.240 Weatherby Mag Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

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:

Year Event
2023 The .240 Weatherby Magnum continues to be produced and used by long-range hunting enthusiasts.
1990 Weatherby introduces new rifle models chambered for the .240 Weatherby Magnum, expanding its availability
1968 Roy Weatherby introduces the .240 Weatherby Magnum cartridge
1967 Development and testing of the .240 Weatherby Magnum begins
1945 Roy Weatherby founds Weatherby Inc., setting the stage for future magnum cartridge developments

.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.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

.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:

Big Game Hunting
  • Excellent for medium to large game at extended ranges
  • High velocity provides deep penetration and rapid expansion
  • Flat trajectory allows for precise shot placement at long distances
Long-Range Target Shooting
  • Popular for extreme long-range shooting competitions
  • Capable of maintaining supersonic velocities beyond 1000 yards
  • Low recoil compared to larger magnum cartridges
Varmint and Predator Hunting
  • Overkill for most varmints, but extremely effective at long ranges
  • High velocity creates devastating terminal effects on small to medium-sized predators
  • Allows for precise shot placement on small targets at extended distances
Specialized Hunting
  • Ideal for open country hunting where long shots are common
  • Effective for mountain hunting scenarios requiring long-range capability
  • Suitable for African plains game hunting

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:

.240 Weatherby Mag vs. .243 Winchester ▼

.240 Weatherby Mag vs. 6mm Remington ▼

.240 Weatherby Mag vs. .257 Weatherby Mag ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges. (Based on a 8.5 lb rifle)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 200-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of .240 Weatherby Mag with other popular rifle cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the .240 Weatherby Mag?

A: The .240 Weatherby Magnum is a centerfire rifle cartridge developed by Roy Weatherby in 1968. It's based on a necked-down .300 Weatherby Magnum case and is known for its high velocity and flat trajectory.

Q: What is the typical bullet weight for .240 Weatherby Mag?

A: The .240 Weatherby Mag typically uses bullets weighing between 85 and 100 grains. The most common bullet weights are 87 and 100 grains.

Q: What is the muzzle velocity of the .240 Weatherby Mag?

A: The .240 Weatherby Mag is capable of pushing a 100-grain bullet to velocities of 3,406 fps (feet per second) at the muzzle. With lighter 87-grain bullets, it can achieve velocities up to 3,520 fps.

Q: What is the effective range of the .240 Weatherby Mag?

A: The .240 Weatherby Mag is effective for medium-sized game out to 400 yards. Its flat trajectory and high velocity make it suitable for long-range shooting, with some skilled shooters using it effectively at distances beyond 500 yards.

Q: What type of game is the .240 Weatherby Mag suitable for hunting?

A: The .240 Weatherby Mag is suitable for hunting medium-sized game such as deer, antelope, and sheep. It can also be used for larger animals like elk with proper shot placement, though it's generally considered on the light side for such large game.