Two popular WSM (Winchester Short Magnum), cartridges are the 7mm WSM and the 270 WSM. Being that these rounds come from the same family of cartridges, it would only make sense to compare them. So in this article, we will compare the two to see which is better.
Here is the short answer:
The 7mm WSM and the 270 WSM are both excellent cartridges for hunting and long-range shooting. While the 7mm WSM has a slightly larger bullet diameter and a higher sectional density, while the 270 WSM has a flatter trajectory and less recoil.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look in depth at each cartridge’s best uses, their ballistics, and how they compare in depth.
In-depth Look at the 7mm WSM
The 7mm WSM was introduced in 2001 by Winchester as part of its short magnum line of cartridges. It has a bullet diameter of 7mm (.284 inches), and a case length of 2.100 inches. These WSM cartridges are designed to fit into short-action rifles, making them ideal for hunters who prefer lightweight and compact rifles.
The cartridge is available in a variety of bullet weights, ranging from 120 grains to 180 grains. The heavier bullets are ideal for larger game, while the lighter bullets are perfect for smaller game and varmints.
Here is a ballistics chart of the 7mm WSM with a 150-grain jacketed soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3100 | 3200 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.2 | 2963 | 2925 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.8 | 2831 | 2669 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.8 | 2703 | 2433 |
| 200 | -2.9 | 3.3 | 2578 | 2213 |
| 250 | -6.2 | 5.3 | 2457 | 2010 |
| 300 | -10.9 | 7.7 | 2338 | 1821 |
| 350 | -17.3 | 10.8 | 2224 | 1647 |
| 400 | -25.5 | 14.5 | 2112 | 1486 |
| 450 | -35.5 | 18.8 | 2003 | 1337 |
| 500 | -47.6 | 23.7 | 1898 | 1199 |
In-depth Look at the 270 WSM
The 270 WSM was introduced by Winchester in 2002 and is also part of the short magnum line of cartridges. It has a bullet diameter of .277 inches and a case length of 2.100 inches, identical to the 7mm WSM. The 270 WSM is also designed to fit into short-action rifles.
The cartridge is available in a variety of bullet weights, ranging from 90 grains to 150 grains. The 270 WSM produces high velocities, with muzzle velocities ranging from 3,200 to 3,500 feet per second which can lead to the downside of faster barrel burnout.
Here is a ballistic chart of a 270 WSM with a 150-grain soft point bullet:
| range (YD) | drop (IN) | wind drift (IN) | velocity FPS | energy ft-lb |
| 0 | -1.5 | 0 | 3060 | 3118 |
| 50 | -0.3 | 0.1 | 2962 | 2922 |
| 100 | 0 | 0.5 | 2867 | 2737 |
| 150 | -0.8 | 1.3 | 2773 | 2561 |
| 200 | -2.8 | 2.4 | 2682 | 2395 |
| 250 | -5.9 | 3.8 | 2592 | 2237 |
| 300 | -10.3 | 5.5 | 2504 | 2088 |
| 350 | -16.1 | 7.5 | 2418 | 1947 |
| 400 | -23.4 | 10 | 2333 | 1813 |
| 450 | -32.4 | 12.9 | 2250 | 1687 |
| 500 | -43 | 16.3 | 2169 | 1567 |
In-depth Comparison
When comparing the 7mm WSM to the 270 WSM, there are several factors to consider. The 7mm WSM has a larger bullet diameter, which gives it the advantage of added weight which in turn increases energy. This means that it can penetrate deeper into game, making it ideal for elk or moose.
On the other hand, the 270 WSM has a flatter trajectory, making it more accurate at longer ranges. The 270 WSM produces less recoil than the 7mm WSM, making it easier to shoot for those who are sensitive to recoil. The 270 WSM is also available in a wider range of rifles, making it easier to find a rifle that fits your needs.