The 270 WSM, or 270 Winchester Short Mag, was designed and went into production in 2002. Usually used in bolt-action rifles, 270 Short Mag excels at hunting coyotes, hogs, and deer. Some people are building them on AR platforms, too, although the magnum can be hard on those if not beefed up to a more robust configuration. It has notably improved ballistics over similar cartridges, and 270 WSM ammo can be found in a wide variety of grains and bullet types, making it not just a hunting round but an excellent target round. Chambered in a short-action, the barrels are typically around 24 inches.
What Is 270 WSM Good For?
.270 Winchester Short Magnum, or 270 WSM for short, is a rifle cartridge designed for hunting medium to large-sized game at long ranges. The cartridge was introduced in 2002 by Winchester as a high-performance alternative to the standard .270 Winchester cartridge.
270 WSM ammo is capable of producing high velocities and flat trajectories, making it an excellent choice for long-range hunting. The cartridge is particularly well-suited for hunting deer, elk, and other similar-sized game at distances of up to 400 yards.
Due to its flat trajectory and high muzzle velocity, the 270 WSM is also a popular choice for long-range target shooting. .270 WSM is known for its accuracy and consistency, which makes it a favorite among many hunters and shooters.
What Grain Bullet Is Best for a 270 Short Mag?
The most popular bullet weights range from 130-grain to 150-grain.
- 130-grain bullets are a common choice for deer and other medium-sized game at ranges up to 300 yards.
- 140-grain bullets are a good choice for larger game like elk, moose, or bear at ranges up to 400 yards.
- 150-grain bullets can be used for the largest game at ranges up to 500 yards, but they may have more recoil and may not be as accurate as lighter bullets.
Which Is Better 270 WSM or 6.5 Creedmoor?
Each cartridge has its own pros and cons, and the best ammo for you depends on your needs and preferences. However, here are some general tips to help you choose the right cartridge:
- Ballistics: 270 WSM is a faster, flatter-shooting cartridge with more energy at longer ranges. 6.5 Creedmoor is known for its excellent long-range accuracy, with a high ballistic coefficient that allows it to maintain velocity and energy at extended ranges.
- Recoil: 6.5 Creedmoor has less recoil than 270 WSM, which can make it more comfortable to shoot, especially for smaller or less experienced shooters.
- Availability: 6.5 Creedmoor has become very popular in recent years and is now one of the most widely available cartridges on the market, with a wide range of rifles, ammunition, and accessories to choose from. 270 WSM, on the other hand, is a less common cartridge and may be harder to find in some areas.
- Hunting: Both cartridges are capable of taking medium to large game, but 270 WSM may be better suited for larger game like elk or moose at longer ranges, while 6.5 Creedmoor may be better for smaller game like deer or antelope at medium to long ranges.
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