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. Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Tap a column header to sort.
Made for
Typical load
Twist rate for typical load
500 yd
800 yd
Barrel life
Recoil & cost
Recommended platform
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.