If you’re planning to stretch things out, not every rifle round is going to keep up. Some lose steam, some drift in the wind, and some drop like a rock past 300 yards. But the ones on this list are known for holding their ground well past that. With the right barrel and a solid zero, these are the rounds that stay on track shot after shot. Whether you’re bench shooting or hunting big country, these will keep your hits consistent when distance matters.
6.5 Creedmoor
6.5 Creedmoor earned its reputation by staying accurate past 1,000 yards without needing a shoulder-busting recoil. It holds velocity better than .308 and carries a high ballistic coefficient that cuts wind drift way down.
Out of a good bolt gun with quality ammo, it’ll stay flat and group tight even in less-than-perfect conditions. It’s become the go-to for long-range shooters who don’t want to jump up to magnum power—and for good reason. It works and keeps working.
.300 Winchester Magnum
If you want your bullet to reach out and still hit hard, .300 Win Mag delivers. It packs a punch while still staying accurate beyond 1,000 yards, especially with match-grade loads.
You’ll feel it on the shoulder, but the payoff is energy and consistency. It shoots flatter than .308 and carries momentum in the wind. It’s a favorite for western hunters and long-range competitors for a reason—it doesn’t flinch when you push it far.
6.5 PRC
Think of 6.5 PRC as the hotrod cousin of 6.5 Creedmoor. It moves faster, hits harder, and stretches the legs even more while still keeping tight groups at distance.
It’s especially good in open terrain where you’ve got long shot opportunities and want to keep wind drift to a minimum. Recoil is still manageable, and factory ammo is getting easier to find. If you’re running a precision bolt gun, this round delivers way out there.
.308 Winchester (Match Loads)
While .308 has its limits, match-grade ammo like Federal Gold Medal 168 or 175-grain loads can still perform at 800–1,000 yards. It’s not as flat as newer rounds, but it’s proven and steady.
With a good barrel, solid optics, and proper dope, .308 can stay consistent shot after shot. It may not be flashy, but it’s reliable, and you won’t struggle to find rifles or ammo that are already tuned for it.
.224 Valkyrie
If you’re running an AR and want to stretch things out, .224 Valkyrie is one of the few small calibers that actually performs at distance. It stays supersonic past 1,000 yards and has a sleek profile that resists wind drift.
It’s lighter recoiling than most long-range options, which helps for follow-up shots. With a proper twist rate and good ammo, you’ll get groups that stay tight across open ground. It’s one of the few small bores that actually earns a spot here.
.280 Ackley Improved
The .280 AI is a bit of a sleeper round, but it’s got the right mix of velocity, accuracy, and energy for long-range work. It holds its trajectory better than .30-06 and can compete with the 6.5 crowd for wind resistance.
It’s especially good in custom or semi-custom bolt guns where you can fine-tune the load. For hunters needing reach without jumping to magnum levels, this one’s a workhorse that tracks true way past average ranges.
.260 Remington
Before 6.5 Creedmoor took over, .260 Remington was already proving itself at distance. It uses the same bullets but often gets a little more velocity out of the gate.
It’s flat-shooting, efficient, and surprisingly soft in the recoil department. You’ll get good barrel life and excellent accuracy, especially with handloads. If you’re building a long-range bolt gun and want something off the beaten path, .260 is still a solid option.
.338 Lapua Magnum
When you need serious reach and serious impact, .338 Lapua is the tool for the job. It was built for extreme distance, and it doesn’t flinch at 1,200+ yards.
Yes, it kicks, and yes, it’s expensive. But it holds energy and trajectory better than nearly anything else you can get your hands on. It’s not practical for every shooter, but if long-range consistency is non-negotiable, this round delivers.
7mm Remington Magnum
7mm Rem Mag offers a great mix of flat trajectory and solid long-range energy. It’s got less drop than .300 Win Mag but still holds up well in the wind.
A lot of western hunters like it for open terrain and mule deer or elk at distance. With modern bullets and good optics, you can make it sing way out past 500 yards with confidence. It’s been around a while, and it still proves itself every season.
6mm Creedmoor
If you want pinpoint groups and low recoil, 6mm Creedmoor is worth a look. It’s flatter shooting than 6.5 Creedmoor, with even less kick, which makes it great for staying on target shot after shot.
It’s used heavily in competition circles for a reason—it tracks clean, resists wind well, and stays on course at 1,000 yards and beyond. Barrel life isn’t as long as some others, but accuracy is where this round shines.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
