Are you excited to go on your next hunting spree but still unsure of which long-range hunting cartridge to bring with you? We have the best in the game here for you to check out!
Long Range Hunting Cartridges for Rifles
When it comes to hunting, many of the most popular types of games won't let you get in close.
That means you need a long-range rifle and optic capable of scoping you in to your target and some worthwhile long-range ammo to make the shot count.
Today, let’s take a look at the top three long-range hunting cartridges that’ll go well with your favorite hunting firearm.
1. .223 Remington: Federal Gold Medal Match Ammo
Also known as the 5.56 NATO round, the.223 Remington at first seems like an odd choice.
The basic cartridge design isn't what you would normally consider an appropriate pick for a dedicated long-range hunting cartridge.
However, these cartridges are some of the most accessible and popular in the country, thanks to their versatility and suitability with popular platforms like the AR-15.
Gold Medal 223 Rem image by Federal Premium
Even though it’s not a specifically long-range hunting cartridge, the.223 Remington can easily shoot over 500 yards and maintain accuracy if you pair it with the right optic and the right hunter.
We’d easily recommend these cartridges if you want something affordable and easy to use with your existing weapon platform (i.e., you don’t have the time or money to pick up a dedicated hunting rifle at this moment).
The above round we’ve linked is 69 grain and can produce muzzle velocity up to about 3000 ft./s. It blends both power and precision and is among the most affordable cartridges you can find.
2. Winchester 30-06 Springfield – Expedition Big Game Rounds
Now let’s get into some hard-core long-range rifle cartridges. The Winchester 30-06 is a perfect option.
These cartridges are some of the most accurate long-range projectiles you can choose.
The ones we’ve linked above are exceptionally powerful and can provide deep penetrative capabilities easily upwards of 750 yards (or even 1000).
This means they’ll be a great choice if you need to take down a big game with thick hides in a single shot.
Expedition Long Range 30-06 image by Winchester
These Winchester rounds are designed with “controlled expansion” in mind, so they’ll knock down your target and maintain accuracy over the entire duration of your shot.
They also feature a polymer tip for enhanced durability and killing power, plus an aerodynamic shape.
An alloy-bonded lead core increases the round’s durability and resistance to corrosion. Loading these rounds into your rifle will be quick and easy.
All in all, these are fantastic cartridges that can resist wind effects, shoot flat, and provide devastating performance to any target you choose to set between your sites.
3. 6.5 Creedmoor-Nosler Trophy Grade Rounds
The 6.5 Creedmoor is another solid long-range cartridge option.
These bullets linked above are 129-grain and designed for long-range performance from the ground up.
They include innovative design features like a high-performance boat tail and a polymer tip. They have a long ogive, which is the curvature of a bullet’s forward segment.
Trophy Grade 6.5 Creedmoor image by Nosler
This increases accuracy and overall performance at long distances.
It has a minimum impact velocity of 1300 ft./s. It’ll also reliably expand across very long distances.
The powder charges are all meticulously weighed so each box comes ready to go and dedicated to your needs.
The aforementioned polymer tip will help with chambering and improve accuracy, plus reduce any tip damage that might be sustained during recoil.
The bullets are a bit pricier than average but well worth the cost.
Summary
All in all, each of the above long-range hunting cartridges could be a good choice for your needs.
We’d recommend looking at the type of platform you want to pair with some long-range cartridges and make your decision based on that and your typical hunting distance.
Good luck and stay sharp!
Which of these long-range hunting cartridges are you eyeing? Why? Let us know in the comments section!
Up Next:
- The Top 5 Hunting Guns You’ll Ever Need For A Wilderness Walk-out
- My Favorite Long Distance Rifle Cartridges
- Modern Sportsman: A Look At The 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle Cartridge
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on September 17, 2020, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
