Ballistic Long-Range Precision Issue Bringing Long-Range Fire! (2024)

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. These words barrage my brain when I think about all the options available to the precision rifle shooter. I remember when product options were few, if not scarce. But, it was easier to narrow down what you might build and what you might outfit that build with from an accessories standpoint. Mass quantity, factory-built rifles capable of rather consistent sub-MOA precision didn’t exist either, so building was your only option. Times have certainly changed and it can be extremely difficult to wade through the murky waters of precision shooting products. Fear not, we are here to help with the 2023 Ballistic Long-Range Precision issue!

2023 Ballistic Long-Range Precision Issue

In this year’s long-range precision issue, we’ve included several new rifle reviews with some of the newest and hottest options, including Aero Precision’s new Solus, which has everything to gain in the precision world. Can this maker of AR-15s bring the goods? On that note, Daniel Defense has proven that they are not a one-trick pony with the further development and growth of the Delta 5 platform and the Delta 5 Pro, all while adding a new suppressor option to the mix. Weatherby hits the scene with a move that was more than 50 years in the making with the release of a brand new Rem 700 action—the Model 307—opening them up to becoming a serious contender for builds and a base platform for accessories galore.

We also explore Mossberg’s Patriot LR Tactical and couple it with one of the most effective suppressors on the market. Going from short magnums to long-action magnums, we also include Ruger’s .338 Lapua and bring new life to a rifle with Woox’s new competition chassis. Speaking of DIY projects, how about the heart of every precision rifle—the action? Don’t miss Garrison Pratt’s guide to picking the action that’s right for your custom or DIY build.

Optics continue to be a hot topic, and there are now even more choices for you to bust your brain over. Be sure to check out Burris’ Veracity PH, Steiner’s new Predator 8, as well as our riflescopes roundup on page 88. Looking for rangefinding binos, ballistics calculators and other high-tech shooting must-haves? Turn to Stockpile on page 6.

Long-Range Precision Video Series

There’s a ton more content to feast on in the pages ahead. Our aim is to help you become better educated and more capable shooters so that you can reap the rewards with every trigger pull. Mind you, our “going long” content doesn’t end on page 144. Be sure to watch our fourth season of Ballistic’s Long Range Precision video series by clicking here:

Video Series: Long Range Precision

LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE GUN MAGS:

Here’s a special note about digital subscriptions. If you’re one of those people who like to buy and listen to audio versions of books, then you’re in luck. All digital copies of Athlon Outdoors publications including Ballistic, Combat Handguns, Tactical Life, Personal Defense World Concealed Carry Handguns and Guns Of The Old West sport the “mobile view” function which allows you to listen to each issue from any device… your smartphone, tablet or work/personal computer. That’ll keep your hands and eyes free to take on other tasks like driving to work or the shooting range or, well, you get the idea. Enjoy the new feature!

Ballistic Long-Range Precision Issue Bringing Long-Range Fire! (1)

COMPLETE TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES

SOLUS SYSTEM

Aero Precision launches full force into the “have it your way” bolt-action arena

WEATHERBY CURVE BALL

For Rem 700 fans, Weatherby presents the new Model 307 rifle action

WOOX WORK

The new Furiosa Ultra chassis puts PRS-level performance within every shooter’s reach

RECORD IMPACT!

The story behind Jaclyn and Shane Bryan’s historic 2.4-mile shot

SOUNDGUARDED DELTA 5 PRO

The latest Daniel Defense do-it-all rifle dishes out sub-MOA accuracy sans the noise

NATIONAL RIFLE LEAGUE 22

Primer for joining in on today’s most fun and functional .22 LR competition

.22 LR MODEL 2020

Springfield Armory’s rimfire ups the ante for long-range target shooting

MONSTER MAG

Ruger’s .338 Lapua Mag Precision Rifle is built for the “go big or go home” crowd

PATRIOT PEW PEW

Mossberg topped with an Elite Iron Asset proves you don’t have to go broke for going long

GREAT EIGHT

Steiner’s new Predator 8 takes the guesswork out of dialing up deadliness

HI-TECH GLASS

A deep dive into Burris’ new Veracity PH, plus six other new riflescope best bets

ACTION ANATOMY

What you should consider when buying a new precision rifle action

SAVAGE’S 6.5 TACK DRIVER

Breaking down entry barriers to the PRS realm with the 110 Elite Precision

GOT GAME?

A beginner’s guide to getting cranked up for PRS competition

DEPARTMENTS

STOCKPILE

New and notable gear for shooters and hunters

THE UNKNOWNS

Hit these fellas up if you wanna take your precision game to new heights

SKILL SCHOOL

Long-range accuracy and precision are born at the Leupold Optics Training Academy

HIGH ROLLING

Join Federal and H-S Precision for an upper-crust shooting adventure in South Dakota

ROUNDTABLE

A bizarre three-way between a USMC sniper, a SWAT legend and a PRS crack shot

POP GUN CULTURE

A peek at Hollyweird’s most realistic sniper characters and others that fell flat

SKILLSET SECTION

MADE IN AMERICA

Why we went astray and how buying American products is making a comeback

THE MOTHER-LOVING AK GUY

A casual Q&A with 2A advocate and YouTube icon Brandon Herrera

5 SKILLSETS TO MASTER

From castle defense and greenbacks to boss bassing, it’s time to upgrade your alpha card

LET’S ROLL

Road trip to the red rocks of Utah to show off some truly epic custom rides

HEADSPACE

Embrace it using patience, persistence, courage and time

MEN’S DO-OR-DIE GUIDE TO MORNING SICKNESS

LAST CALL

Bossman sounds off, plus #SKILLSET Fam pics

Get a print or digital copy or subscription, including the August-September 2023 issue of Ballistic magazine, at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

See More Long-Range Ballistic Firepower!

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There was a time when precision rifle shooting was cloaked in mystery. At least I would have said that. And after discussions with so many of you, it’s evident that I wasn’t alone in that sentiment. But thanks to revolutionary developments in rifles, ammo, optics, rangefinders, ballistics solvers and the like, that time is no more. While these advancements have been monumental as a whole, the single largest factor in making precision shooting an attainable and progressive skill set has been the sharing of information. It was the lack of information and, likely more accurately, the reluctance to share it that hurt shooters the most. It was a threat, if you will, despite the technologies of the times.

2022 Ballistic Long-Range Precision Issue

Our biggest threat now is boredom. We literally have everything at our fingertips. Sub-MOA rifles are the norm, and several brands can provide that luxury. Factory ammo is more consistent and accurate than ever. We can now load our own ammo to surgical standards. There are more optics brands than factory match ammo brands. And, outside of the zeroing process, there is no reason for missing a target within 1,000 yards by any more than a few inches, for anything other than laziness—for data is plentiful. Don’t get me wrong, all this is good. Great, in fact. It simply underlines how fortunate we are while bringing to light the nature of the beast. Cool thing is, we don’t have to grow bored.

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One of the best things you can do as a shooter, regardless of the discipline you choose, is get involved. More accurately, go and do. Travel somewhere and shoot. Get some instruction, whether you think you need it or not. Try a new segment of precision shooting. Learn from someone else. Teach someone new. Don’t get comfortable.

The experience of precision shooting is where it’s at and likely the most overlooked attribute of the discipline. We address this in this year’s Ballistic Long-Range Precision issue with the “Building Marksmanship” article on page 154. In it, we outline unique opportunities within the sport. Also, accomplished shooter Rei Hoang gets you primed to go way beyond long range with her tips on getting started in ELR shooting. And don’t miss the “One-Two Punch” piece where we take you on a journey through a team competition class under the tutelage of the undisputed champs in this category.

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Bringing the Best in Firearms

As always, we cover the mother lode of the newest and best products that the precision space has to offer while providing you with our thoughts on their relevant performance.

Finally, when you’re done with the issue, look for more precision shooting content in our continuing video series, Ballistic Long Range Precision. The first three seasons can be viewed at VIDEOS. Check back regularly to catch season 4 that drops this fall.

Not to be too “strictly business” with this issue, we have 32 pages of great Skillset content headlined by the “Man Of Mystery” cover story about Ed Calderon who has experience with the dark and deadly real-world that most people are scared to even ask about. And don’t miss “Hanging With Sadam” where we take you straight to the final crib of the Iraqi dictator. Also running: Top 8 reasons why Platoon is the all-time best Vietnam War movie, Five vacation death traps to avoid, and they sit down with the Alpha Coffee team—brewing fuel for warriors and giving back with every cup of joe.

With so much to learn from this issue, the only question left is—what are you waiting for? Pick up your copy today!