Handloads: .300 Winchester Short Magnum

posted on May 4, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
handloadswin.jpg

Federal’s new Terminal Ascent bullet traces its origin to the Trophy Bonded Bear Claw developed by Jack Carter back in 1985, with a front lead core bonded to a solid shank of copper.

Federal upgraded the Bear Claw to the Trophy Bonded Tip in 2007 and the Edge Terminal Long Range in 2017, which featured a slender ogive capped with a Slipstream polymer tip and boattail for a high ballistic coefficient. Its tip breaks off on impact, exposing a hollow point designed to cause expansion of the bullet at velocities as low as 1400 f.p.s.

The Terminal Ascent adds a bright nickel coating and, on most of the bullets, a second AccuChannel groove around their shanks to even out shot-to-shot pressure and reduce fouling.

H4350 is a good choice for handloading the .300 WSM, and it performed well with Terminal Ascent 175-gr. bullets. Average velocity was 3001 f.p.s. fired with a 65.0-gr. charge for an extreme spread of velocity of 22 f.p.s. over nine shots.

Magnum cartridges require 10 to 20 grs. of additional propellant to drive .308" bullets just 100 to 150 f.p.s. faster. Five, three-shot groups shot with Ascent bullets varied in size from 0.82" to 1.57" and averaged 1.24" fired with a plain-Jane Winchester Model 70 Featherweight.

Federal states that Ascent bullets also expand down to 1400 f.p.s., which would make 175-gr. Ascent bullets fired from the .300 WSM deadly out to about 1,000 yds. According to a ballistic program, though, shooting that far requires compensating for 22 ft. of bullet drop with bullets hitting 2" above aim at 100 yds. Let’s go with a more realistic 500 yds. with 33" of drop, and call it good.

 

Latest

Walther PDP Pro-X PMM
Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

Unfair Advantage: The Walther PDP Pro-X PMM

The latest “Pro” model in this famous German maker’s line of U.S.-assembled pistols leverages more than 100 years of experience in building service-size semi-automatics. And the results are better than even most experienced shooters should expect.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 8, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Terminal Ballistics 101: What You Must Know As A Rifleman

It is easy to take a box of bullets for granted, but as a rifleman, it is important to understand all variables at play when it comes to terminal ballistics. This guide, from NRA Firearms Sourcebook, will help drill down on what is important.

Preview: BlackPoint Tactical Leather Wing—Light Mounted

The Leather Wing from BlackPoint Tactical is a hybrid OWB concealed-carry holster that pairs thermoformed front and rear Kydex shells with flexible leather side panels.

Bringing The 940 Back: Smith & Wesson & Davidson's Revive Classic Revolver

After a 27-year hiatus, the Smith & Wesson Model 940 revolver in 9 mm Luger is finally back, thanks to S&W's partnership with distributor Davidson's, Inc.

Preview: The Life Of Samuel H. Walker

Firearm enthusiasts will recognize the name of Samuel Walker due to his association with Sam Colt.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.