Long Range Shooting Caliber Choice

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jsglano1

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Hey guys I am looking to start up a new caliber for some long range shooting, I am a old schooler I guess, I currently shoot & load .308 just as a personal hobby have not done any competition stuff. i am shooting 3-500yards but would like to start to reach 600-1000. I am currently looking at trying a rifle in 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win. any tips or pointers / reasons why or why not these calibers. Also what are they using at the ranges. Just curious ?? open to al input

Sincerely
Jsglano1
 
Why not just stick with what you know...the .308. I shoot .308 out to 1000yds.

7mm RM and 300 Win will both get you out there. I'd go with the 7mm just because it's a pretty flat shooter.

But again, if you already have the components for the .308, I'd personally just stick with that.
 
Thanks for your input I do enjoy .308 for sure, I just hear a lot of negativity about its ballistics bla bla and reaching 1000 yards, but thank for the reply. Peace
 
i think those are horrible choices.

go with a 6XC or 6Creedmoor or 6x47L or something like that. it is cheaper to shoot and has less recoil. run the numbers on a ballistic calc and i'll bet you will be surprised at how well they compare in the wind.

my choice is a 260AI but i like a little more energy downrange. if i were only shooting paper and steel i'd go with a fast 6mm
 
I agree that I'd stick with my .308 before I'd buy one of the hunting mag calibers you've listed. The .308 is very capable at the ranges you've given. Once you get some experience, then modify your equipment.

Check out the Savage lineup of F-class and long range rifles. They list some of the 6 and 6.5 mm calibers that seen to be in favor currently and would be better choices IMO.

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/models/

Laphroaig
 
Just go buy a Savage LRP (Long Range Precision) in 6.5creedmoor and a few boxes of Hornady's Superformance ammo for it. It'll shoot lights out right out the gate. Then you now have fire formed brass and Hornady prints their data right on the box so you can duplicate the load for half the cost. That's the cheapest, easiest and most effective/efficient way to get to 1000 yards as far as the gun and ammo goes. Now optics and shooter ability are another story.
 
CountryUgly's advice is really good unless you go custom rifle. You could take that rig & after a couple seasons you should know what you want.
 
Your .308 should get you to 1000 yards. I'd just do some work to a gun you already have if you can. I'm working on a 700 for just that purpose. If you don't want to do that, the Savage LRP in 6.5 Creedmoor is an excellent option as well.
 
If you're looking at magnums...take a look at the 6.5SAUM.

It is going to be some work for case prep, but all results and testimonials I have heard are nothing but amazing. A 6.5 with that speed, supposedly capable of 3,000+ rounds on a barrel. Hello laser beam!
 
Try as I might, I can never find anyone saying anything bad about the 6.5 Grendel. i have no experience with it though.
 
6.5 Grendel doesn't have the powder capacity of the other 6.5 offerings. Unless you really want to stay in an AR15 pattern there are better choices for a LR caliber.

I'd say go with the LRP as well, I'm very happy with mine. 260 vs CM is a coin toss since you reload.
 
Get a 6mm something or a 6.5 something and head out.

A 30 caliber will get you there, but a 6 or 6.5 will kick/drift/cost less.

Win/win/win.
 
i think those are horrible choices.

go with a 6XC or 6Creedmoor or 6x47L or something like that. it is cheaper to shoot and has less recoil. run the numbers on a ballistic calc and i'll bet you will be surprised at how well they compare in the wind.

my choice is a 260AI but i like a little more energy downrange. if i were only shooting paper and steel i'd go with a fast 6mm
Click to expand...

This! x10.

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2013/12/17/best-rifle-caliber-what-the-pros-use/

Personally, my choices are .260 rem, .260 rem AI, .280 rem AI, and 7mm RSAUM. Particularly plain old .260 Rem - that's what my "ultimate long range build" is going to be in. But these are first and foremost hunting rifles. But most hardcore guys in practical comps are going to 6mms for good reason, particularly 6XC - as you can see from my link.
 
A heavy target rifle is going to dampen recoil (my little .223 weighs in at a hefty 19 lbs even), and if you're serious about target shooting then you're probably already reloading and money for ammo is not going to be a make-or-break issue.

Since heavier bullets seem to be more predictable at longer ranges, I'd be inclined to use at least a .30 cal, but I'm not speaking from experience like some of these guys; my little pea shooter maxes out at about 500-600 yds, and that's only when it's reasonably calm!

Interesting thread.
 
I load for and shoot a few cartidge/rifle combinations. I have found that if you are willing to put in the time to develop a load and practice, most any crtridge can be made to perform at long range. For example, I have an 1873 Springfield Single Shot rifle (Trapdoor) chambered in 45-70. Are there better cartridges and platforms for long range, maybe, but the old vet gets the job done. I also have a Swedish M96. Again, there may be better platforms but the M96 does an admirable job.

You have a 308? Start there and see what it can do.
 
Unlicensed Dremel said:
This! x10.

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2013/12/17/best-rifle-caliber-what-the-pros-use/

Personally, my choices are .260 rem, .260 rem AI, .280 rem AI, and 7mm RSAUM. Particularly plain old .260 Rem - that's what my "ultimate long range build" is going to be in. But these are first and foremost hunting rifles. But most hardcore guys in practical comps are going to 6mms for good reason, particularly 6XC - as you can see from my link.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link, good stuff.
 
Concur with thanks for the great link, unlicensed Dremel. I had always assumed that larger magnums were used, along with long enough barrels to make use of all the powder in those huge cases. Shows you how much I know.

Also, I've heard from time to time that the .223 is used at longer ranges, although it would certainly have to have a faster twist than what I'm using. With light recoil and low cost ammo, I wonder why the .223 isn't used more? Not a flat enough trajectory to be practical, maybe?
 
dprice3844444 said:
if your going to do a lot of shooting,pick something with a good ballistic coefficient and minimal recoil.if you like recoil,300 win mag,as you already have 30 cal bullets from the 308.
Click to expand...
I must admit I believe in working smarter, not harder, and conquering recoil would cease to be fun in a seriously competitive situation, no doubt. Statistics don't lie.
 
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