A search of this forum shows very little load data for the 325 WSM in the last couple years. Please post what has been working for you.

I have been just toying with this cartridge, and still need significantly more load development. I'm getting about 2900 fps with Barnes 200 gr TSX, but having trouble hitting 3000 fps without serious pressure signs. I see lots of interest in 180 grain bullets in this caliber, but very little data with 200gr and heavier bullets.

Bill

I dont load for one but what powder are you using? A slower burning powder may help you with the velocity issue.

Try http://www.loaddata.com

It's $25 a year to join but it's worth it if you reload. It's much cheaper than buying all the different manuals. I searched for the 325 wsm and it looks like there are plenty of loads available.

You can load for heavyer bullets without reloading data by carefully working up a load based on data available for 180 and 200 grain bullets. However, you will need a powder burn rate chart to select the next best powder(s) for your load development.

You will notice that if you use powders that have a faster burn rate you will reach peak pressure sooner with less powder than if you use powders with slower burn rates. Ideally, try to find a powder that will just fill the case under the bullet without producing pressure signs, burn cleanly (leaving no unburned powder), and still give the best accuracy.

I don't think you can get to 3000fps with 200gr bullets safely unless you have a longer than 24" barrel.........................DJ

I have been using IMR 4350 so far. 67.0 grains gives about 2925 fps in my rifle, and going up to 68.0 grains shows definite high pressure signs. It looks like djpaintles is getting about the same results (lower left target).

I'm not exactly hung up on achieving 3000fps, but I am seeing the limitations of this caliber.
Since my 300 WSM (and 300 win mag) routinely hits 3000 fps with 180 gr TSX, it would be nice to achieve similar velocities with the heavier 200 grain in the .325. Otherwise, it seems this is really just "another" 300, and while the increase in diameter is useful, this isn't much of a step up in overall power. I suspect I could get 2900 fps with 200 gr TSX in the various 300's.
So what does the .325 do that my 300's won't? I've always felt the step up to a .338 Win Mag was meaningful, but the step to a .325 WSM seems to be almost a step backwards.
Bill

quote:

Originally posted by llamapacker:
A search of this forum shows very little load data for the 325 WSM in the last couple years. Please post what has been working for you.

I have been just toying with this cartridge, and still need significantly more load development. I'm getting about 2900 fps with Barnes 200 gr TSX, but having trouble hitting 3000 fps without serious pressure signs. I see lots of interest in 180 grain bullets in this caliber, but very little data with 200gr and heavier bullets.

Bill

I don't have nor do I shoot a .325 WSM. However looking in the Nosler #6 manual, the absolute highest velocity shown for a 200 gr. bullet is 2964 fps.
That is with Rldr-19.
The data for Rldr-19 is:
65.0 gr. = 2802 fps
67.0 gr. = 2882 fps
69.0 gr. = 2964 fps (Max charge!!!)
the accurate load w/ Rldr-19 is listed as 67.0 gr.

The most accurate powder tested for the 200 gr. bullet was H-4350

Start = 60.5 gr. for 2809 fps
Most accurate charge = 62.5 gr. for 2872 fps
MAX charge = 64.5 gr. for 2925 fps

I think you should get several load manuals rather than asking on a public board but....
Looks as if you can't safely hit your 3000 fps mark. Hope this helps some tho. BTW, Nosler lists 10 different powders tested for their 200 gr. bullets.
Bear in Fairbanks

The larger diameter of the 325 WSM makes a big difference (when compared to 30 caliber bullets) when it hits the animal. If you can find bullets for reloading weighing 220 or 225 grains for the 325 WSM (even if they are moving at modest velocities) then there will be no comparison (on big game animals) when compared to 30 caliber cartridges (no matter how fast you drive the 30 caliber bullets).

The 325 WSM in bullet weights greater then 200 grains will make a good brown bear cartridge.

I've had a couple 300 WSM's that topped out shooting 180gr bullets about the same speed that I get from 200gr bullets out of the 325. In the grand scheme of things 50fps doesn't really matter much, IMO not near as much as 20grains of bullet weight does.
My best advice is to go out and kill some stuff with your 325 and I bet you'll start liking it a lot! ......................DJ