The Federal Premium .300 Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) 200-grain Extremely Low Drag - eXpanding (ELD-X) Polymer Tip Nickel 20-round box is an elite centerfire rifle cartridge engineered specifically for extended-range big game hunting, elk, moose, mule deer, and trophy whitetail in open-country and mountain terrain. A primary friction point in long-range magnum hunting loads is the severe loss of terminal expansion at extended distances due to velocity decay, alongside tip deformation in flight caused by aerodynamic friction heating. Federal Premium solves these long-range performance hurdles by loading Hornady's precision high-BC ELD-X projectile with a heat-resistant Heat Shield polymer tip, ensuring flat trajectories, minimal wind drift, and reliable, high-velocity to low-velocity expansion.
The technical advantage focuses on exceptional aerodynamic efficiency paired with velocity-independent terminal mechanics. Launching its heavy 200-grain ELD-X projectile at a potent muzzle velocity of 2,820 FPS, this short-action magnum load produces high downrange kinetic energy retention and flat trajectory profiles. Mechanically, the Heat Shield polymer tip resists aerodynamic melting in flight, preserving an impressive 0.597 G1 Ballistic Coefficient (BC) for maximum long-range accuracy. Upon impact, the polymer tip drives backward into the lead core to initiate controlled, uniform expansion across wide velocity windows, while the internal InterLock ring mechanically bonds the jacket to the core to prevent separation and guarantee deep vital penetration.
Slinging its 200-grain ELD-X polymer-tipped bullet at 2,820 FPS, this specialized .300 WSM cartridge is optimized for flawless mechanical operation across modern short-action bolt-action hunting rifles. Assembled in premium nickel-plated reloadable virgin brass cases fitted with match-grade primers and temperature-stable propellants, it offers superior corrosion resistance against backcountry rain, snow, and ice. The slick nickel plating actively lowers chamber friction, ensuring smooth, non-binding chambering and effortless bolt extraction in freezing, high-altitude hunting conditions.
Key Benefits
- Heat Shield Polymer Tip (0.597 G1 BC): Resists aerodynamic heating in flight to preserve bullet shape, flattening trajectory and resisting wind drift.
- All-Velocity Expansion Mechanics: Tip-driven expansion expands reliably at long distances while maintaining structural integrity at close range.
- InterLock Jacket Retaining Ring: Mechanically anchors the lead core to the copper jacket to prevent separation and retain mass for deep penetration.
- Corrosion-Resistant Nickel-Plated Brass: Lowers friction for slick chambering and positive extraction in extreme weather environments.
Technical Specification
- Ballistics: .300 Winchester Short Magnum (.300 WSM) | 2,820 FPS Muzzle Velocity | 0.597 G1 Ballistic Coefficient | Extended-Range Magnum Profile
- Projectile: 200 Grain | ELD-X (Extremely Low Drag - eXpanding) | Heat Shield Polymer Tip | InterLock Core Retention | Boat-Tail (BT)
- Case/Primer: Premium Nickel-Plated Reloadable Virgin Brass Case | Match Non-Corrosive Primer | Temperature-Stable Propellant
- Logistics: 20 Rounds Per Box | Federal Premium Series
- Dimensions: .300 WSM Geometry | Short-Action Bolt-Action Rifle Configuration | SKU: P300WSMELDX1
- Application: Extended-Range Big Game Hunting, Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, Whitetail, and Mountain Hunting
- Standards: SAAMI Compliant | Federal Premium Match Quality Benchmarks
When shot placement and terminal reliability matter at distance, this load delivers consistent external ballistics and controlled expansion. Get proven .300 WSM performance backed by Federal’s loading standards—available now from SMKW.
