What Is the Most Popular Caliber for Target Shooting at 800 Meters?
For a long-range shooter in Canada, the 800-meter mark is a significant milestone. At this distance, the effects of wind and gravity are pronounced, and a caliber’s inherent ballistic efficiency becomes paramount. While a few calibers are well-suited for this range, one has clearly risen to the top of the popularity charts: the 6.5 Creedmoor.
The New King: 6.5 Creedmoor
Developed by Hornady in 2007, the 6.5 Creedmoor was designed from the ground up to be a superior long-range target cartridge. It has quickly become the most popular choice for target shooting at 800 meters and beyond due to a near-perfect balance of ballistic performance and shootability.
- Superior Ballistics: The 6.5 Creedmoor fires long, high-ballistic-coefficient (BC) bullets that cut through the wind with remarkable efficiency. At 800 meters, this translates to significantly less wind drift compared to traditional calibers. It also maintains a flatter trajectory, making it easier to connect with the target and simplifying shot calculations.
- Mild Recoil: One of the biggest advantages of the 6.5 Creedmoor is its minimal recoil. This allows shooters to stay on target and actually see their bullet’s impact, a crucial skill for making adjustments for follow-up shots. Reduced recoil also makes extended practice sessions far more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Widespread Availability: Due to its immense popularity, rifles, high-quality match-grade ammunition, and reloading components are widely available, making it accessible to a large number of shooters.
The Enduring Classic: .308 Winchester
Before the rise of the 6.5 Creedmoor, the .308 Winchester was the undisputed king of long-range precision. While it has been surpassed in ballistic performance, it remains a common and excellent choice for a number of reasons.
- Proven Track Record: The .308 has a long and storied history in military and competition use. Its reliability and inherent accuracy are not in question.
- Affordability and Longevity: Ammunition is generally cheaper and more available than the 6.5 Creedmoor. A major advantage for frequent shooters is the .308’s significantly longer barrel life, often lasting thousands of rounds longer than the 6.5 Creedmoor before accuracy degrades.
- A Valuable Learning Tool: Because the .308 is more affected by wind and has more bullet drop than the 6.5 Creedmoor, it is an excellent caliber for learning the fundamentals of external ballistics. Mastering a .308 at 800 meters will make you a truly proficient long-range shooter.
Other Notable Calibers
While the 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester dominate the scene, other calibers are also popular for specific purposes at this distance. The 6mm Creedmoor is a formidable competitor, offering even less recoil than the 6.5 CM, making it popular in competitive shooting. For those seeking maximum velocity and energy, cartridges like the 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC are excellent choices, though they come with increased recoil and ammunition costs.
Conclusion
For the majority of shooters looking to get into long-range target shooting at 800 meters, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the ideal starting point. It offers a perfect blend of high-end ballistics and manageable recoil, making it the most popular and practical choice today.
However, the .308 Winchester is still an excellent, proven workhorse that offers more longevity and is perfect for shooters who want to master the art of reading the wind and making precise adjustments.
Ready to find the perfect long-range rifle? Visit us at Rangeview Sports in Newmarket, Ontario. Our experts can help you compare these calibers and find a rifle that fits your shooting goals.
