Winchester Introduces Powerful .270 WSM for Big-Game Hunting
Winchester introduced the .270 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) in 2002, a powerful cartridge designed for big-game hunting. It's one of the few commercial cartridges to use a 0.277"-diameter bullet. The .270 WSM, a short and wide case, holds more water than the .270 Winchester but less than the .270 Weatherby Magnum, with a capacity between 71.8 and 75.1 grains. Handloading is straightforward, with cases available from Winchester, Federal, Hornady, Nosler, and Norma. Bullet selection should consider overall length and compatibility with the rifle's twist rate. According to SAAMI, a 130-grain bullet in the .270 WSM attains a muzzle velocity of 3,275 f.p.s., faster than the .270 Winchester and close to the .270 Weatherby Magnum. The .270 WSM has a less-than-caliber neck length of 0.2765" and a maximum cartridge overall length of 2.860". It's foremost a hunting cartridge, and it's preferable to use a full-length sizer die to ensure reliable cycling. The .270 Winchester Short Magnum offers high performance and is a popular choice among hunters. Its design, with a short, wide case and modern features, ensures accuracy and reliability. With a muzzle velocity of up to 3,275 f.p.s., it's a powerful option for big-game hunting.
