Best Caliber for 1000 Yards? Looking for Recommendations!

Seeking Recommendations for Long-Range Shooting Calibers

I’ve recently taken an interest in long-range shooting and I’m aiming to hit targets at 1000 yards. I’ve heard a lot about various calibers and I wanted to gather some insights from more experienced shooters.

What I’m Looking For:

  • Recommendations for the best caliber that performs well at 1000 yards.
  • Personal experiences with calibers like .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor.
  • Any tips on bullet types, load data, and environmental factors that could affect accuracy at this distance.
  • Suggestions on ammo brands that work well for long-range shooting.

Factors to Consider:

  • Ballistics: Which calibers maintain velocity and energy over long distances?
  • Recoil: How manageable is the recoil for extended shooting sessions?
  • Barrel Wear: Is there a difference in how different calibers impact barrel life?

I appreciate any advice you can share! Looking forward to hearing about your experiences and insights.

I’m glad you brought this up! For 1000 yards, many swear by the .338 Lapua Magnum for its excellent ballistic performance. The velocity retention is outstanding, and it handles wind drift well. Plus, the bullet drop is manageable with the right scope.

Have you considered the .300 Win Mag? It provides a great balance of power and recoil, making it suitable for long-distance shooting.

Both calibers are solid choices, but don’t overlook the .260 Remington! It has a flatter trajectory at long ranges and excellent wind resistance, plus it’s easier on the shoulder than the .338.

That’s a good point! The .260 can be very effective, especially with lighter bullets. However, it’s crucial to match the bullet weight with your twist rate for best results.

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In my experience, the .308 Winchester is also worth mentioning. While it may not match the .338 or .300 in velocity, it’s widely available and offers decent performance at 1000 yards, especially if you handload.

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True, and the .308 has a lot of good factory options. However, the .338 certainly has a reputation for being king at long distances!

For fun, I’ve got to say that shooting at long distances can feel like trying to hit a dartboard from a mile away! The weather does play a big role. Ever tried estimating wind drift at that distance? It’s challenging!

Haha, yes! I spent more time guessing the wind than I did pulling the trigger. So, what’s the trick? Are there any tips for reducing that drift?

Investing in a good wind meter can really help. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of that equation. Also, practicing with your setup on windy days can improve your skills significantly!

Absolutely! And don’t forget to adjust your scope after every few shots when you’re dialing in at long range. That’s key, too.

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Bottom line, it seems like each caliber has its strengths. So, which one will it be for you? I guess it ultimately depends on what feels right and fits your shooting style!

When it comes to long-range shooting at 1000 yards, many swear by the .338 Lapua Magnum for its power and precision. Pair it with a high-quality rifle like the Accuracy International AXMC for superb results.

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Absolutely, the .338 Lapua is a fantastic choice! However, don’t overlook the .300 Winchester Magnum. It’s more versatile and offers great performance too.

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I’ve had great success with the 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s manageable for recoil and delivers impressive accuracy at long distances. The Ruger Precision Rifle is a solid option with this caliber.

The 6.5 is very popular indeed! Have you tried any specific brands of ammunition that you’d recommend?

For my .300 Win Mag setup, I use Federal Premium ammunition. Consistent performance and accuracy every time! It’s worth testing some different brands to see what works best for you.

That’s a solid choice! I’ve also had good results with Hornady ELD-X—very reliable for reaching those long distances!

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Besides caliber and ammo, don’t forget about optics! A quality scope can make or break your shot at 1000 yards. What magnification do you think is best for this range?

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Absolutely, a good scope is essential! I’d recommend starting with at least a 6-24x magnification, which can help with clarity at longer ranges.