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.270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

.270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum): At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Rifle
Primer Type Large Rifle Magnum
Used For Big Game Hunting, Long-Range Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 2002

.270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum): At a Glance: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ High velocity and flat trajectory
  • ✔ Excellent long-range performance
  • ✔ Improved ballistics over standard .270 Winchester
  • ✔ Reduced recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges
  • ✔ Shorter action length allows for more compact rifles

Cons

  • ✘ More expensive ammunition than standard .270 Winchester
  • ✘ Less barrel life due to higher pressures
  • ✘ Limited ammunition availability compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ Increased muzzle blast and report
  • ✘ Not as widely adopted as some other short magnum cartridges

.270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum): A Comprehensive Overview

The .270 Winchester Short Magnum (.270 WSM) is a powerful, short-action rifle cartridge introduced by Winchester in 2002. It's designed to deliver ballistic performance similar to the .270 Winchester but from a shorter action, offering improved feeding and cycling in bolt-action rifles. The .270 WSM provides excellent velocity, flat trajectory, and hard-hitting energy, making it popular among hunters for medium to large game.

Development and Characteristics

The .270 WSM was developed as part of Winchester's Short Magnum family, which aimed to provide magnum performance in short-action rifles. It's based on a shortened .300 WSM case necked down to .277 inches (7mm). This design allows for efficient powder burn and high velocities while maintaining manageable recoil.

The cartridge typically propels 130-150 grain bullets at velocities ranging from 3,100 to 3,300 feet per second at the muzzle. This combination of bullet weight and velocity results in a flat trajectory and excellent downrange energy retention, making the .270 WSM effective for long-range shooting and hunting.

Compared to its parent cartridge, the .270 Winchester, the .270 WSM offers about 200-300 fps higher velocity with similar bullet weights. This translates to flatter trajectory and increased energy delivery at longer ranges, enhancing its effectiveness for hunting larger game animals.

Applications and Performance

The .270 WSM excels in hunting scenarios, particularly for medium to large game such as deer, elk, and moose. Its high velocity and flat trajectory make it suitable for long-range shots in open terrain. The cartridge's energy delivery is sufficient for ethical harvests of animals weighing up to 500 pounds at extended ranges.

In terms of recoil, the .270 WSM produces more felt recoil than the standard .270 Winchester but less than larger magnum cartridges like the .300 Winchester Magnum. This balance of power and manageable recoil contributes to its popularity among hunters who desire magnum performance without excessive muzzle rise or shooter fatigue.

While primarily designed for hunting, the .270 WSM has also found some use in long-range target shooting. Its inherent accuracy potential and flat trajectory make it suitable for competitions where wind drift and bullet drop are critical factors.

Timeline of .270 WSM Development and Milestones:

Year Event
2022 .270 WSM continues to be popular among hunters and is offered by major rifle manufacturers
2010 Improved bullet designs further enhance the .270 WSM's long-range performance
2003 Major rifle manufacturers begin offering production rifles chambered in .270 WSM
2002 Winchester officially introduces the .270 WSM to the commercial market
2001 Development and testing of the .270 WSM is completed by Winchester
2000 Winchester begins development of the .270 WSM as part of their Short Magnum family

.270 WSM Performance Characteristics

The .270 WSM offers high performance in a short-action package. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
Velocity 3,200 fps (130-grain bullets) 3,100 fps (150-grain bullets)
Measured at muzzle with 24-inch barrel
Energy 2,970 ft-lbs (130-grain bullets) 3,195 ft-lbs (150-grain bullets)
Muzzle energy
Trajectory 6.7 inches drop at 300 yards (150-grain bullet)
Zeroed at 200 yards
Effective Range 500+ yards
For medium to large game hunting
Recoil 17-20 ft-lbs
In a 7.5 lb rifle

Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .270 WSM loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.270 WSM: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for .270 WSM ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Big Game Hunting 0-500 Excellent for medium to large game, high energy retention
Long-Range Shooting 0-800 Flat trajectory and high ballistic coefficient for long-range accuracy
Target Shooting 0-1000 Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads
Varmint Hunting 0-600 Overkill for small varmints, but effective at extended ranges

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .270 WSM is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and excellent long-range performance. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

Applications for .270 WSM

The .270 WSM's high-performance characteristics make it suitable for a range of applications:

Big Game Hunting
  • Excellent for medium to large game such as deer, elk, and moose
  • High velocity and energy for clean, ethical kills at extended ranges
  • Flat trajectory aids in accurate shot placement
Long-Range Shooting
  • Popular for long-range target shooting and competitions
  • High ballistic coefficient bullets maintain velocity and energy downrange
  • Capable of sub-MOA accuracy with proper loads and rifles
Target Shooting
  • Used in various long-range shooting disciplines
  • Low recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges
  • Wide variety of factory and hand-loaded ammunition available
Varmint Hunting
  • Effective for long-range varmint control
  • High velocity creates dramatic terminal effects on small targets
  • Overkill for small varmints at close range, but excels at distance

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the .270 WSM's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

.270 WSM vs. .270 Winchester ▼

.270 WSM vs. 7mm Remington Magnum ▼

.270 WSM vs. .300 WSM ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Sectional Density Comparison for .270 WSM

The .270 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) is a powerful short-action cartridge known for its flat trajectory and high velocity. This table compares the sectional density of various bullet weights for the .270 WSM.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density
.270 WSM 130 0.242
.270 WSM 140 0.261
.270 WSM 150 0.279
.270 WSM 160 0.298
.270 WSM 170 0.316

Note: The .270 WSM offers excellent sectional density values, particularly with heavier bullets. This contributes to its reputation for deep penetration and efficient energy transfer on medium to large game animals. The cartridge's high velocity further enhances its terminal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .270 WSM?

A: The .270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) is a short-action cartridge introduced by Winchester in 2002. It's based on the .300 WSM case necked down to .277 caliber, offering similar ballistic performance to the .270 Winchester but in a shorter package.

Q: How does the .270 WSM compare to the standard .270 Winchester?

A: The .270 WSM offers slightly higher velocities and flatter trajectories than the standard .270 Winchester. It typically pushes a 130-grain bullet at around 3,275 fps, compared to 3,060 fps for the .270 Winchester. The WSM also allows for these ballistics in shorter-action rifles.

Q: What are the advantages of the .270 WSM?

A: The .270 WSM offers magnum performance in a short-action rifle, which can be lighter and more compact. It also provides excellent long-range performance, flat trajectories, and high energy retention, making it suitable for a wide range of big game hunting scenarios.

Q: What game is the .270 WSM suitable for hunting?

A: The .270 WSM is excellent for medium to large game. It's suitable for deer, elk, moose, black bear, and similar-sized game. Its high velocity and energy make it effective at longer ranges, making it popular among Western hunters who may need to take longer shots.

Q: Are there any drawbacks to the .270 WSM?

A: The main drawbacks of the .270 WSM include increased recoil compared to the standard .270 Winchester, potentially shorter barrel life due to higher pressures and velocities, and typically higher ammunition costs. Additionally, ammunition availability may be more limited compared to more common calibers.

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