Flattest shooting to 500 yds.

[DanielLudwig]

This is more a theory question than anything. But the premise is based on my farm, where distances are limited to 560 or so yards. Shots are usually quick. I'm trying to find the best round from the muzzle to 500yds as far as trajectory. What I have come up with is the .270 Weatherby Magnum with a 135gr Sierra Matchking and 7828. Wondering if anyone can find anything flatter within that range, suitable to kill a whitetail deer with?

 

[MudRunner2005]

.25-06 AI with a Berger 115 VLD that's moving 3,600 fps... That should be pretty close to flat. 1.5" high at 100, would be dead-on at 250, and only drop 30" at 550. That's pretty dang flat.

Also, same bullet, but a .257 Wby Mag will also work if you hit the same velocities.

.26 nosler is also supposed to be really flat, but I've never shot one, so I can't give any first-hand info on the drops or capable velocities.

 

[FEENIX]

This is more a theory question than anything. But the premise is based on my farm, where distances are limited to 560 or so yards. Shots are usually quick. I'm trying to find the best round from the muzzle to 500yds as far as trajectory. What I have come up with is the .270 Weatherby Magnum with a 135gr Sierra Matchking and 7828. Wondering if anyone can find anything flatter within that range, suitable to kill a whitetail deer with?

Why worry how flat it shoots? If it is accurate with the right bullet for the specific purpose at the point of impact with enough energy to harvest the game humanely with proper shot placement, then you're golden. Know your drop at that distance and adjust accordingly.

Having said that, I am pushing 175 Matrix VLD @ 2993 FPS out of my .270 AI. With a 200 yards zero it only drops 34.29" and 2192 FT-LBS of energy.

 

[Varberger757]

I know you won't find them in the US, but just wanted to mention them because it's fun. Fast and flat shooting b#¤%ds.

6,5x64 Reb , bullet 93gr. KJG (mono) goes with an MV of 3608 fp/s and with 4cm/1.5' high it drops at 300m/324yards only 13cm or 5,1'.

The French 6,5x63MM (Messner Mag), bullet 93gr. KJG (mono) goes with an MV of 3773 fp/s and with 4cm/1.5' high it drops at 300m/324yards only 10,6cm or 4,1'.

 

[bigngreen]

I normally go for high BC and heavy for cal but one place I do run light is I'll shoot a Barnes 110 TTSX 3600 fps in my 270 WSM, for light game and coyotes it's very effective!

 

[SA1000]

We like the 257 STW we're loading 115 gr bullets around 3600fps with 1/2" groups.We can run it hotter and a Berger vld would be pretty flat.

 

[MMERSS]

6.5 AM, 100 gr bullet 4100fps.

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

A big 7mm like the 7rum can put a 140 with nearly a .500 bc downrange at over 3500 fps or a 120 with about a .400 bc in the 3600+ fps range. The last time I tried 120's in a 7rum they were north of 3900 fps with book loads and a few cracked 4,000 fps... The 7stw will do 3400 fps with a 140 with relative ease too...
Range (yards) Velocity (fps) Energy (ft.-lb.) Trajectory (in) MOAWind Drift in Mils --- 225 yard zero w. .480 bc 140 at 3500 fps
Muzzle 3500 3808 -1.5
100 3278 3339 1.2
200 3067 29240 .7
300 2867 2554 -3.51
400 2675 2224 -12
500 2491 1929 -25.3

 

[FEENIX]

With a 200 yards zero it only drops 34.29" and 2192 FT-LBS of energy.

@ 500 yards.

 

[FEENIX]

I normally go for high BC and heavy for cal but one place I do run light is I'll shoot a Barnes 110 TTSX 3600 fps in my 270 WSM, for light game and coyotes it's very effective!

Ditto!

 

[Lefty7mmstw]

my 300 rum's #'s with a 225hdy at 3,000 fps..... There are a lot of really good choices mid weight and up in the faster calibers.. Go for one you can handle and don't look back...


range-yds.
500


fps
2330


ft/lb
2713


trajectory
-32.1

 

[RT2506]

I have a 27 3/4" barrel 264 Win mag that shoots 130 Accubonds 3350 fps with Retumbo. Sight in 3" high at 100 yards and 6" low at 400 yards. For 500 yards just raise the cross hair up to the top of the back but stay in the hair and have a sharp knife ready.

 

[MOJO67]

I see lots of Wildcats mentioned here. Not sure if the OP is considering them or not. If not,
the 270 Wby is tough to beat with a 130 gr bullet started at 3400-3500 fps. Flatter than a 220 Swift and still carries 1700-1800 lbs of energy at 500 yds. Way more than needed to anchor a deer at that range. Additionally, it won't kick the snot of you when you touch one off.

That being said, with the popularity/availability of turrets, BDC reticles, etc, flat trajectory has become somewhat overrated.

 

[Garycrow]

For flat shooting over a relatively close range you need a lot of velocity, BC doesn't matter that much over shorter distances. It's not until you get farther out that BC starts making a big difference. Something like a 7mm Ultramag shooting a 120 TTSX would be pretty flat shooting to 500. Light bullets driven fast shoot flatter over shorter distances.

Skip the matchkings, if you're going to shoot game animals then use a real hunting bullet.