Sufficient MOA rail for 1500 yrds+

[photog_shooter]

I realize that a lot of this is scope dependent but I'm just looking for some basic info here. Assuming that the rifle itself was zeroed at 200 or even 500 yards, would a 300win rifle, built purely for long range shooting, with a 20moa rail be ok out to let's say 1500 yards? Would a higher moa rail be better suited for this? Like I said, this rifle is 1000% purely for hitting paper and plates at long ranges, so I'm not worried about being able to aim at an animal at some closer range.

 

[Alpheus]

More the better. Plugging in generic numbers for a 215gr @ 2850fps to a calculator gives +52moa at 1500m. Assume you use a scope with lots of adjustment, like an NXS with 100moa of elevation, and even then you are risking running out unless it zeros favorably.

20moa rail would be fine. If you want to hit a mile, a 30 would give you a bigger margin for error.

 

[scourge18a]

Run your load through a ballistics app like Strelok.
it will give you some good estimates on the adjustments needed.
If you are unsure about loads or velocities check some factory ammo or Hodgdons loading website.
Like previously mentioned, the scope is a big factor.
You can assume that a 100 yard zero will put you around halfway on your scope, if its a well made scope. So a scope with 50 MOA of adjustment you might get 25 MOA of adjustment out of it, maybe 20, maybe 30, depends on how everything lines up... reciever, base, rings, scope etc.
If you want to get out as far as possible just get a 30 MOA base or 1 piece scope mount with 30 MOA. But also look into a quality optic with a good range of adjustment
Lots of people like to zero at 100 but depending on the base (if you use a 30) and scope (if you only have 40-50MOA) you might have to zero at 200 or 300 or so cuz you might run out of adjustment to get your POI down that far at 100.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

The one thing you will have to watch out for is if you go too much you won't be able to dial back to closer distances.

SO, you should decide how close you want to shoot, then figured out between your scope and rail where about your upper and lower adjustment ranges will be.

I have a 40 MOA rail on my 338LM. I cannot dial down to 500, I have to use the reticle but the rifle was never intended for that.

Just run some numbers if you can and you will have your answer.

Also, you can use the reticle for hold overs/unders so you do have a bit more room than just your rail depending on your scope.

 

[Chargerguy]

More elevation could be gained with rings like the Burris XTR signature rings if needed. Just an option which may or may not be more convenient.