30-06 Springfield Ballistics
The venerable .30-06 Springfield in an AR-10 combines a century of load development with semi-auto capability. A flexible cartridge for everything from deer to elk with widely available ammunition.
Cartridge Specifications
Common Bullet Weights and Types
Muzzle Velocity by Barrel Length
Muzzle Energy by Barrel Length
Bullet Drop Table
Values in inches. 16-inch barrel reference data. Positive values rise above line of sight, negative values fall below.
| Load | Zero | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -6 | -17.4 | -34.5 |
| 150 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -6 | -17.4 | -34.5 |
| 150 gr SST | 200 yd | 1.4 | 0 | -6 | -17.4 | -34.5 |
| 165 gr BTSP | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -6.3 | -18 | -35.5 |
| 165 gr BTSP | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -6.3 | -18 | -35.5 |
| 165 gr BTSP | 200 yd | 1.5 | 0 | -6.3 | -18 | -35.5 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.7 | 0 | -6.7 | -18.8 | -36.5 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.7 | 0 | -6.7 | -18.8 | -36.5 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 200 yd | 1.7 | 0 | -6.7 | -18.8 | -36.5 |
Wind Drift at 10 mph Crosswind
Drift in inches at a 90 degree full value wind. Estimated from muzzle velocity and G1 ballistic coefficient.
| Load | 100 yd | 200 yd | 300 yd | 400 yd | 500 yd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr SST | 4.3 | 8.7 | 13 | 17.3 | 21.6 |
| 150 gr SST | 4.2 | 8.5 | 12.7 | 17 | 21.2 |
| 150 gr SST | 4.2 | 8.3 | 12.5 | 16.7 | 20.8 |
| 165 gr BTSP | 4 | 8.1 | 12.1 | 16.2 | 20.2 |
| 165 gr BTSP | 4 | 7.9 | 11.9 | 15.8 | 19.8 |
| 165 gr BTSP | 3.9 | 7.8 | 11.7 | 15.6 | 19.4 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 2.8 | 5.5 | 8.3 | 11.1 | 13.8 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 2.7 | 5.4 | 8.2 | 10.9 | 13.6 |
| 180 gr ELD-X | 2.7 | 5.3 | 8 | 10.7 | 13.3 |
Effective Range by Application
Barrel Twist Rate Recommendations
Published Load Data
| Weight | Type | Barrel | MV (fps) | ME (ft-lb) | BC (G1) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 gr | SST | 20 in | 2,910 | 2,820 | 0.415 | Hornady Superformance .30-06 150gr SST published load data |
| 150 gr | SST | 22 in | 2,970 | 2,937 | 0.415 | Hornady Superformance .30-06 150gr SST published load data |
| 150 gr | SST | 24 in | 3,020 | 3,037 | 0.415 | Hornady Superformance .30-06 150gr SST published load data |
| 165 gr | BTSP | 20 in | 2,800 | 2,872 | 0.447 | Federal Power-Shok .30-06 165gr BTSP published specs |
| 165 gr | BTSP | 22 in | 2,860 | 2,996 | 0.447 | Federal Power-Shok .30-06 165gr BTSP published specs |
| 165 gr | BTSP | 24 in | 2,910 | 3,102 | 0.447 | Federal Power-Shok .30-06 165gr BTSP published specs |
| 180 gr | ELD-X | 20 in | 2,700 | 2,913 | 0.552 | Hornady Precision Hunter .30-06 178gr/180gr ELD-X published specs |
| 180 gr | ELD-X | 22 in | 2,750 | 3,022 | 0.552 | Hornady Precision Hunter .30-06 178gr/180gr ELD-X published specs |
| 180 gr | ELD-X | 24 in | 2,800 | 3,133 | 0.552 | Hornady Precision Hunter .30-06 178gr/180gr ELD-X published specs |
Data Disclaimer
Ballistic data is approximate and varies by ammunition lot, barrel condition, altitude, and temperature. Data sourced from Hornady Superformance .30-06 150gr SST published load data; Federal Power-Shok .30-06 165gr BTSP published specs; Hornady Precision Hunter .30-06 178gr/180gr ELD-X published specs. Always confirm zero and trajectory with your specific firearm.
Pick the right barrel
Twist rate should match the bullet weights you plan to shoot. See barrel steel grades, profiles, chamber types, and twist rate guidance on the barrel specs page, then jump into the builder to filter barrels chambered in 30-06 Springfield.