Ever wonder what gives the most thump downrange for the least amount of recoil? Here's a comparison using Nosler Accubond bullets, averaging the top six fastest loads for the cartridge, loaded to 60,000psi chamber pressure. Rifle Weight = 8lbs
Used Bryan Litz ballistic coefficients when possible. 24" barrel velocity, with exception of a few that were done on 26" (Wby Mags, Ultra Mags). 2400' / 50F / 50% humidity for downrange specs
22 Creedmoor 70gr Accubond @ 3610 fps
46.4grs powder
BC .340
Recoil = 12 ft lbs
500y energy = 810 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 67.5
243 Win 90gr Accubond @ 3315 fps
46.4grs powder
BC .355
Recoil = 13 ft lbs
500y energy = 890 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 68.5
25-06 110gr Accubond @ 3280 fps
57.4grs powder
BC .399
Recoil = 19 ft lbs
500y energy = 1183 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 62.3
257 Wby 110gr Accubond @ 3505 fps
69.7grs powder
BC .399
Recoil = 26 ft lbs
500y energy = 1377 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.0
6.5 Creedmoor 140gr Accubond @ 2855 fps
45.0grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 15 ft lbs
500y energy = 1230 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 82.0
6.5x55 140gr Accubond @ 2900 fps
50.7grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 17 ft lbs
500y energy = 1275 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 75.0
6.5 PRC 140gr Accubond @ 3020 fps
57.7grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 21 ft lbs
500y energy = 1400 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 66.7
26 Nosler 140gr Accubond @ 3270 fps
77.5grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 32 ft lbs
500y energy = 1680 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 52.5
270 Win 140gr Accubond @ 3055 fps
57.4grs powder
BC .425
Recoil = 21 ft lbs
500y energy = 1346 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 64.1
270 WSM 140gr Accubond @ 3180 fps
66.1grs powder
BC .425
Recoil = 26 ft lbs
500y energy = 1478 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 56.9
7mm-08 Rem 140gr Accubond @ 2855 fps
43.9grs powder
BC .389
Recoil = 15 ft lbs
500y energy = 1060 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 70.7
7mm-08 Rem 160gr Accubond @ 2675 fps
42.9grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 16 ft lbs
500y energy = 1207 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 75.4
280 Ackley 160gr Accubond @ 2955 fps
60.9grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 25 ft lbs
500y energy = 1522 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 60.9
7mm Rem Mag 160gr Accubond @ 3055 fps
69.8grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 29 ft lbs
500y energy = 1644 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 56.7
28 Nosler 160gr Accubond @ 3230 fps
80.3grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 37 ft lbs
500y energy = 1867 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 50.5
308 Win 150gr Accubond @ 2845 fps
45.4grs powder
BC .386
Recoil = 17 ft lbs
500y energy = 1117 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 65.7
308 Win 165gr Accubond @ 2715 fps
44.7grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 17 ft lbs
500y energy = 1252 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 73.6
308 Win 180gr Accubond @ 2600 fps
43.3grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 18 ft lbs
500y energy = 1314 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 73.0
30-06 150gr Accubond @ 3050 fps
60.1grs powder
BC .386
Recoil = 24 ft lbs
500y energy = 1319 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.0
30-06 165gr Accubond @ 2925 fps
58.0grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 24 ft lbs
500y energy = 1491 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 62.1
30-06 180gr Accubond @ 2815 fps
56.9grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 25 ft lbs
500y energy = 1580 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 63.2
30-06 200gr Accubond @ 2675 fps
55.0grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 25 ft lbs
500y energy = 1658 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 66.3
300 WSM 165gr Accubond @ 3100 fps
68.4grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 31 ft lbs
500y energy = 1707 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.1
300 WSM 180gr Accubond @ 2980 fps
68.0grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 31 ft lbs
500y energy = 1803 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 58.2
300 WSM 200gr Accubond @ 2825 fps
65.7grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 31 ft lbs
500y energy = 1879 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 60.6
300 Win Mag 165gr Accubond @ 3185 fps
78.1grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 37 ft lbs
500y energy = 1816 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 49.1
300 Win Mag 180gr Accubond @ 3060 fps
75.6grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 36 ft lbs
500y energy = 1915 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.2
300 Win Mag 200gr Accubond @ 2905 fps
72.2grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 36 ft lbs
500y energy = 2003 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.6
300 PRC 200gr Accubond @ 3015 fps
87.4grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 45 ft lbs
500y energy = 2180 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 48.4
300 Ultra Mag 200gr Accubond @ 3115 fps
91.1grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 50 ft lbs
500y energy = 2346 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 46.9
325 WSM 200gr Accubond @ 2880 fps
65.7grs powder
BC .450
Recoil = 33 ft lbs
500y energy = 1756 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.2
8mm Rem Mag 200gr Accubond @ 3010 fps
81.1grs powder
BC .450
Recoil = 42 ft lbs
500y energy = 1946 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 46.3
338 Federal 200gr Accubond @ 2560 fps
44.3grs powder
BC .461
Recoil = 20 ft lbs
500y energy = 1359 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 68.0
338-06 225gr Accubond @ 2590 fps
55.0grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 27 ft lbs
500y energy = 1732 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 64.1
338-06 250gr Accubond @ 2450 fps
53.8grs powder
BC .583
Recoil = 28 ft lbs
500y energy = 1821 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 65.0
338 Win Mag 225gr Accubond @ 2715fps
70.6grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 35 ft lbs
500y energy = 1930 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.1
338 Win Mag 250gr Accubond @ 2645fps
68.8grs powder
BC .583
Recoil = 38 ft lbs
500y energy = 2167 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 57.0
338 Ultra Mag 250gr Accubond @ 2910fps
88.7grs powder
BC .583
Recoil = 55 ft lbs
500y energy = 2689 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 48.9
358 Win 200gr Accubond @ 2590 fps
45.9grs powder
BC .365
Recoil = 21 ft lbs
500y energy = 1124 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.5
35 Whelen 225gr Accubond @ 2650 fps
56.2grs powder
BC .430
Recoil = 29 ft lbs
500y energy = 1563 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.9
9.3x62 250gr Accubond @ 2605 fps
61.1grs powder
BC .494
Recoil = 34 ft lbs
500y energy = 1868 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 54.9
375 Ruger 260gr Accubond @ 2815 fps
77.3grs powder
BC .473
Recoil = 49 ft lbs
500y energy = 2250 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 45.9
375 Ruger 300gr Accubond @ 2625 fps
74.1grs powder
BC .494
Recoil = 50 ft lbs
500y energy = 2282 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 45.7
Top Ten Most Efficient
Top Ten Least Efficient
Used Bryan Litz ballistic coefficients when possible. 24" barrel velocity, with exception of a few that were done on 26" (Wby Mags, Ultra Mags). 2400' / 50F / 50% humidity for downrange specs
22 Creedmoor 70gr Accubond @ 3610 fps
46.4grs powder
BC .340
Recoil = 12 ft lbs
500y energy = 810 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 67.5
243 Win 90gr Accubond @ 3315 fps
46.4grs powder
BC .355
Recoil = 13 ft lbs
500y energy = 890 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 68.5
25-06 110gr Accubond @ 3280 fps
57.4grs powder
BC .399
Recoil = 19 ft lbs
500y energy = 1183 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 62.3
257 Wby 110gr Accubond @ 3505 fps
69.7grs powder
BC .399
Recoil = 26 ft lbs
500y energy = 1377 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.0
6.5 Creedmoor 140gr Accubond @ 2855 fps
45.0grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 15 ft lbs
500y energy = 1230 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 82.0
6.5x55 140gr Accubond @ 2900 fps
50.7grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 17 ft lbs
500y energy = 1275 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 75.0
6.5 PRC 140gr Accubond @ 3020 fps
57.7grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 21 ft lbs
500y energy = 1400 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 66.7
26 Nosler 140gr Accubond @ 3270 fps
77.5grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 32 ft lbs
500y energy = 1680 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 52.5
270 Win 140gr Accubond @ 3055 fps
57.4grs powder
BC .425
Recoil = 21 ft lbs
500y energy = 1346 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 64.1
270 WSM 140gr Accubond @ 3180 fps
66.1grs powder
BC .425
Recoil = 26 ft lbs
500y energy = 1478 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 56.9
7mm-08 Rem 140gr Accubond @ 2855 fps
43.9grs powder
BC .389
Recoil = 15 ft lbs
500y energy = 1060 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 70.7
7mm-08 Rem 160gr Accubond @ 2675 fps
42.9grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 16 ft lbs
500y energy = 1207 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 75.4
280 Ackley 160gr Accubond @ 2955 fps
60.9grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 25 ft lbs
500y energy = 1522 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 60.9
7mm Rem Mag 160gr Accubond @ 3055 fps
69.8grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 29 ft lbs
500y energy = 1644 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 56.7
28 Nosler 160gr Accubond @ 3230 fps
80.3grs powder
BC .462
Recoil = 37 ft lbs
500y energy = 1867 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 50.5
308 Win 150gr Accubond @ 2845 fps
45.4grs powder
BC .386
Recoil = 17 ft lbs
500y energy = 1117 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 65.7
308 Win 165gr Accubond @ 2715 fps
44.7grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 17 ft lbs
500y energy = 1252 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 73.6
308 Win 180gr Accubond @ 2600 fps
43.3grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 18 ft lbs
500y energy = 1314 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 73.0
30-06 150gr Accubond @ 3050 fps
60.1grs powder
BC .386
Recoil = 24 ft lbs
500y energy = 1319 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.0
30-06 165gr Accubond @ 2925 fps
58.0grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 24 ft lbs
500y energy = 1491 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 62.1
30-06 180gr Accubond @ 2815 fps
56.9grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 25 ft lbs
500y energy = 1580 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 63.2
30-06 200gr Accubond @ 2675 fps
55.0grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 25 ft lbs
500y energy = 1658 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 66.3
300 WSM 165gr Accubond @ 3100 fps
68.4grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 31 ft lbs
500y energy = 1707 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.1
300 WSM 180gr Accubond @ 2980 fps
68.0grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 31 ft lbs
500y energy = 1803 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 58.2
300 WSM 200gr Accubond @ 2825 fps
65.7grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 31 ft lbs
500y energy = 1879 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 60.6
300 Win Mag 165gr Accubond @ 3185 fps
78.1grs powder
BC .446
Recoil = 37 ft lbs
500y energy = 1816 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 49.1
300 Win Mag 180gr Accubond @ 3060 fps
75.6grs powder
BC .482
Recoil = 36 ft lbs
500y energy = 1915 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.2
300 Win Mag 200gr Accubond @ 2905 fps
72.2grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 36 ft lbs
500y energy = 2003 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.6
300 PRC 200gr Accubond @ 3015 fps
87.4grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 45 ft lbs
500y energy = 2180 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 48.4
300 Ultra Mag 200gr Accubond @ 3115 fps
91.1grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 50 ft lbs
500y energy = 2346 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 46.9
325 WSM 200gr Accubond @ 2880 fps
65.7grs powder
BC .450
Recoil = 33 ft lbs
500y energy = 1756 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.2
8mm Rem Mag 200gr Accubond @ 3010 fps
81.1grs powder
BC .450
Recoil = 42 ft lbs
500y energy = 1946 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 46.3
338 Federal 200gr Accubond @ 2560 fps
44.3grs powder
BC .461
Recoil = 20 ft lbs
500y energy = 1359 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 68.0
338-06 225gr Accubond @ 2590 fps
55.0grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 27 ft lbs
500y energy = 1732 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 64.1
338-06 250gr Accubond @ 2450 fps
53.8grs powder
BC .583
Recoil = 28 ft lbs
500y energy = 1821 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 65.0
338 Win Mag 225gr Accubond @ 2715fps
70.6grs powder
BC .524
Recoil = 35 ft lbs
500y energy = 1930 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 55.1
338 Win Mag 250gr Accubond @ 2645fps
68.8grs powder
BC .583
Recoil = 38 ft lbs
500y energy = 2167 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 57.0
338 Ultra Mag 250gr Accubond @ 2910fps
88.7grs powder
BC .583
Recoil = 55 ft lbs
500y energy = 2689 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 48.9
358 Win 200gr Accubond @ 2590 fps
45.9grs powder
BC .365
Recoil = 21 ft lbs
500y energy = 1124 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.5
35 Whelen 225gr Accubond @ 2650 fps
56.2grs powder
BC .430
Recoil = 29 ft lbs
500y energy = 1563 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 53.9
9.3x62 250gr Accubond @ 2605 fps
61.1grs powder
BC .494
Recoil = 34 ft lbs
500y energy = 1868 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 54.9
375 Ruger 260gr Accubond @ 2815 fps
77.3grs powder
BC .473
Recoil = 49 ft lbs
500y energy = 2250 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 45.9
375 Ruger 300gr Accubond @ 2625 fps
74.1grs powder
BC .494
Recoil = 50 ft lbs
500y energy = 2282 ft lbs
Ft lb bullet energy per ft lb recoil = 45.7
Top Ten Most Efficient
- 6.5 Creedmoor 140gr 82.0 ft lbs of energy per ft lb of recoil
- 7mm-08 160gr 75.4 (140gr 70.7)
- 6.5x55 140gr 75.0
- 308 Win 165gr 73.6 (150gr 65.7, 180gr 73.0)
- 243 Win 90gr 68.5
- 338 Federal 200gr 68.0
- 22 Creedmoor 70gr 67.5
- 6.5 PRC 140gr 66.7
- 30-06 200gr 66.3 (150gr 55.0, 165gr 62.1, 180gr 63.2)
- 338-06 250gr 65.0 (225gr 64.1)
Top Ten Least Efficient
- 375 Ruger 300gr 45.7
- 8mm Rem Mag 200gr 46.3
- 300 Ultra Mag 200gr 46.9
- 300 PRC 200gr 48.4
- 338 Ultra Mag 250gr 48.9
- 300 Win Mag 165gr 49.1
- 28 Nosler 160gr 50.5
- 26 Nosler 140gr 52.5
- 257 Weatherby 110gr 53.0
- 325 WSM 200gr 53.2
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