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Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain

Introduction to Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain and Ballistic Trajectories

If you’ve ever wondered why your bullet doesn’t fly in a perfectly straight line, the answer lies in physics. The concept of Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain—the highest point along a bullet’s path—plays a crucial role in understanding trajectories. For shooters using the ever-popular 168-grain bullet, knowing this detail can mean the difference between a clean hit and a missed shot.

Understanding the Concept of Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain

Think of a bullet like a football pass: once launched, gravity starts pulling it down. Instead of flying straight, the bullet arcs. This arc is what we call the trajectory.

Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain occurs when the bullet is at its highest point before starting to drop toward the target.

The Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain – Popular Choice Among Shooters

The 168-grain round, especially in .308 Winchester, is a gold standard for precision shooting. Why? Because it offers an excellent balance of velocity, ballistic coefficient, and stability.

  • Used in competition: Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain loads dominate in mid-range precision matches.
  • Used in hunting: Provides reliable expansion and energy on deer-sized game.
  • Commonly available: Most ammo manufacturers offer 168-grain variants.

Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain Explained

So, what exactly is Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain?
It’s simply the peak height your bullet reaches above your line of sight before descending to meet your zeroed range. It’s not the same as bullet drop. Instead, it tells you how much clearance you need over obstacles like brush or terrain between you and your target.

How Maximum Ordinate Relates to Zero Distance

Your zero distance—the point where your sights and bullet path intersect—directly affects maximum ordinate.

  • 100-yard zero: Lower maximum ordinate, closer trajectory.
  • 200-yard zero: Higher maximum ordinate, but extends effective range.

For a typical 168-grain .308 bullet zeroed at 200 yards, the maximum ordinate is usually around 2 to 2.5 inches high at about 100 yards.

Charting the Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain

Ballisticians use data, velocity, and drag models to create trajectory charts. These charts give shooters a map of their bullet’s flight.

Sample Trajectory Data for a 168-Grain Bullet (.308 Winchester at 2650 fps, BC .462, 200-yard zero):

Range (yards)Bullet Path (inches)
50+1.1
100+2.2 (maximum ordinate)
150+2.0
2000.0 (zero)
300-8.6
400-24.8
500-50.2

This shows how the bullet climbs above line of sight before dropping back down.

Real-World Applications of the Chart

  • Hunters: Ensures shots clear brush between you and the deer.
  • Competitive shooters: Helps plan holdovers and adjustments.
  • Law enforcement/military: Critical for precision engagement at variable ranges.

Environmental Factors and Their Effect

Maximum ordinate isn’t fixed. It changes with:

  • Altitude: Higher altitudes mean less drag, flatter trajectory.
  • Wind: Doesn’t change ordinate height but shifts lateral path.
  • Temperature/Humidity: Warmer, thinner air flattens trajectory slightly.

Tools for Calculating Maximum Ordinate Trajectory Chart 168 Grain

You don’t have to guess.

  • Ballistic apps like Strelok, Applied Ballistics, or Hornady 4DOF do the math.
  • Chronographs give your actual muzzle velocity.
  • Rangefinders ensure accurate distance inputs.

Tips for Shooters Using Maximum Ordinate Data

  • Choose your zero wisely. If hunting in wooded terrain, a 100-yard zero may work better.
  • Understand your point-blank range—the distance within which you can aim center and still hit vital zones without holdover.
  • Always confirm chart data at the range. Real-world conditions beat theory.

Common Mistakes Shooters Make

  • Thinking maximum ordinate = bullet rise (it doesn’t “rise,” it just appears to due to line of sight).
  • Ignoring atmospheric effects.
  • Using factory charts without testing their own rifle/ammo combo.

Comparing 168-Grain with Other Bullet Weights

  • 150-grain: Flatter at shorter ranges, but sheds energy faster.
  • 175-grain: Slightly more arc (higher maximum ordinate), but holds energy and resists wind better at long range.

Practical Scenarios Where Maximum Ordinate Matters

  • Hunting: Ensuring a bullet clears brush at 100 yards on a 200-yard shot.
  • Competition: Knowing your trajectory curve saves valuable seconds.
  • Tactical: Helps shooters avoid cover or obstacles in urban settings.

Conclusion

The maximum ordinate trajectory chart for 168-grain bullets isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s a roadmap for accuracy. Whether you’re in the field, at the range, or on duty, knowing how your bullet arcs makes you a smarter, more effective shooter.

FAQs

1. What is the typical maximum ordinate for a 168-grain .308 bullet at 200-yard zero?
Around 2–2.5 inches high, usually reached at 100 yards.

2. How does maximum ordinate differ from bullet rise?
The bullet doesn’t actually rise—it starts dropping immediately. Maximum ordinate is just the highest point relative to your line of sight.

3. Do all bullet weights have the same maximum ordinate?
No. Lighter bullets fly flatter, while heavier ones arc higher due to lower velocity.

4. Can weather change the maximum ordinate of a bullet?
Yes. Air density, altitude, and temperature all affect bullet trajectory.

5. What’s the best zero distance for a 168-grain bullet?
It depends on your purpose. Many prefer 200 yards for general use, while 100 yards works better for hunting in dense terrain.