Spring Snows

outdoorlife-editor — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:53:27 -0400

Special "spring" snow goose season provides great sport and even greater challenge.

Spring Snowstorm

outdoorlife-editor — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:00:49 -0400

Winchester .325 WSM

outdoorlife-editor — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:00:00 -0400

Shooters and hunters who
prefer bigger-bore rifles
have been eagerly expecting Winchester to finally step up
and offer larger bullets in the Winchester Short Magnum series. For 2005, the ammo maker will make the big move, but the choice of caliber is a bit of a surprise.

Winchester engineers recognized the need for a cartridge capable of launching 200-plus-grain bullets. Naturally, they were also looking for a cartridge that would be accurate and have the stopping power needed for the largest of North American game and lower perceived recoil. Most shooters believed the natural choice would be a revamped .338 Win. Mag., but Winchester has instead opted for something different. The latest addition to the WSM platform will be the all-new .325 WSM.

The new cartridge is designed to deliver the high speed and
flat trajectory of the .300 WSM and the powerful knockdown punch of the long-action .338 Win. Mag., but in a smaller, lighter and far more user-friendly (read lower-recoil) package.

For 2005 three loads will be available. With help from Nosler, Winchester Ammunition created a 200-grain Supreme Accubond CT (SRP: $52.97). In the Super-X line, Winchester offers a 220-grain Power-Point cartridge (SRP: $36.97). In addition, a 180-grain Ballistic Silvertip (Supreme line) will also be available. SRP: $47.05. Booth #3251 and #3351. (618-258-2000; www.winchester.com)

Working in tandem with Winchester Ammunition, Browning and Winchester Firearms have each built line extensions of their popular
rifles to accommodate the new cartridge.

The .325 WSM Browning
A-Bolt Hunter comes in right- and left-hand versions. The Micro Hunter is also available
in right- and left-hand versions, as is the Medallion. The
Hunter FLD, Stainless Stalker, Composite Stalker and the White Gold Medallion complete the new line. Magazine capacity is three rounds (one in the
chamber). The rifles weigh an average of 6.5 to 6.75 pounds, and the barrel length is 23
inches (except for the Micro Hunter's, which is 22 inches). SRP: Starts at $734. Booth
#401 and #513. (801-876-2711; www.browning.com)

The contribution from Winchester Firearms will be
the time-tested Model 70. New versions of the venerable marque include the Ultimate Shadow, Camo Ultimate Shadow,
Classic Featherweight, Classic Laminated, Super Grade
RMEF (Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation) and Super Grade
III in Controlled Round Feed Bolt. Controlled Push Feed
models will include Super Shadow, Coyote Laminated
and the new Coyote Synthetic Lite. All models feature a 24-
inch barrel and a magazine capacity of three rounds. SRP: Starts at $554. Booth #301.
(801-876-3440; www.winchester
-guns.com)

Slaton L. White

Spring Snows

Spring Snowstorm

Winchester .325 WSM