Match and long-range cartridges compared the way long-range shooters do: drop, wind drift and remaining speed at 500, 800 and 1,000 yards, how far each stays supersonic, barrel life, recoil and cost. Tap a column header to sort.
Made for
Typical load
500 yd
800 yd
Barrel life
Recoil & cost
Twist
How these are figured
Drop and wind drift use a 100-yard zero, a scope 1.5" over the bore, sea-level standard air, a G1 drag model and a 10 mph full-value (90°) crosswind. MOA is 1.047" per 100 yards. Supersonic range is where the bullet falls below about 1,125 fps; past that point, accuracy often falls apart as it goes transonic.
The disciplines
PRS: Precision Rifle Series. Timed shots from awkward positions at steel targets out to about 1,200 yd.
F-Class: prone, scoped shooting at paper to 1,000 yd. Open class allows any caliber; F-TR is .308/.223 with a bipod.
Benchrest: smallest groups or best score from a rest, usually 100–300 yd.
ELR: extreme long range, a mile and beyond.
Keep in mind
Velocities, BCs, barrel life and twist are typical figures from my own knowledge, not looked up. Real long-range data should use your chronographed speed and G7 BC in a ballistic app.
Barrel life is the accurate life for match shooting; a hunting rifle shot less often lasts much longer in years.
Cost: $ = cheapest common match ammo, $$$$$ = several dollars or more per round.