Quick Answer
Bullet drop for the .338 Federal varies significantly with distance. At 500 yards, the bullet drop is approximately 54 inches. At 700 yards, the drop increases to around 90 inches.
Understanding Bullet Drop
Bullet drop is a critical factor in long-range hunting, particularly when taking large game like elk. The .338 Federal, with its 250-grain bullet, has a relatively flat trajectory out to 500 yards, making it suitable for hunting at medium to long ranges. However, beyond 500 yards, the drop becomes more pronounced.
Calculating Bullet Drop
To calculate bullet drop, hunters can use the ballistic coefficient (BC) of the bullet and the muzzle velocity. For the .338 Federal, the BC is around 0.485, and the muzzle velocity is approximately 2650 fps. Using a ballistic calculator or chart, hunters can estimate the bullet drop at different distances. For example, at 600 yards, the drop would be around 63 inches, while at 700 yards, it would be approximately 90 inches.
Compensating for Bullet Drop
To compensate for bullet drop, hunters can use various techniques, including adjusting their aim, using a scope with a bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticle, or employing a rangefinder and ballistic calculator. Experienced hunters often use a combination of these methods to ensure accurate shots at long ranges. For instance, at 500 yards, a hunter might aim 2-3 inches low to compensate for the bullet drop. However, at 700 yards, the drop becomes more significant, requiring a more substantial adjustment.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.