Long range caliber

ESain · January 7, 2017, 09:22 PM

Any opinions on long range shooting calibers? I'm wanting to find a caliber I can shoot 500+ yards

kilimanjaro · January 7, 2017, 10:31 PM

What's your budget?

Consider your lifetime expense of an oddball round. 308 would be a very good choice.

Once you develop your drop table, caliber is not as important as your ability to shoot.

Water-Man · January 7, 2017, 11:45 PM

I use the 6.5x55 SE.

jmr40 · January 8, 2017, 06:22 AM

500 yards isn't long range, most any center fire round can be used. The 308 is a good traditional choice for target shooting at moderate 200-700 yards. But the 6.5 Creedmoor is proving to be a slightly better option with reduced recoil compared to 308. At 500 the 223 is another option to consider, but it would be between 308 and the 6.5 Creedmoor for me.

oldscot3 · January 8, 2017, 09:39 AM

Given your 500 yard parameter and assuming it's for informal target use, I would suggest (ranked in order by cost per round, least to greatest)...

1. 223 with 1:9 twist barrel
2. 308 with 1:10 twist
3. 6.5 CM witth 1:8 twist

big al hunter · January 8, 2017, 11:01 AM

When you say 500+... Do you mean 5-600 yards or possibly out to 1,000? If you are looking to practice enough for 1,000 make sure you have a high ballistic coefficient bullet available. The 6.5 has some very good BC bullets. As does the 338. Heavier bullets will buck wind better, but they increase recoil as well. If you are not exceeding 600 yards any cartridge .223 on up will work.
If you don't already hand load ammo you should consider starting. You can increase accuracy, reduce cost, and have a larger selection of bullets.

T. O'Heir · January 8, 2017, 12:35 PM

When you say 500 plus, do you mean for target shooting? That'll depend on the kind of target shooting, but .223 will do. Isn't the best, but it is used. A .308 is way better.
Under normal circumstances, hunting shots at those distances are not a good idea. Usually, there's not enough remaining energy. And it takes a lot more skill to hit the fabled 9" pie plate.
And like jmr40 says, 500 is long, short range. Long range starts at 600. As daft as that sounds. Target bulls get bigger at 600.

ESain · January 8, 2017, 02:45 PM

500-1000 yards. I have a .223 it's just not as accurate as I would like. My budget is $1500. I've been looking at a savage 6.5 creedmoor

TRX · January 9, 2017, 06:55 PM

> I use the 6.5x55 SE

Old skool is kool!

The 6.5x55 has been showing 'em how it's done since 1894.

Tinbucket · January 9, 2017, 07:13 PM

This is a popular proposition here

World record for 1,000 yard shoot , for a long timewas .30-.378 Wby in 30 inch or 32 inch cut rifled barrel.
I can't think of the name of the range right now, but In Gaa there is a range that has 1,000 shoots and 1 mile shoots. Fifty caliber Browning, in Barret, bolt and auto and others.

Art Eatman · January 9, 2017, 07:25 PM

Once past 300, it helps to know your trajectory and have a laser range finder if you're hunting. On paper at known ranges, life is much easier.

To only 500, an '06 is as good as anything else--and many others are equally good. Farther out, a precision rifle becomes more important, and likely works better with tailored handloads.

Creek Henry · January 16, 2017, 09:43 PM

6.5x06AI if you reload. Midway sells the dies

BoogieMan · January 19, 2017, 09:57 AM

Quote:

I use the 6.5x55 SE.

I just built a 700 in 6.5x55. I havent stretched it out yet. Still breaking in barrel on PPU factory ammo and harvesting brass. Cant wait to see what it will do at 750

old roper · January 19, 2017, 11:49 AM

This is record 1000yd group

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/...-with-300-wsm/

drjjpdc · January 22, 2017, 05:55 PM

What about a 7mm-08?

tynman · January 22, 2017, 06:19 PM

Well I dont have anywhere to shoot 1000 yards but I did set up a AR10 in 308 to reach over 1000 yards. But I use 175 grain or 178 grain round. I have only shot it out to 300 yards. But when I was asking around about long range people were big on 3006. One day when or if I ever have the cash a 50 caliber will be in my safe set up for at least 1 mile shot.

Art Eatman · January 22, 2017, 08:16 PM

At one time, the 7mm Rem Mag was the big dog in 1,000-yard competition. R&D let the .308 beat it out.

TXAZ · January 22, 2017, 08:30 PM

old roper noted:

Quote:

This is record 1000yd group

http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/...-with-300-wsm/

I believe several people, including Dale Arenson, Lee Rasmussen, and Shirley and Martin List, have shot a sub-2 inch groups at worlds using a .50 BMG.

Also take a look at the Cheytac in the .375 or 408. A more expensive round than the .50 believe it or not, has some pretty impressive sub MOA stats.

The ballistic coefficient of a .50 BMG in a match grade round, is typically 1.0 or better, about 50% better than that of a .308 or .338 LM.

Wildernesshunter · January 22, 2017, 08:52 PM

Out to 1000 yards I love my Savage model 12 in 223. 9 twist, 26" heavy barrel. One can shoot his gun all day long.....kind of like shooting a pellet gun.

1000-2000 yards I really like my Rem 700 LR in 7mm Rem Mag.

......

TheFriendlyMarksman · January 25, 2017, 10:55 PM

Why do you want to shoot that far? What purpose would it serve? You don't hunt at that kind of range.

That said, 270 or 7 mag are your best affordable options.

eastbank · January 26, 2017, 07:56 AM

a group of my friends and i shoot our deer rifles at a 3 foot steel plate at 1000 yrds for giggles with our hunting loads and scopes and it would take a man with a death wish to stand there very long. do we hit it every time? a big NO. but we get lucky more than you would think on a windless day. every thing from a 257 roberts to a 375 H&H and even a lowly 30-30. i have been trying to hit it with a original 98 german 8mm mauser with heavy bullets. i have gotten very close, but the open sights hinder me. try it as its alot of fun and may bruise your ego a little. eastbank.

MarkCO · January 26, 2017, 09:22 AM

At this point in time, everyone wants to shoot to 1,000, and then a mile. That is good and bad, but there is a lot of good budget gear out there.

With the right twist and bullets, .223 can go to 1K all day. My best 10 shot group at 1K is just over 8" for 10 rounds (the gun is not optimized for shooting LR), which is better than my best .308 group at 9.8".

The faster the bullet, the less wind, the easier it is. I shoot a lot of .243Win and .260Rem at the longer distances (600+). High BC 6mm and 6.5mm cartridges (there are at least 15 of them that work) are some of the easiest cartridges to get to 1000 with some being able to stretch out to maybe 1500. Of course we are talking about target shooting, not hunting. 6-8" 10 shot groups are certainly attainable with the right gear.

Some people like the Chassis systems (Ruger, Savage, Winchester, Tikka, SIG, etc. make factory ARish or chassis/modular systems) which I recommend for newer shooters. It is easier to adjust fit and such and if you do it wrong, a skilled shooter can help you get it fit. Some hate Chassis and want a more conventional stock. The new Rem MagPul, Savage, Tikka, etc. make target stocked rigs with adjustable cheek risers. Then you have the fixed stocks which some like and are more suited to hunting. Some guys like Howa actions to drop into a custom stock as well.

Lots of choices for sure, so get to a local LR match and check them out. There are differences in quality and accuracy for sure. Twist rate is huge...you want a twist rate that will stabilize the heavier bullets for the caliber so they are stable out at 1000 yards. There are barrels that will shoot lights out at 100 yards but fall apart mid-range (400-700) and that won't work.

Glass: SWFA SS series for budget (300-500) and Burris XTRII line to step up into the mid-range (800-1500). If you can go past 1600, there are a lot of good choices.

ranger56528 · January 27, 2017, 03:39 AM

12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor with 140 AMAX is my rifle for 1000 yards.

Dearhunter61 · January 29, 2017, 07:30 PM

My choices would be:

1) 6.5 Creedmoor
2) 6.5 Creedmoor
3) 6mm Creedmoor

I personally have two 6.5 CMs...a semi custom and an AR-10. The semi custom I've taken out...hit metal...at 1200 yards and the AR-10 out to 800 yards. Believe me when I say I consider myself a pretty average shooter! I do load my own ammo which definitely helps but the 6.5 CM is inherently accurate. And I love both of my 6.5CM rifles!

Husqvarna · February 1, 2017, 05:11 PM

Quote:

I use the 6.5x55 SE.

you have seen the light!

a calibre so fearsome noone dare attack us in over a 100years!

(yes I know all the neutrallity cowtowing to nazis stuff)

but back on topic to the people saying 500yards isn't long range? anything over 300m is long range IMO(or yards that you stubbornly stick to like some nation version of hipsters)

January 7, 2017, 09:22 PM	#1
ESain Junior Member Join Date: December 31, 2016 Location: North Carolina Posts: 11	Long range caliber Any opinions on long range shooting calibers? I'm wanting to find a caliber I can shoot 500+ yards

January 8, 2017, 06:22 AM	#4
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,808	500 yards isn't long range, most any center fire round can be used. The 308 is a good traditional choice for target shooting at moderate 200-700 yards. But the 6.5 Creedmoor is proving to be a slightly better option with reduced recoil compared to 308. At 500 the 223 is another option to consider, but it would be between 308 and the 6.5 Creedmoor for me. __________________ "If you're still doing things the same way you were doing them 10 years ago, you're doing it wrong" Winston Churchill

January 8, 2017, 11:01 AM	#6
big al hunter Senior Member Join Date: March 12, 2011 Location: Washington state Posts: 1,558	When you say 500+... Do you mean 5-600 yards or possibly out to 1,000? If you are looking to practice enough for 1,000 make sure you have a high ballistic coefficient bullet available. The 6.5 has some very good BC bullets. As does the 338. Heavier bullets will buck wind better, but they increase recoil as well. If you are not exceeding 600 yards any cartridge .223 on up will work. If you don't already hand load ammo you should consider starting. You can increase accuracy, reduce cost, and have a larger selection of bullets. __________________ You can't fix stupid....however ignorance can be cured through education!

January 8, 2017, 12:35 PM	#7
T. O'Heir Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12,453	When you say 500 plus, do you mean for target shooting? That'll depend on the kind of target shooting, but .223 will do. Isn't the best, but it is used. A .308 is way better. Under normal circumstances, hunting shots at those distances are not a good idea. Usually, there's not enough remaining energy. And it takes a lot more skill to hit the fabled 9" pie plate. And like jmr40 says, 500 is long, short range. Long range starts at 600. As daft as that sounds. Target bulls get bigger at 600. __________________ Spelling and grammar count!

January 9, 2017, 07:13 PM	#10
Tinbucket Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2015 Posts: 355	long raange caliber This is a popular proposition here World record for 1,000 yard shoot , for a long timewas .30-.378 Wby in 30 inch or 32 inch cut rifled barrel. I can't think of the name of the range right now, but In Gaa there is a range that has 1,000 shoots and 1 mile shoots. Fifty caliber Browning, in Barret, bolt and auto and others.

January 7, 2017, 10:31 PM	#2
kilimanjaro Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2009 Posts: 3,963	What's your budget? Consider your lifetime expense of an oddball round. 308 would be a very good choice. Once you develop your drop table, caliber is not as important as your ability to shoot.

January 7, 2017, 11:45 PM	#3
Water-Man Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 2,126	I use the 6.5x55 SE.

January 8, 2017, 09:39 AM	#5
oldscot3 Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2007 Location: texas Posts: 997	Given your 500 yard parameter and assuming it's for informal target use, I would suggest (ranked in order by cost per round, least to greatest)... 1. 223 with 1:9 twist barrel 2. 308 with 1:10 twist 3. 6.5 CM witth 1:8 twist

January 8, 2017, 02:45 PM	#8
ESain Junior Member Join Date: December 31, 2016 Location: North Carolina Posts: 11	500-1000 yards. I have a .223 it's just not as accurate as I would like. My budget is $1500. I've been looking at a savage 6.5 creedmoor

January 9, 2017, 06:55 PM	#9
TRX Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2008 Location: central Arkansas Posts: 400	> I use the 6.5x55 SE Old skool is kool! The 6.5x55 has been showing 'em how it's done since 1894.

January 9, 2017, 07:25 PM	#11
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Once past 300, it helps to know your trajectory and have a laser range finder if you're hunting. On paper at known ranges, life is much easier. To only 500, an '06 is as good as anything else--and many others are equally good. Farther out, a precision rifle becomes more important, and likely works better with tailored handloads.

January 16, 2017, 09:43 PM	#12
Creek Henry Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 514	6.5x06AI if you reload. Midway sells the dies

January 19, 2017, 11:49 AM	#14
old roper Senior Member Join Date: June 11, 2007 Posts: 2,155	This is record 1000yd group http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/...-with-300-wsm/ __________________ Semper Fi Vietnam 1965 VFW Life member NRA Life Member

January 22, 2017, 05:55 PM	#15
drjjpdc Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: Wrightstown, NJ Posts: 181	What about a 7mm-08? __________________ "And some like two guns. But one's all you need if you can use it..."

January 22, 2017, 06:19 PM	#16
tynman Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 361	Well I dont have anywhere to shoot 1000 yards but I did set up a AR10 in 308 to reach over 1000 yards. But I use 175 grain or 178 grain round. I have only shot it out to 300 yards. But when I was asking around about long range people were big on 3006. One day when or if I ever have the cash a 50 caliber will be in my safe set up for at least 1 mile shot.

January 22, 2017, 08:16 PM	#17
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	At one time, the 7mm Rem Mag was the big dog in 1,000-yard competition. R&D let the .308 beat it out.

January 22, 2017, 08:52 PM	#19
Wildernesshunter Senior Member Join Date: October 31, 2016 Location: Western High Desert Posts: 168	Out to 1000 yards I love my Savage model 12 in 223. 9 twist, 26" heavy barrel. One can shoot his gun all day long.....kind of like shooting a pellet gun. 1000-2000 yards I really like my Rem 700 LR in 7mm Rem Mag. ...... __________________ John

January 25, 2017, 10:55 PM	#20
TheFriendlyMarksman Member Join Date: January 25, 2017 Posts: 33	Why do you want to shoot that far? What purpose would it serve? You don't hunt at that kind of range. That said, 270 or 7 mag are your best affordable options.

January 26, 2017, 07:56 AM	#21
eastbank Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2008 Location: pa. Posts: 2,450	a group of my friends and i shoot our deer rifles at a 3 foot steel plate at 1000 yrds for giggles with our hunting loads and scopes and it would take a man with a death wish to stand there very long. do we hit it every time? a big NO. but we get lucky more than you would think on a windless day. every thing from a 257 roberts to a 375 H&H and even a lowly 30-30. i have been trying to hit it with a original 98 german 8mm mauser with heavy bullets. i have gotten very close, but the open sights hinder me. try it as its alot of fun and may bruise your ego a little. eastbank.

January 26, 2017, 09:22 AM	#22
MarkCO Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 1998 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 4,308	At this point in time, everyone wants to shoot to 1,000, and then a mile. That is good and bad, but there is a lot of good budget gear out there. With the right twist and bullets, .223 can go to 1K all day. My best 10 shot group at 1K is just over 8" for 10 rounds (the gun is not optimized for shooting LR), which is better than my best .308 group at 9.8". The faster the bullet, the less wind, the easier it is. I shoot a lot of .243Win and .260Rem at the longer distances (600+). High BC 6mm and 6.5mm cartridges (there are at least 15 of them that work) are some of the easiest cartridges to get to 1000 with some being able to stretch out to maybe 1500. Of course we are talking about target shooting, not hunting. 6-8" 10 shot groups are certainly attainable with the right gear. Some people like the Chassis systems (Ruger, Savage, Winchester, Tikka, SIG, etc. make factory ARish or chassis/modular systems) which I recommend for newer shooters. It is easier to adjust fit and such and if you do it wrong, a skilled shooter can help you get it fit. Some hate Chassis and want a more conventional stock. The new Rem MagPul, Savage, Tikka, etc. make target stocked rigs with adjustable cheek risers. Then you have the fixed stocks which some like and are more suited to hunting. Some guys like Howa actions to drop into a custom stock as well. Lots of choices for sure, so get to a local LR match and check them out. There are differences in quality and accuracy for sure. Twist rate is huge...you want a twist rate that will stabilize the heavier bullets for the caliber so they are stable out at 1000 yards. There are barrels that will shoot lights out at 100 yards but fall apart mid-range (400-700) and that won't work. Glass: SWFA SS series for budget (300-500) and Burris XTRII line to step up into the mid-range (800-1500). If you can go past 1600, there are a lot of good choices. __________________ Good Shooting, MarkCO www.CarbonArms.us

January 27, 2017, 03:39 AM	#23
ranger56528 Member Join Date: May 22, 2014 Posts: 88	12 LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor with 140 AMAX is my rifle for 1000 yards. __________________ Sentences and paragraphs with punctuations are over rated as long as you get your point or view across.

January 29, 2017, 07:30 PM	#24
Dearhunter61 Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 518	My choices would be: 1) 6.5 Creedmoor 2) 6.5 Creedmoor 3) 6mm Creedmoor I personally have two 6.5 CMs...a semi custom and an AR-10. The semi custom I've taken out...hit metal...at 1200 yards and the AR-10 out to 800 yards. Believe me when I say I consider myself a pretty average shooter! I do load my own ammo which definitely helps but the 6.5 CM is inherently accurate. And I love both of my 6.5CM rifles!