“nosler accubond”

Two measurements are thrown around quite often regarding bullet performance: sectional density and ballistic coefficient. Understanding these two terms gives hunters an advantage when it comes to bullet performance beyond the barrel.

Undoubtedly, North America’s most popular game animal is the whitetail deer, but globally (and running a close second here at home) is the feral hog. Not unlike the whitetail, they are hunted with a wide array of calibers and bullets, and what works for one hunter might not be the choice of the other.

As a hunting cartridge, the 6.5-284 Norma has been touted as one of the best for game animals up to the size of elk.

Here’s a look at 10 of the most flexible long-range hunting cartridges.

It’s no secret that premium hunting bullets offer greater accuracy, higher ballistic coefficients and better terminal performance, but they’re typically about twice as expensive as standard bullets. Is the extra cost justified? 

Remington’s 7mm Mag. came on the scene and won the hearts of many hunters looking to use a bullet of less than .30 caliber, and quickly overtook the .264 Win. Mag., forcing it into near-obscurity. And, in spite of the myriad attempts to produce a 7mm Mag. that will better the performance of the Remington version, it still maintains its seat at the head of table.

The 6.5 Creedmoor makes for an excellent hunting cartridge for almost all game south of elk and moose. There’s something to be said for a short, efficient case for someone who shoots often and at high volumes, and the 6.5 Creedmoor is definitely that.

Charles Newton and A.O. Neider had a great idea when they mated the .25 caliber bullets with an ’06 case. Over a century after its introduction, hunters are still taking the .25-06 Remington afield to fill their freezers and feed their families.

Contributor Philip Massaro takes a look at how boattail and flat-base bullets perform at common hunting ranges in terms of both trajectory and wind deflection.