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.300 H&H Mag. Ballistics — Velocity, Energy & Drop

Common uses: Hunting, Big Game

Specifications

Typerifle (centerfire)
Typical load180gr Federal Vital-Shok Nosler Partition
Muzzle velocity2880 fps
Muzzle energy3316 ft-lb
Published G1 ballistic coefficient0.474
Case length72.4 mm
Overall length91.4 mm

.300 H&H Mag. Trajectory Table

Range (yd)Velocity (fps)Energy (ft-lb)Drop (in)
028803315-1.5
100268228750
20024922482-3.4
30023112134-12.3
40021371825-27.8
50019711552-50.9

.300 H&H Mag. Extended Ballistics (to 1,000 yd)

At 1,000 yards, .300 H&H Mag. (180gr at 2880 fps, 100 yd zero, standard conditions) has a modeled come-up of about 32.4 MOA / 9.4 MIL, retaining 1286 fps (transonic).

Range (yd)Velocity (fps)StateDrop (in)Elev (MOA)Elev (MIL)
3002311Supersonic-12.33.91.14
4002137Supersonic-27.86.61.93
5001971Supersonic-50.99.72.83
6001813Supersonic-83.013.23.84
7001664Supersonic-125.717.14.99
8001525Supersonic-181.021.66.29
9001399Supersonic-251.326.77.76
10001286Transonic-339.432.49.43

Extended predictions beyond 500 yards are modeled from the same G1 engine — useful for initial DOPE, but outside the 500-yard manufacturer-table validation audit. Confirm with observed DOPE, especially near transonic.

Hunting Energy Reference

A retained-energy reference only — not a shoot/don't-shoot distance. Real effective range depends on your accuracy, shot placement, bullet construction, and conditions. The ~1,000 ft-lb (deer-sized) and ~1,500 ft-lb (elk-sized) figures are commonly cited rules of thumb, not standards.

Data & Sources

Your barrel, ammunition lot, and conditions will differ — always verify against the manufacturer's data and your own rifle.

Overview

For decades the .300 H&H was America's benchmark .30-caliber magnum, prized for its flat trajectory, hard-hitting performance on large game, and a reputation for fine accuracy that made it a target favorite before it became a hunting standard. Its long, tapered, belted case feeds smoothly and burns powder efficiently, delivering excellent velocity with heavy 180- to 220-grain bullets suited to elk, moose, bear, and open-country game at extended range. The same long case is also its chief limitation: it requires a full-length magnum action and gradually lost ground to the shorter, higher-pressure .300 Winchester Magnum, which fits standard-length actions and matches or exceeds its ballistics. Today it is regarded as a classic, somewhat nostalgic choice, still capable and well-liked by traditionalists but no longer common in new factory rifles or on ammunition shelves.

History

Introduced by the British gunmaker Holland & Holland in 1925 as the "Super Thirty," the .300 H&H Magnum was derived from the firm's earlier .375 H&H Magnum, sharing its long, belted, gently tapered case. It was conceived as a flat-shooting big-game round for the .30-caliber shooter who wanted more reach and power than the .30-06 could offer. The cartridge earned lasting fame in the United States when Ben Comfort won the 1,000-yard Wimbledon Cup match with it in 1935, and Winchester's decision to chamber the Model 70 for it in 1937 cemented its place in the American market.

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