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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Ballistics Table - General Principles

Rifle Trajectory Table
By Chuck Hawks

In order to hit a distant target a rifle must be correctly sighted-in, and to accomplish that the shooter must have some working knowledge of the bullet's trajectory. Sighting-in a hunting rifle to hit a certain number of inches high at 100 yards (or 100 meters) maximizes the point blank range of the rifle and cartridge and is superior to zeroing at a fixed distance like 200 yards. This system maximizes the distance in which no "hold over" is necessary. Of course, the actual distance the bullet should hit above the point of aim at 100 yards (or 100 meters, which is about 108 yards) varies with the individual caliber and load.

The table below is designed to serve as a starting point from which a shooter can work. Used as such it can save a lot of trial and error experimentation. Of course, no trajectory table can possibly cover all loads for all calibers in all rifles. So after sighting-in, always check your individual rifle at various ranges to see how close its trajectory comes to the published data. (It may well vary.) This trajectory table can also serve as a comparative tool, allowing the reader to compare the trajectories of different cartridges or loads.
The trajectories in the table below were calculated for a maximum bullet rise of 1.5 inches above the line of sight for all small game and varmint loads, and three inches above the line of sight for all big game loads. In ballistics catalogs the point of maximum bullet rise is often called the mid-range trajectory, or sometimes the maximum ordinate. In the table below I used the term "mid-range trajectory," abbreviated "MRT."

A maximum bullet rise of 1.5 inches is appropriate for shooting small animals, as they present a small target, particularly if head shots are necessary. Allowing a greater mid-range trajectory might result in shooting over an animal at an intermediate distance.
A maximum rise of 3 inches is appropriate for hunting the smaller species of big game, creatures from perhaps 75 pounds to 150 pounds on the hoof, which typically have a kill zone of about 8 inches from top to bottom. More mid-range rise can be accepted when hunting larger animals (a 4 inch MRT might be appropriate when hunting mule deer, for example), but if a mixed bag hunt for larger and smaller species is envisioned, then the 3 inch rise used for this table is probably safer. A 3 inch MRT also allows for a little bit of human error, which is probably a good thing when shooting in the field.

The Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR), which is shown in the last column of the table below, is the distance at which the bullet falls 3 inches below the line of sight. Thus between the muzzle and the distance given as the MPBR, the bullet never strays more than 3 inches above or below the line of sight (1.5 inches for varmint loads).

Most of the loads below are similar to popular factory loads for the selected cartridges. All trajectories were calculated for a rifle with a low mounted telescopic sight of moderate size whose line of sight is 1.5 inches above the bore axis of the barrel. If your scope is not 1.5 inches over the bore, and most scopes with oversize objectives require higher mounts, your trajectory will vary from those given below. All trajectory figures are rounded off to one decimal place. While environmental factors such as altitude and ambient air temperature affect trajectory, their effect is relatively minor. For the record, this table was calculated for an air temperature of 60 degrees F and an altitude of 1000 feet. The following data was taken from various sources including reloading manuals and the online Ballistics Calculator provided by BigGameInfo.

For an expanded version of this table showing more cartridges and loads including British, European, wildcat, obsolescent American and proprietary calibers, see the "Expanded Rifle Trajectory Table" on the Tables, Charts and Lists Page.

To save space, the following abbreviations are used in the table below: Wb = Weight of bullet (in grains); MV = Muzzle Velocity (in feet per second); BC = Ballistic Coefficient; MRT = Mid-Range Trajectory; yards = yds.; inches = "; MPBR = Maximum Point Blank Range; BT = Ballistic Tip; FP = Flat Point, HP = Hollow Point; RN = Round Nose; Sp = Spitzer; SP = Spire Point; SSp = Semi-Spitzer



Cartridge (Wb@MV)
Bullet BC
100 yds.
200 yds.
MRT@yds.
MPBR (yds.)
.17 HMR (17 SP at 2550)
.123
+1.5"
-5.5"
1.5"@100
165
.17 Rem. (20 V-MAX at 4200)
.185
+1.1"
+1.0"
1.5"@150
275
.204 Ruger (33 BT at 4225)
.185
+1.1"
+1.0"
1.5"@150
275
.218 Bee (45 SP at 2800)
.202
+1.6"
-1.5"
1.5"@125
200
.22 LR (40 HP at 1255)
.100
-3.0"
-40.9"
1.5"@45
90
.22 WMR (40 HP at 1910)
.100
+0.5"
-19.0"
1.5"@65
123
.222 Rem. (50 Sp at 3140)
.220
+1.4"
-0.4"
1.5"@118
222
.223 Rem. (45 Sp at 3550)
.167
+1.4"
+0.2"
1.5"@130
235
.223 Rem. (55 SP at 3240)
.235
+1.4"
+/- 0"
1.5"@120
230
.22-250 Rem. (50 V-MAX at 3700)
.242
+1.3"
+0.8"
1.5"@140
260
.22-250 Rem. (55 SP at 3600)
.235
+1.3"
+0.6"
1.5"@135
254
.220 Swift (50 V-MAX at 3800)
.242
+1.2"
+0.8"
1.5"@140
265
.220 Swift (55 SP at 3800)
.235
+1.2"
+0.9"
1.5"@140
264
.223 WSSM (55 SP at 3800)
.235
+1.2"
+0.9"
1.5"@140
264
.243 Win. (80 Sp at 3350)
.255
+1.3"
+0.2"
1.5"@125
237
.243 Win. (95 BT at 3100)*
.379
+2.5"
+2.3"
3"@150
300
.243 Win. (100 Sp at 2960)
.351
+2.6"
+1.9"
3"@140
283
6mm Rem. (100 Sp at 3100)
.351
+2.5"
+2.2"
3"@150
296
.243 WSSM (100 Sp at 3100)
.351
+2.5"
+2.2"
3"@150
296
6x62mm Freres (100 Sp at 3300)
.351
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
312
.240 Wby. Mag. (100 Sp at 3400)
.351
+2.4"
+2.6"
3"@160
322
.25-20 Win. (86 FP at 1460)
.190
+1.7"
-19.1"
3"@65
139
.25-35 Win. (117 RN at 2300)
.238
+2.9"
-1.7"
3"@108
212
.250 Sav. (100 Sp at 2820)
.336
+2.7"
+1.6"
3"@125
270
.257 Roberts (100 Sp at 3000)
.336
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@150
286
.257 Roberts (120 Sp at 2780)
.391
+2.7"
+1.6"
3"@125
271
.25 WSSM (120 Sp at 2990)
.391
+2.5"
+2.0"
3"@145
291
.25-06 Rem. (100 Sp at 3210)
.336
+2.5"
+2.4"
3"@150
305
.25-06 Rem. (120 Sp at 2990)
.391
+2.5"
+2.0"
3"@145
291
.257 Wby. Mag. (100 Sp at 3600)
.336
+2.2"
+2.8"
3"@175
337
.257 Wby. Mag. (120 Sp at 3305)
.391
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@155
317
6.5x55 (125 NP at 2875)
.449
+2.6"
+1.9"
3"@135
284
6.5x55 (140 Sp at 2645)
.435
+2.7"
+1.2"
3"@125
260
.260 Rem. (120 Sp at 2890)
.433
+2.6"
+1.9"
3"@135
284
.260 Rem. (140 Sp at 2750)
.435
+2.7"
+1.6"
3"@125
271
6.5-284 Norma (140 PSP at 2900)
.435
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@140
286
6.5mm Rem. Mag. (120 Sp at 3210)
.433
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
312
6.5mm Rem. Mag. (140 PSP at 2900)
.435
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@140
286
6.5x68 S (140 Sp at 2990)
.435
+2.6"
+2.1"
3"@150
294
.264 Win. Mag. (120 Sp at 3300)
.433
+2.4"
+2.6"
3"@160
321
.264 Win. Mag. (140 Sp at 3100)
.435
+2.5"
+2.3"
3"@150
303
6.8mm Rem. SPC (110 BTSP at 2500)
.360
+2.9"
+0.5"
3"@125
243
6.8mm Rem. SPC (115 Sp at 2800)
.325
+2.6"
+1.3"
3"@130
267
.270 Win. (130 Sp at 3140)
.416
+2.5"
+2.4"
3"@150
305
.270 Win. (140 AB at 2950)
.496
+2.6"
+2.1"
3"@140
293
.270 Win. (150 Sp at 2900)
.481
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@138
287
.270 WSM (130 Sp at 3206)
.416
+2.4"
+2.4"
3"@150
311
.270 WSM (150 Sp at 3150)
.481
+2.5"
+2.4"
3"@150
311
.270 Wby. Mag. (130 Sp at 3375)
.416
+2.3"
+2.6"
3"@150
326
.270 Wby. Mag. (150 Sp at 3245)
.481
+2.4"
+2.6"
3"@160
320
7x57 (140 BT at 2660)
.485
+2.7"
+1.3"
3"@125
264
7x57 (175 Sp at 2540)
.519
+2.8"
+1.0"
3"@125
256
7mm-08 Rem. (120 Sp at 3000)
.343
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@140
287
7mm-08 Rem. (140 BT at 2860)
.485
+2.6"
+1.9"
3"@140
285
7x64 (140 BT at 3000)
.485
+2.6"
+2.2"
3"@150
298
.280 Rem. (140 BT at 3000)
.485
+2.6"
+2.2"
3"@150
298
.280 Rem. (160 Sp at 2890)
.475
+2.6"
+1.9"
3"@140
287
7mm SAUM (150 Sp at 3110)
.456
+2.5"
+2.3"
3"@150
305
7mm WSM (150 Sp at 3200)
.456
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
314
7mm Rem. Mag. (140 BT at 3150)
.485
+2.5"
+2.4"
3"@150
310
7mm Rem. Mag. (150 Sp at 3110)
.456
+2.5"
+2.3"
3"@150
305
7mm Rem. Mag. (160 Sp at 2950)
.475
+2.6"
+2.1"
3"@140
292
7mm Wby. Mag. (154 SP at 3260)
.433
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
317
7mm Wby. Mag. (160 Sp at 3200)
.475
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
314
7mm STW (160 Sp at 3185)
.475
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
313
7mm Ultra Mag (160 Sp at 3200)
.475
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
314
.30 Carbine (110 RN at 1990)
.144
+2.8"
-8.2"
3"@85
171
.30-30 Win. (150 FP at 2390)
.268
+2.9"
-0.6"
3"@110
225
.30-30 Win. (160 Evo at 2400)
.330
+2.9"
-0.2"
3"@110
232
.30-30 Win. (170 FP at 2200)
.304
+2.9"
-1.8"
3"@105
211
.300 Sav. (150 BT at 2630)
.435
+2.8"
+1.2"
3"@125
259
.307 Win. (150 FP at 2600)
.268
+2.8"
+0.5"
3"@120
243
.308 Marlin (160 EVO at 2660)*
.400
+2.8"
+1.2"
3"@130
261
.308 Win. (150 BT at 2800)
.435
+2.7"
+1.7"
3"@135
275
.308 Win. (165 Sp at 2700)
.410
+2.7"
+1.3"
3"@130
264
.308 Win. (180 Sp at 2610)
.483
+2.8"
+1.2"
3"@125
259
.30-06 (150 BT at 2910)
.435
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@145
287
.30-06 (165 Sp at 2800)
.410
+2.7"
+1.7"
3"@135
273
.30-06 (180 Sp at 2700)
.483
+2.7"
+1.5"
3"@125
269
.300 SAUM (165 Sp at 3075)
.410
+2.5"
+2.3"
3"@145
300
.300 WSM (150 BT at 3300)
.435
+2.4"
+2.6"
3"@150
321
.300 WSM (180 Sp at 2970)
.483
+2.6"
+2.2"
3"@150
294
.300 Win. Mag. (150 BT at 3300)
.435
+2.4"
+2.6"
3"@150
321
.300 Win. Mag. (165 Sp at 3120)
.410
+2.5"
+2.3"
3"@145
303
.300 Win. Mag. (180 Sp at 3070)
.483
+2.5"
+2.3"
3"@150
303
.300 H&H Mag. (180 Sp at 2880)
.483
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@140
286
.300 Wby. Mag. (150 BT at 3540)
.435
+2.2"
+2.8"
3"@170
343
.300 Wby. Mag. (180 Sp at 3250)
.483
+2.4"
+2.6"
3"@155
320
.300 Ultra Mag (180 Sp at 3250)
.483
+2.4"
+2.6"
3"@155
320
.30-378 Wby. Mag. (180 Sp at 3420)
.483
+2.3"
+2.7"
3"@160
336
7.62x39 (123 Sp at 2365)
.292
+2.9"
-0.5"
3"@110
225
.303 British (150 Sp at 2723)
.411
+2.8"
+1.5"
3"@130
267
.303 British (180 RN at 2460)
.328
+2.9"
+0.1"
3"@115
237
7.65x53 (180 RN at 2400)
.328
+2.9"
+0.4"
3"@115
241
.32 Spec. (170 FP at 2250)
.297
+3.0"
-1.3"
3"@105
215
8x57JS (150 Sp at 2900)
.369
+2.6"
+1.9"
3"@135
280
8x57JS (200 Sp at 2650)
.426
+2.8"
+1.2"
3"@125
260
.325 WSM (180 Sp at 2975)
.394
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@140
289
.325 WSM (220 Sp at 2840)
.383
+2.7"
+1.7"
3"@130
276
8x68 S (150 Sp at 3300)
.369
+2.4"
+2.5"
3"@150
316
8x68S (220 Sp at 2800)
.448
+2.7"
+1.7"
3"@135
277
8mm Rem. Mag. (200 Sp at 2900)
.426
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@138
284
.338 Marlin Express (200 FTX at 2565)*
.430
+2.8"
+0.9"
3"@125
254
.338 Federal (180 BT at 2830)
.372
+2.7"
+1.6"
3"@135
274
.338 Federal (200 Sp at 2400)
.448
+2.9"
+0.3"
3"@115
240
.338 Federal (210 Sp at 2630)
.400
+2.8"
+1.1"
3"@120
258
.338-06 (200 BT at 2800)
.414
+2.7"
+1.7"
3"@135
274
.338 Win. Mag. (200 BT at 2960)
.414
+2.6"
+2.1"
3"@150
289
.338 Win. Mag. (225 Sp at 2780)*
.454
+2.7"
+1.8"
3"@138
274
.338 Win. Mag. (250 Sp at 2700)
.473
+2.7"
+1.4"
3"@126
268
.338 Ultra Mag (250 Sp at 2860)
.473
+2.7"
+1.9"
3"@140
285
.338 Lapua Mag. (225 Sp at 3000)
.454
+2.6"
+2.2"
3"@150
296
.338-378 Wby. Mag. (250 Sp at 3000)
.473
+2.6"
+2.2"
3"@150
297
.340 Wby. Mag. (250 Sp at 2941)
.473
+2.6"
+2.1"
3"@150
291
.348 Win (200 FP at 2520)
.246
+2.9"
-0.1"
3"@115
233
.357 Mag. (158 FP at 1830)
.158
+2.7"
-10.5"
3"@85
163
.35 Rem. (200 RN at 2080)
.180
+2.9"
-5.1"
3"@93
186
.356 Win. (200 RN at 2400)
.180
+2.9"
-1.8"
3"@108
211
.358 Win. (200 Sp at 2520)
.295
+2.9"
+0.3"
3"@115
239
.35 Whelen (200 Sp at 2700)
.295
+2.8"
+1.0"
3"@125
254
.350 Rem. Mag. (200 Sp at 2775)
.295
+2.7"
+1.3"
3"@125
260
.350 Rem. Mag. (225 NP at 2550)
.430
+2.8"
+0.8"
3"@120
253
.350 Rem. Mag. (250 SP at 2500)
.409
+2.8"
+0.5"
3"@120
246
9.3x62 (270 SSp at 2550)
.361
+2.8"
+0.7"
3"@125
247
9.3x62 (286 SP-RP at 2360)
.410
+3.0"
+/- 0"
3"@110
234
9.3x74R (286 SP-RP at 2360)
.410
+3.0"
+/- 0"
3"@110
234
.375 Win. (220 FP at 2012)
.231
+2.9"
-4.7"
3"@91
187
.375 H&H Mag. (270 SP at 2690)
.380
+2.7"
+1.3"
3"@130
260
.375 H&H Mag. (300 Sp at 2550)
.398
+2.8"
+0.8"
3"@125
250
.375 Wby. Mag. (300 Sp at 2800)
.398
+2.7"
+1.7"
3"@125
273
.375 Ultra Mag (300 SP at 2800)
.398
+2.7"
+1.7"
3"@125
273
.376 Steyr (270 SP at 2550)
.380
+2.8"
+0.7"
3"@115
248
.378 Wby. Mag. (300 Sp at 2935)
.398
+2.6"
+2.0"
3"@140
285
.404 Jeffery (400 RN at 2150)
.322
+3.0"
-2.1"
3"@100
207
.405 Win. (300 FP at 2200)
.225
+2.9"
-2.8"
3"@100
203
.416 Rigby (400 RN at 2400)
.316
+2.9"
-0.1"
3"@115
231
.416 Rem. Mag. (400 RN at 2400)
.316
+2.9"
-0.1"
3"@115
231
.416 Wby. Mag. (400 RN at 2650)
.316
+2.8"
+0.9"
3"@125
253
.44 Rem. Mag. (240 FP at 1760)
.165
+2.6"
-11.6"
3"@75
159
.44 Rem. Mag. (275 FP at 1580)
.199
+2.2"
-14.7"
3"@75
149
.444 Marlin (240 FP at 2350)
.165
+3.0"
-2.6"
3"@100
203
.444 Marlin (265 RN at 2200)
.191
+3.0"
-3.3"
3"@100
197
.45-70 (300 HP at 1800)
.197
+2.7"
-9.2"
3"@85
166
.45-70 (350 RN at 1900)
.189
+2.9"
-7.6"
3"@85
174
.45-70 (405 FP at 1330)
.214
+1.3"
-22.9"
3"@65
131
.450 Marlin (350 RN at 2100)
.189
+3.0"
-4.5"
3"@100
189
.458 Win. Mag. (350 RN at 2100)
.189
+3.0"
-4.5"
3"@100
189
.458 Win. Mag. (500 RN at 2100)
.295
+3.0"
-2.9"
3"@100
200
.458 Lott (500 RN at 2300)
.295
+2.9"
-1.0"
3"@110
219
.460 Wby. Mag. (500 RN at 2600)
.295
+2.8"
+0.6"
3"@116
246
.470 N.E. (500 RN at 2150)
.321
+3.0"
-2.1"
3"@100
207
.480 Ruger (325 FN at 1450)
.150
+1.5"
-22.1"
3"@68
134
.50 BMG (750 Sp at 2700)
1.07
+2.6"
+1.8"
3"@135
281

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