Quick Answer
The .325 WSM has a relatively flat trajectory at extended ranges, making it suitable for elk hunting. At 400 yards, a .325 WSM bullet will drop about 24 inches, and at 500 yards, it will drop about 48 inches. This trajectory allows for effective shots on elk at longer distances.
Trajectory at Extended Ranges
The .325 WSM cartridge is a popular choice for elk hunting due to its flat trajectory and relatively high velocity. At 400 yards, a .325 WSM bullet will drop about 24 inches, and at 500 yards, it will drop about 48 inches. This means that at these ranges, a bullet that is sighted in at 200 yards will be about 24 inches low at 400 yards, and about 48 inches low at 500 yards.
Ballistic Coefficients and Bullet Weights
When hunting elk at extended ranges, it’s essential to choose a bullet with a suitable ballistic coefficient (BC) and weight. The .325 WSM can shoot bullets with BCs ranging from 0.4 to 0.6 and weights of 150-200 grains. A bullet with a higher BC and heavier weight will tend to maintain its velocity and trajectory better at longer ranges. For example, the 180-grain Nosler Partition has a BC of 0.53, making it a good choice for elk hunting at extended ranges.
Zeroing and Bullet Drop Compensation
To effectively hunt elk with a .325 WSM at extended ranges, it’s essential to zero your rifle correctly and use bullet drop compensation (BDC) techniques. Zero your rifle at 200-250 yards, and then use a BDC reticle or a ballistic calculator to determine the drop compensation for longer ranges. For example, if you’re shooting at 400 yards, you’ll need to compensate for about 24 inches of drop. By using a BDC reticle or calculator, you can accurately place your shots on elk at extended ranges.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.