Choosing the best caliber for long-range shooting out to 1000 yards depends on several factors, including your budget, goals (accuracy, competition, recreation), ammunition availability, and desired ballistic characteristics.
But first, what makes a good caliber for long-range shooting?
Factors influencing the choice of caliber
- Ballistic performance :
- Good muzzle velocity and a high ballistic coefficient (BC) are essential to maintain accuracy and counter the effects of wind and gravity.
- Calibers with high BCs offer more flexibility in difficult weather conditions (variable wind, etc.)
- Setback :
- Heavy recoil can affect accuracy, especially if you are a beginner or have long shooting sessions.
- Modern calibers like the 6.5 Creedmoor reduce recoil while maintaining excellent performance.
- Ammunition Cost and Availability :
- Popular calibers like the .308 Winchester are inexpensive and easy to find, which is a plus for regular practice.
- Specialty calibers like the .338 Lapua Magnum, while capable, are often very expensive.
- Barrel wear :
- Calibers with a high ratio of “powder quantity / projectile diameter” tend to wear out barrels more (for example, a 243 Win will wear out a barrel faster than a 308 Win caliber even though it has the same powder volume.)
- If you shoot frequently, the longevity of the barrel can be an important factor, however it must be put into perspective, when you have used a 6.5CM barrel (around 4000 shots) if you shoot manufactured ammunition you have already shot €11,000 worth of ammunition... I am not sure that you are at €1000 to say for a new barrel.
Detailed analysis of popular calibers
1. .308 Winchester
- Performance :
- Capable of shooting heavy bullets (168-200 grains) with good accuracy out to around 800-900 yards.
- At 1000 yards the bullet is more sensitive to wind, but still usable.
- Benefits :
- Low cost, abundant ammo.
- Low barrel wear, ideal for heavy use.
- Wide availability of rifles in this caliber.
- Users:
- Perfect for beginning shooters or those looking to shoot on a budget.
- Perfect for shooters who don't want to reload
2. 6.5 Creedmoor
- Performance :
- Excellent straight trajectory thanks to high initial velocities (approx. 820-840 m/s for a 140 grain bullet and a high ballistic coefficient
- Delivers exceptional accuracy out to 1000 yards and beyond.
- Benefits :
- Low recoil, which helps maintain stability and observe impacts through the optic.
- Designed for long range shooting, it is less affected by wind than the .308.
- Disadvantages:
- Slightly faster barrel wear due to its high velocities. (count 4000 rounds)
- Ammunition a little more expensive.
- Users:
- Suitable for intermediate and competitive shooters looking for precision and comfort.
3. .300 PRC
- Performance :
- Known for delivering maximum energy on target, it maintains good performance even in adverse wind conditions.
- Ideal for shooting beyond 1000 meters, with heavy bullets (208-250 grains) providing excellent performance.
- Benefits :
- Impressive ballistics.
- Wind resistance is better than 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 By far!
- Disadvantages:
- Significant recoil, which may bother some shooters.
- Faster barrel wear.
- Low on manufactured ammunition, need to reload.
- Users:
- Suitable for experienced/competitive shooters and specific needs (long distances, shooting in difficult conditions).
4. .338 Lapua Magnum
- Performance :
- Preferred caliber for ultra-long distance shots (up to 1500 meters and more).
- Capable of firing very heavy bullets (250-300 grains) at high velocities, providing exceptional performance and plenty of energy on impact.
- Benefits :
- Unparalleled wind resistance.
- Easy reading of hits and misses thanks to its energy conservation
- Excellent choice for competitive or military shooters.
- Disadvantages:
- Expensive weapons, very expensive ammunition.
- Massive recoil, requiring a muzzle brake or silencer to soften the impact.
- Oversized for 1000 meter shooting…
- Users:
- Intended for specialist shooters, high-level competitors or military personnel.
5. Other interesting calibers
- 7mm PRC: Good alternative to the 300PRC for people who don't like the recoil of big magnums, offering similar performance with a slightly softer recoil.
- 6mm BR: Devilishly precise, the best caliber between 0 and 600 meters, still usable at 1000 meters, the preferred caliber of demanding expert shooters.
Conclusion: Which caliber for which profile?
- Beginners or on a budget: The .308 Winchester is an economical, versatile and reliable choice.
- Intermediate or competitive shooters: The 6.5 Creedmoor offers unmatched accuracy and reduced recoil for optimal performance at 1000 yards.
- Experienced shooters or extreme long range: The .300 Winchester Magnum or .338 Lapua Magnum are ideal for maximum performance, although expensive and demanding.
If your main goal is 1000 yard shooting with a good quality/price ratio, the 6.5 Creedmoor is today the most recommended caliber by experts. For general use or for frequent training, the .308 Winchester remains a safe bet.