The very best long-range cartridge on the earth is perhaps the .408 Chey-Tac. Its bullets will stay supersonic out previous 2,000 yards. However you wouldn’t need to hunt with it. A great looking cartridge has to slot in a rifle that’s snug to hold all day and received’t kick you so arduous that you would be able to’t shoot it effectively. In case you’re after critters deer-size and up, the sector is dominated by .30-caliber, 6.5mm, and 7mm cartridges, with the most effective long-range choices remaining supersonic out to not less than 1,400 yards. None of them will flip you right into a skilled sniper, however if you happen to’ve put within the vary time and have the abilities to stretch it out, these 10 finest long-range looking cartridges have the attain and the thump to place sport on the bottom from the subsequent canyon over.
Greatest Lengthy-Vary 6.5mm Cartridges
Greatest Lengthy-Vary 7mm Cartridges
Greatest Lengthy-Vary .30 Caliber Cartridges
Greatest Lengthy-Vary .277 Caliber Cartridges
Greatest Lengthy-Vary 6.5mm Cartridges: Opinions & Suggestions
It’s not all hype. The explanation why 6.5mm cartridges are exploding in reputation is as a result of they’re ultra-efficient. Bullets of this diameter are simply configured to have extraordinarily excessive ballistic coefficients. That, mixed with their comparatively small dimension, implies that in comparison with cartridges of comparable powder capability, the 6.5s will nearly all the time do extra, by way of exterior and terminal ballistics, with much less recoil.
1. Federal Premium Terminal Ascent 6.5 Creedmoor Centerfire Rifle Ammo
If it makes you’re feeling higher to hate the 6.5 Creedmoor, go forward. Simply don’t attempt to enumerate its downsides to anybody who is aware of something, as a result of there aren’t any that matter. The Creedmoor carries extra velocity and power downrange with much less recoil than every other manufacturing unit cartridge. Shot from SAAMI-mandated 1-8 twist barrels, the 6.5′s lengthy, slender bullets appear to nearly defy wind and gravity and permit this cartridge to ship clear kills at distance. And that gentle recoil not solely makes you a greater shot within the discipline; it additionally makes training extra enjoyable and productive. The 6.5 Creedmoor will stay supersonic out to 1,400 yards and is rapidly turning into the most well-liked long-range, big-game cartridge on the earth. For good cause.
Advised 6.5 Creedmoor Load
The brand new Federal Premium, 130-grain Terminal Ascent load with a muzzle velocity of 2825 fps shoots flat and the bullet is hard sufficient to deal with up shut impacts whereas nonetheless delivering good enlargement at distance.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.545
- 500-yard velocity: 2043 fps
- 500-yard power: 1204 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 50 (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
RELATED: 6.5 Creedmoor: The New King of Cartridges?
2. Hornady Precision Hunter 6.5 PRC Rifle Ammo
When the .264 Winchester Magnum was launched about 60 years in the past, it grew to become a sensation with shooters trying to lengthen their attain within the discipline. However a status for burning out barrels in the end doomed the cartridge. With the 6.5 PRC, Hornady has created a greater model of the previous barrel-burner. It almost matches the ballistics of the Winchester Magnum, however does so in rifles with faster-twist barrels and trendy powders that reach barrel life. The 6.5 PRC can stay supersonic out past 1,600 yards or so, however ammunition choices are restricted.
Advised 6.5 PRC Load
Hornady Precision Hunter 143-grain ELDX at 2,960 fps
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.625
- 500-yard velocity: 2,252 fps
- 500-yard power: 1,610 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 44 (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
3. Nosler Trophy Grade .30-06 Springfield Centerfire Rifle Ammo
Nosler’s first proprietary cartridge is principally a steroid-monster 6.5 Creedmoor. It shoots as flat as a Kansas prairie and holds its velocity means on the market. Primarily based on the previous .404 Jeffery case, it’s the identical size because the .30/06, which implies it really works in standard-length actions. It could be a bit tough on barrels, however this cartridge shoots so flat you most likely received’t care. With the very best BC bullets, the 26 Nosler stays supersonic past 1,750 yards. However as with the 6.5 PRC, there are usually not numerous factory-ammo choices to select from.
Advised 26 Nosler Load
Nosler Trophy Grade Lengthy Vary with a 129-grain AccuBond Lengthy Vary bullet at 3,400 fps
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.530
- 500-yard velocity: 2,496 fps
- 500-yard power: 1,785 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 33 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
Greatest Lengthy-Vary 7mm Cartridges: Opinions & Suggestions
Apart from the 7mm Remington Magnum, cartridges of this diameter have by no means been as standard in America as they need to be—possibly as a result of this was the caliber of the Imperial German Military and the Nazis. Nonetheless, 7mm bullets will be extraordinarily aerodynamic and, as legendary elephant hunter Karamojo Bell proved, efficient on even the most important animals.
4. Nosler Trophy Grade .280 Ackley Improved
If there was ever a cult cartridge, the .280 Ackley Improved is it. It outperforms the .280 Remington (also referred to as the 7mm-06 and the 7mm Specific), and for years wildcatters and handloaders have been singing its praises. Now, the .280 AI is lastly a SAAMI-approved cartridge, and whereas ammunition choices are sparse, it’s efficiency is true there with the 7mm Remington Magnum. Just like the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .280 Ackley Improved can stay supersonic out to 1,400 yards.
Advised .280 Ackley Improved Load
Nosler Trophy Grade Lengthy Vary, 150-grain AccuBond Lengthy Vary at 2,930 fps
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.546
- 500-yard velocity: 2,133 fps
- 500-yard power: 1,516 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 47 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
5. 7mm Remington Magnum
Launched by Remington in 1962 together with their Mannequin 700 bolt-action rifle, Remington’s Seven-Magazine was the start of the top of Winchester’s .264. It was additionally a convincing success and has remained standard with hunters trying to stretch their efficient vary. Surprisingly, even with all the additional recoil and muzzle blast, this cartridge is not going to shoot any flatter than most 6.5s. However the 7mm Remington Magnum will stay supersonic out to 1,400 yards or a bit extra, making a sensible choice for cross-canyon looking.
Advised 7mm Rem. Magazine. Load
Swift 150-Grain Scirocco II Bonded Bullets at 3,036 fps delivers excellent terminal efficiency. In case you’re after deeper penetration, have a look at the 139-grain Barnes VOR-TX Lengthy Vary load.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.515
- 500-yard velocity: 2,177 fps
- 500-yard power: 1,578 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 44 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
6. Nosler Trophy Grade .30-06 Springfield Centerfire Rifle Ammo
Just like the 26 Nosler, the 28 relies on the 404 Jeffery case and can stay supersonic out previous 1,750 yards. However to do that, it should launch a heavy bullet and which means recoil will be stiff; from an 8-pound rifle, it generates greater than 33 foot-pounds of recoil, which is greater than twice that of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re objective is to push heavy projectiles to the outer reaches, Nosler’s 28 could also be the most effective 7mm possibility on the market. Apart from recoil, the draw back is the restricted availability of manufacturing unit ammunition and rifles.
Advised 28 Nosler Load
Nosler Trophy Grade .30-06 Springfield Centerfire Rifle Ammo, 175-grain AccuBond Lengthy Vary at 3,125 fps
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.648
- 500-yard velocity: 2,416 fps
- 500-yard power: 2,267 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 38 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
Greatest Lengthy-Vary .30 Caliber Cartridges: Opinions & Suggestions
That is the darling diameter for American big-game hunters. It began with the .30/30 and continued with the .30/06 and .308 and proper as much as at the moment’s .300 Blackout. Regardless that high-BC .30-caliber bullets must be heavy and pushed arduous to shoot flat, many American hunters love them sufficient to tolerate the recoil.
7. .308 Winchester
The .308 Winchester will win no ballistic awards; it’s merely a shorter model of the time-tested and beloved .30/06. But it has confirmed repeatedly that it’ll ship at distance. From an exterior ballistics standpoint, it can’t compete with any of the cartridges on this checklist, however within the discipline the place it issues, it really works wonders, and solely the 6.5 Creedmoor has much less recoil. Additionally, you’ll discover extra ammo choices for the .308 Winchester than any of the others. A protracted-time favourite of snipers, the .308 Winchester will stay supersonic out to round 1,200 yards. (For anybody who will get labored up about the truth that the .30/06 isn’t on this checklist, be at liberty to swap it with this one, so long as you don’t thoughts the additional kick.)
Advised .308 Load
Hornady’s Precision Hunter 178-grain ELD-X at 2,600 fps might be the most effective long-range possibility, however look additionally on the new 168-grain Berger Hybrid Hunter load from Federal
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.552
- 500-yard velocity: 1,867 fps
- 500-yard power: 1,377 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 62 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
RELATED: 6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Winchester
8. Hornady Precision Hunter 300 PRC
The 300 PRC will cruise above the pace of sound out to 1,650 yards. It’s like a shorter, beltless model of the .300 Winchester Magnum. As with Hornady’s two latest 6.5 caliber introductions, it has discovered favor with long-range rivals, but additionally with hunters who wish to hit at distance with heavy bullets. Manufacturing unit rifles and ammunition choices are restricted right here, too, however primarily based on the ballistic talents of this cartridge, that’s prone to change sooner moderately than later.
Advised 300 PRC Load
Hornady Precision Hunter 212-grain ELD-X at 2,860 fps
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.673
- 500-yard velocity: 2,204 fps
- 500-yard power: 2,286 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 47 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
9. .300 Winchester Magnum
Thought-about by many to be the optimum long-range, large-game cartridge, the .300 Winchester Magnum has confirmed itself worldwide. It’s a best choice of army snipers and might launch heavy bullets with excessive pace and distinctive precision. Recoil is stiff and a few discover it arduous to grasp. However if you happen to can shoot this cartridge effectively, with its supersonic pace out past 1,650 yards, you’re nearly unstoppable at distance, and there are many manufacturing unit masses and rifles—reasonably priced and costly—to select from.
Advised .300 Win. Magazine. Load
Norma 180-grain BondStrike Excessive at 3,084 fps is new and really flat-shooting. Additionally have a look at Federal Premium’s 180-grain Nosler AccuBond providing at 2,960 fps.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.615
- 500-yard velocity: 2,346 fps
- 500-yard power: 2,200 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 40 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
Join Area & Stream’s e-newsletter to obtain the most recent and best gear opinions and professional looking and fishing recommendation.
Greatest Lengthy-Vary .277 Caliber Cartridges: Opinions & Suggestions
The .277 is an oddball bullet diameter, in that it doesn’t fall into the far more widespread 6.5mm, 7mm, or .30-caliber classes. Solely a handful of .277-caliber cartridges are made at the moment, however the .270 Winchester continues to be by far the most well-liked, given all of the weapons and masses on the market for it.
RELATED: How the Model-New 27 Nosler Revives the .277
10. .270 Winchester
When it got here out in 1925, 300 yards was thought-about concerning the max distance for pictures on sport, and the .270 Winchester was rapidly acknowledged as one in all, if not the, finest industrial possibility for that. With at the moment’s ammunition, it’s even higher. Yeah, 6.5s are all the craze, and their blinding reputation has taken some shine off the previous .270, however the latter continues to be one of many perfect long-range looking cartridges. The .270 Winchester stays supersonic out to 1,400 yards, which is greater than what 99 p.c of hunters will ever want.
Advised .270 Winchster Load
Hornady’s Precision Hunter 145-grain ELD-X at 2,950 fps is the flattest-shooting .270 Winchester load. Federal’s EDGE TLR .270 Winchester is one other excellent possibility.
Ballistic Coefficient: 0.536
500-yard velocity: 2,153 fps
500-yard power: 1,492 ft/lbs
500-yard drop: 45 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
New Cartridges and Honorable Mentions
Since this text initially went dwell, a number of wonderful long-range big-game cartridges have it the market. One other one or two most likely ought to have made the unique checklist. I additionally need to give credit score to a few long-range AR cartridges that deserve honorable point out. All in all, listed here are six bonus cartridge, all extremely able to reaching means on the market.
1. .224 Valkyrie
It appears a bit odd to think about a .22-caliber cartridge of any design appropriate for long-range looking of even smallish huge sport. Nevertheless, the .220 Swift and the .22-250 have been used to take deer out to distances numerous people bought no enterprise capturing, for an extended, very long time. Each are after all bolt-action rifle cartridges. What concerning the man who desires to go lengthy together with his AR-15? Effectively, there’s actually just one possibility in .22-caliber and that’s the .224 Valkyrie. Primarily based on the 7.62×39/220 Russian cartridge case, the Valkyrie adjustments the character of the AR-15. It’s going to push a 90-grain Fusion bullet to 500 yards—which might be the restrict for giant sport with this cartridge—whereas nonetheless retaining sufficient velocity to provoke enlargement. Recoil is negligible, making it an excellent possibility for hunter with delicate shoulders.
Advised .224 Valkyrie Load
Federal 90-grain Fusion at 2700 fps.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.424
- 500-Yard Velocity: 1749 fps
- 500-Yard Power: 611 ft/lbs
- 500-Yard Drop: 61 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
2. 6.5 Grendel
One other and even higher possibility for reaching out to a giant sport animal with an AR15 is the 6.5 Grendel. It’s additionally primarily based on the 220 Russian/7.62x39mm Russian cartridge, however not like the Valkyrie—which makes use of a 0.223-caliber bullet—the Grendel is yet one more 6.5. This cartridge existed in a cloak of obscurity for a very long time; solely just lately have hunters started to see the potential it affords. With a latest elevated reputation, due in no small half to the rise of the six-fives, the Grendel is now getting the eye it deserves. Not solely are new masses being provided, new ARs and even bolt motion rifles for the Grendel are being launched. For deer and lesser critters, it’s a stable 500-yard cartridge. No, it’s not a 6.5 Creedmoor, however few issues are.
Advised 6.5 Grendel Load
Hornady 123-grain SST at 2580 fps. Underwood Ammo’s 110-grain Lehigh Managed Chaos bullet at 2800 fps is one other nice possibility.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.510
- 500-Yard Velocity: 1796 fps
- 500-Yard Power: 881 ft/lbs
- 500-Yard Drop: 64 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
3. 6.5-284 Norma
Primarily based on the now almost-forgotten .284 Winchester, the 6.5-284 Norma was initially a wildcat cartridge and a very fashionable one, particularly in bench-rest competitions. In 2019, Nosler submitted the cartridge to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Institute (SAAMI) for approval, and in 2020, you may count on to see Nosler and different ammunition producers providing manufacturing unit loaded ammunition and even rifles for it. Ballistically, the cartridge is similar to the 6.5 PRC, however not like the PRC it makes use of a regular 0.473 rim diameter just like the .308 Winchester. Loaded with a 130-grain bullet, it would carry greater than 1000 foot-pounds of power out previous 600 yards. In case you like the concept of a six-five for going lengthy, however hate the Creed and wish one thing a bit totally different, the 6.5-284 Norma is the way in which to go.
Advised 6.5-284 Norma Load
Nosler Trophy Grade with a 130-grain Nosler AccuBond at 2900 fps. Norma affords a 156-grain Oryx load that received’t shoot as flat however offers nice terminal efficiency.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.488
- 500-Yard Velocity: 2019 fps
- 500-Yard Power: 1176 ft/lbs
- 500-Yard Drop: 49 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
4. 6.5 Weatherby RPM
After Weatherby’s 6.5-300 Magnum didn’t win as many hearts and minds as they’d hoped, Weatherby rethought the 6.5mm cartridge and developed the 6.5 RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum). The RPM doesn’t have a belt or the customary Weatherby radiused shoulder, and it was designed to go together with an ultra-light looking rifle. With its rebated rim and 1/2-inch diameter on the base, it’s primarily an extended model of the 6.5×284 Norma; ballistically equal to the .264 Winchester Magnum. This newer Weatherby 6.5 combines loads of fuel with manageable recoil. However reality be informed, each Weatherby cartridge is a long-range cartridge. Most frequently you simply have to purchase a Weatherby rifle to get one, and whereas that was once an costly proposition, it’s not anymore. With their Vanguard line you are able to do it for lower than $900. Usually, conventional Weatherby Magnum cartridges carry out barely higher than their Winchester or Remington magnum counterparts. For instance, the 7mm Weatherby Magnum will shoot the identical bullet as a 7mm Remington Magnum, however it would do it about 10 p.c sooner. Sooner velocities imply flatter trajectories. That’s what makes a long-range hunter’s coronary heart go pitter patter, and its what has saved Weatherby in enterprise since 1945.
Advised 6.5 Weatherby RPM Load
The Nosler AccuBond is among the finest all-round big-game bullets provided, and Weatherby has smarly provided the 140-grain model for his or her 6.5 RPM cartridge. With a muzzle velocity sooner than 3000 fps, it affords nice exterior and terminal ballistics.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.509
- 500-yard velocity: 2199 fps
- 500-yard power: 1503 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 42-inches (primarily based on 100-yard zero)
5. 6.8 Western
Twenty years in the past, Winchester launched the .270 WSM (Winchester Quick Magnum). Up till that point, there had solely actually been two .277-caliber looking cartridges—the .270 Winchester and the .270 Weatherby—so the .270 WSM was nearly instantly standard. Nevertheless, it proved to be largely a flash within the pan. By the point the 6.5 Creedmoor began gaining reputation, curiosity within the .270 WSM was fading. So, Winchester barely modified the .270 WSM case so it was a bit shorter after which specified barrels with a sooner twist. (That is primarily what Hornady did to the .260 Remington to make the 6.5 Creedmoor.) With the flexibility to deal with extra aerodynamic bullets than the .270 Winchester or the .270 WSM, the 6.8 Western and its 1-in-8 twist charge permits this cartridge to outperform each at distance.
Advised 6.8 Western Load
Whereas there are usually not numerous ammunition decisions for the 6.8 Western, there are some good ones. Browning’s 175-grain Sierra Tipped GameKing load has an marketed muzzle velocity of 2835 fps and a really excessive ballistic coefficient. The non-bonded bullet ought to ship good terminal efficiency up shut and at distance.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.617
- 500-yard velocity: 2137 fps
- 500-yard power: 1774 ft/lbs
- 500-yard drop: 48-inches (primarily based on 100-yard zero)
6. 27 Nosler
The latest addition to the Nosler line of proprietary cartridges is the 27 Nosler. Primarily based on the vintage .404 Jeffery cartridge case, the 27 Nosler is the primary new .277-caliber rifle cartridge because the .270 Winchester Quick Magnum, which was launched nearly 20 years in the past. Plenty of hunters think about the .270 Winchester among the finest all-purpose, short- and long-range cartridges of all time. The 27 Nosler bests the .270 Winchester by about 400 fps with 150-grain bullets. Now, you would possibly suppose this cartridge is new and unproven. That’s true, however the bullets have been vetted. Nosler is loading the 27 with their well-known AccuBond, which is among the finest big-game bullets ever crafted. At 500 yards, the 27 Nosler drops nearly a foot lower than Jack O’Connor’s sacred cartridge.
Advised 27 Nosler Load
Nosler Trophy Grade with a 150-grain Nosler AccuBond Lengthy Vary at 3300 fps.
- Ballistic Coefficient: 0.591
- 500-Yard Velocity: 2529 fps
- 500-Yard Power: 2129 ft/lbs
- 500-Yard Drop: 34 inches (primarily based on a 100-yard zero)
Why Belief Us
For greater than 125 years, Area & Stream has been offering readers with trustworthy and genuine protection of outside gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outside, and that zeal comes via in our product opinions. You possibly can rely on F&S to maintain you updated on the most effective new gear. And after we write a few product—whether or not it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cowl the nice and the dangerous, so you recognize precisely what to anticipate earlier than you resolve to make a purchase order.
