Bullet Drop & Ballistics Calculator
Enter your ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity, and zero range to get a range card showing bullet drop, wind drift, and MOA scope correction out to 500 yards. Common calibre presets included. Nothing uploaded.
Load Data
Estimates only. Always confirm with your actual DOPE (Data on Previous Engagements) at the range. Environmental conditions affect trajectory.
Range Card
| Range | Drop | Wind drift | Scope adj. | Velocity | TOF |
|---|
⚠ = transonic zone (unstable flight). ↓ = subsonic. Positive drop = bullet above line-of-sight; negative = below.
Learn more: ballistics, trajectory, and range cards
Understanding bullet drop and ballistic coefficient
Bullet drop is the vertical distance a projectile falls due to gravity at a given range. A .308 Winchester 168-grain match bullet with BC 0.475 at 2650 fps, zeroed at 100 yards, drops approximately 14 inches at 300 yards and over 40 inches at 500 yards. The drop depends critically on ballistic coefficient - a measure of how efficiently the bullet retains velocity against air resistance. Higher BC values mean less drop. You can find BC values on the ammunition box or from the bullet manufacturer's website.
What is MOA and scope adjustment?
MOA (Minute of Angle) is an angular measurement used for rifle scope adjustments. One MOA equals approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards (about 2.9 cm). Most modern rifle scopes adjust in 1/4 MOA increments (0.26 inches per click at 100 yards). If your bullet drops 15 inches at 300 yards, that requires approximately 5 MOA of elevation correction to hit the target. The calculator converts drop in inches or centimeters directly to MOA for your scope turret.
Range cards and field use
A range card is a ballistic reference table showing drop, wind drift, and scope adjustment at each distance increment. Hunters and precision riflemen use range cards to make accurate shots without re-zeroing. This calculator generates cards for distances from 100 to 1000 yards using your specific load data - muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, and zero range. Common presets for .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor are included for quick setup.
Wind drift and the transonic zone
Wind drift is lateral bullet movement from crosswind. A 10 mph crosswind at 300 yards causes about 7 inches of drift with a .308/168gr load. The transonic zone is the speed range around the sound barrier (1340 fps) where a descending bullet experiences unpredictable aerodynamic effects and poor accuracy. The calculator flags ranges where your bullet enters this zone so you know the limits of reliable precision.
FAQ
How much does a .308 bullet drop at 300 yards?
A .308 Winchester 168gr match bullet (BC 0.475) at 2650fps zeroed at 100 yards drops approximately 13-15 inches (33-38cm) at 300 yards under standard conditions. The exact drop depends on muzzle velocity, ballistic coefficient, zero range, altitude, and temperature. Use the calculator for your specific load data.
What is ballistic coefficient (BC)?
Ballistic coefficient is a measure of how efficiently a bullet retains its velocity against air resistance. A higher BC means less drag and less drop at long range. G1 BC values are found on ammunition boxes or manufacturer websites. Common values: .223/55gr = 0.243, .308/168gr = 0.475, 6.5 Creedmoor/140gr = 0.626.
What is MOA in rifle shooting?
MOA (Minute of Angle) is an angular measurement used for scope adjustments. 1 MOA equals approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards (about 2.9cm at 100m). If a bullet drops 15 inches at 300 yards, that is approximately 5 MOA of elevation adjustment needed. Most rifle scopes adjust in 1/4 MOA clicks.