.240 Weatherby Mag Ammo
Professionally Reviewed by:
Nathaniel Boos
Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.
Credentials:
- • 2x Team Safari Competitor
- • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
- • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
- • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified
.240 Weatherby Mag: At a Glance
| Key Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Firearm Type | Rifle |
| Primer Type | Large Rifle |
| Used For | Long-range hunting, Target shooting |
| Case Design | Belted, Bottleneck |
| Year Introduced | 1968 |
.240 Weatherby Mag: At a Glance: Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Excellent long-range performance
- ✔ High velocity and flat trajectory
- ✔ Good balance of power and recoil
- ✔ Versatile for various medium-sized game
- ✔ Weatherby's reputation for quality
Cons
- ✘ Ammunition can be expensive and less available
- ✘ Requires a magnum-length action
- ✘ Higher recoil compared to standard cartridges
- ✘ Overkill for smaller game
- ✘ Barrel life may be shorter due to high velocities
.240 Weatherby Magnum: A Comprehensive Overview
The .240 Weatherby Magnum is a high-performance rifle cartridge developed by Roy Weatherby in 1968. Known for its flat trajectory and high velocity, this cartridge was designed to bridge the gap between the .224 and .257 calibers in the Weatherby Magnum line. The .240 Weatherby Magnum offers exceptional long-range performance and is particularly favored by hunters pursuing medium-sized game at extended distances.
History and Development
Roy Weatherby introduced the .240 Weatherby Magnum in 1968 as part of his famous line of magnum cartridges. It was developed on the .30-06 length case, necked down to accept .243 (6mm) bullets. The cartridge was designed to offer superior ballistics over existing 6mm cartridges, providing hunters and long-range shooters with a high-velocity option that maintained energy at extended ranges.
The .240 Weatherby Magnum was created to fill a niche in the Weatherby lineup between the .224 Weatherby Magnum and the .257 Weatherby Magnum. It offered a balance of high velocity, flat trajectory, and moderate recoil, making it suitable for a wide range of hunting applications, particularly for medium-sized game at long distances.
Initially, the .240 Weatherby Magnum was only available in Weatherby's own rifles, which contributed to its relatively limited popularity compared to some other Weatherby cartridges. However, its performance characteristics have earned it a dedicated following among hunters and long-range shooting enthusiasts who appreciate its capabilities.
The cartridge's design incorporates Weatherby's signature double-radius shoulder and belt, features that contribute to its high-pressure tolerance and efficient powder burn. These design elements, combined with the use of high-quality components, allow the .240 Weatherby Magnum to achieve velocities significantly higher than those of standard 6mm cartridges.
While not as widely adopted as some other Weatherby cartridges, the .240 Weatherby Magnum has maintained a steady following. Its performance in the field, particularly for long-range hunting of deer, antelope, and similar-sized game, has solidified its place in the Weatherby lineup and in the arsenals of discerning hunters and shooters.
Timeline of .240 Weatherby Magnum Development:
.240 Weatherby Magnum Performance
The .240 Weatherby Magnum offers exceptional ballistic performance, particularly in terms of velocity and long-range capability. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:
| Characteristic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 3,800-4,000 fps (87-grain bullets)
3,400-3,600 fps (100-grain bullets) Velocities measured at the muzzle |
| Trajectory | Extremely flat trajectory at long ranges Effective for hunting and target shooting beyond 400 yards |
| Energy | 2,800-3,000 ft-lbs at the muzzle (87-grain bullets) Provides excellent performance for medium-sized game |
| Recoil | Moderate, higher than standard 6mm cartridges Manageable in properly designed rifles |
| Accuracy | Capable of sub-MOA accuracy in quality rifles Excellent for long-range hunting and precision shooting |
Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity
This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common .240 Weatherby Mag loads.
.240 Weatherby Magnum: Effective Range for Different Applications
This table provides estimated effective ranges for .240 Weatherby Magnum ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.
| Application | Effective Range (yards) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Hunting | 0-600 | Excellent for medium to large game, high velocity and flat trajectory |
| Long-Range Target Shooting | 0-1000 | Capable of extreme long-range accuracy with proper loads |
| Varmint Hunting | 0-800 | Overkill for most varmints, but extremely effective at long ranges |
Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The .240 Weatherby Magnum is known for its exceptional velocity and flat trajectory, making it suitable for long-range applications. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.
Applications for .240 Weatherby Magnum
The .240 Weatherby Magnum's high-performance characteristics make it suitable for specific applications:
Caliber Comparisons
To understand the .240 Weatherby Mag's place in the rifle world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:
Recoil Energy Comparison
Compare the estimated recoil energy of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8.5 lb rifle)
Ballistic Trajectory Comparison
This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Wind Drift Comparison
This chart compares the wind drift of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.
Energy Retention Comparison
This chart compares the energy retention of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.
Sectional Density Comparison for .240 Weatherby Mag
The .240 Weatherby Magnum is a high-velocity cartridge known for its flat trajectory and excellent long-range performance. This table compares the sectional density of common bullet weights used in this cartridge.
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (gr) | Sectional Density |
|---|---|---|
| .240 Weatherby Mag | 85 | 0.213 |
| .240 Weatherby Mag | 100 | 0.250 |
| .240 Weatherby Mag | 87 | 0.218 |
| .240 Weatherby Mag | 95 | 0.238 |
| .240 Weatherby Mag | 105 | 0.263 |
Note: The .240 Weatherby Mag uses a .243 inch diameter bullet. Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². The high sectional densities of these bullets contribute to the cartridge's excellent penetration and energy retention at long ranges.