Range is not entirely dependant on flatness of trajectory. The capability to group tight enough at long distance is some times dependant on access to enough componants to find the ones that particular gun will group with. This is a big advantage for the 50cal but does not eliminate the possability of getting lucky with a 45 or a 54. I have a 54 cal barrel for elk and bear that will group 50 cal 300 gr widner bullets in 4 inches at 200yds I got lucky and one of the few available worked. If you have a good range finder you can allow for some drop but you can not compensate for a lack of accuracy, that makes the wide range of components available for the 50 important. Lee