Some shooters are obsessed with ballistics charts. Others will settle for a bullet that goes where it’s supposed to go every time that is, every single time. The reality is that beyond 150 yards, not every bullet will remain composed. The wind, gravity, or inconsistent ammo might make a steady trigger finger turn into a discouraging missed shot. There is, however, a cream-of-the-crop selection of ammo that remains steady beyond that point.
For hunters, tournament shooters, and serious shooters, each round earns its place through a combination of ballistic prowess, manageable recoil, and real-world testing. From tried-and-true designs that have proved their mettle for decades through newer magnums designed for the express purpose of achieving maximum velocity, each cartridge provides a combination of traits that make each one trustworthy when the range extends beyond 150 yards. Here’s a more in-depth look at a dozen rounds with a reputation for accuracy beyond 150 yards.
1. .223 Remington – Efficient and Predictable
Light recoil and the ability to maintain consistent factory loads have ensured the .223 Remington remains in the running for accuracy shooting. As a non-magnus for heavy game, but being stable with plenty of bullets of regular weight, the .223 Remington has always topped the list for varmint control and ranges over 150 yards. The pleasant report and controllable nature of the round allow the shooter to concentrate on technique, as the round groups nicely with the right rifle in MOA groups.
2. .308 Winchester – The All-Around Performer
Years of military, target, and hunting applications have demonstrated the ability of the .308 Winchester to remain accurate out to long ranges. A tremendous number of factory ammunition offerings allow the shooter to choose the performance characteristics they require, ranging from target to expansion bullets. Past the 150 yard mark, the predictable trajectory of the .308 Winchester makes it a great round for steel shooting to deer hunting.
3. .30-06 Springfield – Classic Reach with Modern Loads
The .30-06 has been bringing home the bacon and winning Shooters Cups for well over a hundred years. Modern Reloads carrying aerodynamic bullets have ensured it remains so, with flat trajectories and good grouping. Shooters have always admired its sectional momentum while maintaining good grouping, and the sheer number of loads means there is always one that shoots well at ranges past 150 yards.
4. .270 Winchester – Flat Shooting Confidence
For accuracy “on the flatter part of the curve,” the 270 Winchester has the ability to shoot well into 150 yards with heavier ammunition. For long-range shooting with a manageable kick, the 270 Winchester has long been a hunter’s favorite. Coupled with the use of Barnes TTSX or a Nosler Partition bullet, expansion is ensured while maintaining a tight group.
5. 7mm Remington Magnum – Magnum Reach without Excess
The 7mm Remington Magnum, introduced in 1962, is a popular choice for those serious about hunting at longer distances. Offering the ability to push heavy 7mm bullets along trajectories of high ballistic coefficient, it provides flatter shooting and less wind deflection than many .30-cal magnums. As pointed out in comparisons involving bullet trajectories, it will stack up well to similar magnums in bullet drop, yet kick less.
6. .300 Winchester Magnum
Introduced in the year 1963, the .300 Win. Mag. is known for combining flat trajectories with substantial downrange kinetic energy. This means that the cartridge has the ability to tackle bullet weights ranging from 140 grains, which are known for speed, and the heaviest bullets weighing 220 grains, and do it with adequate precision at extended ranges.
7. This is a .25-06 Remington Cartridge
Derived from a .30-06 necked down case, the .25-06 Remington has flat trajectories and knockdown power with minimal recoil, which makes it the best rifle caliber for hunting deer, antelope, and vermin. Capable of taking down bigger targets if accurate shots are placed, the .25-06 Remington bullets like the Nosler Partition bullet measuring 115 grains are dependable for the job.
8. .257 Weatherby Magnum – Speed Demon
Despite being released so long ago, Roy Weatherby’s favorite .25-caliber cartridge still has one of the highest velocities within its class. Having the ability to propel a 120-grain bullet at 3,300 fps, it has laser-like trajectories and small drop at long ranges. Although its speed may increase damage to game at long ranges, at long ranges, its accuracy and energy retention are incredible.
9. .243 Winchester – Light and Accurate
The .243 Winchester also has light recoil and is accurate, making the cartridge the choice of young hunters as well as those hunting smaller game. The cartridge remains accurate to distances beyond 150 yards and is mild in recoil, making it roar with good shooting form. Though not effective at long-range hunting, the cartridge remains effective because of its accuracy and ease of use.
10. 6.5×55 Swedish Mauser – Historical
With a provenance dating back to 1894 cartridges, the 6.5×55 Swede has won Olympic medals and a reputation for punching well above its weight on the hunting range. The large-caliber pellets and rapid twist rates ensure stable, aerodynamic bullets, offering profound penetration and tight groups at range. It does this by outrunning the 6.5 Creedmoor in velocity, as testified in the ballistic tests below.
11. .30-30 Winchester – Woods Classic with Surprising Reach
While considered to be short-range ammunition for lever guns, velocities such as the Hornady LeveRevolution have pushed the range for the .30-30. For skilled shooters, the .30-30 is capable of landing accurate shots past the 150-yard mark, for instance, on deer. Since its cartridges have good terminal abilities, this round is actually suited for varying ranges, including the end of open fields.
12. .280 Ackley Improved – Efficiency meets Reach
P. O. Ackley’s alteration of the 280 Rem. has a cartridge that matches the 7mm Rem. Mag. in bullet velocity while using less gunpowder and having a recoilmomentum that is significantly lower. It has a sharp shoulder of 40 degrees along with a generous capacity. Given the description from field experiences, this cartridge has level trajectories, a high capacity with regard to ammunition holding capabilities in the magazzine, along with excellent precision.
Whatever the case whether it’s the proven accuracy of the .308 Winchester, the extreme velocity of the .257 Weatherby Magnum, or the all-around capabilities of the .280 Ackley Improved each one of these rounds has demonstrated that it has the ability to put its shots on target well beyond the150 yard mark. As a hunter or precision shooter, the end user is faced with the task of determining which one will suit them best based on recoil tolerance, trophy size, and shooter preference.
