Can terrain influence bullet drop for .308 on elk?

Bullet Drop Considerations

When hunting elk with a .308, bullet drop becomes crucial, especially in hilly or mountainous terrain. The .308 Winchester cartridge has a relatively flat trajectory, but it’s not flat enough to ignore the effects of terrain. At 500 yards, a .308 bullet drops about 47 inches when fired from a 100-yard high platform, which is roughly equivalent to a 10-degree slope.

Applying Ballistic Calculations

Ballistic calculators like the one on the Hornady website or the Ballistic AE app can help estimate bullet drop based on various factors, including angle of fire, elevation, and atmospheric conditions. When hunting in terrain with significant elevation changes, it’s essential to input accurate data into these calculators to get a precise estimate of bullet drop. For example, at 500 yards, a .308 bullet drops about 48.5 inches when fired from a 150-yard high platform, which is roughly equivalent to a 12-degree slope.

Compensating for Terrain

To compensate for terrain-induced bullet drop, hunters can use a variety of techniques, including adjusting their point of aim, using a rangefinder or ballistic calculator, and choosing the right ammunition. A good rule of thumb is to aim slightly above the elk’s center mass to account for bullet drop. However, this approach requires a thorough understanding of bullet trajectory and the ability to make precise adjustments in the field.