Let’s explore the 338 Win Mag vs 5 other popular cartridges using ballistic tables and graphs out to 500 yards. 338 Win Mag’s velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil are compared to all 5 cartridges providing a clear and data-driven perspective on how the 338 Win Mag stacks up.

With new cartridges coming onto the market, it is interesting to see how this tried and true cartridge still stacks up. It’s also nice to be able to visualize how the 338 Win Mag compares to other traditional cartridges.

In this article, the 338 Win Mag (200 gr) is compared side-by-side with the:

1. 338 Lapua Magnum (250 gr)
2. 300 Win Mag (220 gr)
3. 30-06 Springfield (180 gr)
4. 308 Winchester (180 gr)
5. 300 PRC (225 gr)

How To Use This Blog Post:

The Ballistic Graphs

I used similar grain bullets for most cartridges (180-200 gr) for many of the cartridges. I chose to use 250-gr bullets for the 338 Win Mag for a more apples-to-apples comparison to the 250-gr 338 Lapua Magnum.

Keep in mind that with different bullet grains, you will get slightly different results than shown below. But you can use the information below to determine the potential of each caliber.

The Ballistic Tables

If you want a 1 on 1 comparison of each cartridge to the 338 Win Mag, you can find that in the Graph Summary (after the graphs), this is where you’ll find the ballistic tables.

Let’s jump into the graphs first because they’ll answer your broader questions fastest:

Velocity Comparison Graph: 338 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are velocity ballistic graphs of all 6 cartridges. The 338 Win Mag is shown as a black line.

Trajectory Comparison Graph: 338 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are trajectory ballistic graphs of all 6 cartridges. The 338 Win Mag is shown as a black line.

Bullet Energy Comparison Graph: 338 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are bullet energy ballistic graphs of all 6 cartridges. The 338 Win Mag is shown as a black line.

Wind Drift Comparison Graph: 338 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are wind drift ballistic graphs of all 6 cartridges. The 338 Win Mag is shown as a black line.

Recoil Comparison Graph: 338 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below is a recoil graph, the red dotted lines show the recoil energy and recoil velocity of the 338 Win Mag compared to the other popular cartridges.

Summary of Graphs: 338 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

338 Win Mag vs 338 Lapua Magnum

The .338 Winchester Magnum (338 Win Mag) and the .338 Lapua Magnum (338 Lapua) are two of the most formidable cartridges but they serve slightly different roles. Let’s compare these two powerhouses across key ballistic aspects.

Velocity

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Pushing a 250 gr .338 caliber round it still offers 2660 fps muzzle velocity.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): With the same 250 gr bullet, the 338 Lapua has 2950 fps muzzle velocity, a 290 fps difference. At 500 yards the 338 Lapua has 468 fps more velocity showing the 338 Lapua maintains its velocity better than the 338 Win Mag.

Trajectory

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 250 gr 338 Win Mag offers a fairly flat trajectory but the 338 Lapula cartridge shoots much flatter with the same grain bullet.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): The 338 Lapua has a flatter trajectory, even a 200 gr 338 Win Mag bullet doesn’t have as flat of a trajectory as the 338 Lapua, although it is much closer. At 500 yards the 338 Lapua has 15.7-inches less drop.

Energy

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3927 ft-lbs at the muzzle but because it’s such a heavy bullet for this cartridge it drops off fast. Although it still has plenty of energy to ethically kill big game at 500 yards. It does not deal nearly the same energy as the 338 Lapua Magnum.
  
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): The Lapua has exceptionally high bullet energy – 4830 ft-lbs at the muzzle which is 903 ft-lbs more than the 338 Win Mag. Not only that, but it maintains 2685 ft-lbs at 500 yards, 1022 ft-lbs more than the 338 Win Mag. This is largely due to the cartridge being bigger in every way. Both cartridges lose their energy at about the same rate with a slight advantage to the 338 Lapua.

Wind Drift

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Does alright with wind drift, but not as good as the 338 Lapua.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): Outstanding performance in wind drift due to its high ballistic coefficient bullets. This cartridge is known for its ability to remain stable and accurate in challenging wind conditions, outperforming the 338 Win Mag at all ranges. At 500 yards it has 9.7-inches less wind drift than the 338 Win Mag.

Recoil

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 338 Win Mag has 44.49 ft-lbs of recoil, which is significant, but still not nearly as much as the 338 Lapua.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): This cartridge has 65.47 ft-lbs of recoil, meaning it has 47% more recoil than the 338 Win Mag. It has the most powerful recoil of any cartridge in this comparison. This substantial recoil requires careful management and can be challenging, particularly for less experienced shooters.

The 338 Win Mag provides an excellent balance of velocity, trajectory, and energy with manageable recoil, making it suitable for a broad range of hunting and shooting applications. The 338 Lapua, is superior in every category except recoil. With its superior energy delivery and wind drift performance, is ideal for the most challenging long-range shooting scenarios, including large game hunting and precision shooting at extreme distances, but comes at the cost of heavy recoil.

338 Win Mag vs 300 Win Mag

Comparing the .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) with the .338 Winchester Magnum (338 Win Mag) brings us to a discussion of two very capable cartridges. While the 300 Win Mag is revered for its versatility and long-range precision, the 338 Win Mag is known for its formidable stopping power and larger caliber. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two cartridges across various ballistic parameters. If you’re looking for a more apples-to-apples comparison of these cartridges with similar bullet grain weights you can find that here: 300 Win Mag vs 13 Popular Cartridges (Ballistic Tables & Graphs).

Velocity

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Has a muzzle velocity of 2660 fps with a 250 gr bullet, a 150 fps difference. So it pushes a +50 gr bullet only slightly slower than the 300 Win Mag.

• 300 Win Mag (200 gr): That said, the 300 Win Mag maintains its energy at longer ranges better. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag is 374 fps faster.

Trajectory

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): This cartridge has 52.8-inches of bullet drop at 500 yards, an 11.7-inch difference. This is largely due to the bigger bullet, a comparable bullet grain would fly similarly to the 300 Win Mag.
• 300 Win Mag (200 gr): There’s not much difference in trajectory until past 300 yards, this is when the 300 Win Mag shows its colors.

Energy

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3927 ft-lbs at the muzzle, which is over 421 ft-lbs more. That said, because of the heavy bullet the energy dies off fast. The 338 Win Mag is more powerful at closer ranges within about 220 yards in this cartridge.
  
• 300 Win Mag (200 gr): At 500 yards, the 300 Win Mag has 1967 ft-lbs vs the 338 Win Mag’s 1664 ft-lbs has 3812 ft-lbs, a difference of 303 ft-lbs. This shows the 338 Win Mag is a more powerful option past 220 yards with this lighter bullet.

Wind Drift

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): This cartridge has 23.9-inches of wind drift at 500 yards, a difference of 9.1-inches.
• 300 Win Mag (200 gr): At 500 yards this cartridge has 14.8-inches of wind drift. The smaller, lighter, faster bullets have less wind drift.
  

Recoil

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Has 44.49 ft-lbs of recoil, which is 19% more recoil than the 300 Win Mag.
• 300 Win Mag (200 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 36.01 ft-lbs of recoil, but it is less than the 338 Win Mag.

This heavier grain bullet for the 338 Win Mag is more powerful within 220 yards, I think this is where this cartridge shines. However, the 338 Win Mag can throw a 200-grain bullet the same as the 300 Win Mag can throw a 180-grain bullet with a larger diameter hole. The question is – is the increase in recoil worth it?

338 Win Mag vs 30-06 Springfield

When comparing two legendary cartridges like the .338 Winchester Magnum (338 Win Mag) and the .30-06 Springfield, there’s a rich history and a wealth of ballistic data to consider. Both cartridges have proven their worth in various shooting disciplines, but how do they stack up against each other? Let’s examine their performance in terms of bullet velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil. my article 30-06 vs 9 Most Popular Rifle Cartridges (with Ballistic Graphs) compares the 30-06 Springfield against more cartridges.

Velocity

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Has a starting muzzle velocity of around 2660 fps, which is slightly slower than the 30-06 Springfield, however, the 338 Win Mag retains its speed at longer distances better. At about 165 yards the 338 Win Mag has a higher velocity. Remember, though, that the 338 Win Mag does this while having a 70-grain heavier bullet.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): The 180-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2700 fps, overall the two cartridges have very similar velocity ballistics out to 500 yards.

Trajectory

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Offers a slightly flatter trajectory, but overall has an almost identical trajectory to the 30-06 Springfield out to 500 yards. Only about of inch or difference at 100 yards.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): The 180 gr 30-06 Springfield trajectory is almost identical to a 250 gr 338 Win Mag.

Energy

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Bullet energy is where the 338 Win Mag shines vs the 30-06 Springfield. It has just over 1000 ft-lbs more energy at the muzzle. It does lose its energy faster than the 30-06, but it still has 553 more ft-lbs energy at 500 yards.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): Produces good energy levels (2913- ft-lbs at the muzzle) but falls short of the 338 Win Mag out to 500 yards. That said, the margin between energy at further falls. For example, at the muzzle, there is over 1000 ft-lbs difference, but at 500 yards there is only a 555 ft-lbs difference, meaning the 30-06 Springfield retains its energy better.

Wind Drift

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Shows better resistance to wind drift, at 500 yards there are 23.9-inches of wind drift.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): More affected by wind, requiring the shooter to compensate more for windage at longer distances. The difference is not substantial, it’s only about a 3-inch difference at 500 yards.

Recoil

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The recoil energy is 44.49 ft-lbs which is notably higher recoil than the 30-06 Springfield.
  
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): Offers moderate recoil (26.50 ft-lbs), almost 20 ft-lbs lighter or about 40% less recoil which is substantial.

In summary, the 338 Win Mag generally surpasses the 30-06 Springfield in velocity, trajectory, energy, and wind drift resistance, making it a superior choice. The biggest advantage of the 338 Win Mag va the 30-06 Springfield is energy. On the other hand, the 30-06 Springfield, with its more manageable recoil and still respectable ballistic performance, remains a versatile and popular choice among hunters and shooters.

338 Win Mag vs 308 Winchester

The 338 Winchester Magnum (338 Win Mag) and the 308 Winchester (308 Win) are another topic of interest. Let’s dive into the analysis of these two cartridges, examining their performance in terms of bullet velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil.

Velocity

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Starts with a faster muzzle velocity of 2660 feet per second (fps), but not by much. The speed is maintained better over distance than the 308 Win too.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Begins at a lower velocity of 2570 fps. The velocity of the 308 slows at about the same rate as the 338 Win Mag, there is only about a 150 fps difference from 0 to 500 yards.

Trajectory

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 338 Win Mag maintains a flatter trajectory from 0 to 500 yards. At 500 yards 33 Win Mag has 7.9-inches less drop.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Exhibits a more bullet drop, more evident at ranges around 400+ yards. This necessitates greater compensation for bullet drop when engaging distant targets, which can be challenging for long-range precision hunting and shooting.

Energy

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 3927 ft-lbs of muzzle velocity devastates the 308 Win. This high energy translates to much greater stopping power and effectiveness on larger game, as well as improved terminal ballistics at extended ranges.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Starts with 2640 ft-lbs of energy out of the muzzle, which is a 1286-ft lbs difference. The margin does shrink over distance since the 308 maintains energy better. However, it still cannot compete with the 338 Win Mag in terms of energy.

Wind Drift

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 338 Win Mag has less wind drift at each distance.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): More susceptible to wind drift. Shooters using the 308 Win must account for greater windage adjustments, especially under windy conditions and at longer ranges. There is 5.5 inches of difference in wind drift between the two cartridges at 500 yards.

Recoil

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Notably, it has a higher recoil (44.49 ft-lbs) compared to the 308 Winchester.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Offers WAY better recoil (19.77 ft-lbs), about 56% less recoil. The 308 Winchester has the best recoil of all calibers in this article.

In summary, the 338 Win Mag offers superior performance in terms of velocity, trajectory, energy, and resistance to wind drift, making it an excellent choice for hunting big game. However, this comes at the cost of much more recoil. The 308 Winchester, while not matching the long-range capabilities of the 338 Win Mag, offers a more comfortable shooting experience with much less recoil.

338 Win Mag vs 300 PRC

The .338 Winchester Magnum (338 Win Mag) and the .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (300 PRC) are two high-performance cartridges that have garnered attention in the shooting world for their impressive capabilities. Let’s see how they stack up.

Velocity

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 250-grain bullet has a much slower initial muzzle velocity starting at 2660 fps.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Boasts a faster muzzle velocity of 3000 fps which is a difference of 340 fps. It’s also more efficient and maintains its energy better. For example, at 500 yards the 300 PRC has a 498 fps difference in speed.

Trajectory

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Offers a relatively flat trajectory, but it not nearly as flat as the 300 PRC. The slower speeds of the larger bullet don’t help its trajectory.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Engineered specifically for long-range shooting, it provides a very flat trajectory. Its advanced bullet design and optimized case capacity allow for efficient flight dynamics, exceeding the trajectory performance of the 338 Win Mag.

Energy

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 3927 ft-lbs of muzzle energy beats the 300 PRC, but who cares because at about 75 yards the 300 PRC quickly takes the lead.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): The 300 PRC’s ability to shoot high-BC bullets efficiently gives it an edge in energy retention, especially at extreme ranges. It has a muzzle energy of 3797 ft-lbs and maintains 2095 ft-lbs out to 500 yards. It has more energy than the 338 Win Mag at 75 yards, and at 500 yards it has 431 ft-lbs more energy which is substantial.

Wind Drift

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): Exhibits decent resistance to wind drift, but not as good at the 300 PRC. There is 23.9-inches of wind drift at 500 yards.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Its superior aerodynamic efficiency gives it an advantage in wind drift resistance. The 300 PRC’s ability to use very aerodynamic bullets means it can be more predictable and accurate in windy conditions compared to the 338 Win Mag. There is 14.2 inches of wind drift at 500 yards, a 9.7-inch difference.

Recoil

• 338 Win Mag (250 gr): The 338 Win Mag has a lot of recoil (44.49 ft-lbs), even more than the 300 PRC.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Has 39.82 ft-lbs of recoil, which is 10% less recoil than the 338 Win Mag.

The 190 gr 300 PRC outperforms the 250 gr. 338 Win Mag in every category. Additionally, a 200-grain 338 Win Mag bullet competes better but still does not match the performance of the 300 PRC in any of these categories.

Final Thoughts

Let’s explore the 300 Win Mag vs 13 other popular cartridges using ballistic tables and graphs out to 500 yards. 300 Win Mag’s velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil are compared to all 13 cartridges providing a clear and data-driven perspective on how the 300 Win Mag stacks up.

With new cartridges coming onto the market, it is interesting to see how this tried and true cartridge still stacks up. It’s also nice to be able to visualize how the 300 Win Mag compares to other traditional cartridges.

In this article, the 300 Win Mag is compared side-by-side with the:

1. 308 Win
2. 7mm Rem Mag
3. 30-06 Springfield
4. 300 PRC
5. 6.5 Creedmoor
6. 338 Lapua
7. 300 RUM
8. 28 Nosler
9. 338 Win Mag
10. 6.8 Western
11. 30 Nosler
12. 7mm PRC
13. 300 WSM

How To Use This Blog Post:

The Ballistic Graphs

I used similar grain bullets for most cartridges (175-200 gr) when possible so it would be the best apples-to-apples comparison. Some of the smaller calibers don’t make bullets that big so I used a common bullet grain for those cartridges. Some of the larger calibers in this comparison don’t make bullets that small so I also used a common bullet grain for those cartridges as well.

I also broke the graphs out into three groups, and compared the 300 Win Mag to all three:

1. Smaller than 30 Caliber Group
2. 30 Caliber Group
3. Larger than 30 Caliber Group

This was beneficial to see the graphs, otherwise, there were too many lines on a single graph.

Keep in mind that with different bullet grains, you will get slightly different results than shown below. But you can use the information below to determine the potential of each caliber.

The Ballistic Tables

If you want a 1 on 1 comparison of each cartridge to the 300 Win Mag, you can find that in the Graph Summary (after the graphs), this is where you’ll find the ballistic tables.

Let’s jump into the graphs first because they’ll answer your broader questions fastest:

Velocity Comparison Graph: 300 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are velocity ballistic graphs of all 14 cartridges separated into the previously mentioned three groups. The 300 Win Mag is compared in all three graphs and it is shown as a black line in all graphs.

Trajectory Comparison Graph: 300 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are trajectory ballistic graphs of all 14 cartridges separated into the previously mentioned three groups. The 300 Win Mag is compared in all three graphs and it is shown as a black line in all graphs.

Bullet Energy Comparison Graph: 300 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are bullet energy ballistic graphs of all 14 cartridges separated into the previously mentioned three groups. The 300 Win Mag is compared in all three graphs and it is shown as a black line in all graphs.

Wind Drift Comparison Graph: 300 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below are wind drift ballistic graphs of all 14 cartridges separated into the previously mentioned three groups. The 300 Win Mag is compared in all three graphs and it is shown as a black line in all graphs.

Recoil Comparison Graph: 300 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

Below is a recoil graph that is not separated into the previously mentioned three groups, instead it contains all of the cartridges in this one graph. The red dotted line shows the recoil energy of the 300 Win Mag compared to the other popular cartridges. Recoil velocity is also shown for each cartridge.

Ballistic Tables: 300 Win Mag vs Popular Cartridges

300 Win Mag vs 308 Winchester

In the world of long-range hunting and shooting, the comparison between the 300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 308 Winchester (308 Win) is a topic of much interest. Let’s delve into a detailed analysis of these two cartridges, examining their performance in terms of bullet velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Starts with a muzzle velocity of 2960 feet per second (fps), which is significantly higher than the 308 Win. This high initial speed is maintained over greater distances, providing the 300 Win Mag with superior long-range capabilities.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Begins at a lower velocity of 2570 fps. The velocity of the 308 slows at about the same rate as the 300 Win Mag, there is about a 400 fps difference in speed from 0 to 500 yards.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Known for its flatter trajectory, the 300 Win Mag maintains a more consistent path over longer distances.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Exhibits a more pronounced bullet drop, especially evident at ranges beyond 300 yards. This necessitates greater compensation for bullet drop when engaging distant targets, which can be challenging for long-range precision hunting and shooting.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers higher energy throughout its flight path, starting from a superior muzzle energy of 3502 ft-lbs. This high energy translates to greater stopping power and effectiveness on larger game, as well as improved terminal ballistics at extended ranges.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Starts with 2640 ft-lbs of energy out of the muzzle, which is almost 1000-ft lbs difference. While still effective for large-sized game, it falls short in terms of stopping power compared to the 300 Win Mag, especially at long distances.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The cartridge’s higher velocity results in less wind drift, making it more resilient to crosswinds. This aspect is crucial in long-range hunting and shooting, where even slight wind variations can significantly impact the bullet’s path.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): More susceptible to wind drift due to its lower velocity and ballistic coefficient. Shooters using the 308 Win must account for greater windage adjustments, especially under windy conditions and at longer ranges. There is about 10 inches of difference in wind drift between the two cartridges at 500 yards.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Notably, it has a higher recoil (35.08 ft-lbs) compared to the 308 Winchester.
• 308 Winchester (180 gr): Offers WAY better recoil (19.77 ft-lbs), about 44% less recoil. The 308 Winchester has the second-best recoil of all calibers on this list.

In summary, the 300 Win Mag offers superior performance in terms of velocity, trajectory, energy, and resistance to wind drift, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting and hunting big game. However, this comes at the cost of increased recoil. The 308 Winchester, while not matching the long-range capabilities of the 300 Win Mag, offers a more comfortable shooting experience with less recoil, making it suitable for a wider range of hunters and shooters.

300 Win Mag vs 7mm Rem Mag

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 7mm Remington Magnum (7mm Rem Mag) are both popular choices among long-range shooters and hunters, each offering unique ballistic characteristics. Let’s compare the bullet velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil of these cartridges.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag is superior to the 7mm Rem Mag when it comes to velocity, but not by much. It maintains exactly 100 fps faster velocity from 0-500 yards. It starts off with a high muzzle velocity of 2960 fps 
• 7mm Rem Mag (175 gr): The 7mm Rem Mag also exhibits high muzzle velocity (2860 fps). Although slightly lower than the 300 Win Mag, it’s still a fast cartridge.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Known for its flat trajectory, the 300 Win Mag is less affected by gravity over distance. This characteristic contributes to easier shot placement and less need for elevation compensation at extended ranges.
• 7mm Rem Mag (175 gr): Also offers a flat trajectory but has 3.6 inches more drop at 500 yards, this is a negligible difference. The 7mm Rem Mag is often praised for its long-range capabilities, and while it might have slightly more drop than the 300 Win Mag, it’s still an excellent choice for long-range hunting and shooting.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers impressive energy, with 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle and 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards.
• 7mm Rem Mag (175 gr): This cartridge, with less energy from 0-500 yards, its close to the 300 Win Mag. It has 3178 ft-lbs at the muzzle and 1377 ft-lbs at 500 yards. It has about 200 ft-lbs lower in energy than the 300 Win Mag from 0-500 yards.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag again just barely beats the 7mm Rem Mag in this category. There is almost no difference, at 500 yards the 300 Win Mag will have 20-inches of wind drift with a 10 mph crosswind.
• 7mm Rem Mag (175 gr): This cartridge has 21.4-inches of wind drift at 500 yards (only 1.4 inches more than the 300 Win Mag). This means you will virtually not be able to tell the difference, especially within 500 yards.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): It has higher recoil (35.08 ft-lbs) compared to the 7mm Rem Mag. The question to ask would be; is the extra recoil worth the marginal difference in performance to you?
• 7mm Rem Mag (175 gr): Milder recoil (28.69 ft-lbs) compared to the 300 Win Mag. Although its performance is slightly worse than the 300 Win Mag, its recoil is 6.39 ft-lbs lighter by 18.7%, which is a lot.

In conclusion, both the 300 Win Mag and the 7mm Rem Mag are outstanding choices for long-range hunting and shooting. The 300 Win Mag leads in velocity, energy, and wind drift resistance. However, the fast, smaller diameter bullet of the 7mm Rem Mag, with its milder recoil, offers a balance of power and comfort, suitable to hunt anything the 300 Win Mag is capable of.

300 Win Mag vs 30-06 Springfield

When comparing two legendary cartridges like the .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the .30-06 Springfield, there’s a rich history and a wealth of ballistic data to consider. Both cartridges have proven their worth in various shooting disciplines, but how do they stack up against each other? Let’s examine their performance in terms of bullet velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil. You might like my 30-06 vs 9 Most Popular Rifle Cartridges (with Ballistic Graphs) article.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Boasts a starting muzzle velocity of around 2960 fps, which gives it an edge in maintaining speed over longer distances. This high velocity is crucial for reducing bullet drop and time to target, especially in long-range shooting scenarios. The 300 Win Mag maintains about a 300 fps advantage over the 30-06 from 0-500 yards.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): Typically fires at a lower velocity, around 2700 fps. While this is still respectable, the lower velocity means the bullet will take longer to reach the target and will drop more over the same distance.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Offers a flatter trajectory thanks to its higher velocity and ballistic efficiency. This advantage becomes more apparent at ranges beyond 300 yards, where the trajectory remains more consistent, making long-range shooting more predictable.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): Exhibits more bullet drop at extended ranges, requiring more elevation adjustment from the shooter. While still an effective cartridge at long ranges, it demands more calculation for accurate shot placement.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers superior energy on impact, starting with higher muzzle energy (3502 ft-lbs) and maintaining it over longer distances. This high energy transfer makes the 300 Win Mag particularly effective for larger game hunting and in situations where stopping power is paramount. The 300 Win Mag has about 500 ft-lbs more energy from 0-500 yards, which is a big difference.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): Produces good energy levels (2913- ft-lbs at the muzzle) but falls short of the 300 Win Mag, especially at longer ranges. It’s still a very capable cartridge for medium to large game but might not be as effective for the largest game or in long-range hunting scenarios.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Shows better resistance to wind drift, a byproduct of its higher velocity and advanced bullet design. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag has 20-inches of deflection.
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): More affected by wind, requiring the shooter to compensate more for windage at longer distances. Its slower velocity and ballistic profile make it more susceptible to wind drift compared to the 300 Win Mag. That said, there’s not much of a  difference until you’re shooting over 300 yards. At 500 Yards the 30-06 has 27-inches of wind deflection.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The recoil energy is 35.08 ft-lbs which is notably higher recoil than the 30-06 Springfield.
  
• 30-06 Springfield (180 gr): Offers moderate recoil (26.50 ft-lbs), almost 10 ft-lbs lighter or about 24.5% less recoil which is substantial.

In summary, the 300 Win Mag surpasses the 30-06 Springfield in terms of velocity, trajectory, energy, and wind drift resistance, making it a superior choice for long-range hunting and shooting, especially for big game. However, its significant recoil can be a drawback for some shooters. On the other hand, the 30-06 Springfield, with its more manageable recoil and still respectable ballistic performance, remains a versatile and popular choice among hunters and shooters.

300 Win Mag vs 300 PRC

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (300 PRC) are two high-performance cartridges that have garnered attention in the shooting world for their impressive long-range capabilities. Let’s compare these two .300 caliber giants across the various ballistic parameters to see how they measure up.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Its high initial velocity starts around 2960 fps. This speed is a significant factor in the cartridge’s long-range performance, allowing the bullet to travel faster and hit the target more quickly.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Boasts a faster (3000 fps) but very comparable muzzle velocity to the 300 Win Mag. It’s designed to maintain velocity over long distances, losing less energy than the 300 Win Mag.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Offers a relatively flat trajectory, thanks to its high velocity and efficient bullet design. This results in less bullet drop at longer ranges, which is advantageous for precision shooting. The 300 Win Mag has about 5-inches more drop at 500 yards, not a significant difference, but notable.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Engineered specifically for long-range shooting, it provides a very flat trajectory. Its advanced bullet design and optimized case capacity allow for efficient flight dynamics, exceeding the trajectory performance of the 300 Win Mag.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 3502 ft-lbs, although a lot of muzzle energy is notably less than the 300 PRC and does not retain its energy as well at distance, with only 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards, a 500 ft-lbs difference.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Designed to maximize ballistic potential, it also produces high downrange energy. The 300 PRC’s ability to shoot heavier, high-BC bullets efficiently gives it an edge in energy retention, especially at extreme ranges. It has a muzzle energy of 3797 ft-lbs and maintains 2095 ft-lbs out to 500 yards.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Exhibits good resistance to wind drift, but not as good at the 300 PRC. There is 20-inches of wind drift at 500 yards.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Its superior aerodynamic efficiency gives it an advantage in wind drift resistance. The 300 PRC’s ability to use very aerodynamic bullets means it can be more predictable and accurate in windy conditions compared to the 300 Win Mag. There is 14.2 inches of wind drift at 500 yards, almost a 6-inch difference.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has a lot of recoil (35.08 ft-lbs), but not as much as the 300 PRC.
• 300 PRC (190 gr): Has significant recoil (39.82 ft-lbs), which is 13.5% more recoil. Due to its design for shooting heavy, high-BC bullets, the recoil can be stout, requiring proper shooting technique and recoil management strategies. Is the extra performance over the 300 Win Mag worth it for you?

In conclusion, both the 300 Win Mag and 300 PRC are exceptional cartridges. Both cartridges deliver powerful energy and flat trajectories but come with substantial recoil. The 300 PRC outperforms the 300 Win Mag in velocity, trajectory, energy, and wind drift but it comes at the cost of more recoil.

300 Win Mag vs 6.5 Creedmoor

In the realm of long-range shooting, the comparison between the .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 6.5 Creedmoor often sparks interest due to their contrasting characteristics. The 300 Win Mag is known for its raw power and long-range capabilities, while the 6.5 Creedmoor has gained immense popularity for its precision and shooter-friendly attributes. Let’s delve into their ballistic performances across various aspects.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Boasts a high muzzle velocity around 2960 fps. This superior speed and bigger bullet aids in longer effective range and better performance at long distances. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag maintains 1982 fps.
• 6.5 Creedmoor (140 gr): Typically offers a lower velocity, usually around 2725 fps for a 140 gr bullet. While it may not match the raw speed of the 300 Win Mag, it compensates with excellent ballistic coefficients, which helps maintain velocity over longer distances. For example, at the muzzle, there is a 235 fps difference but the 6.5 Creedmoor closes the distance at longer ranges. At 500 Yards the 6.5 Creedmoor is 1796 fps, which is only a 186 fps difference.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Exhibits a flatter trajectory, especially noticeable at ranges beyond 300 yards. This flatness aids in more straightforward shot placement with less need for elevation adjustments. At 500 yards there are 41-inches of bullet drop.
• 6.5 Creedmoor (140 gr): Known for its efficient trajectory, it offers a relatively flat path, thanks to its high ballistic coefficients. However, it will have slightly more drop than the 300 Win Mag at extreme ranges. At 500 yards, there are 48.4-inches of bullet drop, so 7.4-inches of difference. 300 yards and under, there’s only about an inch or less in difference.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle, and maintains its energy pretty well at distance with 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards.
• 6.5 Creedmoor (140 gr): Although the velocity and trajectory of the 6.5 is near the 300 Win Mag, the bullet energy is where the 300 Win Mag pulls ahead in performance. At the muzzle, the 6.5 Creedmoor has 2308 ft-lbs of energy (1194 ft-lbs difference). That said, the 6.5 closes the gap at longer ranges with 1003 ft-lbs at 500 yards (567 ft-lbs difference). Although the 300 Win Mag is still significantly more powerful at 500 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor closes the gap by 47% compared to the muzzle energy.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Exhibits good resistance to wind drift, but only slightly better than the 6.5 Creedmoor. At 300 Yards there is 6.6-inches drift and at 500 yards there is 20-inches of drift.
• 6.5 Creedmoor (140 gr): Excels in wind drift performance, as its high ballistic coefficient bullets cut through the wind effectively. This trait is one of the key reasons for its popularity in long-range precision shooting. It competes closely with the 300 Win Mag, but the 300 Win Mag does have less wind drift overall. For example, at 300 yards there is 7.5-inches (1.1-inches difference) of drift at 500 yards there is 22.5-inches of wind drift (2.5-inches of difference).

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has a lot of recoil (35.08 ft-lbs), which is significantly more than the 6.5 Creedmoor.
• 6.5 Creedmoor (140 gr): This cartridge has the least recoil of all rifles Renowned for its mild recoil (15.49 ft-lbs), which is 56% less recoil than the 300 Win Mag.

In conclusion, the 300 Win Mag and the 6.5 Creedmoor cater to different needs in the shooting world. The 300 Win Mag stands out for its power and extended-range capabilities, making it a go-to for large game hunting and long-range shooting. The 6.5 Creedmoor, on the other hand, is celebrated for its accuracy, efficient ballistics, and shooter-friendly nature, making it a favorite among precision shooters and those looking for a more manageable recoil profile.

300 Win Mag vs 338 Lapua Magnum

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the .338 Lapua Magnum (338 Lapua) are two of the most formidable cartridges in long-range shooting. Both have a storied history and a reputation for exceptional performance, but they serve slightly different roles in the world of precision shooting and hunting. Let’s compare these two powerhouses across key ballistic aspects.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Known for a high muzzle velocity of about 2960 fps with a 180 gr bullet, it maintains speed effectively over long distances, which is crucial for long-range accuracy and energy retention.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): With a 250 gr bullet, the 338 Lapua almost has the same muzzle velocity compared to the 300 Win Mag (2950 fps), but its heavier bullet retains velocity better.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 180 gr 300 Win Mag offers a flat trajectory, it is close to the big 250 gr 338 Lapula cartridge, but is not quite as flat.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): Despite being a bigger and much heavier bullet, the 338 Lapua still has a flatter trajectory but not by much. You only notice a difference at about 500 yards. At 300 yards the 338 Lapua has 2-inches less drop, At 500 yards it has 5-inches less drop.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle, and maintains its energy pretty well at distance with 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards. It does not deal nearly the same energy as the 338 Lapua Magnum, but it does close the distance by 200 ft-lbs at 500 yards.
  
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): Although the 300 Win Mag has substantial energy, its nothing compared to the 338 Lapua Magnum. The Lapua has exceptionally high bullet energy – 4830 ft-lbs at the muzzle which is 1328 ft-lbs more than the 300 Win Mag. Not only that, but it maintains 2685 ft-lbs at 500 yards, 1115 ft-lbs more than the 300 Win Mag. This is largely due to the cartridge being bigger in every way.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Demonstrates good resistance to wind drift, but not quite as good as the 338 Lapua.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): Outstanding performance in wind drift due to its high ballistic coefficient bullets. This cartridge is known for its ability to remain stable and accurate in challenging wind conditions, often outperforming the 300 Win Mag at very long ranges. At 500 yards it has 5.7-inches less wind drift than the 300 Win Mag.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, which is significant, but not nearly as much as the 338 Lapua.
• 338 Lapua (250 gr): This cartridge has 65.47 ft-lbs of recoil, meaning it has 87% more recoil than the 300 Win Mag. It has the most powerful recoil of any cartridge in this comparison. This substantial recoil requires careful management and can be challenging, particularly for less experienced shooters.

In summary, while both the 300 Win Mag and 338 Lapua offer remarkable long-range capabilities, they excel in different scenarios. The 300 Win Mag provides an excellent balance of velocity, trajectory, and energy with manageable recoil, making it suitable for a broad range of long-range hunting and shooting applications. The 338 Lapua, with its superior energy delivery and wind drift performance, is ideal for the most challenging long-range shooting scenarios, including large game hunting and precision shooting at extreme distances.

300 Win Mag vs 300 RUM

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (300 RUM) are both highly respected in the realm of long-range shooting and hunting. While they share the .300 caliber designation, their performances have distinct characteristics. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two cartridges across bullet velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Has an impressive muzzle velocity of 2960 fps, which is faster than the 300 RUM. That said, at around 75 yards the 300 RUM surpasses the velocity of the 300 Win Mag.
• 300 RUM (220 gr): Can push a 220-grain bullet just about as fast as the 180 gr 300 Win Mag with a muzzle velocity of 2910 fps. Past 75 yards the 300 RUM has an increasingly more velocity.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Provides a flat trajectory that competes with the 300 RUM but is not as quite as flat. At 500 yards, it has 41-inches of bullet drop.
• 300 RUM (220 gr): Even with its heavier bullet the 300 RUM has an even flatter trajectory than the 300 Win Mag. At 500 yards, it as 37.2-inches of bullet drop, a difference of only 3.8-inches.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle, and maintains its energy pretty well at distance with 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards. Even so, it does not have nearly the same energy as the 300 RUM nor does it maintain its energy as well.
• 300 RUM (220 gr): Offers even higher energy with a heavier bullet weight with similar velocities. At the muzzle, the 300 RUM is producing 4136 ft-lbs of energy which is 634 more ft-lbs than the 300 Win Mag. Additionally, the 300 RUM maintains its energy better with 864 more ft-lbs at 500 yards. At 500 yards it has 2434 ft-lbs of energy, making it the most powerful 30 caliber cartridge in this comparison.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Exhibits good resistance to wind drift, but not as good as the 300 RUM. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag has 20-inches of drift.
• 300 RUM (220 gr): The higher velocity and potential for heavier, high-BC bullets give the 300 RUM an edge in wind drift resistance. It can maintain a more consistent path in windy conditions, a significant advantage in long-range precision shooting. At 500 yards the 300 RUM only has 12.9-inches of drift, a 7.1-inch difference. The 300 RUM has the least wind drift of any of the 30 calibers in this comparison.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, which is significant, but it’s much less than the 300 RUM.
  
• 300 RUM (220 gr): Has a reputation for recoil, with 57.24 ft-lbs of it. It has 63.2% more recoil than the 300 Win Mag.

In conclusion, while both the 300 Win Mag and 300 RUM offer exceptional long-range performance, they cater to slightly different needs. The 300 Win Mag strikes a balance between power, trajectory, and manageable recoil, making it suitable for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications. The 300 RUM, with its superior velocity, flatter trajectory, and higher energy, is ideal for challenging long-range shooting scenarios and for hunters who require maximum downrange performance. However, its significant recoil can be a consideration for many shooters.

300 Win Mag vs 28 Nosler

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 28 Nosler are both celebrated for their long-range shooting capabilities, each offering unique advantages. The 300 Win Mag is renowned for its versatility and power, while the 28 Nosler has gained recognition for its high velocity and flat trajectory. Let’s compare these two cartridges in detail across key ballistic aspects.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): This cartridge typically boasts a muzzle velocity of around 2960 fps.
• 28 Nosler (175 gr): Known for its impressively high muzzle velocity, exceeding the 300 Win Mag, with speeds around 3125 fps for a 175 gr bullet. This increased velocity aids in a longer effective range and improved terminal ballistics.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Provides a flat trajectory, but not as flat as the 28 Nosler. At 500 yards it has 41-inches of drop.
• 28 Nosler (175 gr): Offers the flattest trajectory of any cartridge in this comparison. It also outperforms the 300 Win Mag at every range. At 500 yards it only has 31.7-inches of bullet drop, a difference of 9.3-inches.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle, and maintains its energy pretty well at distance with 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards. Even so, it does not have nearly the same energy as the 28 Nosler nor does it maintain its energy as well.
  
• 28 Nosler (175 gr): Generates even higher energy levels than the 300 Win Mag, especially noticeable at longer ranges. It has a muzzle energy of 3794 ft-lbs, a 292 ft-lbs difference. At 500 yards it still maintains a solid 2252 ft-lbs, a 682 ft-lbs difference.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Does well in the wind, but not as good as the 28 Nosler. At 500 yards it has 20-inches of wind drift.
• 28 Nosler (175 gr): Offers excellent capabilities in the wind. It outperforms the 300 Win Mag at every range. At 500 yards it only has 11.7-inches of drift, a difference of 8.3-inches.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, but it is less than the 28 Nosler.
  
• 28 Nosler (175 gr): With 39.17 ft-lbs of recoil, the 28 Nosler has 11.7% more recoil than the 300 Win Mag. Its powerful performance comes with the trade-off of increased kickback. For the small caliber (0.284), it has a lot of recoil.

In summary, while both the 300 Win Mag and the 28 Nosler excel in long-range shooting, they cater to different preferences. The 300 Win Mag offers excellent all-around performance and is widely used for its versatility and power. The 28 Nosler, with its higher velocity, flatter trajectory, and superior wind drift resistance, is gaining popularity among long-range shooters and hunters who seek maximum performance at extended ranges. However, both cartridges come with substantial recoil.

300 Win Mag vs 338 Win Mag

Comparing the .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) with the .338 Winchester Magnum (338 Win Mag) brings us to a discussion of two powerful, long-range capable cartridges. While the 300 Win Mag is revered for its versatility and long-range precision, the 338 Win Mag is known for its formidable stopping power and larger caliber. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two cartridges across various ballistic parameters.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): This cartridge typically boasts a muzzle velocity of around 2960 fps.
  
• 338 Win Mag (200 gr): Typically, has a muzzle velocity of 2930 fps for a 200 gr bullet, a 30 fps difference. So it can push a +20 gr bullet at the same speed as the 300 Win Mag.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Again, their trajectories are almost identical, with the 300 Win Mag beating out the 338 Win Mag. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag has 41-inches of drop.
• 338 Win Mag (200 gr): This cartridge has 41.8-inches of bullet drop at 500 yards, a marginal 0.8-inch difference.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle, and maintains its energy pretty well at distance with 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards. Even so, it does not have as much energy as the 338 Win Mag, although it does maintain its energy better at longer distances.
  
• 338 Win Mag (200 gr): At the muzzle, it has 3812 ft-lbs of energy, a 310 ft-lbs difference. That said, at 500 yards it only has 1706 ft-lbs of energy, only a 136 ft-lbs difference.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Almost identical wild drift values for both the 300 Win Mag and 338 Win Mag from 0 to 500 yards. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag has 20-inches of wind drift.
  
• 338 Win Mag (200 gr): This cartridge has 20.1-inches of wind drift, a difference of only 0.1-inches!

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, but it is less than the 338 Win Mag.
  
• 338 Win Mag (200 gr): Has 40.89 ft-lbs of recoil, which is 16.6% more recoil than the 300 Win Mag.

In conclusion, both the 300 Win Mag and the 338 Win Mag are outstanding choices for long-range shooting and hunting. The biggest benefit of the 338 Win Mag is that it can throw a 200-grain bullet the same as the 300 Win Mag can throw a 180-grain bullet. These cartridges are almost identical in many ways. You also get a large diameter hole with the 338 Win Mag since it is a bigger caliber. The question is – is the 16.6% more recoil worth the marginally better performance?

300 Win Mag vs 6.8 Western

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 6.8 Western are both intriguing choices for long-range shooters, but they serve different niches in the ballistic world. The 300 Win Mag is a well-established cartridge known for its versatility and power, while the 6.8 Western, a newer entrant, is gaining attention for its long-range capabilities and efficiency. Let’s compare these two cartridges across various ballistic aspects.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Maintains a high muzzle velocity, starting at approximately 2960 fps. At 500 yards it still has 1982 fps.
• 6.8 Western (175 gr): Offers basically the same muzzle velocity, 2970 fps, for a similar weighted 175 gr bullet. It also maintains its velocity better, at 500 yards it still maintains 2251 fps, a 269 fps difference.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Has an almost identical bullet trajectory as the 6.8 Western. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag has 41-inches of bullet drop.
• 6.8 Western (175 gr): At 500 yards, this cartridge has 40-inches of bullet drop, a difference of 1-inch, within 500 yards its tenths of inches.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Has more energy within 175 yards. At the muzzle, it has 3502 ft-lbs of energy, 100 yards is 3013 ft-lbs, and at 200 yards has 2582 ft-lbs, this is the distance where the 6.8 Western starts to outperform the 300 Win Mag. Meaning it’s better suited for more power at closer distances.
• 6.8 Western (175 gr): At the muzzle it has 3226 ft-lbs (-276 ft-lbs), at 100 yards it has 2902 ft-lbs (-111 ft-lbs), and at 200 yards it has 2605 ft-lbs of energy (+23 ft-lbs). This means it’s a more optimal choice for more power at further distances.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Exhibits good resistance to wind drift, but not as good at the 6.8 Western. There is 20-inches of wind drift at 500 yards.
• 6.8 Western (175 gr): Its superior aerodynamic efficiency gives it an advantage in wind drift resistance. There is 14.2 inches of wind drift at 500 yards, edging out the 300 Win Mag with almost a 6-inch difference.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, which is more than the 6.8 Western.
  
• 6.8 Western (175 gr): Offers less recoil of 32.52 ft-lbs, which is about 7.3% less recoil, which might be preferable for shooters looking for long-range capability with less kick.

In summary, the 300 Win Mag and the 6.8 Western both offer excellent long-range capabilities, but they cater to slightly different preferences in the shooting community. The 300 Win Mag provides the classic combination of power and precision, suitable for a wide range of hunting and long-range shooting applications. The 6.8 Western, with its focus on heavier, high-BC bullets and more moderate recoil, it’s an attractive option for shooters who prioritize long-range efficiency and comfort.

300 Win Mag vs 30 Nosler

When comparing the .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 30 Nosler, we are looking at two high-performing cartridges renowned for their long-range shooting capabilities. Using the specific data from our final tables, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these two cartridges across key ballistic parameters.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The initial velocity of 2960 fps not as fast as the 30 Nosler, nor does it catch up or close the distance at any distance from 0-500 yards. It maintains about 250 fps slower speeds from 0-500 yards.
• 30 Nosler (180 gr): Has the fastest initial velocity of any cartridge in this comparison at 3200 fps. It’s also the fastest 30-caliber cartridge from 0 to 500 yards in this comparison. It also maintains its speed at distance better than the 300 Win Mag.

Bullet Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Provides a flat trajectory, but not as flat as the 30 Nosler. At 500 yards it has 41-inches of drop.
• 30 Nosler (175 gr): Offers the second flattest trajectory of any cartridge in this comparison, just behind the 28 Nosler. It outperforms the 300 Win Mag at every range. At 500 yards it only has 32.5-inches of bullet drop, a difference of 8.5-inches.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Delivers substantial energy, 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle, and maintains its energy pretty well at distance with 1570 ft-lbs at 500 yards. Even so, it does not have nearly the same energy as the 30 Nosler. However, it does maintain its energy just as efficiently as the 30 Nosler, remaining a consistent +/- 550 ft-lbs less powerful from 0-500 yards.
  
• 30 Nosler (180 gr): The 30 Nosler, with its higher velocity, generates even greater energy, approximately 4092 ft-lbs at the muzzle, a 590 ft-lbs difference. At 500 yards it still maintains a solid 2105 ft-lbs, a 535 ft-lbs difference.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Does well in the wind, but not as good as the 28 Nosler. At 500 yards it has 20-inches of wind drift.
  
• 30 Nosler (180 gr): It outperforms the 300 Win Mag at every range but not by a lot. At 500 yards it only has 14.2-inches of drift, a difference of 5.8-inches.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, which is significant, but not as bad as the 30 Nosler.
  
• 30 Nosler (180 gr): Its powerful performance comes with the trade-off of increased kickback (41.48 ft-lbs), 18.3% more than the 300 Win Mag, requiring good recoil management for optimal shooting.

In conclusion, both the 300 Win Mag and the 30 Nosler are exceptional cartridges for long-range shooting, each excelling in different areas. The 300 Win Mag is a proven, versatile cartridge offering excellent all-around performance. In contrast, the 30 Nosler, with its higher velocity and energy, might be the better choice for shooters seeking maximum performance at extended ranges, especially in windy conditions. However, this comes with the trade-off of increased recoil.

300 Win Mag vs 7mm PRC

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge (7mm PRC) are two impressive cartridges in the realm of long-range shooting, each with its own set of strengths. While the 300 Win Mag has a long-standing reputation for power and versatility, the 7mm PRC is a newer entry known for its efficiency and long-range capabilities. Let’s compare these cartridges based on our detailed ballistic tables.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): This cartridge showcases a muzzle velocity of approximately 2960 fps, which is very similar to the 7mm PRC. Things change fast after the muzzle, though, the 7 PRC is much more efficient and retains its speed better across all ranges, pulling far ahead of the 300 Win Mag. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag is at 1982 fps. 
• 7mm PRC (175 gr): Offers a slightly faster 3000 fps velocity than the 300 Win Mag at the muzzle with 3000 fps. But it is much more efficient, quickly pulling away from the 300 Win Mag at a distance. At 500 yards it still maintains 2345 fps, a 363 fps difference. This is the second fastest cartridge in this comparison at long-distance shooting, just behind the 28 Nosler at 500 yards.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Does not have as flat of a trajectory as the 7 PRC, but it’s not too far off. At 500 yards there are 41-inches of drop.
• 7mm PRC (175 gr): Also provides a relatively flat trajectory, benefiting from efficient bullet design. At 500 yards there are 34.1-inches drop, a difference of 6.9-inches.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The muzzle energy is 3502 ft-lbs which is almost identical to the 7 PRC at the muzzle. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag has 1570 ft-lbs of energy which is much less energy than the 7 PRC.
• 7mm PRC (175 gr): As stated, the muzzle energy is almost identical at 3497 ft-lbs, a 5 ft-lbs difference. It immediately pulls away from the 300 Win Mag, maintaining much more energy downrange. At 500 yards the 7mm PRC has 2137 ft-lbs of energy, a difference of 567 ft-lbs which is substantial.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Does well in the wind, but not nearly as good as that efficient 7 PRC. At 500 yards it has 20-inches of wind drift.
• 7mm PRC (175 gr): This cartridge has the least wind drift of any cartridge in this comparison, coming in at 11.5-inches of drift at 500 yards, almost half of the 300 Win Mag! Resulting in 8.5-inches less wind drift at 500 yards.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, it has about the same but just a little more than the 7mm PRC.
  
• 7mm PRC (175 gr): This cartridge has 34.41 ft-lbs of recoil, only a 1.9% difference. The recoil is almost identical to the 300 Win Mag, you wouldn’t even notice a difference between the two cartridges.

In summary, the 7mm PRC is a better, more efficient cartridge in every way than the 300 Win Mag. The 7 PRC has better velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil than the 300 Win Mag. The benefits of the 7 PRC feel almost exponential past the muzzle compared to the 300 Win Mag.

300 Win Mag vs 300 WSM

The .300 Winchester Magnum (300 Win Mag) and the .300 Winchester Short Magnum (300 WSM) are both highly respected cartridges in the world of long-range shooting, each offering distinct advantages. While the 300 Win Mag is renowned for its long-range capabilities and versatility, the 300 WSM is known for its efficiency and shorter action design. Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two 30-caliber cartridges.

Velocity

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Boasts a higher muzzle velocity of around 2960 fps, but is using a lighter 180 gr bullet. The 300 Win Mag is faster to about 250 yards, then the 300 WSM takes the lead. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag maintains 1982 fps. 
• 300 WSM (200 gr): Offers a solid 2810 fps at the muzzle for a 200 gr bullet. While this is slower at first, at about 250 yards the 300 WSM has more velocity and maintains increasingly better velocity out to 500 yards. At 500 yards the 300 WSM maintains 2105 fps, so only a marginal 123 fps difference.

Trajectory

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr) and 300 WSM (200 gr): The 180 gr 300 Win Mag and the 200 gr 300 WSM have almost identical bullet trajectories. You won’t notice a difference between these two cartridges. They both have about 41-inches of bullet drop at 500 yards.

Energy

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Has 3502 ft-lbs at the muzzle, which is basically the same as the 300 WSM, but the more efficient 300 WSM retains energy better and has significantly more energy at 500 yards. At 500 yards the 300 Win Mag has 1570 ft-lbs.
• 300 WSM (200 gr): Has 3506 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle, almost identical to the 300 Win Mag. However, it outperforms the 300 Win Mag at every other distance from +/- 25-500 yards. At 500 yards the 300 WSM has 1967 ft-lbs of energy, a 397 ft-lbs difference.

Wind Drift

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): Does not perform as well as the 300 WSM, there is more drift with this cartridge. At 500 yards there is 20-inches of drift.
• 300 WSM (200 gr): Performs better overall, at 500 yards there is only 14.8-inches of drop, a 5.2-inch difference.

Recoil

• 300 Win Mag (180 gr): The 300 Win Mag has 35.08 ft-lbs of recoil, which is slightly less than the 300 WSM but not by much. You won’t be able to tell the difference.
• 300 WSM (200 gr): This cartridge has 35.61 ft-lbs of recoil, almost identical to the 300 Win Mag (only 1.5% more recoil). But remember, this is a heavier grain bullet.

In summary, while both the 300 Win Mag and the 300 WSM offer exceptional long-range capabilities, they cater to slightly different preferences and needs in the shooting community. The 300 Win Mag provides classic, tried-and-true performance with excellent all-around ballistic characteristics. In contrast, the 300 WSM, with its compact design and comparable performance, still outperforms the 300 Win Mag. This makes it an attractive option for those who prefer a shorter-action rifle without compromising on power and range.

Final Thoughts

Through detailed ballistic comparisons, we will explore bullet velocity, trajectory, energy, wind drift, and recoil, providing a clear and data-driven perspective on how the 30-06 stacks up vs its contemporaries.

In the ever-evolving world of hunting and shooting sports, the 30-06 Springfield cartridge has stood the test of time as a versatile and reliable choice for hunters and marksmen alike. With over a century of history, this iconic round has become a benchmark for comparing the effectiveness of various hunting cartridges.

In this article, the 30-06 Springfield is compared side-by-side with the:

• 308 Win
• 270 Win
• 6.5 Creedmoor
• 300 Win Mag
• 7mm Rem Mag
• 223 Rem
• 30-30 Win
• 25-06 Rem.

I used 150-grain bullets for most cartridges so it would be more of an apples-to-apples comparison. Some of the smaller calibers don’t make bullets that big so I used a common bullet grain for that cartridge. Keep in mind that with different bullet grains, you will get different results than shown below. But you can use the information below to determine the potential of each caliber.

Bullet Velocity Comparison

The 30-06 Has More Velocity Than:

The .30-06 Springfield demonstrates a high bullet velocity, crucial for long-range hunting efficacy. For example, at 300 yards, the .30-06 maintains a velocity of over 2000 feet per second (fps) at 300 yards. It has more velocity than the 270 Win, 30-30 Win, and 308 Win. Within about 200 yards it also has a higher velocity than the 6.5 Creedmoor.

The 30-06 Has Less Velocity Than:

Although the 30-06 has more velocity within about 200 yards, the 6.5 Creedmoor has more velocity out past about 200 yards. The 223 Rem, 25-06 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag all have higher velocities than the 30-06 Springfield.

Top 3 Cartridges with Fastest Velocity:

• 300 Win Mag
• 7mm Rem Mag
• 25-06 Rem
• (223 at short distances)

Worst 3 Cartridges with Slowest Velocity:

• 30-30 Win
• 270 Win
• 308 Win

Bullet Trajectory Comparison

The 30-06 Has Better Trajectory Than

The .30-06 Springfield has a decent trajectory. It’s flatter shooting than the 30-30 Win, 270 Win, and 308 Win and almost identical to the 6.5 Creedmoor out to 400 yards.

The 30-06 Has Worse Trajectory Than

Although the 30-06 has a decent trajectory, it is not the best in this comparison. The 6.5 Creedmoor is better from 400-500 yards and the 223 Rem, 25-06 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag, and 300 Win Mag are all flatter shooting than the 30-06 Springfield.

Top 3 Cartridges with Flattest Trajectory:

• 7mm Rem Mag
• 300 Win Mag
• 25-06 Rem

Worst 3 Cartridges with Least Flattest Trajectory:

• 30-30 Win
• 270 Win
• 308 Win

Bullet Energy Comparison

In terms of energy, the .30-06 is a powerhouse. At about 220 yards the 30-06 is the 3rd most powerful cartridge, behind the 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag. After this distance, bullets that can retain their energy better beat the 30-06. For example, the 25-06 Rem starts to have more energy at that 220-yard mark, then the 6.5 Creedmoor has more energy at about 280 yards.

The 308 Win, 270 Win, 30-30 Win, and 223 all have less energy than the 30-06 at all ranges with the 223 Rem and 30-30 Win not even being close.

Top 3 Cartridges with the Most Energy:

• 300 Win Mag
• 7mm Rem Mag
• 30-06 Springfield (to 220 yards)

Worst 3 Cartridges with the Least Energy:

• 223 Rem
• 30-30 Win
• 6.5 Creedmoor (within 100 yards)
• 270 Win (past 100 yards)

Wind Drift Ballistic Comparison

Again, the 30-06 is right in the middle of the road of all these cartridges. The 7mm Rem Mag, 20-05 Rem, 300 Win Mag, and 6.5 Creedmoor have less wind drift than the 30-06. These cartridges have quite a noticeable improvement in wind drift compared to the 30-06, especially at longer distances.

The 308 Win, 223 Rem, 270 Win, and 30-30 Win all have worse wind draft than the 30-06, with the 30-30 Win and 270 Win being notably more.

Top 3 Wind Drift Cartridges

• 7mm Rem Mag
• 25-06 Rem
• 300 Win Mag

Worst 3 Wind Drift Cartridges

• 30-30 Win
• 270 Win
• 308 Win and 223 Rem (tie)

Recoil Graph Comparison

The recoil of the .30-06, while substantial, is manageable coming in at about 24.27 ft-lbs of recoil energy with 14.94 fps of recoil velocity. It has less recoil than the 7mm Rem Mag and the 300 Win Mag, making it the 3rd most powerful recoil in this comparison.

The 308 has a similar performance as the 30-06, but you can see that there are about 5 ft-lbs of less recoil for the same grain bullet. It was also interesting to see that the recoil of the 270 was greater than the 308 given the 270 did not perform well in this comparison and that it has less energy generally than the 308.

Top 3 Least Recoil Cartridges

• 223 Rem
• 30-30 Win
• 6.5 Creedmoor

Worst 3 Most Recoil Cartridges

• 300 Win Mag
• 7mm Rem Mag
• 30-06 Springfield

Comparative Analysis of the Cartridges

30-06 vs 308 Winchester

• Same Grain, Same Gun: Although the 30-06 outcompetes the 308 Winchester in every measurable category except recoil, the differences between the two are almost not noticeable when using the same grain bullet. The 308 is a smaller more efficient cartridge than the 30-06 and can be more versatile since it can be used in shorter action rifles.
• Bigger Bullets: That said, the 30-06 has a bigger and heavier bullet selection which makes it more suitable for larger game like elk, bear, moose…etc.

30-06 vs 270 Winchester

• Inefficient: The 30-06 outperformed the 270 Winchester in every category. Based on the result in the graph, the 270 Winchester did not hold up to what the 30-06 can do, especially at longer distances. That said, within 200 yards the 270 Winchester is a great cartridge. It seems a little inefficient though because it has almost the same recoil as the 30-06 but does not perform as well. Even the 308 Win performed better in every category and had less recoil than the 270 Win.

30-06 vs 6.5 Creedmoor

• Recoil and Range: The 6.5 Creedmoor has gained popularity for its lower recoil and range, but the .30-06 has a higher energy profile, making it suitable for larger game, especially within 300 yards. Past 300 yards the 6.5 Creedmoor is a better choice due to having more energy, less wind drift, more velocity, and a slightly better trajectory when using a similar grain bullet.

• Bullet Weight Range: While the 6.5 Creedmoor excels with bullets in the 140-150 grain range, the .30-06’s ability to handle heavier bullets (up to 220 gr) gives it an edge for versatility in hunting various game sizes.

30-06 vs 300 Win Mag

• Short-Medium Range King: The 300 Win Mag beats the 30-06 Springfield and every other cartridge in just about every category. It has more energy, higher velocity, better trajectory, and less wind drift, and not by a little, it beats the 30-06 by quite a lot in all these categories. Its only competitor is the 7mm Rem Mag, past 220 yards the 7mm Rem Mag is more deadly.
  
• The one downside to this cartridge is the recoil. Shooting the same 150-grain bullet, the 300 Win Mag will have 35.12 ft-lbs of recoil to the 24.27 ft-lbs of recoil of the 30-06, that is over 10 ft-lbs difference!

30-06 vs 7mm Rem Mag

• Long Range King: 7mm Rem Mag has the best velocity (past 220 yards), trajectory, energy (past 220 yards), and wind drift values of any cartridge in this comparison. Using the same-sized bullet the 7mm Rem Mag is far and away better than the 30-06 Springfield, even within 220 yards. The 7mm Rem Mags only close competitor is the 300 Win Mag. which is better within 220 yards.

• Recoil: I found it surprising the that recoil of the 7mm Rem Mag is only slightly more than the 30-06 Springfield, it is probably noticeable, but not by much. That gives it an edge over the 300 Win Mag for a lot of people and could be a reason to go with the 7mm Win Mag over the 30-06 because now you’ll be more effective for long-range western hunts and it’ll work better than the 30-06 in brush country.

30-06 vs 223 Remington

• Intended Use and Game Size: The .223 is more suited to smaller game and varmint hunting due to its significantly lower recoil and energy. In contrast, the .30-06’s higher energy levels and recoil make it more versatile for large game.

30-06 vs 30-30 Winchester

• Recoil: The 30-06 Springfield is far and away better in every way than the 30-30 Winchester. The 30-30 was the worst cartridge in this review in every category, especially for a larger caliber bullet. The only benefit is that it has a much lower recoil than the 30-06 (less than half). Besides the 223 Rem which is a MUCH smaller cartridge, the 30-30 Win had the least recoil.

• Other Options For New Hunters: Although many new hunters start with a 30-30 Win because of the low recoil, the ballistics aren’t great. Most beginners can handle a 6.5 Creedmoor. I also just finished a blog post on the new 8.6 Blackout cartridge, which is between the .243 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Make it an excellent beginner cartridge. It also has subsonic capabilities which give it a recoil similar to that of a .22 LR – Read Here: The 8.6 Blackout Cartridge: Ballistic Comparisons, Pros and Cons.

30-06 vs 25-06 Remington

• Bullet Size and Selection: The 30-06 can shoot larger bullets. In this comparison, we had to compare a 120 gr 25-06 bullet to a 150 gr 30-06 bullet because the 25-caliber bullet doesn’t have bullets that big, so it’s not quite apples to apples but it’s a good comparison to a realistic use case. Since the 30-06 can shoot bigger bullets it is more versatile and creates bigger wound channels.

• Ballistics: The 25-06 Remington does a lot of things better than the 30-06. For example, it has more velocity, which gives it a better trajectory, competing even with the 7mm Rem Mag and 300 Win Mag. Past 220 yards, it has more energy than the 150 gr 30-06 bullet (within 100 yards the 30-06 is quite a bit more deadly). It is the 2nd best cartridge on this list in wind deflection, even beating the 300 Win Mag.
• Recoil: the 25-06 Rem also has a lot less recoil than the 30-06 (a whopping 7 lbs ft-lbs less!).

Conclusion

In summary, the 30-06 Springfield remains a highly respected and versatile hunting cartridge. It competes closely with both traditional and modern cartridges, offering a balance of power, trajectory, and manageable recoil. Its adaptability for various game sizes and hunting scenarios continues to make it a preferred choice for hunters worldwide.

Since it is such a versatile cartridge a lot of hunters often use it as a benchmark for comparing other cartridges when buying new rifles. Hopefully, this information has helped you determine which caliber is right for you.

The world of firearms and ammunition is ever-evolving, with constant innovations aimed at enhancing performance and addressing the needs of various hunting applications. One such recent development is the 8.6 Blackout hunting cartridge.

The cartridge was introduced in 2018 by firearms and ammunition manufacturer Q, LLC, in 2022 barrels and rifles started being manufactured.

This 8.6 Blackout article provides ballistic graphs (energy, trajectory, velocity, and recoil) of the new wildcat cartridge (subsonic and supersonic) and how they compare to mainstream cartridges including its main rival – the 300 Blackout.

From these graphs, you can quickly see what the 8.6 Blackout is made of. Pros and cons are drawn from conclusions based on this information.

Information in this article is for educational purposes and should be used only as preliminary information.

Why The 8.6 Blackout Cartridge

There are three main goals of this cartridge:

1. Fill a niche in the hunting cartridge market using big, subsonic, high-performance bullets in a lightweight, compact rifle with a short barrel and ideally a silencer for ultimate stealthiness
2. Have the ability to shoot supersonic in addition to subsonic
3. Improve upon the popular 300 Blackout cartridge

Specifications of the 8.6 Blackout

The 8.6 Blackout is a necked-up version of the popular 6.5mm Creedmoor cartridge. The cartridge’s overall length is similar to that of the 6.5mm Creedmoor, allowing it to be chambered in rifles designed for that cartridge with minimal modifications.

It features a large caliber projectile, measuring 8.6mm or .338 inches in diameter. Although a large bullet, it was designed for compatibility with compact AR-10-style rifles and MR25 magazines. Because of this design, the bullet is about the same length as the cartridge case which gives it an interesting look.

The bullet weight for the 8.6 Blackout ranges from 155 to 350 grains with subsonic or supersonic options ranging from about 1000 to 2400 fps, offering a variety of options for hunters. The cartridge operates at moderate pressures, contributing to increased barrel life and ease of reloading.

8.6 Blackout Ballistic Graphs (Supersonic & Subsonic Comparisons)

Subsonic Energy Compared to Other Cartridges

From the graph below you can see that the big, heavy, slow-moving subsonic rounds don’t have a lot of energy but they retain their energy extremely well.

Although the 300 Blackout seems like it could be slightly better at retaining its energy, the 8.6 Blackout has much more energy within 0-200 yards, which is realistically the far end of the range for this gun (more on that later).

Supersonic Energy Compared to Other Cartridges

From the graph, you’ll also see that the 8.6 Blackout supersonic rounds have a lot more energy, which is to be expected with a faster bullet.

It is much more powerful than the comparable supersonic 300 Blackout cartridge. It also beats the time-tested 243, and the 30-30 Winchester by a lot, especially after 75 yards.

Energy is a big deal when you’re talking about what kind of animals you can take with a particular caliber, but it’s not the only thing to consider. Let’s move on to the bullet trajectory of this big heavy round.

Subsonic Trajectory Compared to Other Cartridges

You can see from the trajectory graph (below) that the two subsonic rounds are pretty darn obvious. They drop off fast compared to the supersonic cartridges. Now for the sake of this graph, I have every cartridge zeroed at 200 yards, but you probably would want to zero these subsonic rounds around 75 yards because you’re likely not going to be shooting long distances at animals with these subsonic rounds.

Comparing the subsonic 8.6 Blackout to the subsonic 300 Blackout you’ll notice that the trajectory is about the same, with no real advantage to the 8.6 Blackout within its shooting capabilities.

Supersonic Trajectory Compared to Other Cartridges

Supersonic is a bit of a different story. Out to about 200 yards, both the 300 Blackout and 8.6 Blackout are flat shooting. At about 250 yards they start to separate off from the rest of the pack, with the 8.6 performing slightly better, especially at longer ranges.

Even when shot supersonic the 8.6 has a more arced trajectory than the more traditional rifles on this chart. That said, it does beat the well-known 30-30 cartridge. It’s able to do this with a 210-grain bullet vs the 30-30’s 150 grain which is impressive.

We now have energy and trajectory under our belt, now we’ll dive into another important component – velocity.

Subsonic Velocity Compared to Other Cartridges

Based on the graph, you can see that the subsonic rounds barely lose velocity from 0 to 500 yards. They retain their velocity much better than the supersonic bullets. That said, they don’t start with much velocity to begin with.

Here’s the science behind it:

• Kinetic energy: It’s the energy of an object in motion, calculated as 1/2 * mass * velocity^2. So, for a constant velocity, the heavier the bullet, the higher its kinetic energy.
• Air resistance: As a bullet travels through air, it experiences air resistance, which acts as a frictional force trying to slow it down. This force is proportional to the bullet’s surface area and the square of its velocity.
• Mass and surface area: Heavier bullets generally have a smaller surface area relative to their mass compared to lighter bullets. This means the air resistance acting on them is proportionately less, allowing them to lose their velocity (and hence kinetic energy) at a slower rate.

Supersonic Velocity Compared to Other Cartridges

The supersonic 8.6 Blackout cartridge interestingly starts slower than the 30-30 Win, but quickly catches up at around 175 yards because it can retain speed better. What is also interesting is that the 8.6 blackout, even though it is a lower velocity bullet within the first 175 yards it still has more energy than the 30-30. So, speed isn’t everything in this case.

Comparing apples to apples, the 8.6 Blackout has more velocity in both supersonic and subsonic rounds than the 300 Blackout.

1:3 Twist Rate and Rotational Energy

The 8.6 Blackout has a 1:3 twist rate which means it completes one rotation every three inches! This is 2-3x faster than traditional rifles and was born out of necessity to stabilize the large, slow-moving, subsonic bullets during flight.

Another benefit of the fast twist rate is when the bullet expands it creates a ‘blender effect’ as it goes through the target supposedly improving terminal performance.

Recoil Compared to Other Cartridges (Supersonic & Subsonic Comparisons)

First, let’s define recoil energy vs recoil velocity because both are good to know:

Recoil Energy: The “kick” from firing, depends on gun weight and bullet power.

Recoil Velocity: How fast the gun jumps back, affects the sight picture and follow-up shots (how fast the kick is).

Below is a comparison chart showing 8.6 Blackout supersonic and subsonic cartridges compared to other common cartridges:

8.6 BLK Subsonic Recoil

From the bar graph, you can see the subsonic rounds are incredibly light on recoil, which makes sense because there’s not a lot of gunpowder in these cartridges. The 300 Blackout does have less recoil than the 8.6 Blackout. The subsonic 8.6 BLK recoil is about equal to the 300 BLK supersonic cartridges.

The subsonic cartridges have about 60% reduced recoil compared to the supersonic counterpart in this graph. Additionally, it’s an 80% reduction in recoil from a 30-06 Springfield!

8.6 BLK Supersonic Recoil

The supersonic 300 BLK also has less recoil than the supersonic 8.6 BLK. The subsonic 8.6 BLK has about the same recoil as the supersonic 300 BLK.

A great comparison is the 30-30 Winchester which has almost identical recoil to the supersonic 8.6 BLK, yet the 8.6 has a better cartridge than the 30-30 Win in just about every other way. This means it seems the 8.6 is a more efficient round than the 30-30.

The supersonic 8.6 cartridge has about 50% reduced recoil compared to the 30-06 Springfield cartridge used in this graph.

8.6 Blackout Hunting Applications

8.6 Subsonic – What You Can Hunt

Range

The subsonic rounds are big, heavy, and slow. This means they are not ideal for long-range shooting. They’ve got quite an arch as shown on the Trajectory Graph when zeroed at 200 yards, so 100 yards is probably the max for hunting for most people. I’d recommend sighting these in at 75 yards and hunting within 100 yards.

Since the bullets fly slowly there is a bit of a delay from when you pull the trigger to when the bullet hits its mark. So, you’d need to be sure the animal won’t be moving if you’re shooting at further ranges.

Animals

You’re looking at about 700-800 ft-lbs of energy between 0-200 yards, which isn’t much but is enough to kill deer and hog-sized animals with good shot placement. 

8.6 Supersonic – What You Can Hunt 

Range

The supersonic rounds are still big and heavy, but they’re around 2x faster. This increase in speed drastically increases the bullet’s energy, going from 750 ft-lbs (subsonic) to about 1750 ft-lbs (supersonic) out to 100 yards.

This means you can hunt at much longer ranges more effectively. With the significantly less bullet drop and increased energy, shooting out to 300 yards is perfectly fine, you still have 1400 ft-lbs of energy at that distance. Based on the Trajectory Graph, After 300 yards it starts to drop off fairly quickly.

Animals

With the increased energy, velocity, and trajectory you have a much more lethal round. Based on the graphs the supersonic 8.6 Blackout has a similar trajectory as the 30-30 Winchester with the increased energy of a .243. However, you get these values with a BIG .338 caliber bullet increasing entrance and exit holes.

You should feel comfortable shooting anything with the 8.6 Blackout that you would shoot with a .243 Winchester out to 200-300 yards since the 8.6 is an all-around more powerful round. Specifically, we’re talking about hunting animals like deer, hog, and close-range black bear.

Just keep in mind the 243 Win trajectory is much better due to its high velocity, so past 200-300 yards the 243 is likely a better choice despite it having less power.

Who’s It For?

8.6 Blackout Subsonic – Who’s It For?

Beginners – Kids and Women

One of the best applications I can think of for the Subsonic 8.6 Blackout would be for kids and women who are new to hunting and shooting and want to start on a gun that is powerful enough to take down large animals at close range but not have the loud bang and recoil of a supersonic round. This will reduce flinching which leads to having more fun behind the gun and improved accuracy.

Stealthy Hunting

I think there are a few uses for the Subsonic 8.6 Blackout cartridges. It would be a great silence hog hunting, close-range predator hunting, night hunting, and nuisance animal removal in populated areas. Basically, all of the uses of the 300 Blackout, but the 8.6 will do it better.

Fun

Let’s be real, it would be so fun to shoot such a small, compact, and quiet rifle. It’s the type of quiet that puts a smile on your face and it won’t give you a headache or a sore shoulder. Check out “The Fix” gun by Q,LLC, you can imagine how much fun shooting these would be.

8.6 Blackout Supersonic – Who’s It For?

The supersonic loads are for someone who is looking for a short to medium-range rifle (0-200 yards) that has a little more energy than a 243 Winchester, but not as much as a 6.5 Creedmoor but would benefit from bigger entrance and exit holes.

This could be someone who has been using a 30-30 Winchester but is looking for something more powerful, especially in those 75-200-yard ranges without adding more recoil.

Conclusion

The design philosophy of the 8.6 Blackout results in a cartridge that is better than its main rival, the .300 Blackout, in every way except in recoil. This includes supersonic and subsonic applications.

Strengths

The ballistic analysis of the 8.6 Blackout reveals its strengths. The cartridge excels in short to medium-range hunting scenarios offering two distinct options: a quieter subsonic round for stealthy applications and a more powerful supersonic option for increased lethality. Its fast twist rate of 1:3 enhances both accuracy and likely terminal performance.

Limitations

Despite these advantages, the 8.6 Blackout is not without its limitations. It’s not ideal for flat shooting, especially with its subsonic rounds, and is limited in long-distance applications. Furthermore, being a relatively new cartridge, it faces challenges in terms of availability and broader acceptance in the firearms community.

Future of the 8.6 Blackout

Looking ahead, the 8.6 Blackout has the potential to carve out a niche in the hunting market, especially for those seeking a high-performance, big-bore cartridge in a compact and lightweight platform. Its future success will depend on overcoming current limitations and gaining wider acceptance among hunters and firearm enthusiasts.

While challenges like cost and limited rifle availability remain, the growing community and manufacturer support suggest the 8.6 Blackout is more than just a niche interest. With continued refinement and increased adoption, this innovative cartridge may well find its way into the hunting landscape, proving that big things can come in small packages.