Long Range Shooters Question

[Muzzy100]

The hand loads could not really be used for the course and def not on duty but a tool I could use to shoot more on my own time own dime

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[bboswell]

In the grand scheme the reloading dies etc are cheap.

Go .308 min or .300 Win

[xman59]

get the 308

[bubba57]

308, you wont be sorry.

[txfireguy2003]

The hand loads could not really be used for the course and def not on duty but a tool I could use to shoot more on my own time own dime

You won't want to practice with your reloads either, unless you could exactly duplicate your duty loads to a "T". Remember, you're shooting for absolute precision (I know you know this, just a quick reminder) and changing loads changes point of impact. You want to know EXACTLY what your rifle is capable of with the EXACT ammo you'll be using on duty, and know you dope EXACTLY with that duty ammo. If you're practicing with a different load, say the BC or velocity is slightly different, your dope is going to change. Worst case scenario, in my mind anyway, is you have a reload that your rifle LOVES, let's say it will shoot .1MOA with that load consistently, and you can do it too. Then you go on duty and switch to your duty load that your rifle just LIKES, and it's a .5 MOA load in your rifle. Now, here you are, thinking "My rifle shoots 0.1 MOA x 500 yards, that's 0.5 inch groups, I could hit that guy in the eyeball if I wanted to." But with those bullets, you're getting 0.5MOA x 500 yards is a 2.5" group. Still darn good by any account, but say you get over confident in your rifle/load combo because you're appropriately confident in your rifle/reload combo and you pull a shot and hit an innocent. That's why I only sight in and practice with the ammo I'm hunting with....yes, it's expensive, but it's a "best practice" thing for me.

[MojoTexas]

I would say that .223 might get you through the class, but it is not considered an ideal cartridge for 500+ yards.

Lots of people have mentioned .308, and that is a good choice. If I were to buy a new tactical "sniper" rifle, I would look at either 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 WSM, or .338 Lapua. But .308 is pretty common and popular. The others shine past 1000 yards.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert, but I have been doing some research, thinking about getting an accurate long-range rifle.

[DFWPI]

I believe a lot of people are giving good advice in different calibers, HOWEVER, if this is for police work, these calibers will probably not work.

I don't know which department the OP works for and can only speak from my 30 years of LEO experience, but as in the military, a lot of this is standard. I would say most departments rely on the 308 as the standard sniper round, and reloads are a No-No.

My suggestion to the OP is to speak directly to your supervisor and ask for guidance in this matter so that you will be 100% correct on your choice.

[konahoss]

I would build a tactical .270, no shortage on .270 ammo.

[DFWPI]

I would build a tactical .270, no shortage on .270 ammo.

Not a LEO sniper round though

[konahoss]

Well it will do the job, the availability of .270 vs .308 is why I say go for it. If you're having to pay for it, get something practical. I have Military experience only, and I have seen what a built .270 can do, granted there wasn't a NSN for the gun, but it had a number of deployments thru the barrel.

Does LEO have a uniform requirement on weapons? I always thought an officer could carry what they wanted as long as the qualified with the weapon. I have no clue, so that's why I ask.

[DFWPI]

Well it will do the job, the availability of .270 vs .308 is why I say go for it. If you're having to pay for it, get something practical. I have Military experience only, and I have seen what a built .270 can do, granted there wasn't a NSN for the gun, but it had a number of deployments thru the barrel.

Does LEO have a uniform requirement on weapons? I always thought an officer could carry what they wanted as long as the qualified with the weapon. I have no clue, so that's why I ask.

Smaller departments where officer has to purchase his own weapon, but usullay has to be 9mm, .40 or .45. Medium to biggger departments, most provide weapons and ammo. I had a guy that worked for me and I was doing weapon inspection at briefing. The guy had ammo that was not authorized and cost him 3 days off without pay and letter.

As stated earlier, my former partner is a TTPOA sniper instructor and 308 is what almost departments issue/use. There have been a couole of 300s, but not many, and usually were smaller departments.

[konahoss]

Gotcha. Thank you for the info. That's crazy that an officer cannot use the weapon and caliber of choice. I mean, Tackleberry had a .44 Mag and it worked out perfectly.

[Stevotary]

The wind is a killer with the .223. It's all about the Ballistic Coefficient of the bullet. In perfect conditions you could hit 500 yards all day with .223, but when the wind gets to swirling it will drive you nuts.

[Gunslinger]

As much as I love a tack drivin bolt rifle , Don't let anyone tell you that an A.R. platform is not accurate, they are blowin past many bolt action rifles in long range competition . As far as the .223 / 5.56 is concerned, it's a great varmint round, I opt for 6.5 .