RANGE. AMMO. ACTION?
Today, we have a skewed perception of exactly what “long range” is. The definition is fluid, but “long range” can be boiled down to two things that are inseparably connected: rifle type and target type. This relationship determines the bullets, cartridges and general support equipment that are used.
Long range for a hunting-class .30-06 on deer is very different than long range for a .338 Lapua on steel plates. With the old aught-six, you must be concerned, not just with hitting the deer, but also hitting it in a vital place ... and you’ll want to know what your bullet does when it gets there. With the .338 Lapua, you’re only concerned with simply getting the bullet to contact steel.
In general, “normal” range for rifles is considered to be about 500 yards. The old-timers consider that to be iron sight distance. Past 500 yards, things change—and, for many, the “midrange” is between 500 and 800 yards. “Long range” for many target shooters starts at about 900 yards (880 yards being a half-mile) and goes to about 1,500 yards (just over ¾ of a mile).
