Ballistics Chart for Hunting: Velocity, Energy, Drop & Drift for 15+ Popular Cartridges

Choosing the right cartridge is one of the most important decisions in hunting. This reference guide provides complete ballistic data for the most popular hunting cartridges, including muzzle velocity, energy retention at distance, bullet drop, wind drift, and recoil — plus a cartridge-to-species recommendation matrix to help you match the right round to your quarry.

For detailed head-to-head comparisons, see our guides on .308 vs .30-06 and 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308. For rifle recommendations, check our best hunting rifles guide.

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Cartridge Overview: Quick Reference

Cartridge	Year Introduced	Bullet Diameter	Typical Bullet Weight	Best Use Case
.223 Remington	1964	.224"	55-77 gr	Varmint, predator
.243 Winchester	1955	.243"	85-105 gr	Deer, antelope, youth
6.5 Creedmoor	2007	.264"	120-147 gr	Deer, antelope, long range
.270 Winchester	1925	.277"	130-150 gr	Deer, elk, all-around
7mm-08 Remington	1980	.284"	120-160 gr	Deer, mild recoil
7mm Remington Magnum	1962	.284"	150-175 gr	Elk, mule deer, long range
.308 Winchester	1952	.308"	150-180 gr	Deer, elk, all-around
.30-06 Springfield	1906	.308"	150-220 gr	Everything in North America
.300 Winchester Magnum	1963	.308"	165-220 gr	Elk, moose, long range
.300 WSM	2001	.308"	150-200 gr	Elk, versatile magnum
.338 Winchester Magnum	1958	.338"	200-250 gr	Moose, bear, dangerous game
.338 Lapua Magnum	1989	.338"	250-300 gr	Extreme long range, large game
.375 H&H Magnum	1912	.375"	235-300 gr	African dangerous game
.45-70 Government	1873	.458"	300-500 gr	Brush hunting, bear, lever action
.350 Legend	2019	.357"	150-265 gr	Straight-wall states, deer
.450 Bushmaster	2007	.452"	250-300 gr	Straight-wall states, deer

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Ballistic Performance: Velocity (fps)

All data based on standard factory loads with the most popular bullet weights for hunting applications. Measured from a 24" test barrel unless otherwise noted.

Cartridge	Bullet Weight	Muzzle	100 yds	200 yds	300 yds	400 yds
.223 Remington	55 gr	3,240	2,872	2,528	2,209	1,913
.243 Winchester	100 gr	2,960	2,728	2,508	2,299	2,099
6.5 Creedmoor	143 gr ELD-X	2,700	2,557	2,418	2,284	2,154
.270 Winchester	130 gr	3,060	2,845	2,639	2,442	2,254
7mm-08 Remington	140 gr	2,860	2,656	2,461	2,274	2,095
7mm Rem Mag	162 gr ELD-X	2,925	2,778	2,636	2,498	2,364
.308 Winchester	168 gr	2,680	2,493	2,314	2,143	1,979
.30-06 Springfield	165 gr	2,800	2,597	2,403	2,217	2,039
.300 Win Mag	180 gr	2,960	2,774	2,595	2,424	2,259
.300 WSM	180 gr	2,970	2,784	2,606	2,434	2,270
.338 Win Mag	225 gr	2,785	2,573	2,371	2,177	1,993
.338 Lapua Mag	250 gr	2,900	2,761	2,626	2,495	2,368
.375 H&H Magnum	270 gr	2,690	2,477	2,274	2,080	1,897
.45-70 Government	405 gr	1,330	1,168	1,055	978	919
.350 Legend	180 gr	2,100	1,845	1,614	1,409	1,234
.450 Bushmaster	250 gr	2,200	1,840	1,524	1,271	1,095

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Energy Retention (ft-lbs)

Energy at distance determines a cartridge's ability to deliver lethal terminal performance. The commonly cited minimums are 1,000 ft-lbs for deer and 1,500 ft-lbs for elk.

Cartridge	Bullet Weight	Muzzle	100 yds	200 yds	300 yds	400 yds	Max Deer Range*	Max Elk Range*
.223 Remington	55 gr	1,282	1,007	780	596	447	~150 yds	Not recommended
.243 Winchester	100 gr	1,945	1,653	1,397	1,174	978	~375 yds	Not recommended
6.5 Creedmoor	143 gr	2,315	2,076	1,857	1,656	1,473	500+ yds	~350 yds
.270 Winchester	130 gr	2,702	2,336	2,012	1,721	1,467	500+ yds	~350 yds
7mm-08 Remington	140 gr	2,542	2,192	1,882	1,607	1,363	500+ yds	~250 yds
7mm Rem Mag	162 gr	3,081	2,777	2,499	2,243	2,009	500+ yds	500+ yds
.308 Winchester	168 gr	2,678	2,318	1,997	1,713	1,461	500+ yds	~300 yds
.30-06 Springfield	165 gr	2,872	2,472	2,114	1,801	1,523	500+ yds	~400 yds
.300 Win Mag	180 gr	3,501	3,076	2,694	2,349	2,039	500+ yds	500+ yds
.300 WSM	180 gr	3,526	3,100	2,715	2,369	2,059	500+ yds	500+ yds
.338 Win Mag	225 gr	3,871	3,305	2,807	2,367	1,982	500+ yds	500+ yds
.338 Lapua Mag	250 gr	4,668	4,233	3,831	3,456	3,112	500+ yds	500+ yds
.375 H&H Magnum	270 gr	4,337	3,680	3,100	2,596	2,155	500+ yds	500+ yds
.45-70 Government	405 gr	1,590	1,227	1,001	860	759	~200 yds	~100 yds
.350 Legend	180 gr	1,762	1,361	1,041	793	609	~200 yds	Not recommended
.450 Bushmaster	250 gr	2,687	1,879	1,289	897	666	~250 yds	~100 yds

Max ethical range based on energy threshold only. Practical range also depends on accuracy, conditions, and shooter skill.

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Bullet Drop (inches below line of sight)

All figures assume a 200-yard zero, which is standard for most hunting applications.

Cartridge	Bullet Weight	100 yds	200 yds	300 yds	400 yds	500 yds
.223 Remington	55 gr	+1.5	0	-7.2	-21.3	-43.8
.243 Winchester	100 gr	+1.6	0	-6.8	-19.6	-39.8
6.5 Creedmoor	143 gr ELD-X	+1.7	0	-6.8	-19.4	-38.4
.270 Winchester	130 gr	+1.4	0	-6.0	-17.5	-35.5
7mm-08 Remington	140 gr	+1.6	0	-7.0	-20.3	-40.8
7mm Rem Mag	162 gr ELD-X	+1.4	0	-5.8	-16.6	-33.0
.308 Winchester	168 gr	+1.8	0	-7.6	-22.1	-44.9
.30-06 Springfield	165 gr	+1.6	0	-7.0	-20.4	-41.4
.300 Win Mag	180 gr	+1.4	0	-6.1	-17.6	-35.4
.300 WSM	180 gr	+1.4	0	-6.0	-17.4	-35.0
.338 Win Mag	225 gr	+1.6	0	-7.0	-20.2	-40.7
.338 Lapua Mag	250 gr	+1.3	0	-5.5	-15.7	-31.0
.375 H&H Magnum	270 gr	+1.8	0	-7.8	-22.8	-46.3
.45-70 Government	405 gr	+9.3	0	-38.8	-113.4	-232.1
.350 Legend	180 gr	+3.9	0	-17.4	-51.0	-107.5
.450 Bushmaster	250 gr	+3.6	0	-16.2	-48.9	-105.3

Practical Takeaways on Bullet Drop

• Flattest shooting: .270 Winchester, 7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .338 Lapua — all under 18" drop at 400 yards
• Moderate drop: 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .30-06 — manageable to 400 yards with holdover or dial-up
• Steep drop: .45-70 Government, .350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster — practical to ~200 yards for hunting
• For most hunters, a cartridge with less than 20" of drop at 400 yards (zeroed at 200) is suitable for shots to 400 yards with a good rangefinder and turret adjustment

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Wind Drift at 300 Yards (10 mph Full-Value Crosswind)

Wind drift is the horizontal displacement caused by crosswind. This is often the most challenging variable in field shooting.

Cartridge	Bullet Weight	BC (G1)	Drift at 300 yds	Drift at 400 yds	Drift Rating
.223 Remington	55 gr	.243	12.8"	24.1"	Poor
.243 Winchester	100 gr	.414	7.8"	14.6"	Good
6.5 Creedmoor	143 gr ELD-X	.625	5.2"	9.6"	Excellent
.270 Winchester	130 gr	.447	6.8"	12.8"	Good
7mm-08 Remington	140 gr	.486	6.5"	12.1"	Good
7mm Rem Mag	162 gr ELD-X	.631	4.6"	8.5"	Excellent
.308 Winchester	168 gr	.462	7.1"	13.3"	Good
.30-06 Springfield	165 gr	.450	7.0"	13.0"	Good
.300 Win Mag	180 gr	.507	5.8"	10.8"	Very Good
.300 WSM	180 gr	.507	5.7"	10.6"	Very Good
.338 Win Mag	225 gr	.515	5.9"	11.0"	Very Good
.338 Lapua Mag	250 gr	.675	4.0"	7.3"	Excellent
.375 H&H Magnum	270 gr	.480	6.5"	12.2"	Good
.45-70 Government	405 gr	.214	18.4"	38.3"	Very Poor
.350 Legend	180 gr	.258	14.7"	30.2"	Poor
.450 Bushmaster	250 gr	.210	19.2"	40.5"	Very Poor

Wind Drift Rankings

1. .338 Lapua Magnum — 4.0" (best wind resistance)
2. 7mm Remington Magnum — 4.6"
3. 6.5 Creedmoor — 5.2"
4. .300 WSM — 5.7"
5. .300 Winchester Magnum — 5.8"

The 6.5 Creedmoor's exceptional wind-bucking ability relative to its recoil makes it one of the most popular choices for hunters who shoot at moderate to long range. See our full breakdown in 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308.

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Recoil Comparison

Recoil affects accuracy, shooting comfort, and follow-up shot speed. Measured as free recoil energy in an 8-pound rifle.

Cartridge	Bullet Weight	Free Recoil Energy (ft-lbs)	Recoil Velocity (fps)	Perceived Recoil
.223 Remington	55 gr	3.7	6.4	Very Light
.243 Winchester	100 gr	11.2	10.2	Light
6.5 Creedmoor	143 gr	15.0	11.9	Light-Moderate
.270 Winchester	130 gr	17.1	12.5	Moderate
7mm-08 Remington	140 gr	15.4	12.0	Light-Moderate
7mm Rem Mag	162 gr	24.2	15.0	Moderate-Heavy
.308 Winchester	168 gr	18.3	13.0	Moderate
.30-06 Springfield	165 gr	20.1	13.6	Moderate
.300 Win Mag	180 gr	26.5	15.6	Heavy
.300 WSM	180 gr	27.2	15.9	Heavy
.338 Win Mag	225 gr	35.2	18.1	Very Heavy
.338 Lapua Mag	250 gr	39.1	19.1	Very Heavy
.375 H&H Magnum	270 gr	40.7	19.5	Very Heavy
.45-70 Government	405 gr	31.3	17.1	Heavy
.350 Legend	180 gr	12.4	10.7	Light
.450 Bushmaster	250 gr	22.9	14.5	Moderate-Heavy

Recoil Thresholds for Shooters

Recoil Level	ft-lbs Range	Who Can Shoot Comfortably	Example Cartridges
Very Light	Under 8	Everyone, including young shooters	.223 Remington
Light	8-14	Most shooters, good for recoil-sensitive	.243 Win, .350 Legend
Light-Moderate	14-18	Most adult shooters	6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08
Moderate	18-22	Experienced shooters	.270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06
Moderate-Heavy	22-28	Experienced shooters, tolerable for most	7mm Rem Mag, .300 Win Mag, .450 Bush
Heavy	28-36	Experienced shooters, punishing at the bench	.338 Win Mag, .45-70
Very Heavy	36+	Experienced shooters only, limit practice	.338 Lapua, .375 H&H

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Cartridge-to-Species Recommendation Matrix

This matrix shows cartridge suitability for North American and international game species. Ratings: Excellent (ideal), Good (effective), Marginal (minimum, careful shot placement required), — (not recommended).

Small Game & Predators

Cartridge	Coyote	Prairie Dog	Fox	Feral Hog (under 150 lb)
.223 Remington	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Marginal
.243 Winchester	Excellent	Good	Good	Good
6.5 Creedmoor	Good	—	—	Excellent
.308 Winchester	Good	—	—	Excellent

For more on predator cartridge selection, see our predator hunting guide.

Deer-Sized Game (Whitetail, Mule Deer, Antelope, Feral Hog)

Cartridge	Whitetail (under 250 yds)	Whitetail (250-400 yds)	Mule Deer	Antelope	Feral Hog (200+ lb)
.223 Remington	Marginal	—	—	Marginal	—
.243 Winchester	Good	Good	Good	Excellent	Good
6.5 Creedmoor	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
.270 Winchester	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
7mm-08 Remington	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent	Good
.308 Winchester	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
.30-06 Springfield	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
.300 Win Mag	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Good (over-powered)	Excellent
.350 Legend	Excellent	Marginal	Good	Good	Good
.450 Bushmaster	Excellent	—	Good	—	Excellent

For a deep dive on deer cartridge selection, see our deer hunting guide.

Elk & Large Game (Elk, Moose, Black Bear, Large Boar)

Cartridge	Elk (under 300 yds)	Elk (300-500 yds)	Moose	Black Bear	Caribou
.243 Winchester	—	—	—	Marginal	—
6.5 Creedmoor	Marginal	—	—	Good	Marginal
.270 Winchester	Good	Marginal	Marginal	Good	Good
7mm-08 Remington	Marginal	—	—	Good	Marginal
7mm Rem Mag	Excellent	Good	Good	Excellent	Excellent
.308 Winchester	Good	Marginal	Marginal	Good	Good
.30-06 Springfield	Good	Good	Good	Good	Good
.300 Win Mag	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
.300 WSM	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
.338 Win Mag	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
.375 H&H Magnum	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent

For elk-specific planning, see our elk hunting trips guide. For bear hunting or mountain hunting cartridge recommendations, visit those dedicated guides.

Dangerous & African Game

Cartridge	Brown/Grizzly Bear	Cape Buffalo	Elephant	African Plains Game	Leopard
.300 Win Mag	Good	Marginal	—	Excellent	Excellent
.338 Win Mag	Good	Marginal	—	Excellent	Excellent
.338 Lapua Mag	Good	Good	—	Excellent	Excellent
.375 H&H Magnum	Excellent	Good	Marginal	Excellent	Excellent
.416 Rigby*	Excellent	Excellent	Good	—	—
.458 Win Mag*	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	—	—
.470 Nitro Express*	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	—	—

Not included in ballistic tables above; shown for reference in dangerous game context. Many African countries legally require .375 caliber minimum for dangerous game.

For African hunting planning, see our comprehensive Africa hunting safaris and South Africa hunting guides.

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Cartridge Selection Decision Framework

Step 1: Identify Your Primary Game

Primary Game	Start Here
Varmint / Predator	.223 Remington
Deer (primarily)	6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester
Deer + Elk	.30-06 Springfield, 7mm Rem Mag
Elk + Moose	.300 Win Mag, .338 Win Mag
African Dangerous Game	.375 H&H Magnum (minimum)
Straight-Wall State	.350 Legend (light recoil), .450 Bushmaster (max power)

Step 2: Factor in Your Conditions

Condition	Favored Cartridge Traits
Long range (300+ yds)	High BC, flat trajectory: 6.5 CM, 7mm RM, .300 WM
Windy conditions	High BC: 6.5 CM, 7mm RM, .338 Lapua
Timber / brush (under 150 yds)	Heavier bullet, high energy: .30-06, .45-70, .338 WM
Mountain / backpack hunts	Lighter rifle, moderate recoil: 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, .270
Recoil-sensitive shooter	Light recoil: .243 Win, 6.5 CM, 7mm-08, .350 Legend
Youth or new hunter	Very light recoil: .243 Win, .350 Legend

Step 3: Check Your State's Legal Requirements

Several states have specific cartridge restrictions for deer hunting:

Restriction	States	Compliant Options
Straight-wall cartridges only	Ohio, Iowa, Indiana (some zones), Michigan (some zones)	.350 Legend, .450 Bushmaster, .44 Mag, .45-70
Shotgun only (rifled slugs OK)	Illinois (most counties)	12/20 gauge slugs
Minimum caliber (.24 or .25)	Several western states for big game	.243 Win and larger
No FMJ / must use expanding	Nearly all states for big game	Soft point, ballistic tip, bonded

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Ammunition Cost Comparison

Ammunition cost matters for practice — and practice is what builds accuracy. Here's what you'll pay per round for quality hunting and practice ammunition.

Cartridge	Hunting Ammo (per round)	Practice/FMJ (per round)	100 Rounds Practice Cost
.223 Remington	$0.80-$1.50	$0.35-$0.55	$35-$55
.243 Winchester	$1.50-$2.50	$1.00-$1.50	$100-$150
6.5 Creedmoor	$1.25-$2.50	$0.85-$1.25	$85-$125
.270 Winchester	$1.50-$2.50	$1.00-$1.50	$100-$150
7mm-08 Remington	$1.50-$2.50	$1.10-$1.60	$110-$160
7mm Rem Mag	$1.75-$3.50	$1.25-$2.00	$125-$200
.308 Winchester	$1.25-$2.50	$0.70-$1.10	$70-$110
.30-06 Springfield	$1.50-$2.50	$0.90-$1.40	$90-$140
.300 Win Mag	$2.00-$4.00	$1.50-$2.50	$150-$250
.300 WSM	$2.50-$4.50	$1.75-$2.75	$175-$275
.338 Win Mag	$2.50-$5.00	$2.00-$3.00	$200-$300
.338 Lapua Mag	$4.00-$8.00	$3.50-$5.00	$350-$500
.375 H&H Magnum	$4.00-$7.00	$3.00-$5.00	$300-$500
.45-70 Government	$1.50-$3.00	$1.25-$2.00	$125-$200
.350 Legend	$1.00-$2.00	$0.80-$1.20	$80-$120
.450 Bushmaster	$1.50-$3.00	$1.25-$2.00	$125-$200

Best value for practice: .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor — all benefit from high-volume military or competitive shooting markets that keep practice ammo affordable.

For optics to pair with your rifle, see our best hunting optics guide.

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Understanding Ballistic Coefficients

The ballistic coefficient (BC) is a measure of a bullet's ability to overcome air resistance. Higher BC = less drop and less wind drift at distance.

BC Range (G1)	Rating	Example Bullets	Best For
.200-.300	Low	.223 55gr FMJ, .45-70 405gr	Short range, brush hunting
.300-.400	Moderate	.308 150gr SP, .270 130gr SP	General hunting to 300 yds
.400-.500	Good	.308 168gr BTHP, .30-06 165gr AB	Versatile to 400 yds
.500-.600	Very Good	.300 WM 180gr AB, .338 225gr AB	Extended range 400-600 yds
.600-.700+	Excellent	6.5 CM 143 ELD-X, 7mm 162 ELD-X	Long range 500+ yds

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Gear Up for Your Hunt

Choosing the right cartridge is just one piece of the puzzle. Pair it with quality hunting optics, reliable hunting boots, and the right hunting rifle platform for a complete setup.

For shotgun hunters pursuing waterfowl, upland birds, or turkey, see our best shotguns for hunting guide.

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Book a Guided Hunt

Whether you're testing a new cartridge on a deer hunting trip, breaking in a new rifle on an elk hunting adventure, or heading to Africa for the hunt of a lifetime, One Outdoors connects you with verified outfitters worldwide.

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Ballistic data is based on manufacturer-published specifications and standard atmospheric conditions (59°F, 29.92" Hg, sea level). Real-world performance varies with altitude, temperature, barrel length, and lot-to-lot ammunition variation. Always confirm your rifle's actual ballistic performance through range testing before hunting.