In your opinion which caliber hunting rifle has the longest, flattest trajectory?

Question

I'm thinking about a new gun but I want something is really going to reach out there. I really don't want a 7mm-Mag though. Thanks.

Oh I already have a 30-06 Springfield.

Answer 1

I like a .308. Heck, an M-1 garand isnt the most popular hunting rifle, but nothing else holds a candle to it as far as accuracy goes.

Answer 2

A question that has been argued since the Revolutionary War. So long as we have gravity, no projectile can have a perfectly "flat trajectory". A bullet path is angled above the line of sight to increase it's range. If you look at the ballistic charts, and compare trajectories, you will find there are no clear cut, "head's above" all others. Of the top ten calibers in use today, all will shoot within a couple of inches of each other out to 300 yards. Which is a long shot. The differences show up, however, in retained energy at long range. We all want to not just hit the target, but to have enough energy to humanely dispatch the the target. A heavy bullet at high velocity, with a good sectional density, and ballistic co-efficient, will retain more energy over it's entire range. One doesn't shoot an Elk at 250 yards with a .220 Swift, just because it shoots "flatter" than a .30/06. All facts considered, the .30 cal magnums hold an edge in both both trajectory, and energy. Slight in trajectory, but high in energy.......I hope this helps, it is more a question of purpose and preference.......

Answer 3

Ok, something flatter than a 30-06...
I've got to go with the 300winmag, or that whole family of ultra mags.
The cartridges are fairly accessable at the store (especially the original win mag) but are expensive.

There are faster rounds on the market, but certainly not that comercially available.

But even at 400 yards, the difference between a 30-06 and 300 is only going to be about 4-5 inches.

Answer 4

Rifle Ballistics Trajectory

Answer 5

Check out Remington's site for some ballistics info. Trajectories have more to do with the individual round and it's powder charge than the caliber.

A 7mm will generally travel flatter than a .30-06 at similar bullet weights because the narrower diameter bullet has a higher ballistic coefficient, and therefore less drag.

Answer 6

If you already have a 30-06, you should get in as much "unknown distance" practice as you can. The difference in trajectory of the various calibers is trivial compared to range and wind estimation, and you can't always use a laser to determine range, and a 6.5mm Swede with good range estimation will work better than a 30-378 WbyMag with poor range estimation.

Answer 7

If you have a 30-06 you don't need another rifle.* The majority of Deer are harvested within 100 yards or less.* The 06 will reach out if called upon to do so. The 308 caliber is another good one.* The two longest shots made in combat at two enemy soldiers was 1500 meters with a scoped Winchester Model 70 in 308 caliber.* Two (2)* shots to less enemy.*

Answer 8

.270 winchester firing a 150 grain bullet shoots farther, faster, and flatter than your 30-06 with a 165 grain bullet. After all, it is just a necked down 30-06 case. I switched from '06 to .270 many many years ago. It has never let me down. I use it on mule deer, elk, black bear, hog, and with a lighter 130 grain bullet, I use it on antelope etc.
Hope that helps

Answer 9

Always heard the 270 had flattest trajectory but have no actual data to back that up. The newer 280 is getting popular. Still can't go wrong with 30-06 either.

Answer 10

I shoot a .300 Weatherby magnum with 150 grain bullets at about 3550 fps; also a 257 Weatherby with 100 grain bullets at about 3600. Sighted in at 300 yards, both are only about 7.5 inches low at 400, and 21-22 inches low at 500.