What is the Most Popular Caliber for Target Shooting at 500 Meters in Canada?

Hitting targets consistently at 500 meters (approximately 550 yards) represents a significant milestone for any shooter. This distance pushes the limits of some calibers while being a comfortable mid-range for others. In Canada, as ranges increasingly accommodate longer shots, certain calibers have risen to prominence for their effectiveness at this challenging yet rewarding distance. Among the most popular for target shooting at 500 meters, we consistently see the .308 Winchester, the 6.5 Creedmoor, and the .223 Remington (5.56 NATO).

The Enduring Workhorse: .308 Winchester

The .308 Winchester remains a perennial favorite for target shooting at 500 meters in Canada, and for good reason. Its versatility and proven track record make it an excellent choice for this range.

Reliable Performance: The .308 Win is known for its inherent accuracy and consistent performance. At 500 meters, it delivers sufficient energy and maintains good velocity for clean hits.
Manageable Recoil: While more stout than a .223, the .308’s recoil is still very manageable for most shooters, allowing for extended practice sessions and quicker follow-up shots compared to magnum calibers.
Widespread Availability: Ammunition and rifles are incredibly common across Canada, making it easy to source everything you need for regular practice.
Excellent Training Tool: Many precision shooting fundamentals learned with a .308 at 500 meters directly translate to longer distances or different calibers, making it a great learning platform.

The Modern Champion: 6.5 Creedmoor

The 6.5 Creedmoor has rapidly become a dominant force in mid- to long-range shooting, and its popularity at 500 meters is immense.

Superior Ballistics: This is where the 6.5 Creedmoor truly shines. Its high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) bullets experience less wind drift and have a flatter trajectory than the .308 Winchester at 500 meters. This translates to fewer external factors to compensate for, making hits easier and more consistent.
Mild Recoil: Despite its impressive ballistic performance, the 6.5 Creedmoor offers remarkably mild recoil, often feeling softer than a .308. This enhances shooter comfort, reduces fatigue, and allows for easier spotting of bullet impacts through the scope.
Accuracy by Design: The cartridge was designed with precision in mind, and many factory rifles and ammunition combinations offer outstanding accuracy at this range, often requiring less fine-tuning to achieve tight groups.

The Economical Contender: .223 Remington (5.56 NATO)

While some might consider it light for 500 meters, the .223 Remington (5.56 NATO) is surprisingly popular, especially for high-volume target practice and AR-platform users.

Cost-Effective Practice: The .223 Rem is significantly cheaper to shoot than either the .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor, making it ideal for shooters who want to maximize their trigger time.
Minimal Recoil: Its very low recoil allows for extremely comfortable shooting and rapid follow-up shots, making it very enjoyable at the range.
Teaches Fundamentals: At 500 meters, the .223 Rem is notably affected by wind and bullet drop. This forces shooters to accurately read conditions and apply precise ballistic solutions, which is invaluable for developing advanced long-range skills. It’s a fantastic caliber to learn precision on a budget.

Conclusion: Finding Your 500-Meter Sweet Spot

For target shooting at 500 meters in Canada, the .308 Winchester offers a reliable and versatile experience, while the 6.5 Creedmoor provides superior ballistics with mild recoil. The .223 Remington offers an economical and skill-building path, albeit with a steeper learning curve for external ballistics at this distance. The “most popular” caliber ultimately depends on a shooter’s individual priorities: whether it’s raw ballistic performance, cost-per-shot, or versatility across different shooting disciplines.

Ready to test your skills at 500 meters? Visit us at Rangeview Sports in Newmarket, Ontario. Our knowledgeable team can help you explore rifles and ammunition in these popular calibers to find the perfect setup for your mid-range target shooting goals.