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WY, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:19:32 PM EST
I want to start shooting past 1000 yards I k ow I’ll need a lot of practice before I get into it but white everything getting more expensive by the day I want to get what I can when I can. What’s a good caliber to start with? It will be target shooting only.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:20:19 PM EST
[#1]
Not enough information.
How far do you want to shoot, and at what size of a target? |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:20:55 PM EST
[#2]
6.5 Creedmoor, Hornady 147 ELDs.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:22:23 PM EST
[#3]
.338 lapua is a pretty common cartridge for 1,500m+ shooting. Like another poster said, distance and size of target will matter a lot. I'm in the process of building a .300 PRC since I want something to shoot 1,000-1,500m with. It'll mostly be used for big game hunting, but ballistically it'll be able to cover longer engagements.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:22:26 PM EST
[#4]
Get a RPR in 6.5CM.
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WI, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:22:37 PM EST
[#5]
There's a Playlist called Sniper101 on YouTube that covers a lot of stuff for this. With that being said, 7mm rem mag, .300 win mag, .338 Lapua Magnum are all great long range calibers that also double well as lethal rounds that stay supersonic past 1000M
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:23:27 PM EST
[Last Edit: Shootindave]
[#6]
With a focus on past 1000 yards?
I would begin with a look at 300 PRC. Past 1000 is where the big magnums begin to shine, you need to stay super sonic s far as possible. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:24:03 PM EST
[#7]
If "beyond 1000" is to 1400-ish, a 6 Creedmoor or a 6GT would do. What distances are you looking at?
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:24:54 PM EST
[Last Edit: towerofpower94]
[#8]
.300 PRC, .300 Norma Mag, or .338 Lapua Magnum
When I built my one-mile rig I went with 338LM as 300 PRC wasn't a thing, and 300 Norma Mag didn't have a solid supply of brass from anyone besides Norma. If doing it today I'd go 300 PRC. I handload, but you can buy 300 PRC off the shelf that'll get you to 1500yds and beyond with some consistent impacts. ETA: while 6.5 Creed and other short action cartridges can get you a mile, they start to get really inconsistent when the wind picks up. They're also a major pain in the ass to spot as the lighter bullets moving relatively slowly by the time they get out there don't make much splash on steel to call hits or in the dirt to spot misses. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:25:08 PM EST
[Last Edit: st0newall]
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 2JokersWild: 6.5 Creedmoor, Hornady 147 ELDs. or 260 remington. ballistics supposedly the same as 300wm but smaller cartridge, longer barrel life, easier on the shoulder. i started with 308, went 260 (this before 6.5 creedmoor was popular and ended up with 6mm dasher. but i dont shoot any further than 600 yds. i would avoid the 338 and similar unless you have access to 'out-west' type shooting venues. its expensive and a barrel burner. lots of folks i know got around to 338 lapua because it was then 'in' thing (or 50bmg) and then backed off to something more economical. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:26:40 PM EST
[#10]
I went PRC over Creedmoor and would do it again.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:28:16 PM EST
[#11]
Originally Posted By Smd226: I want to start shooting past 1000 yards I k ow I’ll need a lot of practice before I get into it but white everything getting more expensive by the day I want to get what I can when I can. What’s a good caliber to start with? It will be target shooting only. Have you already shot up to 1000 and want to go further or have you not shot very far at all and want to get up to further than 1000 |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:28:20 PM EST
[Last Edit: KILLERB6]
[#12]
You’re going to get the most bang/$ with a PRS Production Class (bolt) rifle: $3k for a rifle you couldn’t come close to building on your own.
Of course you could spend a lot more if you want to. Cartridge is immaterial between Creedmoor and PRC cartridges but everyone is going to say 6.5 Creed because it’s the coolest thing to recommend…for now. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:29:36 PM EST
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SOCTAC: There's a Playlist called Sniper101 on YouTube that covers a lot of stuff for this. With that being said, 7mm rem mag, .300 win mag, .338 Lapua Magnum are all great long range calibers that also double well as lethal rounds that stay supersonic past 1000M Which of those cartridges has the least barrel erosion? |
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WY, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:31:05 PM EST
[#14]
Thank you everyone. I am currently learning to shoot out to 1000. I have a friend who has a ranch with an almost 2 mile stretch he uses. So up to that as my max distance I guess and for target size I have no idea I eventually want to be able to shoot smaller targets
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:31:14 PM EST
[#15]
Start with something in the 50bmg range and work back down until you stop flinching.
You’re welcome. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:33:09 PM EST
[Last Edit: towerofpower94]
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By st0newall: or 260 remington. ballistics supposedly the same as 300wm but smaller cartridge, longer barrel life, easier on the shoulder. i started with 308, went 260 (this before 6.5 creedmoor was popular and ended up with 6mm dasher. but i dont shoot any further than 600 yds. i would avoid the 338 and similar unless you have access to 'out-west' type shooting venues. its expensive and a barrel burner. lots of folks i know got around to 338 lapua because it was then 'in' thing (or 50bmg) and then backed off to something more economical. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By st0newall: Originally Posted By 2JokersWild: 6.5 Creedmoor, Hornady 147 ELDs. or 260 remington. ballistics supposedly the same as 300wm but smaller cartridge, longer barrel life, easier on the shoulder. i started with 308, went 260 (this before 6.5 creedmoor was popular and ended up with 6mm dasher. but i dont shoot any further than 600 yds. i would avoid the 338 and similar unless you have access to 'out-west' type shooting venues. its expensive and a barrel burner. lots of folks i know got around to 338 lapua because it was then 'in' thing (or 50bmg) and then backed off to something more economical. Not sure I'd call 338LM a barrel burner. You can expect 3500-6000rds of accurate fire, depending on the load/powder and how many rounds you're putting through it in a compressed timeframe. That's not all that different from the short action 6 and 6.5 offerings you're going to have to push to get to 1500yds and beyond consistently. While folks talk about burning out barrels, the cost of the pipe is pretty immaterial once you look at the cost of the ammo to burn it out and the expenses of traveling/training to shoot all of those rounds. Of course, that's assuming you're not just stepping out on to the back porch and slinging 1000-2000yds whenever you want. ETA: OP, if you want to be anywhere near consistent in your goals at 2 miles, you're looking at Cheytac cartridges and others like it where you're pushing 300+ grain projectiles with over 100 grains of powder. Checkout articles on the King of Two Mile (KO2M) match to see what folks are running. There's also KO1M, where 300PRC, 338LM, and others are competitive. AI all the things if you're handloading. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:39:39 PM EST
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Smd226: Thank you everyone. I am currently learning to shoot out to 1000. I have a friend who has a ranch with an almost 2 mile stretch he uses. So up to that as my max distance I guess and for target size I have no idea I eventually want to be able to shoot smaller targets do you have the money? based on your response, i would get two setups, one using 6.5 bullet size (creedmore or 260 or similar) and one using 338 lapua magnum (probably.. i say probably because i dont have access to your max ranges and never considered moving beyond 1000 yds). and you want to reload for best results. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:41:56 PM EST
[#18]
Savage 110 Tactical in 6.5 Creedmoor will get your foot in the door.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:42:36 PM EST
[#19]
Do you reload? If not, learn to.
Everything long range is expensive, reloading brings the cost down. You'll find that you can make better ammo than you can buy. For a starter gun, something inexpensive off the shelf. Learn to read the wind, estimate range. Don't forget a quality scope to get you out there. 6.5CM to 50 BMG will get you past 1K yards. Comes down to your budget also. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:51:34 PM EST
[Last Edit: AKSnowRider]
[#20]
For what its worth...my 2 cents, 338 LM or 338 edge(necked up 300rum) are good, 300 norma is good, 300 rum is good, 300 prc pretty much matches up with 300WM with heavy bullets, 6.5 cm is good over a thousand but not too much further.. I shoot Lr for fun, no competition for fun and to better myself for hunting...I choose 300rum, simple reason why, it has plenty of power, excellent bullet choices for anything you want to do with the rifle(same for all 308 cal barrels) as compared to 7mm or 338 cals..they have limited bullet choices..Next big concern is brass, both availability and cost, top of the line brass whether from Lapua, norma, ADG or any other is going to run 3 bucks plus for most magnums..but a lot of the cartridges have very ,limited manufacturers producing brass..which really sucks, the RUM family has close to if not more than a dozen companies producing brass, and the price and quality vary accordingly, but good usable brass can be had new for a buck or so a case... and there is a ton of choices..as for performance, we get 3050 to 3150 fps velocity out of a couple bone stock rem 700 rifles factory chambered for 300rum and loading the 230 grain berger HT..On my custom 30". rifle I get the same 3220 fps using the same load that shot 3220 fps out of a 28" barrel..Brass life is good, barrel life is good at an average of just over 1600 rds before the barrel opens up over 1 moa... If I wanted more at this point, a simple rebarrel to 338 chambered in edge(300rum necked up) slightly but commonly out performs the 338LM by an average of 100 fps using same powder and bullets.. But I honestly see no reason the 300rum is ideal..Both berger and hornaday make heavy bullets for 308 that run a G1/G7 bc (Berger .846/.433--hornaday .887/.442) making them very viable for LR use...Worth thinking about and pondering the choices, regardless what your decision ends up being...
ETA, Op this guy has shot almost all of the LR and ELR stuff, he has videos on all of them on his web site,, well worth the time to at least get an idea of an honest opinion on what's what... https://www.youtube.com/@markandsamafterwork |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:52:57 PM EST
[#21]
Lol at the responses in here.
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USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:55:17 PM EST
[Last Edit: Trollslayer]
[#22]
I don't know anything about your finances but I can say that adopting cartridges like 338 LM, 50 BMG, etc. and the rifles that go with them, can be VERY expensive. In addition, they can be punishing to shoot. I wouldn't consider these unless I was going well beyond 1,000 yards.
If you are shooting paper targets and steel and only want to go to 1,000 yards, 6mm and 6.5 mm will get you there with ease. I use 6 mm XC, many others use 6mm and 6.5mm Creedmoor. I have used 260 Rem, as well. With these cartridges, you will get excellent barrel life, too. Heck, even 308 with the right bullet and load will get you there but that cartridge is at its limits when going out to 1,000 yards. P.S. - It's not as difficult as you think to get there. |
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USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:58:07 PM EST
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By UndrGrndPrdcts: Lol at the responses in here. Huh? |
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USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 2:59:28 PM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By bigthicket: Savage 110 Tactical in 6.5 Creedmoor will get your foot in the door. This. My first 1000 yard gun was a 110 tactical in a MDT Oryx chassis with an Arken AP5 slinging 147gr ELDs in 6.5 creedmore. Can confirm it shoots to 1000 like it loves it. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:05:48 PM EST
[Last Edit: LRShooter]
[#25]
6.5CM in the rifle of your choice. Shoot a couple thousands rounds out of it and then buy the big magnum if you are still interested. I'd even say .308, but with those Wyoming winds you'd probably get really frustrated past 600 yards really quick.
I've made hits on a 12" square steel target at 1150 yards here in Utah at 4500', with a .308. Even just the smallest amount of wind makes missing really easy. Buy a nice scope. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:12:22 PM EST
[#26]
What are you currently shooting at 1000?
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:12:59 PM EST
[#27]
I'll just reiterate some.
IMO, I think a RPR in 6.5CM or 6.5PRC is a great starting point. Relatively inexpensive to shoot, with handloads accuracy is great (it's even good with factory loads). I started with my RPR 6.5CM then bought the 6.5PRC, I still don't have my accuracy loads worked up for the 6.5PRC yet so I currently shoot the 6.5CM more accurately.  |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:13:05 PM EST
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Trollslayer: Huh? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Trollslayer: Originally Posted By UndrGrndPrdcts: Lol at the responses in here. Huh? People recommending big magnums for entry level long range shooting. Those are mile+ guns. A 6.5 creedmoor or any of the popular 6's will get you to 1400ish without issue. Ammo cost and recoil will be a fraction of a magnum, allowing you to actually learn the fundamentals of precision shooting. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:13:55 PM EST
[#29]
6.5 creedmoor has low recoil, good commercial ammo availability, and the legs to stetch to at least 1200 yards. Skilled people take it farther than that but there are better suited for even longer ranges.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:16:45 PM EST
[Last Edit: rabidus]
[#30]
1000-1200m is not far and reachable in lots of calibers.
Cheapest? I did it with 6.5 Creedmoore Ruger American rifle and a $300 SWFA 10x scope. Once you hit it, you will want 1500m. I’m currently 338 LM and trying to hit 1 mile. Don’t spend a lot, it’s a brief and relatively easy distance to hit. The next caliber you will want past 1200m will get expensive. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:20:12 PM EST
[Last Edit: TheWhiteHorse]
[#31]
6.5 creed. Unless you’re already shooting one?
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:21:42 PM EST
[#32]
.50 BMG or one of the .338's anyone suggesting 6.5 manbun fails to understand the question. Even .300 win mag is a better option.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:22:39 PM EST
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By KILLERB6: You’re going to get the most bang/$ with a PRS Production Class (bolt) rifle: $3k for a rifle you couldn’t come close to building on your own. Of course you could spend a lot more if you want to. Cartridge is immaterial between Creedmoor and PRC cartridges but everyone is going to say 6.5 Creed because it’s the coolest thing to recommend…for now. Not everyone…I’ll take my PRC over a creedmoor any day. In fact I’m in the process of finding the right rifle in 7PRC, then a 300 PRC after that. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 3:23:48 PM EST
[Last Edit: TheWhiteHorse]
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By whiskerz: .50 BMG or one of the .338's anyone suggesting 6.5 manbun fails to understand the question. Even .300 win mag is a better option. lol…. Anyone asking this question in general forum needs a lot more work on their fundamentals with a standard cartidge before they start shooting magnums. |
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WY, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 4:33:20 PM EST
[#35]
I do need to learn more honestly. I’m working on what I can now and like I said in the OP I want to get stuff now while it is still some what affordable at the rate things are going. I do reload a little that is something I do need to step up a lot. I currently shoot .308 I can take it out to 365 yards with iron sights and 625 with an optic. I am learning all I can and I asked here because this is one of the most visible forms that would get me answers
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Posted: 11/20/2023 4:35:43 PM EST
[Last Edit: Justcause]
[#36]
Start with a good .22
Shoot as far as you can with it You will develop all the skills you need and it will be cheaper. Once you master that then you can move up to a large caliber and just shoot. You will already be trained on how https://www.snipershide.com would be a good place to start |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 4:36:20 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Smd226: I do need to learn more honestly. I’m working on what I can now and like I said in the OP I want to get stuff now while it is still some what affordable at the rate things are going. I do reload a little that is something I do need to step up a lot. I currently shoot .308 I can take it out to 365 yards with iron sights and 625 with an optic. I am learning all I can and I asked here because this is one of the most visible forms that would get me answers .308 will go beyond 1000Y; maybe focus on better glass, stocking up on ammo and practice. |
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USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 4:38:10 PM EST
[#38]
I'd go 300 PRC
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Posted: 11/20/2023 4:51:40 PM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Justcause: Start with a good .22 Shoot as far as you can with it You will develop all the skills you need and it will be cheaper. Once you master that then you can move up to a large caliber and just shoot. You will already be trained on how https://www.snipershide.com would be a good place to start This is excellent advice. Take a 22 out to 200, 300, even 400. You'll learn a lot for not much money. Then go shop for a bigger gun. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 4:58:02 PM EST
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Smd226: I do need to learn more honestly. I’m working on what I can now and like I said in the OP I want to get stuff now while it is still some what affordable at the rate things are going. I do reload a little that is something I do need to step up a lot. I currently shoot .308 I can take it out to 365 yards with iron sights and 625 with an optic. I am learning all I can and I asked here because this is one of the most visible forms that would get me answers .308 will give you better feedback on your shooting position than the lighter recoiling rounds but it won't beat the shit out of you. It also won't beat the shit out of your wallet. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:00:45 PM EST
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Justcause: Start with a good .22 Shoot as far as you can with it You will develop all the skills you need and it will be cheaper. Once you master that then you can move up to a large caliber and just shoot. You will already be trained on how https://www.snipershide.com would be a good place to start A.22 doesn't give you enough feedback on your natural shooting position. |
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WA, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:08:44 PM EST
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TheWhiteHorse: lol . Anyone asking this question in general forum needs a lot more work on their fundamentals with a standard cartidge before they start shooting magnums. |
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WY, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:10:21 PM EST
[#43]
Thank you everyone
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GA, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:11:23 PM EST
[#44]
30 caliber is a good place to start. 6.5 caliber is decent too.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:18:30 PM EST
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Smd226: I do need to learn more honestly. I’m working on what I can now and like I said in the OP I want to get stuff now while it is still some what affordable at the rate things are going. I do reload a little that is something I do need to step up a lot. I currently shoot .308 I can take it out to 365 yards with iron sights and 625 with an optic. I am learning all I can and I asked here because this is one of the most visible forms that would get me answers What rifle, how old is it, and what glass? |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:24:15 PM EST
[#46]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TXBO: .308 will give you better feedback on your shooting position than the lighter recoiling rounds but it won't beat the shit out of you. It also won't beat the shit out of your wallet. It's unpopular, but I was going to say this as well. Your .308 will force your wind call, get it out to 1K and refine your ability to read wind. You will get more reps with it than say a .338, and thus get more experience if you're disciplined enough to analyze the shot instead of just sending another with the correction to get a hit. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:30:18 PM EST
[#47]
What caliber do F class open shooters use (1000 yards)? Not 6.anything!
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:31:04 PM EST
[Last Edit: MDog26]
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Shootindave: With a focus on past 1000 yards? I would begin with a look at 300 PRC. Past 1000 is where the big magnums begin to shine, you need to stay super sonic s far as possible. I played it safe when I bought my Bergara Premier HMR Pro. I didn't know much about the 300 PRC at the time and I really wanted to stay with a caliber that had more options in factory loadings. Now, I want the improved performance of the PRC and the reloading benefits of a non-belted case. Who knows, maybe I did it right and just need to purchase another rifle in 300 PRC  I do like my 300 Win Mag, but that short neck (and that case really didn't ever need to be belted) prevents me from loading heavier, high-BC bullets.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:45:02 PM EST
[#49]
300 win mag has my vote based on economics and learning to shoot. It's common, components and ammo are easy to find, and it will have good enough performance for you to learn.
My intermediate gun in 300 mag. All in on this setup I'm into it under $1200. Much of it from the EE here.  Attached File |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:48:35 PM EST
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By -Obsessed-: Get a RPR in 6.5CM. This is what I did. Top it with some good glass, and you'll be GTG for a long time. |
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