River, you mentioned the popularity of 6mm and 6.5. Some of the main reasons these are chosen is the combination of high BC match grade bullets, which aid in having less wind drift, have a flat-ish trajectory, and have low recoil which makes self spotting right after the shot easier to see through the scope, especially in a compromised position. Also if a guy is firing 100 rounds a day there is less shooter fatigue.
The truth is these cartridges are great for extended shooting sessions because they are so mild to shoot as well as capable long range performers.
So even though bigger cartridges that send out higher BC bullets even faster than the 6's and 6.5's exist, these usually don't get used in PRS or NRL matches because they are more expensive to shoot, and recoil much more. Or because of the same reasons aren't popular for general long range shooting.
Yeah sure, a 375 Cheytac would be superior to those pipsqueak 6's at long range in most ways ballistically but how often will a guy shoot it???
The question begs, what cartridge will you be likely to use and shoot the most.
Let's assume that a number of good choices in bullets exist for each caliber for hunting so I won't - go there.
But let's also assume that some hunting bullets might not be as accurate or have as a high a BC as some match bullets. However some hunting bullet can have as much, or more BC and be just as accurate.
Big difference if I were to guess if shooting a two legged critter vs a 4 legged critter. I don't think the tough bullet thing applies nearly as much.
Other things to consider are how heavy a rifle to get, or build, and whether to use a muzzle brake or suppressor.
Also it's a great idea to start reloading your own ammo if you don't already.
The truth is these cartridges are great for extended shooting sessions because they are so mild to shoot as well as capable long range performers.
So even though bigger cartridges that send out higher BC bullets even faster than the 6's and 6.5's exist, these usually don't get used in PRS or NRL matches because they are more expensive to shoot, and recoil much more. Or because of the same reasons aren't popular for general long range shooting.
Yeah sure, a 375 Cheytac would be superior to those pipsqueak 6's at long range in most ways ballistically but how often will a guy shoot it???
The question begs, what cartridge will you be likely to use and shoot the most.
Let's assume that a number of good choices in bullets exist for each caliber for hunting so I won't - go there.
But let's also assume that some hunting bullets might not be as accurate or have as a high a BC as some match bullets. However some hunting bullet can have as much, or more BC and be just as accurate.
Big difference if I were to guess if shooting a two legged critter vs a 4 legged critter. I don't think the tough bullet thing applies nearly as much.
Other things to consider are how heavy a rifle to get, or build, and whether to use a muzzle brake or suppressor.
Also it's a great idea to start reloading your own ammo if you don't already.