A 338 ARC Ballistics Chart is a comprehensive data table that displays the velocity, kinetic energy, and trajectory of the 338 Advanced Rifle Cartridge at various distances. By referencing this chart, you can understand exactly how a specific bullet behaves from the moment it leaves the barrel until it strikes a target hundreds of yards away. This data allows you to predict bullet drop, calculate wind drift, and determine if the bullet retains enough energy for an ethical harvest in hunting scenarios.
Shooters, hunters, reloaders, and tactical enthusiasts use a 338 ARC Ballistics Chart to maximize the performance of this unique cartridge. Designed specifically to fit within the constraints of the AR 15 platform, the 338 ARC offers both supersonic and subsonic capabilities. By studying the trajectory and energy numbers, a hunter can confidently select the perfect subsonic load for quiet feral hog eradication or a supersonic load for medium game hunting. Readers of this guide will learn how to interpret the ballistics data, choose the right bullet weight for their specific needs, understand the optimal zero distance, and see exactly how this cartridge stacks up against other popular chamberings.
338 ARC Ballistics Chart
Below is a detailed ballistics table featuring the primary factory ammunition loads available for the 338 ARC. Because this is a specialized and relatively new cartridge, Hornady is the primary manufacturer providing factory ammunition. This table includes every major factory load currently available. The data represents a standard sixteen inch test barrel for most loads. The trajectory data for supersonic loads is based on a two hundred yard zero, while the trajectory data for subsonic loads is based on a one hundred yard zero.
| Bullet Weight | Bullet Type | Manufacturer | Muzzle Velocity | Velocity At 100 Yards | Velocity At 200 Yards | Velocity At 300 Yards | Velocity At 400 Yards | Velocity At 500 Yards | Muzzle Energy | Energy At 100 Yards | Energy At 200 Yards | Energy At 300 Yards | Energy At 400 Yards | Energy At 500 Yards | Trajectory At 100 Yards | Trajectory At 200 Yards | Trajectory At 300 Yards | Trajectory At 400 Yards | Trajectory At 500 Yards | Ballistic Coefficient | Sectional Density |
| 170 Grain | MonoFlex | Hornady | 2075 fps | 1831 fps | 1608 fps | 1411 fps | 1245 fps | 1117 fps | 1625 ft lbs | 1265 ft lbs | 976 ft lbs | 751 ft lbs | 585 ft lbs | 471 ft lbs | 4.5 inches high | 0.0 inches | 18.0 inches drop | 53.4 inches drop | 111.3 inches drop | N/A | 0.213 |
| 175 Grain | HP Match | Hornady | 2075 fps | 1878 fps | 1694 fps | 1525 fps | 1373 fps | 1242 fps | 1673 ft lbs | 1370 ft lbs | 1115 ft lbs | 904 ft lbs | 733 ft lbs | 600 ft lbs | 4.2 inches high | 0.0 inches | 16.3 inches drop | 47.7 inches drop | 97.6 inches drop | N/A | 0.219 |
| 215 Grain | FTX | Hornady | 1900 fps | 1708 fps | 1531 fps | 1374 fps | 1239 fps | 1131 fps | 1723 ft lbs | 1392 ft lbs | 1119 ft lbs | 901 ft lbs | 733 ft lbs | 611 ft lbs | 5.2 inches high | 0.0 inches | 20.1 inches drop | 58.6 inches drop | 119.7 inches drop | N/A | 0.269 |
| 285 Grain | FMJ Frontier | Hornady | 1050 fps | 1015 fps | 984 fps | 956 fps | 930 fps | 906 fps | 698 ft lbs | 651 ft lbs | 612 ft lbs | 578 ft lbs | 547 ft lbs | 519 ft lbs | 0.0 inches | 32.2 inches drop | 100.1 inches drop | 206.0 inches drop | 352.0 inches drop | N/A | 0.356 |
| 307 Grain | Sub X | Hornady | 1050 fps | 990 fps | 942 fps | 901 fps | 866 fps | 833 fps | 752 ft lbs | 668 ft lbs | 605 ft lbs | 554 ft lbs | 511 ft lbs | 473 ft lbs | 0.0 inches | 33.9 inches drop | 107.1 inches drop | 223.0 inches drop | 385.6 inches drop | 0.375 | 0.384 |
Understanding The Chart
A ballistics table can look intimidating at first glance, but breaking down each column reveals a wealth of practical information. By understanding these metrics, you can perfectly pair your ammunition to your specific shooting application.
Muzzle Velocity
Muzzle velocity is the speed of the bullet the exact moment it leaves the barrel, measured in feet per second. In the 338 ARC, you will notice a massive difference in muzzle velocity between supersonic loads and subsonic loads. Supersonic loads exit the barrel quickly, resulting in a flatter trajectory. Subsonic loads intentionally leave the barrel below the speed of sound to eliminate the loud crack that occurs when a bullet breaks the sound barrier.
Retained Velocity
Retained velocity shows how fast the bullet is traveling at specific distances downrange. Bullets constantly slow down due to air resistance. Knowing your retained velocity is critical for hunters, because expanding bullets require a certain minimum speed to open properly and create a lethal wound channel. Subsonic bullets are specifically designed to expand at very low retained velocities.
Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy measures the striking force of the projectile, expressed in foot pounds. It is calculated using the weight of the bullet and its velocity. A heavy bullet traveling slowly can carry the same energy as a light bullet traveling fast. Hunters closely study the 338 ARC Energy Chart to ensure the bullet carries enough destructive force to humanely harvest an animal at a given distance.
Trajectory
Trajectory tracks the arcing flight path of the bullet as gravity pulls it toward the earth. The 338 ARC Trajectory Chart displays how many inches the bullet will rise or drop relative to your line of sight. Subsonic loads have a very steep rainbow trajectory, meaning they drop significantly over short distances. Supersonic loads shoot much flatter, requiring fewer scope adjustments at intermediate ranges.
Ballistic Coefficient
Ballistic Coefficient is a number that represents how efficiently a bullet cuts through the air. A higher number indicates a more streamlined and aerodynamic profile. Bullets with a high Ballistic Coefficient retain their speed better, drop less, and resist the pushing effects of crosswinds better than bullets with a low rating.
Sectional Density
Sectional density relates the weight of a bullet to its diameter. A bullet with a high sectional density is long for its width, which typically translates to deeper penetration on game animals. Because the 338 ARC fires large heavy bullets, its subsonic loads possess excellent sectional density, allowing them to penetrate deeply even at low speeds.
Common 338 ARC Bullet Weights
The 338 ARC relies on a unique selection of bullet weights to achieve its dual purpose nature. From light supersonic copper bullets to massive subsonic lead core projectiles, selecting the right weight is vital.
170 Grain
The 170 grain bullet is a monolithic copper projectile designed for supersonic flight. Because copper is less dense than lead, this bullet is quite long, which aids in aerodynamic stability. This weight provides devastating terminal performance with nearly perfect weight retention. It is an excellent choice for hunting tough medium game where deep penetration is required, and it serves well in regions that mandate lead free ammunition.
175 Grain
The 175 grain hollow point match bullet is designed for supersonic accuracy. This bullet weight strikes a perfect balance between speed and ballistic efficiency. While it is incredibly accurate for punching paper and ringing steel, it is also highly capable of taking down medium game like deer and feral hogs. It offers a flat trajectory that makes hits out to three hundred yards quite manageable with an AR 15 rifle.
215 Grain
The 215 grain bullet represents the heavy end of the supersonic spectrum for this cartridge. Featuring a polymer tip for consistent expansion, this bullet delivers massive kinetic energy at intermediate ranges. It is an outstanding choice for hunting larger game such as black bears or elk in heavy timber where shots rarely exceed two hundred yards. The trade off is a slightly more curved trajectory and increased recoil compared to the lighter supersonic options.
285 Grain
The 285 grain full metal jacket bullet is heavily utilized for subsonic target practice and tactical training. Because it does not expand upon impact, it is not recommended for hunting big game. However, it offers a highly affordable and consistent option for shooters who want to enjoy the quiet performance of a suppressed rifle at the range without spending premium prices for expanding hunting ammunition.
307 Grain
The 307 grain bullet is the undisputed king of 338 ARC subsonic hunting. This massive projectile is designed to expand reliably at velocities under one thousand feet per second. It delivers incredible striking power and momentum, making it highly effective for feral hogs and deer at close range. When paired with a quality suppressor, it is remarkably quiet while hitting with the authority of a sledgehammer.
Effective Hunting Range
The 338 ARC Effective Range varies dramatically depending on whether you are firing supersonic or subsonic ammunition. Understanding these limits ensures ethical hunting practices and successful target engagements.
Whitetail Deer
When using supersonic loads like the 170 grain or 175 grain options, the 338 ARC is a highly capable deer cartridge out to three hundred yards. The bullets carry plenty of velocity to expand properly and deliver a quick ethical kill. If you choose to hunt deer with heavy subsonic loads, you should strictly limit your shots to one hundred and fifty yards to account for the rapid bullet drop and loss of energy.
Elk
Hunting elk with an AR 15 platform requires careful bullet selection and strict range discipline. The 215 grain supersonic load provides enough deep penetrating energy to harvest an elk at close range. Hunters should keep their shots inside one hundred and fifty yards and ensure perfect shot placement behind the shoulder. Subsonic ammunition is generally not recommended for large heavy boned animals like elk due to the lower velocity and reduced kinetic energy.
Black Bear
Black bears can be taken effectively with this cartridge, particularly when hunting over bait or with hounds in dense woods. The 215 grain supersonic load hits hard and penetrates deeply, making it ideal for this application. Due to the thick hide and fat layers of a bear, hunters must prioritize expanding bullets that deliver massive energy transfer within two hundred yards.
Wild Hogs
Feral hogs are perhaps the perfect target for the 338 ARC. Tactical hog hunters who operate at night with thermal optics heavily favor the 307 grain subsonic load. Because shots are typically taken within one hundred yards, the subsonic round provides devastating knockdown power while keeping the rifle quiet enough to potentially engage multiple hogs before the sound scatters the sounder.
Coyotes
While the 338 ARC is fully capable of destroying a coyote, it is often considered too large for serious predator hunters who wish to save the pelts. The massive diameter bullets leave large exit wounds. However, for property managers who simply need to eradicate predators, the supersonic loads offer excellent flat shooting performance out to four hundred yards.
Target Shooting
For recreational target shooting, this cartridge is a joy to shoot. The subsonic loads have very mild recoil, making them excellent for training new shooters without the flinch inducing noise and kick of a magnum rifle. Supersonic match loads allow shooters to accurately ring steel gongs out to five hundred yards, providing a fun and challenging intermediate range experience.
Long Range Shooting
The 338 ARC is not designed for extreme long range precision. Due to the capacity limits of the small case, it cannot push bullets fast enough to compete with dedicated long range cartridges at one thousand yards. However, mastering the steep trajectory of the subsonic loads at two hundred yards requires significant skill and provides an excellent educational challenge for shooters looking to improve their wind reading and elevation holdovers.
Factors That Affect 338 ARC Ballistics
No ballistics chart is perfect for every situation. Environmental and mechanical variables constantly alter the actual flight path of your bullet. You must account for these factors in the field.
Barrel Length
Because this cartridge was designed for the AR 15 platform, many shooters use short barrels ranging from twelve to sixteen inches. A shorter barrel produces less muzzle velocity. When shooting supersonic ammunition, a shorter barrel will result in more bullet drop at distance. Interestingly, subsonic ammunition is less affected by barrel length, as the powder burns very quickly and the goal is to remain below the speed of sound regardless of barrel length.
Bullet Weight
The weight of your projectile fundamentally alters its flight characteristics. The lighter supersonic bullets shoot flatter and faster, making them forgiving of range estimation errors. The heavy subsonic bullets fly slowly in a high arching path, meaning that misjudging the distance to your target by just twenty yards could result in a complete miss.
Bullet Design
The physical shape of the bullet dictates how it interacts with the air. A sleek hollow point match bullet will slice through the wind efficiently. A blunt rounded bullet, like many heavy subsonic designs, creates significant drag. This drag causes the bullet to shed its velocity quickly, limiting its effective range.
Altitude
Shooting at high elevations changes your trajectory. The air is thinner at higher altitudes, meaning there are fewer air molecules for the bullet to push out of the way. This lack of resistance allows the bullet to retain its velocity longer, resulting in less bullet drop and more retained energy at distance.
Temperature
Temperature shifts impact both the air density and the internal pressure of your cartridge. Cold dense air creates more drag, pulling your bullet down faster. Furthermore, freezing temperatures can slightly lower the burn rate of your gunpowder, resulting in a lower muzzle velocity. Always verify your zero when hunting in weather that is drastically colder than your zeroing conditions.
Humidity
Humidity has a minor but real effect on ballistics. Surprisingly, humid air is less dense than dry air. Therefore, high humidity provides slightly less resistance, allowing the bullet to shoot marginally flatter. For the practical distances of the 338 ARC, humidity will rarely cause a noticeable shift in point of impact.
Wind
Wind deflection is a major consideration, especially when firing subsonic ammunition. Because subsonic bullets travel slowly, they spend more time in the air before reaching the target. This extended flight time gives a crosswind more opportunity to push the bullet off course. You must learn to read the wind carefully when shooting past one hundred yards with heavy subsonic loads.
Twist Rate
The twist rate of a rifle barrel determines how fast the bullet spins. To stabilize the massive 307 grain bullets at low subsonic speeds, 338 ARC barrels feature a very fast twist rate, typically one turn in eight inches. This rapid spin provides the gyroscopic stability needed to keep the long heavy bullets flying point forward instead of tumbling through the air.
Zero Distance
Your choice of zero distance establishes the baseline for all your trajectory calculations. A zero that is too close will cause the bullet to strike excessively high at intermediate ranges. A zero that is too far will cause massive holdover confusion at close range. Understanding the arc of your specific load is vital for selecting the proper zero.
Best Zero Distance
Choosing the correct zero distance for the 338 ARC is entirely dependent on which type of ammunition you plan to shoot. Supersonic and subsonic trajectories require completely different strategies.
25 Yard Zero
A twenty five yard zero is a tactical setup often used for close quarters engagements. While it allows for rapid hits at room distances, the bullet crosses the line of sight at a steep upward angle. With supersonic loads, this causes the bullet to impact several inches high at one hundred yards, making precision shots difficult at medium range.
50 Yard Zero
For subsonic ammunition, a fifty yard zero is highly practical. Because heavy subsonic bullets drop so rapidly, a fifty yard zero keeps the trajectory relatively flat at close range. It allows a hog hunter to aim dead on from twenty five to seventy five yards with very little deviation in the point of impact.
100 Yard Zero
A one hundred yard zero is the standard recommendation for subsonic 338 ARC hunting loads. Factory ballistics charts base their subsonic data on this distance. It provides a clean baseline where all adjustments past one hundred yards are dialed upward on the scope. However, shooters must be aware that the bullet will drop nearly thirty four inches by the time it reaches two hundred yards.
200 Yard Zero
The two hundred yard zero is the absolute best choice for supersonic hunting loads. It perfectly utilizes the concept of maximum point blank range. With a two hundred yard zero, a 175 grain supersonic bullet will only strike about four inches high at one hundred yards. This allows the hunter to hold directly on the vital zone of a deer anywhere from zero to two hundred and fifty yards without calculating holdovers.
300 Yard Zero
A three hundred yard zero is generally not recommended for the 338 ARC. The cartridge does not possess the high velocity required to make this practical. Zeroing at three hundred yards would force the bullet to travel in a massive upward arc, causing it to strike dangerously high at one hundred and two hundred yards, leading to missed shots over the top of the target.
For dedicated subsonic shooters, the one hundred yard zero offers the most predictable performance. For hunters utilizing the speed of supersonic rounds, the two hundred yard zero is undisputed for field practicality.
338 ARC Ballistics Compared To Other Cartridges
The 338 ARC was engineered to fill a very specific niche in the firearms market. To understand its value, we must compare it to the cartridges it was designed to compete against or emulate.
| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy | Trajectory At 300 Yards | Recoil | Effective Range | AR 15 Compatible | Suppressed Performance |
| 338 ARC Supersonic | 2075 fps | 1673 ft lbs | 16.3 inches drop | Moderate | 400 Yards | Yes | Good |
| 300 Blackout Supersonic | 2250 fps | 1350 ft lbs | 22.0 inches drop | Light | 250 Yards | Yes | Good |
| 8.6 Blackout Supersonic | 2400 fps | 2000 ft lbs | 14.0 inches drop | Moderate | 500 Yards | No | Excellent |
| 308 Winchester | 2820 fps | 2648 ft lbs | 12.0 inches drop | Moderate | 800 Yards | No | Fair |
| 6.5 Grendel | 2580 fps | 1818 ft lbs | 15.0 inches drop | Light | 600 Yards | Yes | Fair |
When comparing the 338 ARC to the 300 Blackout, the differences are striking. The 300 Blackout is legendary for suppressed AR 15 performance, but it fires a smaller thirty caliber bullet. The 338 ARC offers a vastly larger projectile diameter and delivers significantly more kinetic energy, hitting about one and a half times harder than the 300 Blackout when using subsonic loads. This makes it a far superior choice for hunting tough hogs and deer.
The 8.6 Blackout is the closest sibling in terms of bullet size and suppressed performance. Both fire massive projectiles designed for silence. However, the 8.6 Blackout is based on a larger cartridge case and requires an AR 10 platform or a short action bolt rifle. The 338 ARC provides similar subsonic performance but fits into the much smaller, lighter, and more common AR 15 platform.
Compared to the 6.5 Grendel, which shares the same parent case, the 338 ARC trades long range precision for close range smashing power. The 6.5 Grendel shoots flat and retains velocity for hundreds of yards, making it an excellent medium range hunting cartridge. The 338 ARC throws a much heavier, wider bullet that delivers massive trauma at close distances but lacks the aerodynamic efficiency to reach out like the Grendel.
The 308 Winchester is a full power rifle cartridge that vastly outpaces the 338 ARC in velocity, energy, and effective range. However, the 308 Winchester cannot fit into a standard AR 15, and it is notoriously difficult to suppress down to truly quiet levels due to its massive powder charge. The 338 ARC offers a highly specialized tool for shooters who prioritize platform size and suppressed performance over maximum effective range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 338 ARC Ballistics Chart?
It is a detailed reference table that tracks the speed, energy, and drop of the 338 Advanced Rifle Cartridge over various distances. Shooters rely on this data to adjust their rifle scopes, understand wind drift, and guarantee their bullet retains enough power for ethical hunting at specific yardages.
How far is a 338 ARC effective?
For hunting medium game with supersonic ammunition, it is highly effective out to three hundred or four hundred yards. When using heavy subsonic ammunition, the effective hunting range drops to about one hundred and fifty yards due to the rapid loss of velocity and severe bullet drop.
How much does a 338 ARC bullet drop at 300 yards?
If zeroed at two hundred yards, a typical 175 grain supersonic bullet will drop roughly sixteen inches at three hundred yards. Conversely, a 307 grain subsonic bullet zeroed at one hundred yards will plummet over one hundred inches by the time it reaches three hundred yards.
Is a 338 ARC good for deer hunting?
Yes, it is an outstanding deer hunting cartridge when paired with the proper AR 15 rifle. The supersonic loads offer deep penetration and massive energy transfer, easily taking down large bucks. The subsonic loads are also very effective in heavy timber where shots are close and stealth is preferred.
What is the best 338 ARC bullet weight?
The best weight depends entirely on your goal. For long range flat shooting performance, the 170 grain or 175 grain supersonic bullets are ideal. For silent suppressed hog hunting, the massive 307 grain expanding subsonic bullet is the undisputed best choice.
Does it require special AR 15 magazines?
Yes, you cannot use standard AR 15 magazines designed for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. Because the parent case is the 6.5 Grendel, you must use magazines specifically designed for the Grendel family of cartridges to ensure proper feeding and reliability.
Can a 338 ARC reach 1000 yards?
While a skilled shooter can lob supersonic bullets to one thousand yards on a target range, it is not designed for this purpose. The bullet will experience massive drop and severe wind drift, making it a poor choice for competitive extreme long range precision shooting.
Does barrel length affect 338 ARC velocity?
Yes, shorter barrels will reduce the muzzle velocity of the supersonic loads, leading to a steeper trajectory. However, the cartridge is optimized for short barrels, and even an incredibly short twelve inch barrel will still produce devastating terminal performance at close hunting ranges.
How does it compare to the 300 Blackout?
It offers a significant upgrade in kinetic energy and bullet diameter compared to the 300 Blackout. While the 300 Blackout is cheaper and more widely available, this newer cartridge hits roughly one and a half times harder, making it superior for harvesting tough game animals.
What is the fastest factory loaded 338 ARC ammunition?
The fastest factory options are the 170 grain and 175 grain supersonic loads from Hornady, which leave a sixteen inch barrel at over two thousand feet per second. These loads provide the flattest trajectory and the longest effective hunting range for the cartridge.
Conclusion
Mastering the information within a 338 ARC Ballistics Chart is essential for any shooter looking to harness the full potential of this heavy hitting AR 15 cartridge. Whether you are consulting a 338 ARC Velocity Chart to verify expansion thresholds or analyzing a 338 ARC Trajectory Chart to perfectly dial your scope for a long shot, the data is the key to success. This cartridge represents a massive leap forward in AR 15 capabilities, offering unprecedented stopping power in a very compact package.
By studying your 338 ARC Hunting Ballistics, understanding the massive performance shift between different bullet weights, and picking the right zero distance, you can turn a standard modern sporting rifle into a dual purpose powerhouse. The 338 ARC Effective Range provides plenty of reach for supersonic hunting while delivering the quiet, sledgehammer blows that tactical and subsonic shooters demand. It truly earns its reputation as the big little cartridge that packs a serious punch.