Best Long Range Calibers (Tested & Reviewed)
From all the hunting and long-range shooting I’ve done over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time trying different calibers. Some are great for precision and just make hitting at distance feel easier. Others really shine when you’re trying to take down bigger game and still want that reach.
And if you’ve ever started looking into calibers for long-range shooting, you already know how quickly it can get confusing. There are a lot of options, and everyone has an opinion on what’s “best.”
That’s part of what makes it interesting, though.
In this guide, I’m going to walk through the calibers I’ve spent time with and help you figure out which one actually makes sense for what you want to do.

How I Chose the Best Long Caliber for Long Range Shooting
When you start getting into long-range shooting, caliber matters more than people think. It’s not just about hitting the target… it’s about how the rifle shoots, how it handles recoil, and how consistent you can be over distance.
I’ve been shooting for over twenty years, and I’ve spent a lot of time trying different calibers. Some are easier to shoot well. Some hit harder. And some look great on paper but aren’t as fun to actually run for a full day.
I also know that what works for me isn’t always going to be the best fit for someone else. So I talked with a few buddies of mine who shoot a lot and get their input on what they’ve been using and what’s been working for them. Between my own experience and theirs, this list came together.
I did go ahead and number these from 1 to 8, mainly because people kept asking for rankings. But I wouldn’t treat this like there’s one clear “winner.” Each of these calibers has a situation where it makes the most sense. The right one really depends on what you’re trying to do.
So as you go through the list, don’t just look at the ranking… pay attention to where each one actually fits.
Best Long Range Caliber
![]() | Editor’s Pick
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![]() | Best For Beginners
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![]() | Old Faithful
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![]() | AR-15 Goes Long Range
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5. 6mm ARC | ![]() | AR-15 Long Range Improved
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![]() | Reaper Of Elk
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7. 6mm GT | ![]() | The New Hottness
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![]() | King Of Two Miles
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Best Long Range Calibers
- 6.5 Creedmoor – Editor’s Pick
- .22 Long Rifle – Best For Beginners
- .308 Winchester – Old Faithful
- 6.5 Grendel – AR-15 Goes Long Range
- 6mm ARC – AR-15 Long Range Improved
- .300 Win Mag – Reaper Of Elk
- 6mm GT – The New Hottness
- .375 CheyTac – King Of Two Miles
Caliber Specifications
Below is a breakdown of the long-range calibers I’m covering in this guide. This is where you can start lining them up side by side and see how they compare.
Specs don’t tell the whole story, but they do help you get a feel for how each caliber performs and where it might fit best. Use this as a quick reference as you go through the list and figure out what makes the most sense for you.
| Caliber | Avg. Bullet Weight | Avg. Muzzle Velocity | Avg. Ballistic Coefficient | Max Precision Range | Avg. Barrel Life | Avg. Felt Recoil |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22LR | 40gr | 1,050-1,200FPS | G1 0.135 | 400 yards | Unlimited | 0.2 lb |
| 308 Winchester | 168gr | 2,700 FPS | G1 0.447 | 900-1,200 yards | 8-10,000 | 18 lb |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 140gr | 2,750 FPS | G1 0.646 | 1,500-2,000 yards | 2,500-4,000 | 13 lb |
| 6.5 Grendel | 123gr | 2,600 FPS | G1 0.506 | 1,000-1,200 yards | 5-7,000 | 8 lb |
| 6mm ARC | 108gr | 2,750 FPS | G1 0.536 | 1,100-1,200 yards | 3-5,000 | 6 lb |
| 300 Win Mag | 178gr | 2,900 FPS | G1 0.552 | 1,500-1,800 yards | 1,000-2,000 | 26 lb |
| 6mm GT | 109gr | 3,000 FPS | G1 0.536 | 1,400-1,700 yards | 2,500-3,000 | 5.5 lb |
| 375 CheyTac | 350gr | 2,970 FPS | G1 0.988 | 3,000-3,500 yards | 700-900 | 65 lb |
Best Long Range Caliber Reviews
Now that you’ve seen the overview and how these calibers stack up on paper, let’s go through them one at a time.
Specs are helpful, but they don’t tell you everything. Once you actually start shooting, you notice things like recoil, consistency, and how manageable each caliber is over time.
So in this section, I’ll walk through each one, go a little deeper than just the numbers, and point out where it makes sense, along with a few pros and cons for each.
#1. Editor’s Choice 6.5 Creedmoor
6.5 Creedmoor
The best beginner long range cartridge you can find, 6.5 Creedmoor is quickly becoming America’s cartridge right behind the 5.56 NATO.
- Max Range A
- Ballistics A+
- Average Recoil A
- Barrel life B
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 3 Reviews
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6.5 Creedmoor Specs
- Avg. Bullet Weight 140gr
- Avg. Muzzle Velocity 2750fps
- Avg. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.646
- Max Range 1500-2000 yards
- Avg. Barrel Life 2500 – 4000
- Avg. Felt Recoil 13lb
6.5 Creedmoor Review
Honestly, for most of us getting into long-range shooting, 6.5 Creedmoor is the way to go. It’s often the subject of jokes, but it’s a superior cartridge that’s fast on its way to replacing the .308 Win as the standard short action cartridge in the U.S.
With 6.5 Creedmoor, you get great ballistics, decent barrel life, good wind performance, and lower recoil. It’s compatible with any platform that shoots .308 Win. From AR-10s to bolt rifles, if a gun comes in multiple calibers, it likely includes .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor.
So why do people make fun of it?
Well, it was made by Hornady for competitions, and that’s where folks first saw it. People hate change, so when 6.5 Creedmoor started to prove itself, they couldn’t admit it worked. Instead, they made fun of it and the people who used it.
Even now, you might hear jokes like “6.5 ManBun” or “6.5 Hipster”. But hey, those are just from people who envy how much better 6.5 Creedmoor performs compared to .308 Win. Just so you know, the “6.5 ManBun” is ranked 3rd and it’s the editor’s pick on my best long-range caliber list.
6.5 Creedmoor Pros and Cons
- 25% less recoil than .308 Win
- Great ballistics
- Easy to find ammo and rifles
- Easy to reload
- Currently available match grade factory ammunition is expensive
6.5 Creedmoor Deals
#2. Best for Beginners 22 Long Rifle
22 Long Rifle
While limited in raw yardage against the big cartridges, .22 Long Rifle is cheap, easy to use, and very challenging to master at extended range.
- Max Range C
- Ballistics C-
- Average Recoil A+
- Barrel life A+
- Value A+
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 2 Reviews
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.22 Long Rifle Specs
- Bullet Weight 40gr
- Av. Muzzle Velocity 1050-1200fps
- Av. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.135
- Av. Barrel Life Unlimited
- Av. Felt Recoil 0.2lb
.22 Long Rifle Review
Many argue that .22 LR isn’t for long range, but in my expert opinion, it definitely is.
If you’re using a 10/22 with Remington BYOB ammo, you’ll likely face many malfunctions, and any precise hits would be more luck than skill.
However, with a quality .22 LR rifle like a Bergara, Voodoo, RimX, CZ, or Tikka, and match grade ammo, you can reliably achieve sub MOA accuracy at over 400 yards.
The fact is that .22 LR is by far some of the best training you can get when it comes to long range shooting.
The main challenges for many of us in long-distance shooting are finding a shooting location and managing the costs.
Centerfire match ammo is a dollar, two dollars, sometimes even more per round. The most I’ve ever paid for match-grade .22 LR is 30 cents per round.
Even though the .22 LR has poor ballistics and drops fast, you can still challenge its performance by shooting at common distances of 100-300 yards
.22 LR at 100 yards has the drop and windage of 6.5 Creedmoor at 400 yards.
.22 LR at 300 yards has the drop and windage of 6.5 Creedmoor at over 1,300 yards.
Comparing .22 LR at 300 yards to 6.5 Creedmoor at 1,300 yards isn’t exactly the same, but it’s surprisingly similar in difficulty.
For practice or learning long-range shooting at shorter ranges, the .22 LR is excellent for beginners. Overall, I’ve ranked it 1st on my list best long range caliber on my list.
.22 Long Rifle Pros and Cons
- Cheap
- Accessible
- Fun, Fun, and more Fun
- Skill Builder
- Does not teach recoil management
- Highly Addictive
.22 Long Rifle Deals
#3. Old Faithful 308 Winchester
308 Winchester
Starting life as a military cartridge to replace the .30-06, .308 Winchester has since become one of the most popular cartridges not only in the USA but around the world.
- Max Range A
- Ballistics A-
- Average Recoil B+
- Barrel life A+
- Value A
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 3 Reviews
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.308 Winchester Specs
- Avg. Bullet Weight 168gr
- Avg. Muzzle Velocity 2700fps
- Avg. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.447
- Max Range 900-1200 yards
- Avg. Barrel Life 8,000 – 10,000
- Avg. Felt Recoil 18lb
.308 Winchester Review
.308 Win has been around for a long time and will be around for a lot longer.
Designed for combat, the .308 Win is a great all-around cartridge because it can do almost anything fairly well.
As a dedicated long-range round, the .308 Win isn’t the best. Despite advancements in bullet technology and handloading, it falls short compared to newer rounds available today.
That said, when you need a versatile cartridge that performs well in various situations, the .308 Win is a true all-rounder.
You can find cheap ammo for plinking and high-quality match-grade ammo for real work. .308 rifles are available from every major brand, and it’s a well-established and trusted platform.
While it may not be the latest trend, it remains a reliable choice that won’t disappoint you. That’s why I ranked 2nd as the best old faithful long range cartridge on my list.
Even though it can be argued that .308 Win is on a slow road to obsolescence, the fact that 7.62×51 is a NATO cartridge will keep .308 Win and 7.62×51 NATO for the years to come.
.308 Winchester Pros and Cons
- Good price and high availability
- Almost every rifle on the market is offered in .308 Win
- Easy to reload
- Great do-all caliber
- More affected by wind
- Lower-end max range
.308 Winchester Deals
#4. 6.5 Grendel
6.5 Grendel
Ballistically very close to .308 Winchester (except in bullet weight), 6.5 Grendel is an outstanding AR-15 sized cartridge for long range shooting.
- Max Range A
- Ballistics A
- Average Recoil A+
- Barrel life A+
- Value A+
Our Grade
A+
Reader’s Grade
B
Based on 1 Reviews
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6.5 Grendel Specs
- Avg. Bullet Weight 123gr
- Avg. Muzzle Velocity 2600fps
- Avg. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.506
- Max Range 1000 – 1200 yards
- Avg. Barrel Life 5000 – 7000
- Avg. Felt Recoil 8lb
6.5 Grendel Review
Bill Alexander developed the 6.5 Grendel to improve the M4 rifle’s performance. He wanted an AR-15 that could hit harder and shoot further than what 5.56 NATO could provide.
And that is exactly what he designed.
The 6.5 Grendel is widely used in AR-15 platform rifles. All you need is a new upper or a new barrel and bolt, coupled with a few magazines, and you’re all set to go.
While bolt-action rifles in 6.5 Grendel are available, AR-15s remain more common.
With a standard 16” barrel 6.5 Grendel is a 1,000-yard rifle on paper and steel, which is impressive!
Add some more inches to that barrel and at around 24” you’ll boost the muzzle velocity to around 2,600-2,700 FPS.
With 123gr highly aerodynamic 6.5mm bullets, 6.5 Grendel offers ballistics and range similar to .308 Winchester, but with less recoil, lower cost, and more fun.
The only drawback is the lower energy on target due to the lighter bullet weight. If you’re target shooting, this isn’t an issue. But remember, hunting ranges are shorter with 6.5 Grendel compared to .308 Winchester.
As a compelling choice for AR-15 enthusiasts, the 6.5 Grendel takes the 4th position on my list of best long range caliber. Also, if you’d like to learn more about the 6.5 Grendel, and which ammo to select, be sure to click here.
6.5 Grendel Pros and Cons
- 60% less recoil than .308 Win
- Outstanding barrel life
- Easy to convert an existing AR-15
- Wide range of ammo
- Limited choice in factory bolt-rifles
- Less energy on target than .308 Win
6.5 Grendel Deals
#5. 6mm ARC
6mm ARC
When the DoD needed to reach out and touch something, they commissioned the 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge from Hornady and Barrett.
- Max Range A
- Ballistics A+
- Average Recoil A
- Barrel life A-
- Value B+
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 2 Reviews
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6mm ARC Specs
- Avg. Bullet Weight 108gr
- Avg. Muzzle Velocity 2750fps
- Avg. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.536
- Max Range 1100 – 1200 yards
- Avg. Barrel Life 3000 – 5000
- Avg. Felt Recoil 6lb
6mm ARC Review
Unlike most new cartridges that generate buzz before their release, the 6mm ARC arrived on the scene in 2020 without much prior buildup, making it the newest addition to our list.
Developed by Hornady with help from Barrett for a special contract with the DOD to be adopted by a “notable Department of Defense (DOD) entity”. That’s all we know, they won’t say who adopted it.
Undoubtedly, this cartridge is being put to use in some bad places around the world by highly skilled shooters that mean business. Furthermore, we at Gun University were the first to test it :)
6mm ARC is a 6mm cartridge that fits and operates in a standard AR-15 with minimal changes made. A new barrel, bolt, and magazines and you’re ready to rock.
108gr rounds are more or less the standard weight for 6mm ARC and exit a 24” barrel at around 2,800 FPS.
As far as precision potential goes, that’s pretty awesome. Developed to provide special forces with a more powerful long-range option, 6mm ARC is also a fantastic choice for precision shooting among civilians like us.
Great for mid-sized game like deer, hog, and sheep, 6mm has some outstanding bullet choices to pick from.
For a PRS gas rifle or just long range plinking, 6mm ARC is a fantastic option and improves upon the idea that 6.5 Grendel got started.
If you’re looking for the newest and coolest option for long range AR-15, look no further than the 6mm ARC. It’s not only new and cool, but it also ranks 5th as the best improved long-range caliber on my list.
6mm ARC Pros and Cons
- Shoots 6mm Bullets
- Soft Recoil
- AR-15 maximizes for range
- Very Fun
- Ammo is hard to get
- Ammo isn’t cheap
- Reloading dies are meh
6mm ARC Deals
#6. 300 Win Mag
300 Win Mag
An all-time classic cartridge, .300 Win Mag has hunted almost every game on earth, served the US Military for years, and is one of the most well-known cartridges ever made. When all else fails, .300 Win Mag will send raw kinetic energy down range that you can rely on.
- Max Range A
- Ballistics A
- Average Recoil B
- Barrel life B-
- Value B
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
A+
Based on 4 Reviews
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.300 Win Mag Specs
- Avg. Bullet Weight 178gr
- Avg. Muzzle Velocity 2900fps
- Avg. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.552
- Max Range 1500 – 1800 yards
- Avg. Barrel Life 1000 – 2000
- Avg. Felt Recoil 26lb
300 Win Mag Review
The .300 Win Mag, in use since 1963, quickly became popular among hunters and the military, but is now being phased out in some military sectors.
Back in the 1960s, Carlos Hathcock used a .300 Win Mag rifle to win the Wimbledon Cup. This was before he went to Vietnam and became a legendary sniper.
Based on the .375 H&H Magnum, .300 Win Mag throws the same .30 cal sized rounds as a standard 7.62×51/.308 Win, but normally uses heavier bullets and throws them a couple of hundred feet per second faster.
This makes for a lot of energy on target at some impressive distances.
While hunting at 1,000 yards may not be ethical, the 300 Win Mag can deliver over 1,000 ft.lbf at that distance, enough to take down a whitetail. Even at 500 yards, it’s nearly as powerful as a .308 Win at 100 yards.
As a precision round, the .300 Win Mag isn’t the top choice because it’s a belted cartridge. Barrels for this type of cartridge are tricky to make and mount for the best accuracy since they’re headspaced off the belt at the bottom of the case. But still, it gets the job done well enough for military snipers and big game hunters.
In long-range shooting, you don’t always need a magnum cartridge for precision. Targets don’t mind the force of impact, and some competitions don’t allow magnums like .300 Win Mag for steel targets.
But when power is crucial, .300 Win Mag delivers as a trusted classic.
The 300 Win mag takes the 6th place as the reaper of elk on my list of best long range caliber. It might not be the newest and coolest on the block, but it gets the job done.
300 Win Mag Pros and Cons
- Lots of energy on target
- Great for long range hunting
- Easy to find ammo
- High recoil
- Not beginner-friendly
300 Win Mag Deals
#7. 6mm GT
6mm GT
Designed for the Precision Rifle Series, this is a gamer’s cartridge through and through. Receiving SAAMI approval in Jan 2022, 6mm GT is an official cartridge that is ready to conquer the competition.
- Max Range A
- Ballistics A
- Average Recoil B
- Barrel life B-
- Value B
Our Grade
B+
Reader’s Grade
C-
Based on 1 Reviews
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6mm GT Specs
- Avg. Bullet Weight 109gr
- Avg. Muzzle Velocity 3000fps
- Avg. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.536
- Max Range 1400 – 1700 yards
- Avg. Barrel Life 2500 – 3000
- Avg. Felt Recoil 5.5lb
6mm GT Review
6mm GT, introduced in 2019, is a fresh face in the market. It’s named after George Gardner and Tom Jacobs, who wanted to create the perfect 6mm cartridge.
It’s long established that 6mm is a great choice for high BC bullets and forgiving reloading nodes. However, many 6mm cartridges have issues with feeding from a magazine since many of them were designed for single-loading bench rest competition.
6mm GT set out to solve this issue and solve it they did.
While 6mm is entirely usable for hunting mid-sized game like whitetail and sheep, 6mm GT is designed for PRS and NRL competition and that is what it does best.
SAAMI approved 6mm GT in Jan 2022, and Hornady will soon offer factory-made ammo. But for serious precision shooting with this cartridge, I suggest you handload.
You get brass from Hornady, ADG, Alpha Brass, and others, but personally, I prefer Alpha.
6mm GT boasts minimal recoil, especially in heavier rifles, along with high muzzle velocity and exceptional accuracy.
Reloading is straightforward, with numerous compatible powders and a wide range of high BC bullets, ensuring excellent performance and long-lasting brass.
For newcomers to PRS or NRL, stick with what you have, even if it’s an old .30-06. But if you’re building a new rifle, the 6mm GT stands as a strong contender for top performance. Considering all these factors, I’ve ranked the 6mm GT as the 6th best long-range caliber on my list.
6mm GT Pros and Cons
- Designed for competition
- The best memes
- Very slippy bullets
- Soft recoil
- Only one brand of factory ammo
- Match grade only
6mm GT Deals
#8. .375 CheyTac
.375 CheyTac
Someone looked at the .50 BMG and said “we can do better”. A lot of testing and design later, the .375 CheyTac has proven to be a big bore long range cartridge that knocks down big targets at very long distances.
- Max Range A
- Ballistics A+
- Average Recoil A+
- Barrel life A
- Value B
Our Grade
A
Reader’s Grade
A-
Based on 2 Reviews
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.375 CheyTac Specs
- Avg. Bullet Weight 350gr
- Avg. Muzzle Velocity 2970fps
- Avg. Ballistic Coefficient G1 0.988
- Max Range 3000 – 3500 yards
- Avg. Barrel Life 700 – 900
- Avg. Felt Recoil 65lb
.375 CheyTac Review
.375 CheyTac started life as the .408 CheyTac. Designed by Cheyenne Tactical, the .408 CheyTac was meant to improve on and replace the .338 Lapua Magnum and in many ways, it did.
The case design for .408 CheyTac provided the Extreme Long Range community a great parent case to wildcat off of, and so was born the .375 CheyTac — basically, a necked down version of the .408.
Originally, the .375 CheyTac stemmed from the .408 CheyTac, designed to outperform the .338 Lapua Magnum. It serves as a necked down version of the .408, offering the Extreme Long Range community an ideal parent case for wildcatting.
Approved by the C.I.P. as an official cartridge in 2017, CheyTac started to offer their Intervention rifle system in the .375 CheyTac chambering.
So… what’s the point of the .375 CheyTac? Long range target shooting with a lot of energy, surpassing .338 Lapua Magnum and .50 BMG in effectiveness. Plus, it offers superior ballistics and precision over these options.
Extreme long range shooting is the art and science of shooting at 1,500+ yards. The hardest competition for this style of shooting is King of Two Miles where targets range from 1,500 to over 3,300 yards.
In recent years, the .375 CheyTac has claimed five of the top ten spots in KO2M. With a 350gr bullet flying at over 2,900 FPS, it remains supersonic beyond 2,600 yards, delivering energy comparable to a .308 Win at 400 yards. It’s a powerful cartridge that packs a serious punch downrange.
The downside? It’s super pricey. You can’t buy ready-made bullets for .375 CheyTac, and handloading costs over $12 per shot.
Barrels last about 800 rounds and cost about $1,000 a pop. That means between ammo and barrel life every trigger pull costs you at least $13.50.
In a 5-round magazine, .375 CheyTac will cost you as much as a box of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo. Big oof.
That said, I’ve ranked .375 CheyTac 7th on my list of best long-range calibers. It’s undoubtedly the King of Two Miles competition and is unbeatable for hitting big targets from extreme distances.
Pro.375 CheyTac Pros and Cons
- The coolest cartridge in your safe
- Extreme long range
- Big iron
- Almost an anti-tank cartridge
- Very expensive
- Demands ranges of 1,000+ yards
- VERY! Expensive!
.375 CheyTac Deals
Best Long Range Caliber: Buyers Guide
Trying to pick a long-range caliber can get overwhelming pretty quickly. There are a lot of options, and everyone seems to have a strong opinion on what’s “best.”
So instead of overcomplicating it, here are the main things I think about when choosing a caliber.
Purpose:
First thing I look at is what I’m actually going to use the rifle for. Target shooting, hunting, competition… they’re not all the same. Some calibers are great for one and not so great for another, so it helps to be clear on that from the start.
Distance:
How far are you really planning to shoot? A lot of calibers work great at medium to long distances, but once you start pushing further out, some options just make more sense. You want something that carries enough energy and stays consistent at the ranges you care about.
Recoil:
Recoil matters more than people think, especially if you’re shooting for a while. Some calibers are easy to shoot all day. Others will wear you down faster than you expect. If you want something more comfortable, options like .22 LR or 6.5 Creedmoor are a lot easier to manage.
Compatibility:
Make sure the caliber actually works with the rifle you want. Some are pretty universal, like .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. Others are more specialized and may require a specific setup or modifications.
Ballistics and Performance:
If you’re getting into long-range shooting, it’s worth understanding how your round actually behaves. I usually look at three things: muzzle velocity, how well the bullet cuts through the air (ballistic coefficient), and how much energy it keeps downrange.
Those three factors play a big role in how accurate your shots are and how the round performs when it gets there.
Barrel Life:
This is something a lot of people overlook. Some calibers are harder on barrels than others. If you’re shooting a lot, that can add up. A caliber with a longer barrel life can save you some money and hassle over time.
Availability and Cost:
Ammo availability matters. Some calibers are easy to find and relatively affordable. Others can be harder to track down and cost quite a bit more per round. That’s something to think about if you plan on shooting regularly.
Special Considerations:
Some calibers are just easier to live with than others. If you’re newer to long-range shooting, something like .22 LR or 6mm ARC can be a great place to start. They’re easier to shoot and less expensive to run.
On the other hand, more specialized calibers like .375 CheyTac are really built for experienced shooters who are pushing for maximum distance and performance.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding the balance that works for you.
Best Long Range Caliber: FAQs
If you’re just getting started, don’t overcomplicate it. Pick a caliber that’s easy to shoot and doesn’t beat you up. Low recoil and affordable ammo go a long way when you’re trying to build good habits. Something like .22 LR or 6mm ARC is a solid place to start. They’re easier to handle, and you can spend more time actually learning instead of fighting the rifle.
Once you start pushing into really long distances, not every caliber can keep up. That’s where things like .375 CheyTac or 6mm GT come in. Those are built for performance at distance, especially once you’re getting out past 1,500 yards. They carry energy well and handle the wind better than smaller rounds.
Yeah, you can. A lot of people do. Calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester are popular because they’re versatile. They work well for target shooting and can still get the job done for hunting, depending on what you’re going after.
There are a few that come up over and over again for a reason. .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .300 Win Mag are all solid options. They’re widely used, easier to find, and they’ve proven themselves over time at longer distances. If you’re not sure where to start, those are usually safe bets.
More Resources
If you want to go deeper into long-range shooting, there’s a lot out there that’s worth your time. One resource I always point people toward is the Long Range Shooting Handbook. It does a good job of breaking things down in a way that actually makes sense, especially if you’re still learning.
Ryan Cleckner also has a solid series on long-range shooting over on WPSN. It’s another good place to pick up fundamentals and see how everything comes together in a practical way.
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