The following table lists a computer generated ballistic comparison for various calibers at a 500 yard range. I thought it was quite interesting how little difference there was between the various rounds (The starkest difference was the muzzle energy. Bigger is really better in this regard). I doubt very many shooters (especially myself) could discern such slight differences under field conditions. This chart would almost render the conclusion that the never-ending ballistic arguments shooters engage in is largely a moot point with personal preference(s) ruling the outcome. But such bland mathematical pragmatism sure kills a gun nut�s fun doesn�t it .

What do you all think?

Good Shooting, HBB

The figures are Range: 500 Yards 1. Muzzle Velocity 2. Trajectory 3. Actual Drop 4. Time of Flight 5. Muzzle Energy 6. Wind Drift -10mph crosswind. Zero Range was 225 Yards for all Calibers.

.224 80 grain btsp @ 3100 fps:
500 2102 -34.62 60.37 0.59 785 18.34

.243 105 grain btsp@ 3100 fps
500 2194 -33.13 58.6 0.58 1122 16.17

.257 115 grain btsp@3100 fps
500 2178 -33.39 58.91 0.58 1211 16.55

.264 120 grain btsp @3100 fps
500 2167 -33.55 59.1 0.58 1251 16.79

.277 140 grain btsp@ 3100 fps
500 2214 -32.82 58.24 0.58 1524 15.74

.284 160 grain btsp@3100 fps
500 2280 -31.86 57.08 0.57 1847 14.29

.308 180 btsp @ 3100fps
500 2246 -32.35 57.67 0.57 2016 15.03

.323 220 grain btsp@ 3100 fps
500 2324 -31.22 56.32 0.56 2639 13.35

.338 250 grain btsp@3100fps
500 2349 -30.89 55.92 0.56 3063 12.84

[ 01-04-2003, 19:03: Message edited by: hillbillybear ]

HBB, the first value (after the 500) isn't muzzle velocity is it? All of the comparison are done with a muzzle velocity of 3100 fps aren't they? I don't think muzzle energy really matters; what matters is what the energy is down range.

It is always fun to look at the ballistic tables. Thanks.

If the muzzle velocity is the same for all rounds then of course bullet drop will be close to the same, gravity does change.

Curly,
The 1st figure after 500 is the remaining velocity at 500 yards. The starting velocity is 3100fps for all the cartridges.
HBB

Another interesting comparison to make. Using the ballistics program again, make charts going down in velocity in hundred foot per second increments. It's intertesting to see how low a trajectory the bullets have at real hunting ranges when started at speeds way below what the manglomaniacs desire. For deer, I find a cast 170 bullet started at 2250 gives me a 200 yard reliable range. That's as far as I care to shoot at anything, anyway. I'm currently working on building a .358 Win. for heavy cast bullets, to work in the 2200-2300 fps range for elk.

If you dont mind what ballistic software do you guys use i wouldnt mind getting some myself.

Waksupi,
I am going to run the same sort of table for 300 yards and the average hunting roud we see in my area (i.e .270- .30/06 and .30/30 winchester)
Good Shooting
HBB

Here is a 300 yard table based on plausible, real-world velocities available from average hunting type rifles. Again the differences are negligible with no super whiz bang advantage to any caliber.

The muzzle velocities are 2950 fps with a 200 yard zero.

.243 100 grain btsp @ 2950 fps
300 2374 -6.93 21.57 0.34 1251 6.47

.257 115 btsp @2950 fps
300 2389 -6.87 21.47 0.34 1457 6.28

.264 140btsp@ 2950 fps
300 2460 -6.63 21.06 0.34 1881 5.43

.277 130 btsp @ 2950 fps
300 2374 -6.93 21.57 0.34 1627 6.47

.284 150 btsp @ 2950 fps
300 2423 -6.75 21.27 0.34 1956 5.87

.308 180btsp @2950 fps
300 2432 -6.72 21.22 0.34 2364 5.75

.323 220 btsp @ 2950 fps
300 2482 -6.55 20.93 0.34 3009 5.17

.338 250 btsp @2950
300 2497 -6.5 20.84 0.33 3461 4.99

.375 260 btsp @ 2950
300 2419 -6.76 21.29 0.34 3378 5.91

[ 01-05-2003, 02:45: Message edited by: hillbillybear ]

Gentlemen, I hate to throw a wet blanket on this discussion, but as long as the muzzle velocities are the same the trajectories will be very similar.

In fact, the only reason they're not identical is because of the differing ballistic coefficients of the differing rounds. Because of this the bullets slow down at different rates and are traveling at different speeds, thus allowing gravity differing amounts of time to act on the bullet by the time it gets to a given distance.

If you repeated the experiment using bullets with the same ballistic coeffiecient and the same muzzle velocities, the trajectories should be identical, regardless of caliber.

Gravity is a constant and acts on all objects uniformly. Barring wind resistance, the only thing that affects how far an object falls is the amount of time it has been falling.

I agree with Wismon.

Time of Flight (TOF) is very near the same for all rounds...same drop with same TOF.