The 300 WSM packs magnum-class power into a short, stubby case. That lets you carry a lighter, shorter rifle without giving up much speed. If you hunt elk, mule deer or anything big in open country, 300 WSM ballistics are worth a close look. This guide shows the published numbers for the loads we carry and how to choose a bullet.
What Does 300 WSM Stand For?
WSM means Winchester Short Magnum. Winchester introduced the 300 WSM in 2001. It fires the same .308-inch bullet as the 308 Winchester and 300 Win Mag. The case is short and wide, with no belt and a rebated rim.
Is the 300 WSM a short action?
Yes. That is the point of the design. It fits a short action, like a 308, so the rifle can be shorter and lighter. The bolt also has a shorter throw. Keep in mind that the fat case often means one less round in the magazine than a 308 rifle of the same size.
300 WSM Ballistics Chart
These are maker-published muzzle numbers, sorted from 150 to 200 grains. Each load links to its product page.
| Load | Bullet | Grain | Muzzle velocity (fps) | Muzzle energy (ft-lbs) | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remington Core Lokt 300 WSM 150 Grain Soft Point | Core-Lokt Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 3,320 | 3,671 | 20-round box |
| Remington Core Lokt Tipped 300 WSM 150 Grain Polymer Tip | Polymer Tip | 150 | 3,340 | 3,715 | 20-round box |
| Barnes TTSX 300 WSM 150 Grain VOR-TX Lead-Free | Barnes Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX) Polymer Tip | 150 | 3,310 | 3,650 | 20-round box |
| Winchester Power Point 300 WSM 150 Grain Soft Point | Power-Point Jacketed Soft Point | 150 | 3,271 | 3,561 | 20-round box |
| Hornady American Whitetail 300 WSM 165 Grain InterLock | Hornady InterLock Jacketed Soft Point | 165 | 3,130 | 3,589 | 20-round box |
| Federal Fusion 300 WSM 165 Grain Bonded Soft Point | Bonded Jacketed Soft Point | 165 | 3,100 | 3,520 | 20-round box |
| Nosler Ballistic Tip 300 WSM 165 Grain Polymer Tip | Nosler Ballistic Tip Polymer Tip | 165 | 3,125 | 3,577 | 20-round box |
| Norma Tipstrike 300 WSM 170 Grain Polymer Tip | Polymer Tip (Tipstrike) | 170 | 3,199 | 3,862 | 20-round box |
| HSM Trophy Gold 300 WSM 168 Grain Berger VLD | Berger Hunting VLD Jacketed Soft Point | 168 | 3,109 | 3,607 | 20-round box |
| Nosler AccuBond 300 WSM 180 Grain Trophy Grade | Nosler AccuBond Bonded Polymer Tip | 180 | 2,950 | 3,478 | 20-round box |
| Federal Power Shok 300 WSM 180 Grain Soft Point | Jacketed Soft Point | 180 | 2,970 | 3,525 | 20-round box |
| Federal TSX 300 WSM 180 Grain Lead-Free | Barnes Triple-Shock X Solid Copper Hollow Point | 180 | 2,980 | 3,549 | 20-round box |
| Federal Berger Hybrid Hunter 300 WSM 185 Grain | Berger Hybrid Hunter Jacketed Hollow Point | 185 | 2,950 | 3,575 | 20-round box |
| Nosler AccuBond Long Range 300 WSM 190 Grain | Nosler AccuBond Long Range Bonded Polymer Tip | 190 | 2,875 | 3,486 | 20-round box |
| Hornady Precision Hunter 300 WSM 200 Grain ELD-X | Hornady ELD-X Polymer Tip | 200 | 2,820 | 3,531 | 20-round box |
| Federal Terminal Ascent 300 WSM 200 Grain Bonded Polymer Tip | Bonded Polymer Tip (Terminal Ascent) | 200 | 2,810 | 3,506 | 20-round box |
The Remington Core-Lokt Tipped 150 grain lists 3,340 fps and 3,715 ft-lbs. Moving up, the Norma TipStrike 170 grain lists 3,199 fps and 3,862 ft-lbs. At the heavy end, the Hornady Precision Hunter 200 grain ELD-X lists 2,820 fps and 3,531 ft-lbs.
How to Read Speed and Energy
Velocity is the muzzle speed in feet per second. Energy is the work the bullet can do, in foot-pounds. Energy uses weight times speed squared, so speed is the bigger lever.
These are muzzle values only. A bullet with a high ballistic coefficient keeps more speed at distance. That is why long-range hunters favor ELD-X, AccuBond Long Range and Berger bullets. Pull the maker’s chart for downrange values before a long shot.
Barrel length, cold and altitude
Makers test in set barrels, often 24 inches. Short-magnum rifles with 22-inch or 23-inch barrels may run slower than the box. Cold weather slows the powder. Thin mountain air lowers drag. If you hunt high country in November, those effects pull in different directions. A chronograph gives your true number.
Picking a 300 WSM Bullet by Game
Deer and pronghorn: 150 to 165 grains
Lighter bullets give a flat path and plenty of power for deer. Pick a bullet that holds up at high speed for close shots. The Barnes TTSX 150 grain VOR-TX lists 3,310 fps and 3,650 ft-lbs and is solid copper. The Hornady American Whitetail 165 grain lists 3,130 fps and 3,589 ft-lbs.
Elk and moose: 180 grains
The 180-grain bullet is the all-round choice for big game. The Nosler AccuBond 180 grain lists 2,950 fps and 3,478 ft-lbs. The Federal TSX 180 grain lists 2,980 fps and 3,549 ft-lbs and is lead-free.
Long range: 185 to 200 grains
Heavier, sleeker bullets hold speed and fight wind better. The Federal Berger Hybrid Hunter 185 grain lists 2,950 fps and 3,575 ft-lbs. The Federal Terminal Ascent 200 grain lists 2,810 fps and 3,506 ft-lbs.
Some states limit bullet type, caliber or lead. Laws vary, so check your state’s hunting rules before you buy.
300 WSM vs 300 Win Mag
These two land closer than most people think. Look at 180-grain Power-Shok soft points. The 300 WSM Power-Shok 180 grain lists 2,970 fps and 3,525 ft-lbs. The 300 Win Mag Power-Shok 180 grain lists 2,960 fps and 3,502 ft-lbs.
So what is the difference? The Win Mag needs a long action and has more case room for the very heavy bullets. The WSM fits a shorter, lighter rifle. The Win Mag has a far deeper lineup of factory loads, which is why the WSM can be harder to find on shelves. For the long-action side, read our 300 Win Mag ballistic data guide. To compare with a standard short action, see the 308 Winchester ballistics guide.
Recoil and Practice
Short magnums kick hard, often in a lighter rifle. A good recoil pad and a proper stock fit help a lot. Practice from field positions, not just the bench. The flat path of 300 WSM ballistics only helps if you can hold steady and call the wind.
Shop 300 WSM Ammo
See all our loads in the 300 WSM ammo category, from soft points to copper and long-range bullets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 300 WSM?
The 300 WSM, or 300 Winchester Short Magnum, is a .30 caliber magnum that fits a short action. Winchester introduced it in 2001. It uses a short, wide case with no belt and fires a .308-inch bullet. It suits deer, elk and other big game.
Is a 300 WSM a short action?
Yes. The 300 WSM was designed to fit a short action, the same length as a 308. That allows lighter, shorter rifles and a quicker bolt throw. Its wide case usually means magazine capacity is lower than a 308 rifle of the same size.
Why is 300 WSM ammo hard to find?
It is a smaller-volume round than the 300 Win Mag or 30-06, so fewer loads are made and stores carry less of it. Supply also swings with demand. Buying a few boxes of the load your rifle likes helps you stay stocked for the season.
What does 300 WSM stand for?
WSM stands for Winchester Short Magnum. The 300 refers to its .30 caliber bullet, which measures .308 inch. Winchester made a family of short magnums, but the 300 WSM is the one most hunters know. Use only ammo marked for your rifle’s exact chambering.
Is the 300 WSM as powerful as the 300 Win Mag?
It comes close with common bullet weights. In our stock, the 300 WSM Power-Shok 180 grain lists 2,970 fps, and the 300 Win Mag Power-Shok 180 grain lists 2,960 fps. The Win Mag has more room for very heavy bullets and more factory loads.
