Ballistic Comparison Chart

Understanding the performance differences between rifle cartridges is essential for choosing the right tool for hunting, target practice, or long-range shooting. The main difference between cartridges lies in how they balance velocity, energy retention, and trajectory. While smaller cartridges like the .22 LR offer low recoil for training, larger magnums provide the high muzzle energy required for ethical long-range hunting. Compared to flat-shooting options like the 6.5 Creedmoor, traditional rounds like the .30-30 Winchester experience significant bullet drop at distance. In contrast, heavy hitters like the .338 Lapua maintain energy far beyond standard ranges. This ballistic comparison chart provides the critical data needed to evaluate these performance gaps effectively.

Ballistic Comparison Chart

Cartridge	Weight (gr)	Muzzle Vel (fps)	Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs)	Vel @100 yd	Energy @100 yd	Vel @300 yd	Energy @300 yd	Drop @300 yd (in)	Effective Range (yd)	Recoil	Best Use
.22 LR	40	1200	128	1040	96	825	60	35	50	Low	Plinking
.17 HMR	17	2550	245	2150	175	1500	85	8	150	Low	Varmint
.22 WMR	40	1900	320	1550	215	1050	98	16	125	Low	Varmint
.223 Rem	55	3240	1282	2900	1025	2300	645	8	300	Low	Varmint
5.56 NATO	62	3050	1280	2700	1005	2100	605	9	300	Low	Duty/Match
22-250 Rem	50	3800	1600	3350	1245	2600	750	5	400	Low	Varmint
.243 Win	95	3100	2025	2800	1650	2250	1070	7	450	Low	Deer/Varmint
6mm Creed	103	2950	1990	2700	1670	2250	1150	6	600	Low	Target
6.5 Grendel	123	2500	1700	2250	1380	1800	885	10	400	Low	Deer
6.5 Creed	140	2700	2260	2500	1940	2100	1375	7	800	Med	Long Range
6.8 SPC	115	2550	1660	2200	1235	1650	695	12	300	Low	Deer
.270 Win	130	3050	2680	2800	2260	2350	1590	6	600	Med	Deer/Elk
7mm-08 Rem	140	2800	2430	2550	2020	2100	1370	7	500	Med	Deer
7mm Rem Mag	150	3100	3200	2850	2700	2400	1920	6	800	High	Elk/Large
.308 Win	150	2800	2600	2550	2160	2100	1470	8	500	Med	All-around
30-30 Win	150	2390	1900	1950	1270	1400	650	18	150	Med	Brush Hunt
.30-06 Sprg	165	2800	2870	2550	2380	2150	1690	7	600	Med	Big Game
300 Win Mag	180	2950	3480	2700	2920	2350	2200	6	1000	High	Long Range
300 PRC	212	2850	3820	2650	3300	2300	2490	5	1200	High	Extreme LR
.338 Lapua	250	2950	4830	2750	4200	2400	3200	5	1500	High	ELR
.350 Legend	150	2300	1760	1850	1140	1300	560	18	200	Low	Deer
450 Bush	250	2200	2680	1750	1690	1250	865	20	200	Med	Deer
45-70 Gov	300	1850	2280	1450	1400	1050	735	35	150	High	Bear/Moose
.50 BMG	660	2900	12300	2750	11050	2500	9150	4	2000	V-High	ELR

Ballistic Comparison Chart Image

Velocity Comparison

Velocity is largely a function of case capacity and bullet weight. High-velocity cartridges like the 22-250 Rem and the .50 BMG lead the pack, creating flatter trajectories. Conversely, large-bore or heavy-bullet cartridges like the 45-70 Gov operate at lower velocities, prioritizing momentum over raw speed.

Energy Comparison

Muzzle energy measures the kinetic power at the barrel, while downrange energy determines terminal performance. Magnums (300 PRC, .338 Lapua) maintain significant energy at 300 yards, which is vital for ethical long-range hunting, whereas lighter varmint rounds lose energy rapidly due to low ballistic coefficients.

Bullet Drop Comparison

The “flatter” the shot, the less the shooter must compensate for gravity. Cartridges with high velocities and high-BC (ballistic coefficient) bullets, such as the 300 PRC and 6mm Creedmoor, show minimal drop at 300 yards. Slower, heavier bullets like the 45-70 drop significantly, requiring specialized range estimation.

Effective Range Comparison

Effective range is defined by the distance at which a cartridge maintains enough accuracy and energy to perform its intended task reliably. While a .22 LR is limited to roughly 50 yards, a .338 Lapua remains effective well past 1,500 yards.

Recoil Comparison

Recoil is subjective but linked to energy and rifle weight. Small-caliber cartridges (.223 Rem, 6mm Creed) are widely considered “low recoil,” making them ideal for beginners. Large magnums and big-bore lever actions (.338 Lapua, 45-70) produce high recoil that requires practice to manage.

Best Ballistics for Deer Hunting

For whitetail deer, the .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win are the gold standards. They balance sufficient energy to ensure a clean kill with manageable recoil that allows for accurate shot placement.

Best Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting

Long-range enthusiasts prioritize consistent velocity and high BC. The 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 PRC are currently favored for their ability to resist wind drift and maintain tight groups at extended distances.

Best Ballistics for Target Shooting

The .223 Rem and .308 Win remain the top choices due to the massive availability of factory ammunition, affordable components, and moderate recoil, allowing shooters to practice for extended sessions without fatigue.

Which Cartridge Has the Best Overall Ballistics?

There is no single “best” cartridge; it depends on the application. The .308 Winchester is arguably the most versatile, as it covers deer hunting, medium-range targets, and is available everywhere. For those specialized in long-range shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers the best balance of low recoil and high-efficiency external ballistics.

Note: Ballistic data varies by specific manufacturer, barrel length, and environmental conditions. Always consult the specific ammunition manufacturer’s technical data sheets for the exact load you are using.

What specific shooting discipline or hunting application are you primarily planning for with these cartridges?