Top 5 Most Accurate Long Range Hunting Rifles

If you finally drew that coveted tag and are planning for your next big game hunting adventure, don't overlook one of the most important tools at your disposal--your hunting rifle. We would love to help you find the perfect long-range rifle for your next big game hunt. Here are a few factors and features to evaluate when selecting your new rifle, along with our picks for the best long-range hunting rifles.

Barrels

A quality barrel is one of the most important factors in a gun’s accuracy. With today’s technology, there are many adequate options for long-distance precision. While there are many factors that go into a good barrel, here are a few things to look for.

Twist Rate – Twist rate is the number of inches it takes for a bullet to spin once in a barrel. For example, a 1:7 twist means the bullet does a full twist every 7 inches of the barrel. Your bullet weight, combined with the twist of the barrel, plays a major role in long-range accuracy.

Fluted Barrels – Fluted barrels can play a major role in your long-range hunting success. Fluted barrels offer reduced weight and improved heat dissipation for more accurate follow-up shots.

Threaded Muzzle – Threaded muzzles open your rifle up to a range of accuracy-enhancing features such as muzzle brakes. Many of your favorite rifle manufacturers, like Bergara, Tikka, and Christensen Arms, offer threaded barrels.

Barrel Length – Barrel length can have effects on the accuracy and overall weight of your hunting setup. It is essential to select a barrel length that provides the optimal balance for your needs.

Triggers

Having a trigger that fits your needs can improve your comfort level when shooting, along with your accuracy. You’ll need to determine if a single-stage or double-stage trigger works best for you. You may also want to consider an adjustable trigger that allows you to customize the trigger pull.

Stock

Having the right stock can add the extra precision needed for those long-distance shots at the edge of your gun’s effective range. Features like adjustable cheekpieces, length of pull spacers, and the proper grip can take you to another level of shooting accuracy!

Optics

While not directly correlated to the performance of your rifle, the right scope and scope mounts play a big role in your hunting success and accuracy. Be sure to get a scope that can hold zero and has the proper reticle and magnification to meet your needs. Luckily, MidwayUSA carries scopes from trusted brands like Vortex, Leupold, Burris, and more!

Ammo

No matter how good your rifle is, it will never perform to its potential without good ammo. Choose from a range of ammunition from brands like Barnes, Hornady, Federal Premium, and more for the tightest groups on the range or in the field.

All of these factors play a major role in the accuracy of your rifle, along with the overall skill of the shooter. It is important to know your limits and get plenty of practice before a long-range hunting trip. Here are our favorite long-range rifles, from budget options to the finest precision rifles on the market!
1

Christensen Arms Mesa Long Range Bolt Action Rifle

The Christensen Arms Mesa Long Range was designed for dedicated precision shooters and long range hunters. The sturdy and ergonomic platform relies on a medium palma contour steel barrel paired with an adjustable carbon fiber composite gunstock and features a seamless removable side-baffle muzzle brake. The Mesa Long Range is backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA Guarantee.

 

Features

  • Barrel with a medium Palma Contour
  • Stainless Steel Seamless Side-Baffle Brake
  • STD Rem 700 Optics Base Compatible
  • Skeletonized Bolt Handle
  • Trigger Tech Trigger
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2

Bergara B-14 HMR Bolt Action Rifle

Although there are many rifles on the market today, Bergara wanted to focus on one thing: quality. The B-14 rifles were inspired by the desire to bring the quality that Bergara was known for in the custom rifle world to production rifles made for all hunters. In the B-14 rifle, you will find a level of craftsmanship that surpasses all of the other production hunting rifles on the market.

The B-14 HMR rifle features an integrated mini-chassis molded into the stock to give the rifle repeatable bedding and accuracy. It also supports a fully free-floated barrel to achieve optimal precision. The Bergara Hunting and Match rifles are built to offer a rifle for both hunters and competition shooters that can perform incredibly in either situation. The stock features an adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull spacers. Built in Spain at a highly automated and efficient barrel factory, this rifle delivers a level of quality and performance that is unmatched in its price range.

The world-renowned Bergara barrel on this long range precision rifle is complemented by the super-smooth B-14 Action, which is a two-lug system with a sliding plate extractor and a coned bolt nose and breech to ensure a smooth feeding and extraction of the cartridge. It’s also outfitted with a Bergara curved trigger designed to guarantee a crisp, clean pull every time you fire the rifle. The trigger comes set at about three pounds. It has been factory drilled and tapped to fit Remington 700 style rings and bases. A 5-round AICS detachable magazine is standard with the HMR rifle. QD flush cups are included in the stock to allow for easy attachment and detachment of slings.

 

  

Features

  • Bergara HMR Molded Stock with Mini-Chassis
  • Integrated QD Flush Cup Mounts
  • Adjustable Cheek Piece
  • Adjustable length-of-pull
  • Bergara Performance Trigger
  • AICS Detachable 5 Round Magazine



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3

Nosler M21 Bolt Action Rifle

The Nosler Model 21 is a new rifle for the next decade. Filled with cutting edge features including a wire EDM machined receiver, nitride coated, fluted bolt, TriggerTech trigger, Shilen match grade stainless steel barrel, and a McMillan carbon fiber stock, the Model 21 is sure to appeal to hunters and shooters all over the country. The Model 21 is built by riflemen, for riflemen and provides exceptional reliability and packable precision to any hunt—wherever that may be. The heart of the rifle is Nosler’s new Model 21 action, designed in collaboration with Mack Brothers, the reputable South Dakota sibling duo with a growing reputation for building some of the finest rifle actions in the industry. Most notably, their popular EVO action has built an impressive following among serious precision shooters since its introduction in 2018. The newly designed Model 21 blends the best features of the EVO with unique Nosler-engineered customizations, delivering a solid foundation for peak performance right out of the box.

 

Features

  • Mcmillan Hunter's Edge Sporter Stock
  • Self Indexing 17-4 SS Recoil lug
  • TriggerTech Field model trigger
  • Scope and mount not included

About Nosler

In 1946, John Amos Nosler was hunting moose in British Columbia. The bullets he was using failed to penetrate deeply enough for a fast kill. This flaw inspired Nosler to develop a new bullet design, one that would not only expand at low velocities but also be robust enough for high-velocity impacts and deep penetration. Two years later, the Nosler Partition Bullet Company was formed in Oregon to sell the new Partition bullets. MidwayUSA offers a complete line of Nosler bullets, ammo, and brass including Assured Stopping Power (ASP), Ballistic Tip, Defense Handgun, Expansion Tip Lead-Free, Match Grade, Trophy Grade, Trophy Grade Long Range, Varmageddon, Accumbond, Accubond Long Range, Combined Technology Ballistic Silvertip, Custom Competition Match, Partition, Reduced Drag Factor (RDF), Solid Dangerous Game. Nosler Model 48 and Model 21 rifles are also offered in popular calibers to suit the needs of premium hunters. Shoot with confidence knowing at Nosler it’s always “Quality First”.

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4

Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint Bolt Action Rifle Adjustable Stock

Springfield Armory has a storied history of building fine firearms for defense and competition. Now, these skilled gun makers set their sights on their next pursuit – the Model 2020 Waypoint premium American-made bolt action hunting rifle. This rifle features a custom painted Ridgeline carbon fiber stock with an adjustable cheek comb, and the match barrel delivers precision performance downrange. Delivering a remarkable .75 MOA accuracy guarantee, this rifle’s barrel is topped off with a removable SA Radial Muzzle Brake. The custom painted Ridgeline stock of the Waypoint is made of lightweight carbon fiber and features a 3 axis adjustable cheek comb.

Features

  • Carbon Fiber stock
  • 4140 Tool steel barrel
  • Stainless Steel receiver

About Springfield Armory

Resurrected in 1974 by the Reese family, Springfield Armory has grown to become a premier manufacturer of quality firearms. Their obsession for improved manufacturing techniques and cutting-edge design allows them to develop products loyal to Springfield’s heritage while ensuring progression in American firearms. Springfield Armory is the leading maker of our country’s iconic 1911, SA-35 and M1A models, the exciting SAINT series of rifles and pistols, the custom-grade Model 2020 bolt-action family of hunting rifles, the Echelon Pistol, and the Hellcat Pistol. Anchored by our rich history and inspired to break new ground, our proudest legacy is giving you the tools to defend yours. striker-fired solutions, every Springfield Armory firearm is built on a foundation of excellence.

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5

Sig Sauer CROSS Bolt Action Rifle

The Sig Sauer CROSS Bolt Action Rifle is designed and built from the ground up at the SIG SAUER research and development facilities in New Hampshire with the input of hunters, military snipers and elite long-range shooters, the CROSS rifle was created to meet the demands of both precision long-range shooting and extreme backcountry hunting.

 

Features

  • Under 6.5 lbs, the lightest, most portable rifle in its class (up to 40% lighter)
  • Folding Precision-Style Stock
  • 1-Piece receiver for increased accuracy
  • Uses AICS-type magazines

About Sig Sauer

Born from the Swiss Wagon Factory company in 1853, the Sig Sauer brand we know today is one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the firearms and outdoor industry. In their world-class facilities, they build the toughest, most precise rifles, pistols, suppressors, optics, ammunition, and airguns, while offering the finest firearms training — all as a fully integrated system. They offer models such as the P365 Pistol, Tango Rifle Scope, MCX Rifle, and ROMEO-X Reflex Sight. They do this because they share the same drive to be the best, the same love of freedom, the same unwillingness to compromise — as those who choose their brand. SIG SAUER--NEVER SETTLE.

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