Ever stopped to consider why certain shooters are long-range champions, while others can’t seem to hit the target? The problem might very well begin with one simple decision: caliber. A wrong choice in precision shooting can mean more recoil than you can easily manage, or a barrel that will wear out before the end of the season, or ammo that will be scarce when you really need it. With more than 35 years of experience advising operational shooters and civilian competitors alike, PGM Précision provides a unique level of experience in terms of the number of certified calibers20 in alloffered in its modular rifles.
From the Ultima Ratio to the Mini Hécate II series of rifles, each model and its caliber are designed for a specific range and type of target in mind. This resource draws on the expertise of the best PRS and ELR shooters. “Whether it’s striking gongs at 1,000 meters, maintaining tight groups in PRS matches, or reaching out past a mile in ELR competitions, these nine caliber recommendations strike a balance between the qualities listed above.”
1. 308 Winchester – Proven Versatility
“PGM Précision still recommends the .308 Winchester sniper rifle round for ranges of under 1,100 yards,” and they have good reason. The round’s several decades of NATO standardization provide plenty of high-quality match ammo, good recoil felt in a suppressor, and a lifetime of 10,000 rounds or more per barrel. In terms of PRS-style competition, its lack of recoil is attractive for new shooters who won’t be intimidated by magnum recoil. Although new cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor are now available and offer flatter trajectories, the wide range of bullet weights available and compatability with most ranges makes it an attractive alternative.
2. 6.5 Creedmoor – Modern Ballistic
“Developed from 6.5 Caldwell, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a highly accurate, flat-shooting cartridge that leaves the .308 in the dust after 800 meters,” PGM says. However, the negative aspect, as PGM describes, is the need for “barrel replacement after 2,500 shots, and faster fouling,” which is a concern when shooting in PRS matches where the low recoiling and wind-resistance characteristics make the 6.5 Creedmoor a popular choice.
3. Ultima Ratio Custom in .308 – Closing the Gap
But for people seeking the .308’s lifespan and the ability to shoot like Creedmoor, the PGM Ultima Ratio Custom relies on a 28-inch barrel and a faster twist to shoot heavier bullets at greater speed. By doing so, it retains the .308’s cartridge accessibility and barrel lifespan, coupled with improved accuracy and range, without resorting to a magnum cartridge.
4. 338 Lapua Magnum – ELR Benchmark
For ranges extending past 1,100 yards, PGM recommends .338 Lapua Magnum. This cartridge has been bred for military sniping at a range of 1,500 meters and beyond. Its heavy 250-300 grain bullets exhibits a muzzle energy of 6,600 joules, making it a regular on the podium in ELR competition shooting events. As PGM’s performance characteristics indicate, this round has an anticipated barrel life of 1,500-2,000 rounds.
5. 6mm Dasher – PRS Easy Button
Dominating “41% of top PRS shooters,” it features “ultra-low” recoil recovery and “good” PX with mild barrel throat wear (~2,800fps with 109-110gr bullets). Its severe limitation: the requirement for match grade or fire-forming of its brassexcept for stages within “1,000yards,” it remains “difficult to match for long range hold and spotting.”
6. 6mm Creedmoor – Speed with a Cost
It has 25% more cases compared to the Dasher and propels similar bullets with a significantly increased speed of around 140 fps. In PRS, this increased speed helps score hits where overs means misses, but with reduced barrel life and recoil. PGM manufactures it for events requiring high speeds such as F-Class.
7. 25×47 Lapua – Balanced Energy and Recoil
Gaining popularity in recognition of its performance in winning shoots by Austin Orgain, 25 × 47 Lapua has a 6mm recoil and 6.5mm energy. Firing 131 to 135 grain bullets of high BC, it enables easy target location besides being kind to the firer. Its brass is not so commonly found, though.
8. 300 Norma Magnum – ELR Podium Favorite
In NF ELR Steel Challenge shooting data, “the 300 Norma Mag provided elite performances thanks to its 215-230gr bullets @ ~2,980 fps. It matches .338 Lapua’s trajectory but is more controllable and recoils like .308,” albeit burning through its barrel quicker. Heavy-duty platforms by PGM can take advantage of its capabilities for long-range shooting events.
9. 7mm SAUM – “The Happy Medium”
With a 7mm Remington Short Action Ultra Mag, you get magnum ballistics coupled with controllable recoil. With 180 – 184 gr bullets at 2,930 fps, this caliber is more resistant to the wind compared to 6.5mm and has lighter recoil compared to .300 magnums. Depending on the needs of the shooter for LRS and/or ELR missions, PGM’s modular rifle system will accommodate this round for those who would not like to go for the .
338. Choosing the best caliber for PGM Précision rifles isn’t about keeping up with the latest fashion trend it’s about finding what best fits your activity and level of expertise. While other calibers have yet to prove themselves on the battlefield or on the target range, such calibers as .308 Winchester and .338 Lapua Mag have already demonstrated their worth. Choosing your best-suited caliber can help you to enjoy maximum performance and longevity from your precision firearm.
