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Common uses: Hunting, Varmint
| Type | rifle (centerfire) |
| Typical load | 120gr Winchester Super-X Positive Expanding Point |
| Muzzle velocity | 2990 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2383 ft-lb |
| Published G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.344 |
| Case length | 42.42 mm |
| Overall length | 60 mm |
| SAAMI max pressure | 65000 PSI |
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) | Drop (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2990 | 2382 | -1.5 |
| 100 | 2713 | 1960 | 0 |
| 200 | 2452 | 1601 | -3.3 |
| 300 | 2206 | 1296 | -12.3 |
| 400 | 1975 | 1039 | -28.5 |
| 500 | 1759 | 824 | -53.7 |
At 1,000 yards, .25 WSSM (120gr at 2990 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 40.2 MOA / 11.7 MIL, retaining 1037 fps (subsonic).
| Range (yd) | Velocity (fps) | State | Drop (in) | Elev (MOA) | Elev (MIL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 | 2206 | Supersonic | -12.3 | 3.9 | 1.14 |
| 400 | 1975 | Supersonic | -28.5 | 6.8 | 1.98 |
| 500 | 1759 | Supersonic | -53.7 | 10.3 | 2.98 |
| 600 | 1561 | Supersonic | -90.3 | 14.4 | 4.18 |
| 700 | 1385 | Supersonic | -141.0 | 19.2 | 5.60 |
| 800 | 1237 | Transonic | -210.0 | 25.1 | 7.29 |
| 900 | 1121 | Transonic | -301.8 | 32.0 | 9.32 |
| 1000 | 1037 | Subsonic | -421.3 | 40.2 | 11.70 |
Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.
A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.
Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.
The .25 WSSM is a quarter-bore short magnum built to push .25-caliber bullets at high velocity for flat-shooting performance on deer, antelope, and other medium game, while also serving well against varmints and predators. Its short, wide case burns powder efficiently, matching the ballistics of the older .25-06 with less powder and from a shorter action, and outpacing the older .257 Roberts. In practice, shooters valued its flat trajectory and hard-hitting downrange energy. The biggest real-world limitation is availability: with the WSSM line effectively discontinued, factory ammunition and rifles are scarce, so owners typically depend on handloading and stockpiled components. It remains a capable performer for those already equipped for it, but it never established the mainstream footing of more common .25-caliber and 6.5mm hunting rounds.
The .25 WSSM was introduced by Winchester in 2004, developed in partnership with Browning as the third and final member of the Winchester Super Short Magnum family after the .223 and .243 WSSM debuted in 2003. It uses a short, fat, rebated-rim, beltless case derived from the Winchester Short Magnum (WSM) design, whose stout powder column and sharp shoulder drew on benchrest principles to promote efficient, uniform powder burn. The goal was to deliver magnum-class velocity from compact short-action rifles. Despite strong ballistics, the WSSM line never gained a wide following, and factory rifle and ammunition support was largely withdrawn within a few years, leaving the .25 WSSM a niche cartridge today.
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