Where does "Long Range" begin

[Plinker147]

I think long range begins around 600 yds. I say this because that about the distance bullet construction/ BC, reloading practices all start to matter more. You can shoot flat base bullets like partitions pretty accurately out to 500ish yards. Past that the lack of BC/ bullet design make it hard to keep them at MOA. 600 yds is when you need to be using LR style bullets, inside of that most any good bullets will shoot accurately

 

[Okanogan]

Even the old school, gas station, "6 bread & butter cartridges"
30-30, 45-70, 243win, 308win, 270win, 30-06.....
They are now $60 a box instead of the $25 they used to be, for plain jane loads

Gotta reload to afford to shoot

I highly recommend using a chronograph, either borrowed or purchased, as you attempt to stretch out your shooting capabilities to approach long range. It provides important information with hard data. You shouldn't rely on manufacturer claims as to muzzle velocity and even good factory ammo is subject to potential lot to lot variation that can have significant effect at greater distance.

In the case of reloading, having a chronograph allowed me to significantly improve my results over time for use at longer ranges. This forum also has a lot of information available on reloading though you may have to sift through conflicting or confusing opinions on some issues.

Being able to shoot well at longer ranges involves more than just your selection of firearm/scope/ cartridge. If you want some science background as you start your journey, I suggest reading Byran Litz Modern Advancement in Long Range Shooting (4 Volumes). If you're lucky you might be able to borrow them from a library or friend.

 

[98s1lightning]

Yes on chronograph or else reloading is pure speculation w no real data

 

[Koda_]

For me "long range" is anything past the rifles MPBR. Anything past that you have to take additional steps to compensate for holdover and time of flight on hunting targets lands in the long range category.