"minimum" calibre at a distance

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freeballer

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I have kind of a stupid question. Didn't know if it belonged in "precision rifle" or this catagory.
I'm curious, what calibre rifle I can shoot at a greater distance than a .22lr or range's maximum distance (150yrs or 137.16meters).
What calibre would still be "reliable", and still not have alot of kickback? .22mag? .222/.223? .22-250? Right now I'm not interested in hunting, just shooting.

Thanks
Geo
 
Just use a .17 hmr for 150. A .22 is still accurate at that distance but a .17 hmr much better. Still next to nothing for kick.

Not to mention .17 hmr is a laserbeam and rediculously precise.
 
I'll take a look at .17hmr. ty


Hmm. How bad is the .223 in context of kickback?
How would it compare to say a 30/30, or 303? (the other other calibre I've shot so far besides .22lr)
 
The model 94 I shot was 30-30 and id say 223 was similar. Recoil on a 223 is alot less then my old enfield was. My current 223 is over 9lbs so recoil is almost nothing. I can still see my hits while the gun is recoiling. Watching gophers take flight at 16x zoom is the best part.
 
freeballer said:
I'll take a look at .17hmr. ty


Hmm. How bad is the .223 in context of kickback?
How would it compare to say a 30/30, or 303? (the other other calibre I've shot so far besides .22lr)
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17 HMR is a very cool cartridge ... but not for the cost of shooting it. Is you are learning im going to go with the rest of the boy's and say .223, And if you want to progress you can load a 90gr VLD in .223 and shoot 600 - 800 yards no problem.

I will add that a 17 HMR is exspensive to purchace as well as shoot ... Best of luck !
 
pilot2001 said:
17 HMR is a very cool cartridge ... but not for the cost of shooting it. Is you are learning im going to go with the rest of the boy's and say .223, And if you want to progress you can load a 90gr VLD in .223 and shoot 600 - 800 yards no problem.

I will add that a 17 HMR is exspensive to purchace as well as shoot ... Best of luck !
Click to expand...

If you try shooting a 90 VLD in a .223 it better be a seven twist. Or you won't even shoot it at 100 yards with accuracy.
 
22 hornet to 222 rem, anything inbetween if you handload, cheapest for factory rolled is definitely 223. And a 223 doesn't recoil as much as a lever 30-30, hardly any recoil in a 223.

Depends on what you are shooting at, I shoot 200 yards with my 22's every time they are out, and as often at 300. But that's at paper and golfballs and such....
 
I am a fan of (and shoot) HMR and K-Hornet and .223 Rem... all of which would cover your needs... I would not recommend the Hornet (or K) unless you reload... if 150 yards is your max then the Hummer is the way to go... but if you will shoot 200+ yards then go with the .223... if you do go .223, try to get a 10 twist (or faster)... the Winchester White Box ammo is pretty accurate at a low price point if you don't reload... and it shoots well, even in 12 or 14 twist barrels (shorter 40 grain bullets)... but for target shooting you will want a heavy for caliber round, which dictates the fast twist barrel... mine are 1:9's and shoot very well with the 68 BTHP's.
 
I think at this time in history, it's very hard to argue against the .223.
Short and long range accuracy, cheap to purchase/reload, very low recoil with the added economy and top end guns to choose from.
You cannot go wrong with this caliber and will never have a hard time selling it down the road.
 
This is why I post here.
People are friendly, and I learn rather quickly. I hadn't consider the (no#) of twist, or possible re-sell value down the road.
I gather from a number of forums the .223 is also a very common calibre (at this time).

I use the recoil of those guns because thats what I've shot. In this case, less recoil is better (for me) at this stage.
Thinking outloud, I wonder if other local ranges have distances over 150yrs++
 
You should definitely go with a .223 for sake of cheap ammunition. Don't get caught up with all this reloading talk because it sounds like you're fairly new to the sport and just want to enjoy shooting. The recoil on any .223 is almost negligible, so you shouldn't have a problem there. The reason .223 is so popular is because it has been used as a NATO round and is very, very popular in the U.S. as a standard military round. Basically there is just siht loads of it around so naturally costs come down with the presence of bulk ammunition. The bulk stuff is great for plinking but you'll notice a significant margin in accuracy versus more expensive stuff. If you just want to get used to shooting though it sounds like the best route for you.

If you do get into reloading I would go with a .204. So fast, flat, and cheap to shoot. I have never come across a rifle in .204 that did not shoot excellent, however it is still quite pricey from factory.
 
to be perfectly honest. This year is the first time I shot ANY firearm since the late 80s or early 90s..
I enjoy just going out some afternoon and plinking, or "besting" my last shoot.

I am making notes, reguarding reloading, but since this is really my first year it might be best leaving that to later.
 
Hey, that's fine too. IMO, the longer you keep shooting and testing your abilities, you are bound to improve to tighter groups and successful shooting at distances. Certainly sooner or later you'll have to master reading the wind and compensating for it too. Skills improve in direct co-relation to your ability to compile accurate & reliable ammunition and make for some range time. This is assuming of course, your shooting iron and sighting system are up to the task and so are you friend.
For most of us here, this also eventually means a considerable cash & time investment in handloading equipment.

Cheers!
 
204 Ruger. It's awesome. It's just what the Doctor ordered for the OP.:D
prolly sharp enough for him to 400 yrds and zip for recoil, that he is asking for.
 
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Reloading or not I would go with the 223, around here you can get Winchester white box for under $10. You already have a rime fire to shoot so might as well move up. The recoil from a 223 is very low to unnoticeable and as with the rimfire wear eye and ear protection. You can start off with a package gun like the Savage Axis without breaking the bank to see if you like it.
 
Probably one of the best threads ive seen on CGN for posts with accurate comments. There is 2 handfulls of reasons to not just learn to shoot a .223 but to continue on shooting one for the rest of your life.

It is the answer you are looking for
 
Nothing against the .223, but can I just put in a vote for the .22WMR ? I shoot mine at 200 yds. all the time. And, the ammo is pretty cheap.
 
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