I am not interested in being a sniper but I am interested in long range shooting. What is the best cal. for this purpose? 243 308 25-06 or 30-06

-- eric martin (aspneric@aol.com), December 01, 2002

Answers

What do you call "long range?" Any of those calibers are pretty good out to, say, 500 yards (with the advantage in cross winds going to the heavier bullets) but if your "long range" is beyond that, you might want something with a heavier bullet or a bit more velocity, like a .300 Win. Mag. I assume you're putting your choice of ammo into a target-grade rifle, topped with a premium quality scope. Anything less would be a waste of time and cash.

-- Bob Chattin (surbat6@earthlink.net), November 25, 2003.

I like the .50calBMG it is heavy enough that the wind dosent affect it much and it has a lot of power. Long range snipers use it some guy in Canada shot a guy from around 3000 meters with one!

-- Timothy L. Watkins (imz1too@netscape.net), March 08, 2003.

My personal choice is a heavy barreled .308 such as the Remington 40X and similar. Brass and components are readily available (I like IMR 4895 or 3031 behind a 168gr. HPBT match grade bullit)for the handloader at very reasonable prices plus factory rolled match grade ammo is also available in the 15-18 dollar range. Many a thousand yard match has been taken with this recipe. The others are nice and some better for other applications, but this would be (and has been) my choice. Good luck Kemosabi....

-- Pinetree Pete (corchaug4@aol.com), January 09, 2003.

I've fired 7mm, 300 win mag, 308, 338 leupa mag and a 50 cal. My personal favorite would be the 300 winchester magnum. Its got enough power for shots out to and past 850 meters and its trajectory is fairly flat. But I would tell you to shot till you find what works for you and what you like.

-- Rick Powell (rpowell75@hotmail.com), December 04, 2002.

i would have to say that the .308 is a very good caliber to use. it has little kick and a good amount of power behind it. i use it from 200 to 600 meters most of the time.

-- jake (phantomfreq@cs.com), December 02, 2002.