.270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
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:
.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.
.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:
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:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 7.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .270 WSM with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
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.