Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Federal Fusion 300 WSM ammo pairs the short-action efficiency of the Winchester Short Magnum cartridge with a 165-grain bonded soft point projectile built to retain mass through large-game vitals. At 3100 fps muzzle velocity and 3520 ft-lbs energy, this load generates ballistics comparable to standard-length 300 Win Mag while cycling through compact hunting rifles with 2.86-inch magazine boxes. The bonded construction — electrochemically fusing copper jacket to lead core — prevents the jacket from peeling away during hydraulic expansion, a failure mode common in cup-and-core bullets striking heavy shoulder bone at magnum velocities. Federal achieves this bond without soldering or mechanical crimping, resulting in a homogenous projectile that expands predictably across impact velocities from 1800 to 3200 fps.
Built for the Box
The 300 Winchester Short Magnum operates at 65,000 psi maximum average pressure, identical to its full-length parent case. Federal loads this cartridge with temperature-stable propellants that deliver consistent chamber pressures from 0°F to 125°F ambient conditions — critical for hunters transitioning between high-country elk hunts and lower-elevation whitetail stands within the same season. The 165-grain bullet weight splits the difference between lighter 150-grain offerings (which shed energy rapidly past 300 yards) and heavier 180-grain loads (which demand faster rifling twists and produce additional felt recoil). With a G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.451, this projectile retains 1800 fps terminal velocity — the threshold for reliable expansion — to approximately 475 yards from a 24-inch barrel at sea level. Federal manufactures Fusion ammunition in Anoka, Minnesota, using domestically sourced brass, primers, and projectile components.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) |
| Bullet weight | 165 Grains |
| Bullet type | Bonded Jacketed Soft Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 3100 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 3520 Foot Pounds |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| G1 Ballistic Coefficient | 0.451 |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Federal |
The boat-tail base and tip-skiving process — a proprietary nose-forming technique Federal applies during jacket drawing — improve both ballistic coefficient and controlled expansion upon impact. Reloaders often fire factory Fusion rounds to establish velocity nodes in new barrels, then repurpose the once-fired brass with match-grade primers and temperature-insensitive powders like IMR 4350 or Reloder 17. For additional 300 WSM ammo options across bullet weights and constructions, compare loads by BC and sectional density to match your rifle’s twist rate and hunting application.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Follow the four universal rules of firearms safety at all times when handling loaded ammunition and firearms
- Verify that your state and local jurisdiction permit possession and use of magnum rifle cartridges — some jurisdictions restrict cartridges by case length or energy output for hunting specific game species
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — wash hands after handling and follow manufacturer guidance for storage away from children
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