About this caliber
270 WSM
The .270 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum) is a centerfire rifle cartridge introduced in 2002, delivering .277-caliber magnum performance from a short, fat case that fits compact short-action rifles. It is a flat-shooting big-game and long-range hunting cartridge.
Commonly used for
The .270 WSM was introduced by Winchester in 2002 as part of the short-magnum family, applying the same concept as the .300 WSM to the .277-caliber bore: magnum performance from a shorter, wider case that fits compact short-action rifles rather than longer magnum actions. It offered .270 shooters a higher-velocity, magnum-class option in a handier rifle. Ballistically the .270 WSM drives .277-caliber bullets — commonly 130 to 150 grains — at high velocity, exceeding the classic .270 Winchester and producing a very flat trajectory well suited to open-country big game at extended range. Its recoil is moderate-to-significant for its class, in keeping with the added velocity over the standard .270. The short, efficient case is its defining structural feature. Like other members of the short-magnum family, its popularity has varied over time relative to standard cartridges, but it established a solid following among hunters wanting magnum .270 performance in a compact rifle, with established rifle and ammunition support. Today the .270 WSM is used for big-game hunting and long-range target shooting, with steady ammunition availability. Its combination of magnum-class .277-caliber velocity in a compact short-action package is why it appeals to .270 shooters seeking extra reach and flatness.
General information about this caliber — not a recommendation for this specific firearm.
Ammunition in 270 WSM · 16
| Load | Type | Purpose | Grain | Velocity | Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnes Bullets VOR-TX | JHP | Hunting | 140 gr | 3135 fps | 3056 ft·lb |
| Browning Ammo Max Point | — | Hunting | 130 gr | 3275 fps | 3096 ft·lb |
| Federal Premium | SP | Hunting | 130 gr | 3280 fps | 3105 ft·lb |
| Federal Premium | — | Hunting | 136 gr | 3240 fps | 3170 ft·lb |
| Federal Premium | — | Hunting | 140 gr | 3200 fps | 3183 ft·lb |
| Federal Fusion | SP | Hunting | 150 gr | 3060 fps | 3118 ft·lb |
| Hornady Outfitter | — | Hunting | 130 gr | 3150 fps | 2864 ft·lb |
| Hornady Precision Hunter | SP | Hunting | 145 gr | 3100 fps | 3094 ft·lb |
| HSM Trophy Gold | SP | Hunting | 130 gr | 3214 fps | 2983 ft·lb |
| HSM Trophy Gold | SP | Hunting | 150 gr | 3024 fps | 3047 ft·lb |
| NORMA AMMUNITION (RUAG) Tipstrike | — | Hunting | 140 gr | — | — |
| Nosler Trophy Grade | SP | Hunting | 140 gr | 3100 fps | 2986 ft·lb |
| Nosler Trophy Grade | SP | Hunting | 150 gr | 3050 fps | 3098 ft·lb |
| Winchester Ammo Deer Season XP | SP | Hunting | 130 gr | 3275 fps | 3096 ft·lb |
| Winchester Ammo Ballistic Silvertip | SP | Hunting | 150 gr | 3120 fps | 3242 ft·lb |
| Winchester Ammo Power-Point | SP | Hunting | 150 gr | 3150 fps | 3304 ft·lb |
Ammunition data from the catalog source. Listing is informational, not a recommendation for any use.