Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Hornady American Whitetail 300 WSM ammo line puts magnum ballistics in a short-action platform. Loaded with the 165-grain Hornady Interlock jacketed soft point, this Hornady round produces 3130 feet per second from a 24-inch test barrel — enough flat trajectory and retained energy for shots past 300 yards on whitetail, mule deer, and similar-sized game. The 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) cartridge offers performance comparable to the full-length 300 Winchester Magnum while cycling through more compact rifle actions.
Load Profile
Hornady engineers the Interlock bullet with a raised ring that mechanically locks the jacket to the lead core during expansion. On impact, the jacketed soft point mushrooms predictably while the InterLock ring prevents jacket-core separation — a common failure mode in cup-and-core hunting bullets pushed to magnum velocities. At 165 grains, this projectile balances sectional density (0.248) with velocity for flat shooting and reliable upset on shoulder shots. The G1 ballistic coefficient of 0.435 keeps the bullet supersonic well beyond practical hunting distances.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Caliber | 300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) |
| Bullet weight | 165 Grains |
| Bullet type | Hornady Interlock Jacketed Soft Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 3130 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle energy | 3589 Foot Pounds |
| G1 Ballistic Coefficient | 0.435 |
| Sectional Density | 0.248 |
| Test Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Rounds/box | 20 Round |
| Case | Brass |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Lead Free | No |
| Intended use | Hunting |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
Brass cases accept standard large rifle primers for handloaders who want to tailor loads to specific rifles. Non-corrosive boxer primers ensure long case life. Browse the full 300 WSM ammo category for alternative bullet weights and styles.
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 universal rules of firearms safety — treat every firearm as if loaded, never point at anything you’re not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local laws regarding ammunition storage, transport, and permitted uses. Some jurisdictions impose additional restrictions on magnum cartridges or lead-core projectiles.
- This ammunition contains lead, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling ammunition or spent casings. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information.
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