This article analyzes the best long-range cartridges for AR shooters. By focusing on bullet drop, we build a clear, consistent analysis that gives reliable suggestions for long-range performance.
The AR-15 platform may not be a long-range rifle, but many users still want to extend their effective range. Whether clearing varmints, hunting small game, or shredding targets, these are the cartridges you need for long-range accuracy and consistency.
What Do We Mean by “Long Range?”
“Long range” should be simple. But it’s not. For some, 200 yards is a long-range shot. For others, that’s just sighting in the rifle.
We could look at many different benchmarks to define long-range. Energy at 400, 500, or 600 yards is a common measuring tool for long-range hunting cartridges, especially those used for elk and larger game animals. Another factor could be wind drift; after all, the less a bullet is pushed by a breeze, the better it is for the shooter.
But we’re going to stick with a common denominator for all rifle cartridges: trajectory. In this case, we’re looking at 400-yard drop when the rifle is zeroed to 200 yards. This will act as our measuring stick, allowing us to compare all types of cartridges in many different sizes, shapes, and purposes.
Above all, they need to be available in the AR-15 platform, the most popular rifle in America.
Best AR-15 Cartridges for Long-Range Shooting
.223 Remington/5.56
Typical drop at 400 yards when zeroed to 200: Roughly two feet
The quintessential AR-15 cartridge is not considered a long-range round. Look at its heritage: the .223 was made from the 5.56×45 NATO, a combat load intended for accurate, high-volume, medium-range shooting with manageable recoil.
The .223 Remington has a few long-range advantages. It fires a light 55-grain bullet (the standard weight) backed by a strong propellant load. Most 55-grain .223 Remington products exceed 3,000 fps, resulting in straight trajectories for hundreds of yards. The light bullet, however, can be pushed by the wind.
If you zero a .223-chambered AR-15 to 200 yards and use a 55-grain bullet, you can expect roughly two feet of drop at 400 yards. That’s not bad for a moderate-range cartridge. Aim high or adjust the sights accordingly, and you’ll hit plenty of long-range targets at 400 or 500 yards.
6.5 Grendel
Typical drop at 400 yards when zeroed to 200: Roughly two feet
First produced in 2003, the 6.5 Grendel has generated a popular following across the country. With heavier bullets compared to the .223 Remington, the Grendel is a capable deer-hunting cartridge at distances of 300 to 350 yards. But when it comes to hitting a target, the distance potential is even greater.
The 6.5 Grendel has a strong ballistic coefficient and a high case capacity, the recipe for an accurate long-range cartridge. Most products are rated for over two feet of drop at 400 yards (when zeroed to 200), but some perform even better. The 90-grain CX from Hornady, for example, drops 22.9 inches. With velocities over 1,500 fps at 500 yards, the bullet stays stable far down the range, giving shooters greater precision and tight groupings even at a distance.
6mm ARC
Typical drop at 400 yards when zeroed to 200: Around 20 inches
Currently, Hornady is the only major manufacturer creating the 6mm ARC. Smaller groups, such as Fort Scott and Black Hills, create products in this cartridge, but major players like Federal, Winchester, and Remington have yet to adopt the round, which was first released in 2020.
Despite limited options, AR shooters have access to a highly accurate and effective long-range cartridge. Most impressive is the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which often tops .500, making it one of the most aerodynamic loads on the market. Hornady’s 103-grain ELD-X product, for example, packs a ballistic coefficient of .512, which means shooters get reliable bullet stability far down the range.
.22 ARC
Typical drop at 400 yards when zeroed to 200: About 16 to 25 inches
If you come across a small-caliber rifle cartridge designed and released in the 21st Century, it’s a safe bet the round was developed by Hornady. The .22 ARC is yet another product from this innovative, engineering-focused company. Originally slated as the “.22 Coyote,” a hint at its intended purpose, the .22 ARC uses light bullets with a strong ballistic coefficient to create long-range speed.
For varmint hunting with an AR-15 rifle, the .22 ARC is top-notch. The round carries light bullets ranging from about 60 to 80 grains, creating ample ballistic performance. Some of the heavier bullets are even marketed as deer-hunting options. The straightest trajectories come from the lightest bullets. For example, Hornady’s 62-grain ELD-VT only drops 16.4 inches at 400 yards when zeroed to 200.
.22 Nosler
Typical drop at 400 yards when zeroed to 200: Roughly 20 inches
To reach straight-line trajectories, you need speed. The .22 Nosler reaches the required velocity by using light bullets and relatively large case capacity. The muzzle velocity for Nosler’s 53-grain Tipped Varmageddon package, for instance, is 3,450 fps. Even at 500 yards, it’s traveling at nearly 2,000 fps.
The result is excellent bullet stability even for a light projectile. The bullet drops 21.1 inches at 400 yards (when zeroed to 200), giving varmint hunters excellent reach for coyote, prairie dogs, and more. Of course, this trajectory also makes it heaps of fun at the range.
.224 Valkyrie
Typical drop at 400 yards when zeroed to 200: Around 20 inches
A recent addition to the AR-15 lineup (it was introduced in 2017), the Valkyrie is a fast, accurate, and consistent cartridge built specifically for long-range shooting and competition. It has a light recoil, making it attractive to shooters of all experience levels, yet can deliver fast speeds and reliable energy to distances of 500 yards or more.
Like the .223 Remington, the light bullets of the .224 Valkyrie can be pushed around in windy conditions. However, the fast-moving bullet (around 3,000 fps) will maintain excellent speed thanks to a high ballistic coefficient. For example, the 75-grain Hornady BLACK product has a ballistic coefficient of .395 and only drops 20.4 inches at 400 yards. (When zeroed to 200.)
.204 Ruger
Typical drop at 400 yards when zeroed to 200: 12 to 15 inches
While often fired from a bolt-action rifle, the .204 Ruger can be loaded into a properly-equipped AR-15. As such, it becomes the most accurate long-range AR cartridge. No, you won’t get massive energy at 500 yards (this is far from a deer round even at a short distance), but you’ll get outstanding trajectories for target or varmint.
At 400 yards, you can enjoy less than 15 inches of drop. For instance, Hornady’s 40-grain V-Max Superformance only drops 13.2 inches at 400 yards. If you want nearly laser-straight shooting, the .204 Ruger is your best choice.
Bonus: How to Increase YOUR Range with an AR-15
Want to use these long-range AR cartridges for even greater distance? Here are some quick and simple suggestions to enhance consistency and long-range performance.
The best upgrade you can make is to add a longer barrel. AR rifles with a 20-inch barrel (or longer) will deliver excellent performance by stabilizing the bullet and bringing greater muzzle velocity.
Another useful upgrade is a precision trigger, which allows for a lighter trigger pull. An advanced scope can also help you target precise areas, making you and the rifle even more accurate.
Stabilizing the barrel with a bipod or shooting stick will also help. A shooting stick is especially useful when you’re not shooting from the comfort of a benchrest. Hunting situations often call for a shooting stick.
Of course, never discount the importance of practice. If you want to be a better shooter, you need hours of repetition. Which also means plenty of ammunition!
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