300 wsm @ 180gr Winchester's E-Tip had a trajectory of -288.6 inches at 1000 yards
7mm wsm @ 180gr Corbon's Performance Match VLD had a trajectory of -251.3 inches at 1000 yards
That's 37.3 inches less elevation needed for the 7mm wsm from a factory produced bullet which is what I will be shooting for at least the first year. I won't ever need to go above 180gr's, so is the 7mm wsm the better choice since it has less bullet drop at a thousand yards? I'm just looking at the most bang for my buck or more specifically less drop at a thousand yards for a 180gr's?
PS.
Also How does handloading compare to these trajectories for both caliber's?
I understand what you are trying to do, but you can't compare 180 .308 w/ 180 7mm. To do a true comparison you need to use bullets with matching Ballistic Coefficients. In that case you need to compare the 180 7mm with a 210 .308.
Is the 7mm a better choice, well that is going to open a whole lot of debate. So here are my thoughts. The 7mm with a 180 Berger has been doing some phenomenal work on big and little critters at some pretty amazing ranges. However, these great feats of distant shots have been made by those with the ability to do so. Shot placement is the greatest factor between pellet guns and 22's, muzzle loaders and centerfires, cannon's and bombs. Being able to place the shot precisely where it is needed is the greater factor. So with that said, the .308 is going to retain more energy and velocity at a specified range with bullets having ballistic coefficients of equal or close to equal value. Now we are getting into physics which I know nothing about.... but is has something to do with weight x mass x velocity= desired results!
Well that's how I see it anyway.
Best bang for the buck with factory ammunition is going to be the exact opposite. The more buck, for the better bang. There are some great vendors out there with good bullet selections, it's a matter if your rifle will shoot it. What happens if you 7WSM doesn't like the Corbon load? It's a matter of trial and error. Either one is going to do the job you ask of it.
How does handloading improve trajectory? Because you can hand select components to optimize the caliber you wish to use. You can load higher grade bullets, you can run higher powder charges, slower or faster powders, to achieve the velocity you desire. You can take that same factory 180 .30 cal and speed it up. It may not quite match the 180 7mm, but you can improve it over factory. Your accuracy will be optimized. Would you rather wear underwear made of wool your Aunt Gertrude made you knowing it works and serves its purpose uncomfortably, or pick something out that you like and know that it fits you just right and feels good? I prefer picking my underwear!
Tank
