.325 WSM

i looked at the 325 very closly before deciding with the 338.  My reasons are as follows.

more availability of ammo
cheaper ammo and brass sales
other wsm cartridges have been discontinued like the 243 wssm
balistically similar

I shot a moose in 2008 and a bear in the spring of 2009.  The bulet i used was a nosler 210 grain partition both did the job well and put the animal down onthe spot.

A friend and guide recomended the 338 or a 300 win mag.  He said in alaska and the Yukon these two are standard and can be found in any camp and ammo in any northern store that carries sporting goods.  He said forgetting a box of shells with a strange caliber could cost you your fly in hunt.

the model 70 , i feel, is the best choice.  300 win mag is also a good choice for the reasons above.  I got a moose at 150 yards , model 70, winchester xp3  ammo at 180 grain , 1 shot, 1 moose down.  30-06

You will find limited ammo options, especially in factory offerings. Barnes does have a 180 grain x-bullet and Nosler makes their accubond in 200 grains. I have both and plan on experimenting with them when I have time. I have a Browning A Bolt and the gun shoots terrific. I have shot two deer with it and one elk. None went more than three steps, although I did put three into the elk before he toppled head over heels.

Sounds like a good caliber, will it catch on, probably not. Maybe good for a reloader but if you expect to rely on factory ammo I wouldnt consider it.

It's actually a very good caliber! The problem is there is so much out there today, that there is many good options. If you don't believe me just start a forum on the best elk cartridge or bear cartridge and see how many answers you get! The problem is they will all be good!! The down side on the 325 wsm is that there is not many good bullets in the 8mm offering. If you came out with a new offering in the 7mm or .300 you would have a vast selection of bullets at your finger tips, with the 8mm it is very limited. My A bolt in the .325 wsm will print groups right at one inch which is with winchesters 200 grain bonded factory ammo. I havehad two deer dropped in their tracks and an elk that just stood ther and wobbled until the third shot took out his spine. The nice part about the .325 for elk hunting is that it has the sectional density to hold together on a tough critter, which is even more important when you are in bear country. The other nice thing about the wsm's is that with the shorter action the rifle can be made lighter which is a plus when in the mountain. Ounces do make a difference! Good luck on whatever you decide!

@ just over 3000fps, a 180gn TSX W/B.C. of .381 shouldn't be horrible.

I use a Remington Model 700. 
It is in the .300 Winchester magnum.

Shot the last mule deer at 290 yards.

Great round, great gun.

I have looked at the .300s. Just don't want what everybody else has. The .325 beats it down range. Yes Horsager thanks that was one of the first things I looked at to be sure Barnes made a bullet. I love those Barnes.  I just found out Howa is offering a .338 in there thumbhole model. Hmm... Good thing I have a some time to choose. Thanks for the replies so far.