When it comes to hunting or long-range shooting, choosing the right ammunition is crucial. Two popular choices for long-range shooting are the 300 Win Mag and the 6.5 Creedmoor. Both cartridges have their pros and cons, and choosing between them can be a daunting task. This article will compare the ballistics chart of both cartridges to help you make an informed decision.
300 Win Mag
The 300 Win Mag, also known as 300 Winchester Magnum, is a popular cartridge for hunting large game at long distances. It was introduced in 1963 and is based on the 375 H&H Magnum case. The 300 Win Mag has a bullet diameter of .308 inches and a case length of 2.62 inches.The 300 Win Mag is capable of delivering high energy and velocity, making it ideal for hunting big game. It has a muzzle velocity of around 2,960 feet per second (fps) and a muzzle energy of around 3,500 foot-pounds (ft-lbs).
6.5 Creedmoor
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a relatively new cartridge that was introduced in 2007. It was designed for long-range target shooting and has gained popularity among hunters as well. The 6.5 Creedmoor has a bullet diameter of .264 inches and a case length of 1.92 inches.The 6.5 Creedmoor has a high ballistic coefficient (BC), which means it can maintain its velocity and energy over long distances. It has a muzzle velocity of around 2,710 fps and a muzzle energy of around 2,300 ft-lbs.
Ballistics Chart Comparison
To compare the ballistics chart of both cartridges, we will look at the trajectory, wind drift, and energy at various distances.
Trajectory
The trajectory of a bullet refers to its path through the air. The flatter the trajectory, the less the bullet will drop over distance.At 100 yards, the 300 Win Mag has a trajectory of -1.5 inches, while the 6.5 Creedmoor has a trajectory of -1.3 inches. At 500 yards, the 300 Win Mag drops around 54 inches, while the 6.5 Creedmoor drops around 44 inches.
Wind Drift
Wind drift refers to the effect of wind on the bullet's path. The higher the wind drift, the more the bullet will be affected by the wind.At 500 yards, the 300 Win Mag drifts around 17 inches in a 10 mph crosswind, while the 6.5 Creedmoor drifts around 12 inches.
Energy
Energy refers to the amount of force a bullet has upon impact. The higher the energy, the more damage the bullet will cause.At 500 yards, the 300 Win Mag has around 1,700 ft-lbs of energy, while the 6.5 Creedmoor has around 1,200 ft-lbs.
Conclusion
Both the 300 Win Mag and the 6.5 Creedmoor have their strengths and weaknesses. The 300 Win Mag is a powerful cartridge that is ideal for hunting big game at long distances. It has a flatter trajectory and more energy than the 6.5 Creedmoor. However, it also has more recoil and a higher wind drift.The 6.5 Creedmoor, on the other hand, is a versatile cartridge that is suitable for both target shooting and hunting. It has a higher ballistic coefficient and less recoil than the 300 Win Mag. However, it has a shorter effective range and less energy than the 300 Win Mag.Ultimately, the choice between the 300 Win Mag and the 6.5 Creedmoor depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both cartridges are capable of delivering accurate shots at long distances, and with the right skills and equipment, they can be deadly on the hunt or the range.
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