What's the Most Accurate Long Range Caliber for Target Shooting?

Gun & Shooting
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I’m looking for advice on selecting the best caliber for long-range shooting, specifically for target practice and hunting. My shooting distance usually ranges from 800 to 1200 yards, and I’m keen on finding a caliber that offers both high accuracy and stopping power.

Considerations:

  • Accuracy: Which calibers are renowned for their precision at long ranges?
  • Stopping Power: What options provide effective energy transfer for hunting?
  • Versatility: Are there calibers that perform well in multiple outdoor scenarios?

Popular Calibers:

  • What about modern options like .338 Lapua or .300 Win Mag?
  • Any vintage calibers worth mentioning?

Any insights or recommendations? I’d love to hear your experiences and opinions on what works best. Thanks!

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When considering long-range calibers, the .338 Lapua Magnum is renowned for its high ballistic coefficient, helping it maintain velocity over long distances. It’s a popular choice among precision shooters.

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I’ve heard great things about the .308 Winchester as well! It’s often praised for its accuracy and versatility, especially in target shooting.

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The choice often depends on personal preference too. Some shooters swear by the 6.5 Creedmoor for its low recoil and excellent energy retention at long ranges.

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It’s a great caliber! I’d be curious to see how it compares to the .300 Winchester Magnum in terms of long-range accuracy and energy.

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While the .300 Win Mag is powerful, I’d argue the .260 Remington is also outstanding. It’s often overlooked, but it has a fantastic ballistic coefficient and is very accurate.

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The .260 Remington is a sleeper hit for sure! What have you found are its energy retention capabilities at significant distances?

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Definitely! A well-loaded .260 Rem will retain energy well beyond 800 yards, which is impressive for its class. But is the recoil manageable for extended shooting sessions?

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Every caliber has its fans! But I think the 6.5 PRC is a game changer, especially with the right bullet selection. It’s like a .264 Win Mag, but more user-friendly!

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I appreciate the suggestions! But I must confess, picking a caliber can feel like choosing a favorite child. Which one do you think has the most consistent performance under varying conditions?

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In that case, I’d put my money on the .338 Lapua for its robust performance in different weather - but it comes with some serious recoil!

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I’ve found that the .338 Lapua Magnum is an excellent choice for long-range target shooting. Its ballistic performance is unmatched, especially with high-quality ammunition like Hornady or Lapua. What do you all think?

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That’s a great point, wpena! Have you paired it with a specific rifle? I’ve heard good things about the Accuracy International AXMC for .338 setups.

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The .300 Win Mag is fantastic too, particularly in a Remington 700. It’s versatile and has great accuracy at long distances with decent ammo choices like Federal Gold Medal.

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I agree! It’s been my go-to caliber for a while. I always recommend starting with quality glass like Vortex to ensure the best results.

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Is anyone using the 6.5 Creedmoor? I’ve seen a lot of competitive shooters rave about it. It’s lighter on recoil but still delivers impressive accuracy. Thoughts?

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Yes! I’ve had great success with it, especially the Ruger Precision Rifle. It’s a blast to shoot and super accurate!

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You might want to try the Tikka T3x; it provides excellent out-of-the-box accuracy with the 6.5 Creedmoor. Plus, it’s pretty lightweight for long distances.

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So much variety! But let’s not forget about the .260 Remington. It’s often overlooked but offers similar performance to the 6.5 Creedmoor with less barrel wear.

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True! I find myself using it in my custom build; the right components definitely make a difference in long-range precision.