Quick Answer
Bullet drop for a .308 on elk is influenced by factors such as range, angle of fire, and bullet weight. At 500 yards, a 150-grain .308 bullet can drop about 22 inches, while a 180-grain bullet drops about 16 inches. This requires accurate calculations to compensate for bullet drop.
Factors Affecting Bullet Drop
When calculating bullet drop for a .308 on elk, range is the primary factor. For every 100 yards, the bullet drops about 2.9 inches at a 100-yard zero. As the range increases, the drop accelerates rapidly, requiring precise calculations to compensate. For example, at 300 yards, the 150-grain .308 bullet drops about 12.5 inches, while the 180-grain bullet drops about 9 inches.
Angle of Fire
The angle of fire also impacts bullet drop. Shooting uphill requires an adjustment to compensate for the increased drop, while shooting downhill requires a decrease in the adjustment. For every 100 yards of elevation change, the bullet drop increases by about 0.3 inches for a 100-yard zero. This means that at 500 yards, shooting uphill, the 150-grain .308 bullet drops about 22.5 inches, while shooting downhill it drops about 21.5 inches.
Bullet Weight and Shape
The weight and shape of the bullet also affect bullet drop. Heavier bullets tend to drop less than lighter bullets due to their increased mass. For example, the 150-grain .308 bullet drops about 22 inches at 500 yards, while the 180-grain bullet drops about 16 inches. Additionally, bullets with a more aerodynamic shape, such as a boat-tail or spitzer, tend to drop less than bullets with a more blunt shape. This requires hunters to select the right bullet for their specific needs and range.
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