30-06 Springfield Ballistics Calculator
Select a common 30-06 Springfield load below to generate a full ballistics table, or use the calculator with your own data.
Popular 30-06 Springfield Load Presets
168gr Hornady ELD-M
- Muzzle Velocity: 2710 fps
- BC (G1): 0.523
- Use: Long range precision
165gr Nosler Ballistic Tip
- Muzzle Velocity: 2950 fps
- BC (G1): 0.475
- Use: Deer & medium game hunting
180gr Nosler Partition
- Muzzle Velocity: 2700 fps
- BC (G1): 0.474
- Use: Elk & large game hunting
30-06 Springfield Drop Chart — Reference Data
168gr Hornady ELD-M — 2710 fps MV — 100 Yard Zero
| Range (yds) | Drop (in) | MOA | Velocity (fps) | Energy (ft-lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0.0 | -0.0 | 2537 | 2401 |
| 200 | -3.9 | 1.9 | 2371 | 2096 |
| 300 | -14.0 | 4.5 | 2211 | 1823 |
| 400 | -31.2 | 7.5 | 2057 | 1578 |
| 500 | -56.7 | 10.8 | 1909 | 1359 |
| 600 | -91.7 | 14.6 | 1769 | 1167 |
| 700 | -137.9 | 18.8 | 1636 | 998 |
| 800 | -197.1 | 23.5 | 1512 | 853 |
| 900 | -271.5 | 28.8 | 1398 | 729 |
| 1000 | -363.7 | 34.7 | 1296 | 626 |
*Reference data calculated at sea level, 59°F, 50% humidity, no wind.
30-06 Springfield Ballistic Performance
Trajectory & Wind Drift
The 30-06 Springfield with 168gr match bullets at 2710 fps delivers a trajectory very similar to the 308 Winchester, dropping approximately 400 inches at 1000 yards. The cartridge benefits from a longer case that can push heavier bullets faster than the 308, though real-world differences are modest with similar bullet weights.
Energy & Terminal Performance
The 30-06 retains over 1000 ft-lb of energy past 500 yards with 168gr match loads. With 180gr hunting bullets, it delivers excellent terminal performance on game from deer to elk at typical hunting distances. Over a century of use has produced an enormous variety of factory ammunition and bullet choices for every application.
30-06 Springfield FAQ
Is 30-06 still a good hunting cartridge?
The 30-06 Springfield remains one of the most versatile hunting cartridges available. It can handle everything from varmints with 110gr bullets to moose with 220gr loads. Factory ammunition is available everywhere, and the cartridge delivers performance comparable to the 308 Winchester with the ability to push heavier bullets at useful velocities.
How does 30-06 compare to 308 Winchester?
With identical bullet weights, the 30-06 offers 50-100 fps more velocity than the 308 Winchester due to its larger case capacity. In practice, both cartridges perform very similarly at hunting distances. The 308 benefits from short-action rifles, while the 30-06 has an edge with heavier bullets (180gr+). See our 308 vs 30-06 comparison for detailed data.
What is the best 30-06 load for deer?
For deer-sized game, 150-165gr bullets like the Nosler Ballistic Tip at 2800 fps offer flat trajectories and reliable expansion. The 165gr weight is often considered the ideal all-around choice, providing a good balance of trajectory, energy, and terminal performance out to 400 yards.
How does 30-06 compare to 270 Winchester?
The 270 Winchester shoots flatter due to lighter, higher-velocity bullets (130-150gr at 2900-3060 fps), while the 30-06 offers heavier bullet options (180-220gr) for larger game. For deer hunting in open country, the 270 has a slight edge. For elk and mixed-game hunting, the 30-06 is more versatile. See our 270 Win vs 30-06 comparison.
Related Comparisons
See how 30-06 Springfield stacks up against other popular calibers.
Manufacturer Resources
Verify ballistic coefficients and load data from the bullet manufacturers:
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