Ballistic question.....30-06.

[Northslope Nimrod]

Someone on the forum suggested I check out the ballistics on the new Federal High Energy Bullets. I have been wondering weather I should upgrade from a 30-06 to a .300 Win Mag. or WSM. However, the ballistics on the 30-06 Federal High Energy Nosler Partition round appears to be better than many .300 Win Mag cartridges....atleast at 400 to 500 yards....and that is the range that concerned me in the first place. ( I have total faith in my 06 at closer ranges). So, are the ballistics wrong in Federal's catalog.....or is it true....that I can get velocity and energy numbers just as high (and in some cases higher) with the High Engergy rounds than I could with the standard .300 Win Mag rounds?? See the Federal 2004 Ammo Ballistic Catalog and tell me if I'm missing something. This suggests that I don't need to upgrade....as long as I'm spending $28.99 a box.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Is your rifle not already performing well at the ranges you mentioned?

 

[Northslope Nimrod]

Questionable

Well, much of shooting is confidence. I do start to lose confidence in my 06 in the 400 to 500 yard shots when I'm shooting at large bulls. They take a lot of "killing" even at closer ranges. I also want to minimize drop. This is why I have been considering a faster/flatter .30 caliber wepon. The ballistics on the New High Energy 180 grain Noslers are impressive but are they accurate or just puffery by the factory?

 

[Marshall]

Not much difference that I can see. Based on the charts, I would hang with the '06. I suggest you buy some and see for yourself.


HE* FEDERAL PREMIUM VITAL SHOK 30-06 Spring. 180gr Nosler Partition


2150 fps @ 400 yards

1845 ft lbs @ 400 yards

11.7" drift @ 400 yards (10MPH crosswind)

-21" drop @ 400 yards (zeroed at 200 yards)



HE* FEDERAL PREMIUM VITAL SHOK 300 Win. Mag. 200gr Nosler Partition


2090 fps @ 400 yards

1930 ft lbs @ 400 yards

13.4" drift @ 400yds (10mph crosswind)

-21.2" drop @ 400 yards (zeroed at 200 yards)



500 yards is just as favorable to the 30-06. However, there is 20gr less bullet weight on the '06


*Hi Energy

 

[Art Eatman]

Back when the Fed HE first came out, I had some email correspondence with a guy in Australia. He stated that with his 26" '06 he got the same measured velocities as claimed by Federal on the back of the ammo box.

Art