The overall cartridge length is 72.6 mm. The cartridge case length is 53.34 mm. The bullet diameter is .308 in (7.82 mm), which is common to all U.S. .30 caliber cartridges. The principle at work in the short magnum cartridge is the fitting of larger volumes of powder in closer proximity to the primer's flash hole, resulting in more-uniform ignition. .300 WSM has a case capacity of 80 grains. The .30-06 Springfield holds 69 grains; .308 Winchester holds 56 grains; 30-30 Winchester holds 45 grains. The .300 Winchester Magnum has a case capacity of 93.8 grains. While providing ballistic performance nearly identical to that of the .300 Winchester Magnum, 300 WSM does this with about 14 grains less powder. The .300 WSM also head-spaces off of the case shoulder, versus the older .300 Winchester Magnum's belted head space design.
The advantage to this round is the ballistic performance is nearly identical to the .300 Winchester Magnum[2] in a lighter rifle with a shorter action burning 8 - 10% less gunpowder. A disadvantage of cartridge case designs with relatively large case head diameters lies in relatively high bolt thrust levels exerted on the locking mechanism of the employed firearm.
Also, in small ring actions the larger chamber diameter removes more steel from the barrel tenon, making it weaker radially.
Use
The .300 WSM is adequate for hunting all big game including (but not limited to): moose, black bear, brown bear, elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer in forests and plains where long range, flat shots are necessary. The .300 WSM is also used in benchrest shooting.
The .300 WSM has a standard bullet diameter of .308 in (7.82 mm) and takes advantage of the numerous bullet options available in that caliber.
Warnings
The 300 WSM is a Delta L problem cartridge, meaning it can present unexpected chambering and/or feeding problems. The Delta L problem article explains this problem in more detail. The .300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum has very similar cartridge dimensions but is not interchangeable.
Muzzle velocity
165 gr (10.69 g) Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): 3,223 ft/s (982 m/s)
180 gr (11.66 g) Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): 3,095 ft/s (943 m/s)
