The 300 Remington Short Action Ultra 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 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum with the 300 Winchester Short Magnum on the same basis.
300 SAUM 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 150 gr | 3,275 fps | 3,572 ft-lb |
| 165 gr | 3,125 fps | 3,577 ft-lb |
| 180 gr | 3,150 fps | 3,965 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 3 reference bullet weights for the 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum, from 150 to 180 grains. The lightest, 150 grains, is listed at 3,275 fps, which computes to 3,572 ft-lb. The heaviest, 180 grains, is listed at 3,150 fps, which computes to 3,965 ft-lb.
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 300 SAUM ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Twist rate, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure is 65,000 psi. Fire 300 Remington Short Action Ultra 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.
300 SAUM vs 300 WSM: 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 | 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum | 300 Winchester Short Magnum |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 65,000 psi | 65,000 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | Not read from the drawing | Not read from the drawing |
| Test barrel twist rate | Not read from the drawing | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | Not read from the drawing | .308 in |
| Lightest reference load | 150 gr — 3,275 fps / 3,572 ft-lb | 150 gr — 3,300 fps / 3,626 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 165 gr — 3,125 fps / 3,577 ft-lb | 165 gr — 3,120 fps / 3,566 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 180 gr — 3,150 fps / 3,965 ft-lb | 200 gr — 2,810 fps / 3,506 ft-lb |
The 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum and the 300 Winchester Short Magnum share the same maximum average pressure, 65,000 psi. At 165 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum reference velocity is 3,125 fps (3,577 ft-lb computed), against 3,120 fps (3,566 ft-lb) for the 300 Winchester Short Magnum. On that row the 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum 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: 300 WSM ammo.
300 SAUM ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.4 sets the maximum average pressure for the 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum at 65,000 psi.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum?
SAAMI lists 3 reference weights, from 150 to 180 grains: 150, 165 and 180.
Is the 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum more powerful than the 300 Winchester Short Magnum?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 165 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 300 Remington Short Action Ultra Magnum reference velocity is 3,125 fps (3,577 ft-lb computed), against 3,120 fps (3,566 ft-lb) for the 300 Winchester Short Magnum.
What is the effective range of the 300 Remington Short Action Ultra 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 300 Remington Short Action Ultra 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 300 SAUM ammunition from Nosler. Browse the full 300 SAUM ammo range.
