The majority of medium and big game hunters will never take a shot at more than 200 yards. Most will probably ever stray out beyond 100 yards. There's nothing wrong with this, if for no other reason than because most hunting situations in North America can be accomplished within that range. However, there are situations where long-range hunting is the only way to go. It could be because of the terrain, the wily nature of the animal being hunted, or simply because the hunter wants to try something different. Whatever the reason, there are certain cartridges that are better suited to long range applications than others.
Long Range Hunting Cartridges
As is often the case, there's no one right or wrong choice for a long range hunting cartridge. Some are better suited to certain applications than others. There's also different definitions of "long range." The cartridges on this list can perform at a minimum of 500 yards, and most out beyond 1,000 yards. That means your personal definition of long range is probably covered by the cartridges on this list.
.300 Win Mag
If long-range hunting cartridges had a Mount Rushmore, the .300 Win Mag would be front and center. Introduced in 1963, it came out of the gate as a flatter-shooting, harder-hitting evolution of earlier .30-caliber magnums. It didn’t take long for hunters and military snipers alike to figure out what it could do. With heavy-for-caliber bullets and high velocities, the .300 Win Mag carries serious energy well past 1,000 yards. It’s versatile enough for elk, moose, and anything else you’d reasonably point a rifle at in North America. The downside? Recoil. It’s not punishing if you’ve got good form and a solid setup, but it’s not a beginner’s cartridge either. Still, if you want a proven long-range performer, this one refuses to age out.
6.5 Creedmoor
You can’t talk long-range without mentioning the 6.5 Creedmoor. Introduced in 2007, it wasn’t designed for hype - it was built for efficiency. And it delivered. The 6.5 Creedmoor shines because of its high ballistic coefficient bullets, mild recoil, and inherently accurate design. It stays supersonic longer than many comparable cartridges and bucks the wind better than it has any right to. For hunters, that translates into precise shot placement at extended ranges without getting beat up behind the rifle. It may not hit as hard as larger magnums, but within reasonable hunting distances, it’s deadly effective on deer, antelope, and even elk with proper bullet selection.
.28 Nosler
The .28 Nosler is what happens when you take the idea of “flat shooting” and push it to the edge. Released in 2015, it was built for one thing - velocity. This cartridge sends 7mm bullets screaming downrange at speeds that flatten trajectory and reduce wind drift in a noticeable way. It carries energy extremely well, making it a legitimate option for larger game at extended distances. But there’s no free lunch. The .28 Nosler burns powder like it’s on sale, and barrel life takes a hit because of it. Recoil is also stout. Still, if you’re chasing performance and willing to pay the price, this cartridge delivers.
.308 Win
The .308 Winchester doesn’t always get top billing in long-range conversations, but that’s a mistake. Introduced in the 1950s, it’s one of the most proven cartridges ever made. What it lacks in raw speed, it makes up for in consistency and availability. With the right load and a skilled shooter, the .308 is fully capable of ethical long-range hunting. It’s also easier on barrels and shoulders than many magnums. For hunters who value reliability and simplicity over chasing the bleeding edge, the .308 still gets it done—and then some.
7mm Rem Mag
If there's one cartridge that holds a near and dear spot in my heart, it's the "Seven Mag." Since its introduction in 1962, the 7mm Rem Mag has been living in that sweet spot between velocity, recoil, and bullet performance. It’s one of the most balanced long-range hunting cartridges ever designed. With high-BC bullets and solid velocity, it offers excellent trajectory and wind resistance without the punishment of larger magnums. It’s a favorite for western hunters who might need to stretch a shot across a canyon but still want manageable recoil. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. The 7mm Rem Mag just works.
I have trusted more hunts to my Winchester Model 70 in 7mm REM MAG, topped with a Trijicon scope, and have taken shots out to 600 yards on game. Normally, I wouldn't shoot that far at a deer, but there were underlying circumstances, and I knew from trigger time and experience that I could make that shot.
6.5 Weatherby RPM
The 6.5 Weatherby RPM (Rebated Precision Magnum) is a strong long-range hunting cartridge blending magnum-level performance with practical efficiency. Designed to push high–ballistic coefficient 6.5mm bullets around 3,000 fps, it delivers flat trajectories, excellent wind resistance, and enough retained energy for ethical kills well past 500 yards . Unlike many traditional magnums, it achieves this in a lighter, standard-length rifle with manageable recoil, making it ideal for backcountry hunters who need reach without hauling a heavy setup .
.300 PRC
The .300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) is a newer entry, introduced in 2018, but it’s already made a name for itself. Designed specifically for long-range performance, it addresses some of the limitations found in older magnum cartridges. With a longer case and optimized chamber design, the .300 PRC handles heavy, high-BC bullets better than the .300 Win Mag. The result is improved consistency and better performance at extreme distances. For serious long-range hunters, it quickly became a go-to option.
.26 Nosler
The .26 Nosler cartridge is basically a super-beefed-up 6.5 Creedmoor with a cartridge that's the same size as the .30-06 Springfield. It's a flat-shooting round that retains its velocity at long distances. With the highest ballistic coefficient bullets, the .26 Nosler remains its supersonic speed out beyond 1,750 yards.
.280 Ackley Improved
The .280 Ackley Improved is a lot like the 6.5 Creedmoor in the fact that it has a very dedicated base of shooters. it. A wildcat cartridge for a long time, the .280 AI is finally SAAMI-approved and has performance stats that are on par with the 7mm Remington Magnum. Like the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .280 Ackley Improved can remain supersonic out to 1,400 yards with the right bullet and load.
6.5 PRC
6.5 cartridges are all the rage right now, and the 6.5 PRC is the perfect long range cartridge in that caliber. It combines a lot of the benefits found in other cartridges on this list - such as fast speed, great terminal velocity, and low recoil - and puts it all together in a short-action cartridge that has phenomenal range and very little recoil.
This just in!
Did you know that suppressors help with long-range shooting accuracy? The suppressor stabilizes the bullet as it passes through the suppressor baffles. As the distance opens up, the act of that stabilization makes the bullet not only travel in a more direct path to your target, but the act also increases the velocity of the bullet just enough to help some. And to get the most from these benefits, you need to really open up the range. at 200 yards, the difference is not as noticeable, but at 500+, these benefits can make a huge difference in the shot. For all of the cartridges listed in this story, a .30-caliber suppressor will work perfectly.
There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing a long-range hunting cartridge, but let's take a look at three of the most important ones.
Availability - You can do all the research in the world and settle on a specific cartridge, but if you can't find the ammo that you need, then it's all been for nothing. That becomes even more important if you fail to bring enough ammo with you on your hunt. The area where you're hunting may be remote and the likelihood of finding some calibers may be slim if you need to restock.
Performance - Perhaps the most important part of choosing a hunting caliber is evaluating its performance. You've got to be sure that the load you choose is going to be capable of taking down the type of game you're hunting in a quick and ethical manner, especially at long range distances.
Cost - That ammo prices have risen exponentially in recent years is an unpleasant yet cold, hard fact. Similar to our point on availability, you've got to be able to afford the ammo when you find it. Some calibers are less expensive than others, but if all other things are equal, that doesn't mean that they're going to be any less effective at bringing down an animal at long range.
Shoot Suppressed at any distance!
One thing is certain with all of the common long range hunting cartridges - they are loud! You can tame the sound and make your rifle more accurate at longer ranges by adding a suppressor.. No one has made the suppressor-buying process as simple and easy as Silencer Central - No One! And it's all backed by award-winning customer service. You can't go wrong.
While many suppressors can be used on several different caliber firearms, we have some specific models that can make your shooting more enjoyable. Pick the caliber that you have in mind. If you don’t see your caliber, pick one close to it to see our recommendations.
