Which caliber best for long range pistol shooting?

[Black Majik]

.22 LR.

I'm serious. With a gun so easy to shoot as long as you know where to hold over you can hit steel at 100 yards with a .22 LR handgun. Since it's so easy you'll probably get the most hits on steel with a .22 over a centerfire handgun.

[techshot]

I like to use my .357 6" for 100yd's. Once I get a shot or two off I can keep dinging the plates almost every time. Ammo is more expensive then 9mm but less then my 45acp. I feel like it gives me the most umph and accuracy within my price range.

[someR1]

I agree on .22 being the farthest shooter

9mm will be slightly better than the .40 or .45

but lets be honest, if someone is 100 + yards away, you're going to use a rifle to defend yourself ....hand guns weren't meant to shoot far

[BigDogatPlay]

but lets be honest, if someone is 100 + yards away, you're going to use a rifle to defend yourself ....hand guns weren't meant to shoot far

While I agree that using a rifle to defend yourself at that distance, and that handguns aren't meant to shoot that far defensively, I'd take the discussion a step further and suggest a deep read of Elmer Keith.

In the 1920's and early 1930's Keith was experimenting with hot .38 Special and .44 Special loads in what are now N frame S&W's, in part around his fascination with hunting using handguns. He was reliably putting hits on man sized targets at 200 yards over sandbags and iron sights, with enough apparent energy to do damage on a soft tissue target.

When the .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935 he moved the target, again man sized, out. He was eventually able to acheive reliable results out to 600 yards. Again... iron sights and using sandbags as a rest.

Given the modern, high energy cartridges we have in this thread and on the market, coupled with optics, I'd wager Keith's experience could be easily replicated. I'd like very much to play with a .460 S&W at 500 or 600 yards as I think it would be more than plenty to knock down anything I'd want to shoot at with it.

[westcoast362]

How about a Remington XP-100 in .223?

[Brd_Hntr]

Comparison of some of the mentioned pistol cartridges for long range. In my experience bigger is definitely better...

7 tcu has a lot more reach than the others. The recoil is mild, but the high bc of the bullet means much better long range performance.

[redcliff]

You don't need a special caliber for 100 yards, either the 9mm or 45acp you have will do. Bullet trajectory/performance isn't whats causing you to miss. The 45acp will ring the gong louder.

[Bhobbs]

I shot my M1 Garand one handed a couple times. Does that count?

[someR1]

While I agree that using a rifle to defend yourself at that distance, and that handguns aren't meant to shoot that far defensively, I'd take the discussion a step further and suggest a deep read of Elmer Keith.

In the 1920's and early 1930's Keith was experimenting with hot .38 Special and .44 Special loads in what are now N frame S&W's, in part around his fascination with hunting using handguns. He was reliably putting hits on man sized targets at 200 yards over sandbags and iron sights, with enough apparent energy to do damage on a soft tissue target.

When the .357 Magnum was introduced in 1935 he moved the target, again man sized, out. He was eventually able to acheive reliable results out to 600 yards. Again... iron sights and using sandbags as a rest.

Given the modern, high energy cartridges we have in this thread and on the market, coupled with optics, I'd wager Keith's experience could be easily replicated. I'd like very much to play with a .460 S&W at 500 or 600 yards as I think it would be more than plenty to knock down anything I'd want to shoot at with it.

Regardless, most handguns and handgun rounds aren't capable of 200+ yard accuracy, epecially with an average shooter. I'm not saying Elmer Keith didn't do it, I'm just saying realistically handguns are better for 0-100 yard kills.

[jakuda]

Regardless, most handguns and handgun rounds aren't capable of 200+ yard accuracy, epecially with an average shooter. I'm not saying Elmer Keith didn't do it, I'm just saying realistically handguns are better for 0-100 yard kills.

+1. Although sadly, 99% shooters can't seem to group in a 5.5" bullseye even at 25 yards.

[Oceanbob]

I like 10MM..not exotic and available. It has as much energy at 100 Yards as a .45 auto does at the muzzle.

However, for the FUN FACTOR and long range Zombie Sniping I enjoy shooting my Glock 20 with a 9X25 barrel.

My red-dot scope is zeroed at 150 yards. Extremely fast bullet, close to 2000 Feet Per Second. Fun to shoot.!

(who cares about practical..?...its the FUN FACTOR with these wildcat bullets)

Here she is: 20 round magazine an all....



Notice the bullet shape; Double Tap sells them as well as the DIES for reloading. Dillon as well. I just buy them.

[PRCABR4Christ]

10mm

+1

.41mag would also be good, if you want something lighter .357sig shoots pretty flat

[CK_32]

+1. Although sadly, 99% shooters can't seem to group in a 5.5" bullseye even at 25 yards.

Guilty

[PRCABR4Christ]

+1. Although sadly, 99% shooters can't seem to group in a 5.5" bullseye even at 25 yards.

Amen, not everybody is Elmer Keith LOL I'm somewhat fortunate to be able to hit a 12" gong at 100yds with most of my handguns, but if I'm shooting at 100yds, I prefer a rifle

[unusedusername]

.22 LR.

I'm serious. With a gun so easy to shoot as long as you know where to hold over you can hit steel at 100 yards with a .22 LR handgun. Since it's so easy you'll probably get the most hits on steel with a .22 over a centerfire handgun.

I've done this with a sig 226 with the 22lr kit on it and it is surprisingly easy to hit the gongs at the sunnyvale range's rifle lanes with it. You need to aim at the very top of the target to hit the middle of it though...

Just don't try this when they are busy or you will get yelled at for using up one of their centerfiire lanes for a pistol...