Long Range Shooting Best Calibers: Precision Rounds for Distance Shooting

Table of Contents:

1. Best Long-Range Shooting Calibers
2. How to Choose the Right Long-Range Calibera>
3. Key Ballistic Factors That Matter
4. Why Bullet Selection Matters
5. Why Choose Berry’s for Precision Shooting

At a Glance: 6.5 Creedmoor is a top choice for many long-range shooters because it pairs high ballistic coefficients with lighter recoil, which helps with target shooting and longer-range accuracy. Larger magnum cartridges such as .300 PRC, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum deliver higher muzzle velocity and more retained energy for longer-distance hunting and extreme-distance work, but they bring more recoil and different trade-offs.

Long-range shooting mixes rifle, cartridge, bullet selection, and shooter skill. A cartridge that works well for target shooting may not be the best choice for long-range hunting. Keep your goals clear: practice and a high-BC bullet usually matter more than the name on the case. This guide lists commonly used long-range cartridges, gives simple, typical weight ranges, and corrects common overstatements so you get a practical sense of which rounds suit your rifle and intended distance.

Best Long-Range Shooting Calibers

All ballistic performance figures and range estimates are general references based on typical bullet weights, factory or common handloads, and standard atmospheric conditions. Actual results will vary depending on rifle setup, barrel length, optics, ammunition quality, environmental factors, and shooter skill. Always verify performance with your own rifle and load data before applying these figures in the field.

.308 Winchester:

• Overview: A proven cartridge for target shooting and hunting. Skilled shooters can stretch it to about 600-800 yards and, in rare cases, up to 1,200 yards with match loads and the right setup.
• Typical bullet weight: Commonly used in 155–190 grain bullets.
• Trade-offs: Widely available factory ammo and many match bullets; lower high ballistic coefficients on average than modern 6.5 mm options.

6.5 Creedmoor:

• Overview: A modern, efficient choice that many precision shooters favor. It often delivers flatter shooting and less recoil than larger magnums, and shooters commonly use it out past 800 yards into the 1,000+ yard band in competition.
• Typical bullet weight: Common match and hunting bullets run about 120–147 grain.
• Trade-offs: Excellent long-distance consistency for its recoil class; magnums will still outperform it when energy on target is the priority.

.300 Winchester Magnum (Win Mag):

• Overview: A high-velocity, long-range hunting and match cartridge. It is frequently used for shots around 1,000 yards and can be pushed farther, though recoil and barrel wear become more important considerations.
• Typical bullet weight: Often loaded 150–220 grain; 180–200 grain options are common for flatter shooting and weight/velocity balance.
• Trade-offs: Higher muzzle velocity improves retained energy at long distances but increases recoil and may shorten barrel life if used heavily.

.300 PRC:

• Overview: A modern magnum developed for precision shooting. It is built to perform at long distances and is commonly used in disciplined 1,000+ yard work.
• Typical bullet weight: Common match bullets in the 212–230 grain range.
• Trade-offs: Excels with heavy, high-BC bullets and careful load development; best paired with bolt action rifles.

.338 Lapua Magnum:

• Overview: A cartridge designed with extreme-distance roles in mind. It retains energy well at long distances and is used where long-range precision and energy retention for large targets are a priority (effective supersonic range ~1,500 m / ~1,640 yards with optimal conditions).
• Typical bullet weight: Commonly 250–300 grain projectiles.
• Trade-offs: Very high retained energy at long distances, but comes with heavy recoil and demands a substantial rifle platform.

7mm Remington Magnum:

• Overview: A high-velocity option that gives flatter shooting than many older rounds and serves well for long-range hunting. Practical use commonly sits in the 600-1,000 yard band depending on load.
• Typical bullet weight: Often 140–175 grain.
• Trade-offs: Good balance of long-distance performance and manageable recoil for many hunting rifles.

.260 Remington / 6.5×55 Swedish:

• Overview: These 6.5mm-class cartridges are older designs but remain capable for precision shooting and longer range distances. They tend to be forgiving on barrel life and predictable in accuracy.
• Typical bullet weight: Commonly 120–140 grain.
• Trade-offs: Less muzzle velocity than magnums, so they carry less energy to extreme distance, but often give good barrel life and accuracy.

Varmint / Flat Shooters (.243 Win, .22-250):

• Overview: These cartridges are very flat-shooting for lighter targets and varmint work. In the context of the other cartridges listed here, their practical long-range work is shorter, commonly in the 300-600 yard zone depending on load.
• Typical bullet weight: 55–100 grain.
• Trade-offs: Very flat trajectories and high fps; limited terminal energy on larger game at long distance.

How to Choose the Right Long-Range Caliber

Match your cartridge to purpose, rifle, and practice habits.

• Purpose: Target shooters tend to pick high ballistic coefficient, lighter-recoil cartridges. Long-range hunters may choose magnums for retained energy.
• Rifle platform: Bolt action and single-shot rifles pair well with magnums. AR-15s commonly run .223/5.56 and similar flat shooters, while AR-10 platforms can handle .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor.
• Recoil and practice: Lighter recoil lets you practice more. Heavier recoil increases fatigue and can affect accuracy in the field.
• Ammunition availability: Factory ammo is common for .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. Weatherby Magnum and Winchester Magnum factory loads exist, but usually cost more and have fewer match/precision factory options.
• Barrel life: Higher-velocity magnums can speed throat erosion under high-volume fire. Barrel life depends on powder charge, heat, and firing cadence, not just cartridge name.
• Personal preference: Experience, reloading habits, and what feels right in your rifle often decide the final choice.

Key Ballistic Factors That Matter

Here are a few basic terms to familiarize yourself with when comparing how calibers stack up at distance.

• Ballistic coefficient (BC): Measures how well a bullet resists wind drift and retains velocity. High BC helps at long distance.
• Muzzle velocity (fps): Faster velocity shortens the time of flight and reduces wind effects.
• Bullet weight / sectional density: Heavier bullets often hold energy better downrange.
• Wind drift and time of flight: The longer the bullet is in the air, the larger the wind effect. Higher BC and higher fps help reduce drift.
• Twist rate: Match bullet weight to barrel twist for proper stabilization.
• Environment: Altitude, temperature, and humidity change performance. Use a chronograph for real fps data.

Why Bullet Selection Matters

Bullets of the same caliber can behave very differently.

• Profile: Boat-tail match bullets give higher BC for better long-distance consistency.
• Weight choice: Heavier bullets give more energy retained at distance; lighter bullets yield higher fps for flatter short-range shooting.
• Construction: Bonded or jacketed bullets hold up on impact for hunting. Match bullets focus on repeatability for target shooting.
• Factory vs handloads: Factory ammo is convenient. Handloads let you tune muzzle velocity and recoil for better long-distance performance.

Why Choose Berry’s for Precision Shooting

For more than six decades, Berry’s has built a reputation for consistent performance at the bench and in the field. Our wide selection of bullets start with a precision-swaged lead core and receive an even copper plating that promotes balance, uniformity, and dependable accuracy.

Pair your load testing with the ProMarksman™ Shooting Bench to eliminate shooter error and gather real data. Its stability and adjustability make it the perfect tool for refining velocity, grouping, and bullet choice. Berry’s also offers quality ammo boxes in a large variety of calibers that fit your long-range shooting needs. 

• 308 Winchester
• 6.5 Creedmoor
• .300 Winchester Magnum
• .338 Lapua Magnum
• 7mm Remington Mag
• .260 Remington
• .243 Winchester
• .22-250 Remington

Shop Berry’s for bullets and reloading gear made to help you shoot with confidence and precision.