Rifle Bullet Sectional Density List

Compiled By Chuck Hawks


Sectional density (SD) is defined as the weight of a bullet (in pounds) divided by the square of its diameter (in inches). You can use that formula to compute the SD of any bullet not listed below. For the most comprehensive list of rifle bullet sectional densities of which I am aware, listing many more bullet weights and calibers (including British and European calibers), see the Expanded Rifle Bullet Sectional Density List.


.17 Caliber (.172")

  • 17 grain, SD = .084

.22 Caliber (.222")

  • 40 grain, SD = .116

.22 Caliber (.224")

  • 45 grain, SD = .128
  • 50 grain, SD = .142
  • 55 grain, SD = .157

.24/6mm Caliber (.243")

  • 55 grain, SD = .133
  • 80 grain, SD = .194
  • 95 grain, SD = .230
  • 100 grain, SD = .242

.25 Caliber (.257")

  • 87 grain, SD = .188
  • 100 grain, SD = .216
  • 120 grain, SD = .260

.26/6.5mm Caliber (.264")

  • 120 grain, SD = .247
  • 140 grain, SD = .287
  • 160 grain, SD = .328

.270 Caliber (.277")

  • 100 grain, SD = .186
  • 130 grain, SD = .242
  • 150 grain, SD = .279

.28/7mm Caliber (.284")

  • 140 grain, SD = .248
  • 150 grain, SD = .266
  • 160 grain, SD = .286
  • 175 grain, SD = .310

.30 Caliber (.308")

  • 110 grain, SD = .166
  • 150 grain, SD = .226
  • 165 grain, SD = .248
  • 170 grain, SD = .256
  • 180 grain, SD = .271
  • 220 grain, SD = .331

.303 Caliber (.311-.312")

  • 123 grain, SD = .183
  • 150 grain, SD = .221
  • 180 grain, SD = .265

.32 Caliber (.321")

  • 170 grain, SD = .236

8mm Caliber (.323")

  • 170 grain, SD = .233
  • 200 grain, SD = .274

.33 Caliber (.338")

  • 200 grain, SD = .250
  • 225 grain, SD = .281
  • 250 grain, SD = .313

.35 Caliber (.357-.358")

  • 200 grain, SD = .223
  • 225 grain, SD = .251
  • 250 grain, SD = .279

.375 Caliber (.375")

  • 270 grain, SD = .274
  • 300 grain, SD = .305

.416 Caliber (.416")

  • 400 grain, SD = .330

.44 Caliber (.429-.430")

  • 240 grain, SD = .185
  • 265 grain, SD = .205

.45 Caliber (.458")

  • 300 grain, SD = .204
  • 350 grain, SD = .238
  • 405 grain, SD = .276
  • 500 grain, SD = .341



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Copyright 2003, 2016 by Chuck Hawks. All rights reserved.


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