I’m diving into some long-range shooting with my .45-70, and I’m curious about its performance specifically at 200 yards. When it comes to bullet drop, I want to make sure I’m hitting my targets accurately, whether for target practice or hunting.
Bullet Drop Considerations
Understanding how different loads and bullet types affect bullet drop is crucial. Here are some factors I’ve been considering:
Bullet Weight: Heavier bullets may drop differently compared to lighter ones.
Ballistics Coefficient: This value impacts how well the bullet maintains its velocity and trajectory in the air.
Muzzle Velocity: The speed at which the bullet leaves the barrel will affect how much it drops at longer distances.
Practical Insights
I’m hoping to gather some insights from others who have experience with the .45-70 at 200 yards:
What bullet types have you found most effective for long-range accuracy?
How do you adjust your sights for this distance?
Any tips on ethical shooting limits?
Conclusion
I appreciate any knowledge you can share! I’m eager to improve my technique and ensure I’m hitting accurately at 200 yards. Looking forward to the discussion and hearing your tips and experiences with the .45-70!
The bullet drop of a .45-70 at 200 yards can vary based on several factors. Generally, you could expect about 10 to 12 inches of drop due to gravity, but it also depends on initial velocity and air resistance.
That’s a solid estimate! The initial velocity from a typical .45-70 round is around 1,200 to 1,500 fps, which really impacts trajectory. Anyone have real-world experience with these numbers?
Good point, amiller! Air resistance can also slow down the bullet significantly, especially at longer distances. For the .45-70, its larger profile increases drag compared to smaller calibers.
Exactly, wyatt32! So, it’s not just gravity at play. The bullet also loses energy to air resistance, which results in more drop than one might expect. This is crucial for long-range shooting.
The physics involved here can get quite technical. What type of bullet weight are you using? Heavier bullets typically have a better ballistic coefficient and can handle wind better than lighter ones.
Using 405 grain is solid. It does help maintain velocity over distance, which can mitigate some bullet drop. However, consider zeroing your rifle at 100 yards for optimal accuracy at 200 yards.
Yes, bherrera! Zeroing at 100 allows you to understand the bullet’s drop better as you extend your range. At 200 yards, the drop can be quite significant if you don’t account for it.
Hand-loading allows for more control over powder and bullet choices, which can significantly affect bullet drop and trajectory. Experimenting can yield better dropping results at range.
I agree with you on that! The .45-70 can definitely surprise you if you’re not familiar with its ballistics. Always best to study the numbers before heading to the range.
Physics might be the least favorite subject for some, but knowing how gravity and air resistance affect trajectory can make you more successful in your shooting pursuits!
To effectively adjust your sight settings for a .45-70 at 200 yards, start by zeroing your rifle at 100 yards. You’ll need to consider a drop of approximately 10-12 inches at 200 yards, depending on your load.