Big Cartridge battle.

[ONE-TEN]

For sometime now, I’ve been researching ELR target shooting competition. That is Extended Long Range. This is shooting out to 2 miles & even beyond! What is crazy is the record distance shots have been DOUBLED, DOUBLED again, and DOUBLED once more, just in the last decade!

All of this ELR competition started in 2015, with “The King of 2 Miles”. (BTW, no one could get anywhere near 2 miles back then!) The winner that first year, was Clay Rhoden with a distance of 1699yards. The actual 2-Mile target hit wasn’t made until 2017 by Derek Rodgers with a 3368yard record. From there it seemed guys were shooting a bit further every month. Then in 2021, Ryan Chaney made a blistering 4134yards (2.35 mile) target hit. However, just 1 year later in 2022, a team from Nomad Riflemen set an all out record (no competition, just exhibition), hitting a 10’x7’ Steel target at an unbelievable 7774yards (that’s 4.4 miles!), on the 69th attempt! The bullet itself was in flight for over 24.5 seconds before striking the target. The rifle is a 6’ long custom chambered in 416 Barrett.


But this is what just the last several has spawned. Cartridges line the 338 Lapua, 416 Barrett, the 375 & 408 Cheytac, the, 33XC & 38XC, 338 Edge & 338-378 Wby Mag. Here’s an example. (Take note of the 338 RUM & Lapua Magnum, and how the 338 Edge & 338-378 WbyMag just DWARF them!)?


5-6’ long rifle being used to fire these monsters. Can’t help but go WIDE EYED with these newer cartridges. While they aren’t for me, I do indeed appreciate what is happening over the last several years.

 

[Txhillbilly]

While ELR shooting is fascinating, It also shows that most of the people doing it are just guessing / hoping to hit the target. Taking 69 shots to actually hit a target isn't something to brag about, no matter the distance of the target.

 

[ONE-TEN]

Yes, I agree. I’ve said it in the past. A mile is difficult enough. But after that, there really is an amount of chance in the equation.

I’m not really impressed by the hits, but rather these cartridges being made to accomplish this.

 

[SevenFan]

While ELR shooting is fascinating, It also shows that most of the people doing it are just guessing / hoping to hit the target. Taking 69 shots to actually hit a target isn't something to brag about, no matter the distance of the target.

I agree.

Cost per round is a big factor and not for the faint of heart. I load for my brother's 338 Lapua and they are over $2 per round with me buying components at the best price I can find and I can squeeze a dollar pretty tight.

 

[ONE-TEN]

I came across a few who used their 110 Elites in 338LM, and converted to 33XC. (Like a 338LM on STEROIDS!) No barrel nut because full 1.350” Barrels are needed. But they are competing & even winning some, against the larger Custom Actions.

 

[Fjold]

I'm not a fan of ELR single hit, distance records. Anything can be hit once given enough attempts. I believe that the record should only count if you can do it twice in a row, kind of like the land speed records, two consecutive runs in opposite directions. That takes a lot of the luck factor out and shows proven ability.