The Accuracy of .22LR Rifles Beyond 150 Yards

When it comes to shooting a .22LR rifle, many wonder about its accuracy at long distances. In this article, we will explore the capabilities and limitations of .22LR rifles beyond 150 yards, backed by personal experience and practical considerations.

Understanding Accuracy and Precision

Before we delve into the specific data, it's important to distinguish between accuracy and precision. Accuracy is hitting the target with every round, while precision is hitting a specific area within the target repeatedly. While a .22LR can be highly accurate under certain conditions, its precision is generally limited due to the nature of the ammunition and the projectile's characteristics.

Technical Limitations and Practical Considerations

From my experience and based on the expertise of many other shooters, a .22LR can be expected to reach around 250 yards on reasonably sized targets. By 'reasonably sized,' I mean objects that can be seen with the naked eye (including vision correction lenses) and aimed at using open sights.

It is essential to understand that accuracy and precision are not the same. While one can maintain accuracy at longer ranges, the precision becomes more challenging to achieve. A .22LR will generally not provide the same level of precision beyond 50 meters. This precision is handy for verifying the zero setting of a telescopic sight or aligning open sights but is not generally expected from a practical standpoint.

Example Targets and Their Accuracy at Various Distances

To further illustrate this point, let's consider some example targets and their accuracy at various distances:

These targets are chosen for their visibility and practicality. While a .22LR can hit these targets accurately, precision will vary significantly based on distance and conditions.

Practical Applications and Shooting Techniques

It is wise to exercise caution when attempting precise shots at distances greater than 150 yards. However, for accurate shots, a .22LR can certainly perform. For instance, I have a CZ-452 that I regularly shoot at 200 yards. It comes with tangent sights calibrated to this range, and under calm conditions, it can still achieve impressive results.

Accuracy at this distance complicates things due to bullet drop, which can be considerable. At 150 yards, most .22LR rounds will drop around 20 inches or more. However, with proper ballistics knowledge and adjustments, you can compensate for these effects. Wind is also a significant factor and must be accounted for.

Shooting at these distances can be a practical way to start getting into long-range shooting. While many think of 150 yards as a short range, it is indeed a long range for .22LR. The process is similar to shooting a .308 at 700–800 yards, but with the additional consideration of managing bullet drop and wind compensation.

Conclusion

In summary, a .22LR rifle can be quite accurate at distances beyond 150 yards, provided proper conditions, techniques, and accommodations for bullet drop and wind are in place. Precision, however, becomes more challenging to achieve as the range increases.

If you are interested in exploring long-range shooting with a .22LR, consider the factors discussed here and seek out experienced shooters or resources for further guidance.