270 WSM Ballistics From Major Manufacturers

By Wes Littlefield

Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026

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Wes Littlefield

Guns have fascinated Wes since pulling the trigger on his BB gun as a kid. He built a private gun range over a decade ago to keep his skills sharp. He loves breaking down complex ideas into understandable pieces for readers, with expertise in hunting and all aspects of shooting.

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Wes Littlefield, "270 WSM Ballistics From Your Favorite Factory Ammo"
(https://ammo.com/ballistics/270-wsm-ballistics)

You discovered our in-depth look at 270 Winchester Short Magnum ballistics from major ammo manufacturers.

Save time by clicking the links below to skip to your favorite ammunition company and find the 270 WSM ballistics data you need for your favorite factory ammo. Ready to stock up? Browse our full selection of 270 WSM ammo.

270 WSM Ballistics Charts

Jump to an ammo company producing this rifle cartridge: Barnes | Browning | Federal Premium | Hornady | Norma | Nosler | Remington | Winchester

Barnes

VOR-TX Rifle TSX 140 Grain BT

Browning

130 Grain Max Point

Federal Premium

Jump to a ballistics chart: Power-Shok 130 Grain JSP | 130 Grain Trophy Copper | 136 Grain Terminal Ascent | 140 Grain Hybrid Hunter | Fusion 150 Grain Bonded SP

Power-Shok 130 Grain JSP

130 Grain Trophy Copper

136 Grain Terminal Ascent

140 Grain Hybrid Hunter

Fusion 150 Grain Bonded SP

Hornady

Jump to a ballistics chart: Outfitter 130 Grain CX | Precision Hunter 145 Grain ELD-X

Outfitter 130 Grain CX

Precision Hunter 145 Grain ELD-X

Norma

Jump to a ballistics chart: ECOSTRIKE 130 Grain | Whitetail 130 Grain | TIPSTRIKE 140 Grain | Oryx 150 Grain | Vulkan 156 Grain

ECOSTRIKE 130 Grain

Whitetail 130 Grain

TIPSTRIKE 140 Grain

Oryx 150 Grain

Vulkan 156 Grain

Nosler

Jump to a ballistics chart: 130 Grain Expansion Tip | Trophy Grade 140 Grain AccuBond | Trophy Grade 150 Grain AccuBond

130 Grain Expansion Tip

Trophy Grade 140 Grain AccuBond

Trophy Grade 150 Grain AccuBond

Remington

Core-Lokt 130 Grain PSP

Winchester

Jump to a ballistics chart: Ballistic Silvertip 130 Grain Polymer Tip | Copper Impact 130 Grain Copper Extreme Point | Deer Season XP 130 Grain Extreme Point | Power Max Bonded 130 Grain PHP | Ballistic Silver Tip 150 Grain Polymer Tip | Power-Point 150 Grain PSP

Ballistic Silvertip 130 Grain Polymer Tip

Copper Impact 130 Grain Copper Extreme Point

Deer Season XP 130 Grain Extreme Point

Power Max Bonded 130 Grain PHP

Ballistic Silver Tip 150 Grain Polymer Tip

Power-Point 150 Grain PSP

Administrative Note: The information above is provided by ammo manufacturers. Actual ballistics obtained with your firearm can vary considerably from advertised ballistics. Also, ballistics can vary from lot to lot with the same brand and type. When the manufacturer's ballistic data was unavailable, ballistics were calculated using a ballistics calculator.

270 WSM Trajectory Chart

A bullet's trajectory is its flight path. Shooters measure trajectory in inches of bullet drop, milliradians (MIL), or minute of angle (MOA).

A flatter trajectory is preferred for long-range shooting because shooters need fewer adjustments to compensate for bullet drop. The 270 WSM is a good choice for long-distance hunting, as it has a reasonably flat trajectory. When zeroed in at 200 yards, a 140 grain bullet will only drop ~34" by the 500-yard mark.

Here is a sample 270 WSM bullet drop chart to give you a general idea of the 270 Winchester Short Magnum's trajectory.

Note: The above chart is an example of one 270 WSM load. Actual ballistic performance varies depending on bullet weight, lot, barrel length, and environmental conditions.

270 WSM Velocity

Muzzle velocity is the rate at which a bullet exits the barrel, measured in feet per second (fps). Typically, a longer barrel produces a higher muzzle velocity, as the extra length gives exploding propellant more time to exert its energy against the base of the projectile.

We can expect 270 WSM muzzle velocities to vary from 3,060 fps to 3,280 fps, depending on the exact load and length of the rifle's barrel. The 270 WSM has high muzzle velocities, which contribute to its flat trajectory and high striking energy.

270 WSM Kinetic Energy

Muzzle energy is the amount of force a bullet possesses the moment it leaves the barrel, measured in foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Heavier bullets tend to have higher muzzle energy, but lower velocity.

Velocity also matters when determining the kinetic energy of a bullet. For example, a 150 grain 270 WSM bullet gains 3,118 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and conserves 1,567 ft-lbs at 500 yards, whereas a 130 grain 270 WSM bullet gains 3,105 ft-lbs of muzzle energy and conserves 1,495 ft-lbs at 500 yards.

270 WSM Effective Range

The 270 WSM is a good cartridge for long-range target shooting (500 yards+). Most shooters feel ~800 yards is its limit. Most hunters agree that ~600 yards is the maximum effective range of the 270 WSM for deer hunting, and ~500 yards for elk.

How Do 270 WSM Ballistics Compare to Other Rifle Cartridges?

The 270 WSM is ballistically comparable to many rifle cartridges, including but not limited to the 270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, 6.8 Western, and 6.5 Creedmoor.

270 Winchester Short Magnum vs. 270 Winchester

For complete performance data on the original 270, explore our 270 Winchester ballistics guide.

270 WSM vs. 7mm Remington Magnum

For complete performance data on this classic magnum cartridge, explore our 7mm Rem Mag ballistics guide.

270 WSM vs. 6.8 Western

For complete performance data on Winchester's newest big-game cartridge, explore our 6.8 Western ballistics guide.

270 WSM vs. 6.5 Creedmoor

For complete performance data on this popular long-range cartridge, explore our 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Ammo.com team has compiled and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about 270 WSM ballistics.

How Much Does a 270 WSM Drop at 300 Yards?

A 270 WSM will drop about -5" to -6" at 300 yards, depending on the exact load you're firing and when sighted-in at 200 yards.

What Is the Effective Range of a 270 WSM?

The effective range of a 270 WSM is ~800 yards for target shooting and ~600 yards for hunting.

What Is a 270 Short Mag Good For?

The 270 Short Mag is good for deer, elk, pronghorn, caribou, and moose hunting.

Written by

Wes Littlefield