There is a world of difference between plinking at 100 yards and extreme long-range rifle shooting that will have you pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at ranges greater than 1000, even 2000 yards.
When you’re sighted-in and taking shots at targets that are more than a mile away, success doesn’t just begin with making sure you’re shooting one of the best long-range rifles out there. It also has to do with how you’ve prepared, what caliber you’ve chosen, and more.
Here are some things you should know.
What to Look for in the Best Long-Range Rifles
The best long range rifles offer a combination of features that make them uniquely suited for connecting with targets at truly extreme ranges, sometimes in excess of a mile. Here are some things to look for in an ELR, or extreme long-range rifle platform.
- Barrel length: The longer the rifle barrel, the more stable the platform will be, but more importantly, a longer barrel gives the bullet more time to accelerate before leaving the bore, which means that holding all else equal, a rifle with a longer barrel will produce a higher muzzle velocity and therefore a flatter trajectory. It is also the case that longer barrels sometimes exhibit undesirable harmonics, but the fact remains that a longer barrel produces a flatter trajectory, and on top of that harmonics can be tuned.
- Action: The majority of extreme long-range rifles, and certainly the best long-range rifles sport bolt actions. A bolt action is a staple for rigidity and consistency, making it one of the most popular action types not just for repeaters in general, but for extreme long-range rifles. The very term “sniper rifle” conjures images of a bolt action.
- The chassis system: It might be tempting to simply call it a stock, but when we’re talking about long-range rifles, it’s more accurate to call it a chassis system because most of them are highly modular and adjustable. The best long-range rifles in the industry, such as those from Cadex Defense, are built around chassis systems that have folding components, numerous attachment points, and which are modular or configurable with bipods, tripods, bag riders, and more.
- The quality of the trigger: No good long-range rifle will come with a trigger that isn’t crisp and consistent, as these traits are needed to uphold a high degree of accuracy. The best long-range rifles also have triggers that are adjustable so the shooter can dial in his or her preferences. On top of that, some of the best long-range rifles have trigger assemblies that can be dropped from the bottom of the rifle to make adjustments without needing to mess with the rifle’s zero.
- Size and weight. The best long-range rifles are generally heavier, as larger, heavier platforms are more stable, but there is a tradeoff here, because even though a heavier rifle will be more stable and will help absorb recoil, at the same time, it will be less maneuverable and less agile in the field.
- Can it accept a muzzle device? Most great extreme long-range rifles come with threaded barrels that can accept a muzzle brake which will help minimize felt recoil so you can shoot for longer in the field with less fatigue.
A Few Good Long-Range Rifle Calibers
Often, the best long-range rifle isn’t just about the rifle platform itself, but about the caliber you pair with it. That being said, here are some good options.
- .375 and .408 CheyTac. Both of these cartridges are loaded with solid-copper, CNC-machined bullets called “Balanced Flight Projectiles” that are intended to remain supersonic all the way to the target. This keeps them out of the transonic zone and helps minimize shock forces that could destabilize the bullet. Both cartridges offer an effective range in excess of 2500 yards.
- .50 BMG. The .50 BMG cartridge is a staple in the world of extreme long-range rifle shooting. Even though it produces a lot of recoil and muzzle blast, it also offers an exceptionally long effective range.
- .338 Lapua. Many sniper rifles are chambered in .338 Lapua and it delivers an effective range in excess of 1500 yards, making it effective at engaging targets nearly a mile away.
- 6.5 Creedmoor. While considerably lighter than the other cartridges mentioned here, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers a high ballistic coefficient and low recoil paired with a fairly long effective range of 1000 yards or more. This is a solid choice for extreme long-range shooters whose aims revolve around hunting rather than competition.
Explore Extreme Long-Range Rifles at B&B Firearms
Not sure where to start with extreme long-range shooting? Get in touch with us and we will be more than happy to help. Let us know what you’re looking for in an ELR rifle and we’ll help you settle on the best long-range rifle for your intended applications. We might even be able to secure you interest-free financing; ask us how!
