The 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum is a centerfire rifle cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 65,000 psi. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum with the 25-06 Remington on the same basis.
25 WSSM ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 85 gr | 3,470 fps | 2,272 ft-lb |
| 110 gr | 3,090 fps | 2,332 ft-lb |
| 115 gr | 3,060 fps | 2,391 ft-lb |
| 120 gr | 2,990 fps | 2,382 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 4 reference bullet weights for the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum, from 85 to 120 grains. The lightest, 85 grains, is listed at 3,470 fps, which computes to 2,272 ft-lb. The heaviest, 120 grains, is listed at 2,990 fps, which computes to 2,382 ft-lb. The most energetic reference load is the 115-grain at 3,060 fps: 2,391 ft-lb computed.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 25 WSSM ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 65,000 psi. Fire 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
25 WSSM vs 25-06: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum | 25-06 Remington |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 65,000 psi | 63,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Not read from the drawing | 24.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | Not read from the drawing | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | Not read from the drawing | .257 in |
| Lightest reference load | 85 gr — 3,470 fps / 2,272 ft-lb | 85 gr — 3,510 fps / 2,325 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 115 gr — 3,060 fps / 2,391 ft-lb | 115 gr — 3,100 fps / 2,454 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 120 gr — 2,990 fps / 2,382 ft-lb | 120 gr — 2,975 fps / 2,358 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum at 65,000 psi and the 25-06 Remington at 63,000 psi, so the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum runs 2,000 psi higher. At 115 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum reference velocity is 3,060 fps (2,391 ft-lb computed), against 3,100 fps (2,454 ft-lb) for the 25-06 Remington. On that row the 25-06 Remington carries the more energy.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 25-06 ammo.
25 WSSM ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum at 65,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum?
SAAMI lists 4 reference weights, from 85 to 120 grains: 85, 110, 115 and 120.
Is the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum more powerful than the 25-06 Remington?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 115 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum reference velocity is 3,060 fps (2,391 ft-lb computed), against 3,100 fps (2,454 ft-lb) for the 25-06 Remington.
What is the effective range of the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 25 Winchester Super Short Magnum drop at 300 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 25 WSSM ammunition from Winchester. Browse the full 25 WSSM ammo range.
