What factors affect bullet drop for .308 at long distances?

Atmospheric Conditions

Atmospheric conditions have a significant impact on bullet drop. Temperature, humidity, and air pressure can affect the trajectory of a bullet. For example, a 1% increase in temperature can result in a 1.5 ft/sec increase in muzzle velocity, and a 1% decrease in temperature can result in a 1.5 ft/sec decrease in muzzle velocity. In the field, a hunter should consider these conditions and adjust their firing solution accordingly. For a .308 Winchester, we’ll use a muzzle velocity of 2,700 ft/sec for our calculations.

Bullet and Scope Characteristics

The bullet’s weight and aerodynamics play a crucial role in determining bullet drop. A heavier bullet will generally exhibit less bullet drop than a lighter bullet of the same caliber due to its higher mass. For example, a 150-grain FMJ bullet will exhibit less bullet drop than a 150-grain SP bullet. Additionally, the scope’s magnification and reticle type can also affect bullet drop. A hunter should consider the scope’s mil-dot or MOA reticle and adjust their firing solution accordingly. For a .308 Winchester, a 4x or 8x scope with a mil-dot reticle is suitable for hunting at long distances.

Ballistic Tables and Charts

To accurately determine bullet drop, hunters should consult ballistic tables and charts specifically designed for their firearm and ammunition. These tables and charts can be found in various online sources, ballistic software, or in the firearm manufacturer’s manual. For a .308 Winchester, a hunter can consult the Remington 700 manual or use ballistic software such as Ballistic App or Shooting Software. By consulting these resources, hunters can determine the bullet drop for their specific ammunition and make accurate firing solutions for hunting at long distances.