In modern warfare and precision shooting, hitting your target at long range isn’t just about bragging rights—it can make the difference between success and failure. Whether you’re a military sniper, a competitive marksman, or a hunter scanning open country for game, the right combination of rifle and cartridge matters. In the past two decades, advances in cartridge design, manufacturing tolerances, and rifle design have provided shooters with abilities formerly unimaginable to a generation or so ago. The following are ten of the most accurate long-range rifle cartridges and rifles, ranging from all-around rimfire trainers to high-end sniper platforms.
10. .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
Beginning with the humble .22 LR, which well merits inclusion on this list. It might be a novice’s round, but it’s worth its weight for marksmanship instruction and accuracy practice. Rifles such as the Proof Latitude, with its carbon-fiber-shank barrel and high-tech action, can achieve sub-MOA accuracy with best-quality ammunition. The .22 LR instructs basics—wind reading, trigger control, and shooting positions—without the expense and recoil of bigger centerfire cartridges. Bergara’s B14R and others like it remain go-to choices for those who want to hone their skills before transitioning to larger calibers.
9. .223 Remington / 5.56 NATO
Next in line is the .223 Remington and its military equivalent, the 5.56 NATO. Decades ago, it was always a default standard for service rifles, and these cartridges were never traditionally considered long-range rounds, but new bullet technology has pushed their effective range well over 600 yards. Low-recoil, lightweight, and extremely accurate, they continue to be favorites among designated marksmen, competition shooters, and hunters who engage medium-sized targets. Their combination of performance and practicality makes them stay relevant even after being in use for decades.
8. .308 Winchester (7.62 NATO)
The .308 Winchester, commonly referred to as the civilian variant of the 7.62 NATO, is well-known for its consistent accuracy. It’s the original “Goldilocks” round—strong enough to cope with long-range targets, but gentle in recoil and widely available. From military sniper training courses to hunting camps, the .308’s extended barrel life and wide factory match-grade ammunition availability options ensure that it’s a consistent standard for precision shooting within 800 yards.
7. 6.8 Western
The 6.8 Western is a more recent addition that applies contemporary performance to a proven idea. Using rapid-twist rifling and high-ballistic-coefficient bullets, it achieves sub-MOA accuracy even in light rifles. Its fat, short powder column and trimmed-down chamber design make it popular with shooters and hunters who demand a mix of power and precision marksmanship.
6. 6mm Dasher
To competitive shooters, the 6mm Dasher is a legend. It sprang from benchrest competitions and has been honed to the Precision Rifle Series. It produces incredible consistency with very little recoil. The caveat is that there is practically no factory ammo available, but for those willing to make the time investment, the Dasher performs extremely well at long range, with shot-to-shot consistency rivaling that of very few other cartridges.
5. 6mm Creedmoor
Likewise, the 6mm Creedmoor provides scorching velocity and accuracy. Light recoil and lightweight, it’s a favorite for PRS competition and long-range target shooting. With less barrel life than its 6.5mm counterpart, its compromise of velocity, trajectory, and factory ammo selection makes it a favorite among shooters who value performance over life.”.
4. 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge)
The 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) takes the success of the 6.5 Creedmoor and adds a step, with increased velocity and energy for extended shots. The short-magnum layout of the 6.5 PRC provides reliable accuracy at long ranges, and increasing factory ammunition availability makes the round a practical solution for both hunters who need reach and precision and competition shooters who require reach and accuracy.
3. .300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Winchester Magnum is a beast, pairing flat-shooting trajectory with heavy-hitting performance. Its military heritage is well-documented, being used by top-level snipers for extreme-range shots. Although it generates enormous recoil and can shorten barrel life, it is still a premier option for military snipers, long-range hunters, and extreme-long-range competitors requiring accuracy and stopping power.
2. 6.5 Creedmoor
No list of contemporary long-range cartridges would be satisfactory without the 6.5 Creedmoor. Minimal recoil, superior barrel life, and high-ballistic-coefficient ammunition have established it as a precision shooter favorite to 1,000 yards and farther. Its hegemony in PRS, hunting, and military use speaks volumes about its design: optimal efficiency, consistency, and reliability in an extremely broad range of rifles.
1. Sako TRG 22 A1
Last but not least, at the pinnacle, is the Sako TRG 22 A1, a production rifle that epitomizes accuracy. This Finnish-designed system, with its cold hammer-forged barrel and ergonomically optimized receiver, provides breathtaking accuracy out of the box. Five-shot groups measure less than half an inch, and best groups are achieved with mind-bogglingly tight tolerances. Its reliability, faultless cycling, and shooter-friendly design make it a popular choice among elite units, competition marksmen, and anyone looking for world-class accuracy.
Thanks to modern manufacturing, CNC machining, and advances in ballistic science, we’ve entered a golden era of rifle accuracy. Whether you’re engaging steel at extreme distances, hunting game across vast terrain, or serving as a military sniper, these rifles and cartridges represent the cutting edge of precision shooting. The question isn’t just which rifle to pick—it’s whether you’re ready to make every shot count.
