screws after opening the pad? Anyone know if the newer abolts are any different? Thanks.

[all_about _the_chase]

Glad to hear you got the pad off. I am sure you will be happy with the limbsaver.

[Oldtrader3]

Jefe, my A-Bolt had no srew slits or marks to indicate where the screws were I looked at the Limbsaver pattern #10002 and cut slits. Someone else may be able to inform you about later model A-Bolt pad attachment. My rifles are dated 1995 and 1999. My pad is the Limbsaver #10002 dimension yours may be that or 10003. There is a .060 width difference. The 10002 pad is 1-5/8 wide. The 10003 pad is 1-9/16 wide. The screw head is also an abortion the head has a slot and partial #2 phillips head.

The old pad is going in the dumpster. It is harder then my ex-wife's heart.

[wasgas]

I purchased two of these one in a Browning BLR with open sites and the other in the X bolt with a scope. I have not shot either one too much but so far am verry pleased. Have done a little reloading and can easily duplicate Winchesters factory loads reaching 3100 fps with 180gr Nosler balistic tips. Also trying some 200 gr accubonds that shoot extremely tight patterns with with the Accurate 4350 powder, so far IMR4831 has the best velocity.