Where does "Long Range" begin

[3800fps]

It begins when you start manipulating your sights to hit your target

Thanks

Buck

That's the best answer yet….and that is why we choose high velocity and high BC bullets…it's way out there till the manipulating starts.

Also why round ball muskets suck ….with that "whites of their eyes", lob 'em in style gun play.

 

[Bobcatter]

It's already been said. But this is a loaded question, with no definitive answer!

Caliber will dictate different yardages as short or too long!

Ability is another factor, wind reading skills, as well as range estimation. even with a rangefinder and ballistic program, real life conditions can make 400 yards a tough shot on some days, while others even 600 is fairly easy.

But to me even the difference of shooting in timber, or open plains make one different from the other when considering one a long shot and one a chip shot.

The most important thing is to not try and outdo your own ability! No one wants to spend all day tracking and not recover what you went after. But the more you shoot in every scenario, the farther long range will become for the individual. Don't get tied up on what target shooters call LR and hunters consider LR, most Target shooters are lost hunting when you take em off the range and watch in the in real world hands on conditions!

 

[Bobcatter]

AAAH, so there is no long shots considered for Muskets, or anything else but High BC extreme speed centerfires???

I think a 40 or 50 yard shot on squirrel is long range for my .22 Springer, I have a hell of a lot more windage and drop to consider than a 400 0r 500 yard shot with my 6x47 Lapua on a groundhog. Same goes for my 6x223 sporter chasing groundhogs with it's 65 grn Bib, 400 and more yards is LR for that centerfire, where the same shot at 400 even 500 with the 257 or 6mm Ackley Improved with it's 85 to 95 grn BT's is a no brainer!

We shouldn't take anything as pertaining to everything. Like was said above, when you start figuring where to hold over, or for windage, your into long range territory for the weapon your using in my opinion.

 

[Barbourcreek]

When you have to dial out earth and secondary effects IE temp, pressure, spin .
In general with a .25 moa turret 625 yards

 

[Barbourcreek]

 

[3800fps]

Bravo James well done…
For a while there I thought I'd be needing to launch my own private satellite just to retrieve the necessary data to even consider pulling the trigger but now within my personal set ethical hunting ranges I can use what info is on the end flap of my 20 round ammo packaging.

 

[Huntaddict]

It's actually a defined thing. 550-600y for centerfire rifles is long range. That is because that's the point where atmospheric conditions start to play effect on the bullet to a degree where you need to account for it.

Even the Marine Corps regular annual rifle qual ends there at 550y. That's because typically in doctrine, beyond that is where DMs and snipers would then be implemented for the reasons I mentioned.

F class considers 800y the start of "long range."
Opposite of that, PRS will follow the 600y situation more typically but the targets are smaller and there's no spotter shots. You sink or swim.

Edit: "long range" based on these definitions is very much a gear game and an expensive endeavor. I wish there was better news on that front.

I would second the 500 yard portion of this for most modern calibers designed for that purpose. Most modern cartridges sighted in at 100 have to barely hold off meat out to 300 yards (avg 9-11 inch drop)
Everything really starts to change and take affect at 500 including drop, windage, and performance.

 

[Jon Bischof]

I take a practical POA at what is "Long Range". As an expert in ESRH, I can tell you confidently that the question you posed is completely dependent on the situation and you must answer this: "Can I make this shot?" Whatever the shot is; whether it is a snake at 7 yards with a pistol, an armadillo at 15 yards with a pistol, a Carolina Wren at 20 yards with a 22 rifle, or a squirrel at 55 yards, or a crow at 67 yards...a deer at 334 yards or an elk at 723 yards...the question remains the same. Can I make this shot and recover my critter?

So "Long Range" depends on what gun you are shooting and what size target your game is.

I guess we all agree that "Long Range" begins where Short Range reaches its outer limits. And that depends on the gun, the ammo and most importantly the shooter.

The very best tool you will ever have to achieve this is Marksmanship. You cannot buy it. But it can be improved if you are willing to work at it.
Helpful Hint: Short Range Marksmanship translates beautifully into Long Range Marksmanship. A person who can master the USBR Green Monster at 25 Yards with a good 22 will also be good at Long Range.

 

[98s1lightning]

@ Barbourcreek

Hey Thank You very much for your time, I appreciate it

I will be sticking to approx <425yds
with my 2.5-8x36mm sporter weight rifle in 284win

My experience has been to 200 yards in general,
I'm sure it will be great fun to setup steel at 300, 400 and print out a dope sheet for my load and go off that.

I'm a dinosaur with no smartphone, or shooting apps, even tho I'm middle aged I don't have the time or want to have a smartphone w me so I will print out a paper drop sheet.

Also my budget doesn't warrant expensive shooting gear. Ill run what I got.
Maybe some grain bags or something that will help me really stabilize/rest my rifle on the day I venture into the long shots.

I'm fairly confident I can be successful at 300 with my setup, 400 will be a challenge.

i dont remember the drop chart off the top of my head but I think, and guys have mentioned, this cartridge w a 150 Nosler PT should be able to hold on hair to 425yds.

That's a good enough challenge for me w no dialing. Its on my will DO list!!! Steel that is.

 

[Stgraves260]

Where does Long Range begin

What qualifies

200yds, 250yds

Does competition exist w sporter weight rifles?

I want to venture into shooting far, I have a 2.5-8x36mm Leupold. This is a sporter weight rifle but I would think I could shoot out to 450yds with it?

Point blank on a 284win w 150gr bullet is approx 325yds, (along with a 270win 140gr bullet) which I use the definition of +/-3" of zero, dead hold = 6" kill zone

To me I would say 700 yards. My reasoning is because that's where things like coriolis effect and twist rate in your barrel along with barometric pressure will start to need to be calculated. Out to 700 yards I don't calculate those things unless I'm shooting a very small target say like a bottle cap or something. Once I pass 700 yards I'll make my adjustment accordingly.

 

[Chase723]

750 yards

 

[98s1lightning]

Me and the kid had some fun w the rangefinder today

22lr
Open sights (rear folding type)
6" gong

Hits no problem at 90 yards
80% or more hits at 100 yards
75% plus the kid guessed I was making at 110 yards

(110yds is about the limit for covering up the gong w sights and view gets fuzzy, I have good vision.)

We will try 125 with good sun and fresh paint on steel.

This is OFFHAND w a lever action. This guns got a stout trigger, doesn't help things!!!
I enjoy the practice and memories though

I told him I was completely surprised at this range, that I always thought a 22lr really opens up at 100yds and is not great at 125yds

I was pleasantly surprised at my marksmanship and we both gave myself a pat on the back for offhand

Kid made some hits at 90yds but thats a long shot for a beginner on 6" steel. It forces concentration though! He sets against a tree base and uses knee to rest rifle upon. I'm sure there's a tech term for this.

I told him w a 22, there may be more or less accurate models out there too! Imagine what can be done with an "accurate" model

 

[98s1lightning]

A person who can master the USBR Green Monster at 25 Yards with a good 22 will also be good at Long Range.

Interesting

Im going to research the target a bit

Idk if I want to go down another rabbit hole with new targets or just keep banging the steel I got, its great fun to pop a swinger gong
Nice to read and learn though