Ultimate Guide to .270 WSM Ammo: Power and Precision for Hunting and Long-Range Shooting
Introduction
The .270 Winchester Short Magnum (.270 WSM) is a high-velocity, hard-hitting hunting cartridge that offers superior ballistics, improved accuracy, and increased energy retention compared to traditional .270 Winchester rounds. Since its introduction by Winchester in 2002, the .270 WSM has quickly gained popularity among hunters and long-range shooters looking for magnum-level performance in a short-action rifle.
Designed for big-game hunting, the .270 WSM delivers flatter trajectories, higher velocities, and enhanced stopping power, making it an ideal choice for deer, elk, moose, and long-range target shooting.
If you're looking for a modern hunting cartridge with outstanding ballistic performance, the .270 WSM ammo is a top contender in today’s market
Best .270 WSM We Sell At Pro Armory:
What is the .270 WSM?
The .270 Winchester Short Magnum is a bottlenecked, centerfire rifle cartridge based on the .300 WSM case, necked down to accept .277-inch bullets. Unlike traditional long-action cartridges like the .270 Winchester, the .270 WSM is designed for short-action rifles, improving handling, cycling speed, and efficiency.
When compared to other calibers and magnum cartridges, the .270 WSM offers several advantages. It achieves higher velocities than the .270 Winchester and many other magnum cartridges, resulting in flatter trajectories and better long-range performance. This makes it particularly effective for big-game hunting. However, it also faces challenges such as limited ammunition availability and faster barrel wear. While the .270 WSM excels in certain areas, it may not provide significant advantages over other calibers in terms of cost and availability. Its short-action efficiency reduces bolt throw distance for quicker follow-up shots, enhancing its appeal in modern shooting and hunting scenarios.
This cartridge was developed to outperform the standard .270 Win, offering:
- Higher velocities than the .270 Winchester, leading to flatter trajectories.
- More energy retention at longer ranges, making it more effective for big-game hunting.
- Short-action efficiency, reducing bolt throw distance for quicker follow-up shots.
Why the .270 WSM Stands Out:
- Magnum-Level Performance – Achieves higher velocities and energy compared to standard .270 Winchester rounds.
- Flat Trajectory for Long-Range Accuracy – Less bullet drop than many other hunting cartridges.
- Hard-Hitting Power – Superior energy transfer ensures deep penetration and reliable expansion.
- Short-Action Design – Lighter rifle configurations and faster cycling for improved handling in the field.
History and Development of the .270 WSM
The .270 WSM was introduced in 2002 by Winchester as part of the Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) series, which sought to maximize ballistic performance while fitting into short-action rifles.
Compared to the .270 Winchester, the .270 WSM provides:
- Higher muzzle velocities (up to 200-300 fps faster).
- Increased energy retention at extended distances.
- Greater efficiency in powder burn, optimizing overall performance.
The .270 WSM has since become a favorite among hunters looking for a powerful, accurate, and versatile big-game cartridge.
High Velocity Ballistic Performance of .270 WSM
The .270 WSM is known for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and superior downrange energy, making it one of the best cartridges for long-range big-game hunting. It delivers similar performance to other proven cartridges like the .270 Winchester, offering impressive speed and trajectory without a significant advantage in cost and ammo availability.
.270 WSM Ballistics Chart
|
Bullet Weight (Grains)
|
Muzzle Velocity (fps)
|
Energy (ft-lbs)
|
300 Yards (fps)
|
500 Yards (fps)
|
|
130 gr. Hornady SST
|
3,275
|
3,096
|
2,650
|
2,250
|
|
140 gr. Nosler AccuBond
|
3,150
|
3,080
|
2,560
|
2,190
|
|
150 gr. Federal Soft Point
|
3,020
|
3,035
|
2,450
|
2,070
|
|
160 gr. Berger Hybrid
|
2,900
|
2,950
|
2,320
|
1,950
|
Key Takeaways:
- Higher Velocity Than .270 Win – Reaches 3,000+ fps, ensuring flatter trajectory and less bullet drop.
- Hard-Hitting Energy – Retains substantial energy at long ranges, making it ideal for big-game hunting.
- Superior Wind Resistance – High ballistic coefficient bullets reduce wind drift, improving accuracy.
Best Bullets for .270 WSM
Choosing the right .270 WSM ammo depends on your shooting and hunting needs. Below are the top bullet choices for this caliber:
|
Bullet Type
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Features
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Best For
|
|
Hornady SST
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Controlled expansion, rapid energy transfer
|
Deer, antelope, whitetail hunting
|
|
Nosler AccuBond
|
Bonded core, deep penetration
|
Elk, moose, long-range shots
|
|
Barnes TTSX
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Lead-free, high weight retention
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Hunting in lead-restricted areas, big-game hunting
|
|
Federal Soft Point
|
Traditional, effective expansion
|
General-purpose hunting, whitetail
|
|
Berger Hybrid
|
High-BC, precision long-range accuracy
|
Target shooting, competitive shooting
|
For medium game like deer and antelope, Hornady SST and Federal Soft Point bullets provide great expansion and knockdown power. For larger game like elk or moose, Nosler AccuBond and Barnes TTSX ensure deep penetration and high weight retention.
Hunting Applications of .270 WSM
The .270 WSM is one of the best hunting cartridges for big-game hunting, offering long-range accuracy, excellent stopping power, and manageable recoil.
Recommended Uses by Game Type
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Game Type
|
Recommended Bullet Weight
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Recommended Bullet Type
|
|
Whitetail Deer / Mule Deer
|
130 - 140 gr.
|
Hornady SST, Federal Soft Point
|
|
Elk / Moose
|
140 - 160 gr.
|
Nosler AccuBond, Barnes TTSX
|
|
Antelope / Mountain Game
|
130 - 140 gr.
|
Hornady SST, Berger Hybrid
|
|
Long-Range Precision Shooting
|
140 - 160 gr.
|
Berger Hybrid, Nosler AccuBond
|
Due to its higher velocity and better energy retention, the .270 WSM is an excellent choice for open-country and long-range hunting.
Choosing the Right Rifle for .270 WSM
The .270 WSM is commonly chambered in bolt-action hunting rifles, which offer the best accuracy and performance.
Top Rifles for .270 WSM
- Winchester Model 70 Super Grade – Classic bolt-action rifle with legendary accuracy.
- Browning X-Bolt Hunter – Lightweight and ergonomic for backcountry hunting.
- Remington 700 CDL – A highly accurate and reliable bolt-action rifle.
- Tikka T3x Lite – Great balance of precision and maneuverability.
- Savage 110 High Country – Designed for long-range hunting with excellent durability.
Final Thoughts
The .270 WSM is a powerful, high-performance hunting cartridge designed for long-range accuracy and magnum-level energy transfer. Whether you're hunting deer, elk, or shooting at extended ranges, the .270 WSM delivers outstanding ballistic performance while maintaining a manageable recoil profile.
Key Features Recap:
- Best For: Big-game hunting, long-range shooting, precision accuracy
- Bullet Weights: 130 - 160 grains
- Top Features: Flat trajectory, hard-hitting energy, superior long-range performance
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