Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Federal Premium built the Meat Eater line for hunters who need reliable terminal performance across varied terrain and game size. The 300 WSM ammo cartridge sits in the short-action magnum category, delivering near-.300 Win Mag velocities in a shorter, lighter package. This 180-grain Trophy Copper load launches at 2960 feet per second with 3502 foot-pounds of muzzle energy—enough authority for elk, mule deer, and black bear from 50 to 400 yards. The polymer tip initiates rapid expansion on impact, while the monolithic copper body retains up to 99 percent of its original weight to punch through hide, bone, and muscle. You get deep penetration without the lead-core fragmentation common in cup-and-core designs.
Performance at a Glance
Federal Premium machines each Trophy Copper bullet from a single piece of copper, then adds a polymer tip and boat-tail base. The grooved shank reduces bearing surface and copper fouling, so accuracy holds steady across extended strings. The .523 G1 ballistic coefficient keeps velocity high downrange—at 300 yards, you’re still carrying over 2100 fps and more than 1750 ft-lbs of energy. Nickel-plated brass cases resist corrosion in wet conditions and cycle cleanly in short-action bolt guns and gas-operated semi-autos. Boxer primers make these reloadable, though California and select public lands require lead-free projectiles, so plan your brass life accordingly.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) |
| Bullet weight | 180 grains |
| Bullet type | Polymer Tip (Federal Trophy Copper) |
| Muzzle velocity | 2960 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 3502 ft-lbs |
| Rounds per box | 20 |
| Case | Nickel Plated Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Lead free | Yes |
| G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.523 |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Federal Premium (USA) |
The short-magnum case delivers magnum ballistics without the weight penalty of a long-action rifle. If you run a Model 70, Tikka T3x, or Browning X-Bolt chambered in 300 WSM, this load pairs high energy with controlled expansion for clean, ethical kills. Browse the full 300 WSM ammo catalog for additional bullet weights and profiles.
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.
- Observe the four rules of firearms safety at all times—verify the four rules before handling any firearm or ammunition.
- Verify current federal, state, and local ammunition laws in your jurisdiction before ordering or transporting ammunition across state lines.
- This product contains copper and may contain trace lead residues. California Proposition 65 disclosure: this product can expose you to chemicals including lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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