Long Range glossary

The full travel of the optical adjustment. From a particular setting, only part of it is available in each direction.

The slowing effect of air on a moving body. It depends on factors including shape, motion and air density.

A particular version of a cartridge. Two boxes of the same calibre may, for example, contain different bullets and have different performance figures.

A device’s calculation accounts for the target being higher or lower. The distance displayed afterwards depends on the device and its display mode.

A device-calculated comparison value for a situation without a height difference. Devices use different inputs; the result is not automatically the horizontal distance.

A program that uses entered data to calculate a possible flight path. Its output is a prediction, not a measurement.

BC for short: a comparison value for a projectile’s air resistance. It always refers to a particular reference model, such as G1 or G7.

The study of projectile motion. It considers events inside the firearm, the subsequent flight and impact.

The external shape of the barrel, for example its thickness and how that changes along its length.

A light beam widens with distance. The measuring beam therefore does not always cover only a tiny point.

The area where the rifle action rests in and is supported by the stock or chassis.

A precision sport shot from a bench with permitted rests. Depending on the competition, group size or scoring rings determine the result.

A rifle support with two legs. Models differ in features such as weight and adjustment options.

A bullet shape that tapers towards the rear. The term describes shape, not quality.

The assembly that closes the rear of the chamber. Depending on design, it also has other tasks, such as during loading.

The part of a cartridge that leaves the barrel when fired. A bullet is not the complete cartridge.

The length from the bullet’s rear end to its tip. Bullets of equal mass can have different lengths.

The mass of the bullet, given here in grams. Equal-mass bullets can still differ in length because of shape and material.

The rear part of the stock or chassis that rests against the shoulder. Shape and adjustment options depend on the design.

May mean a diameter or, informally, a cartridge type. The complete cartridge name makes the designation unambiguous.

The complete ammunition unit comprising bullet, case, primer and propellant. The full cartridge name is more precise than a calibre number alone.

The part of the cartridge that holds the other components together. Shape and dimensions vary with cartridge type.

An ignition system with a primer in the centre of the case head. Many different cartridges belong to this group.

A usually metal supporting structure for the rifle action. Grip, fore-end and shoulder stock may be attached as separate parts.

A device that measures projectile velocity. Depending on its design, it uses methods such as optical sensors or radar.

The angular change for one adjustment click. Example: 0.3438 MOA / 0.1 MRAD; the MOA value is converted and rounded.

A coloured edge at a strong light-dark boundary in an image. It can result from different refraction of light colours.

The difference between light and dark areas in an image. Good contrast makes details easier to recognise.

Because we observe from the rotating Earth, the path of a freely moving body appears deflected. This apparent deflection is the Coriolis effect.

Adjustment of the eyepiece to suit your eye. It concerns the sharpness of the reticle.

Another word for spread: how far apart measurements or impacts lie.

Straight lines appear curved in the image. This is a different image defect from blur.

A competition class, for example with specific equipment requirements. The relevant rulebook defines the divisions.

Radar detects movement through a change in the returning signal. Such devices can, for example, measure projectile velocity.

The Earth turning around its own axis. Our location turns along with it.

How clearly details appear at the outer edge of the visible image.

The vertical adjustment on a riflescope. Its scale indicates angular changes, shown here in MOA / MRAD.

Extreme Long Range: shooting at exceptionally long distances. Each event defines its distances, classes and scoring.

An effect of Earth’s rotation in which a body’s motion affects apparent gravity. It is distinct from the Coriolis effect.

The small bundle of light leaving the rear of the optic. Its diameter, together with the eye, affects how bright the image can appear.

Describes a projectile’s flight from leaving the barrel to impact. Gravity and air resistance are among the factors involved.

The area behind an optic where your eye can still see a usable image. It describes the available freedom of eye position.

The rear part of the optic through which you look.

The distance between the eye and rear lens at which the full image is visible.

A precision sport with riflescopes and rule-permitted rests. F-Open and F/TR differ in areas including equipment and cartridges.

A class within F-Class with different equipment and cartridge requirements from F/TR. Open does not mean that there are no rules.

An F-Class class with specified cartridges and equipment. A bipod provides front support. F/TR is a different class from F-Open.

A competition with tasks in a terrain-influenced setting. The name alone does not reveal distances or scoring rules.

The part of the surroundings visible through the optic. It usually gets smaller at higher magnification.

The target image and reticle grow together as magnification increases. Their size relationship stays constant. The abbreviation is FFP.

A barrel designed not to contact the fore-end beyond its mounting point. The term describes construction.

An English umbrella term for certain rifle sports using centrefire cartridges. Its exact meaning depends on the association.

Two different reference models for air resistance. G1 and G7 figures therefore cannot be compared directly.

Gas inside the sealed optic. It helps prevent internal fogging, but does not stop rain droplets on the outside of the lens.

A term sometimes used for horizontal distance to a higher or lower target. Because usage varies, we use the more precise term horizontal distance here.

Measurement of the strength of gravity at a location. A normal laser rangefinder measures distance instead.

The force pulling bodies towards Earth. It acts throughout the entire projectile flight, including uphill and downhill flight.

The spread of several impacts on a target. Comparisons need the number of shots, distance and measurement method.

A measure of how far a group’s impacts extend. Without shot count, distance and measurement method, comparisons are not meaningful.

A specified distance between the breech face and a defined seating surface in the chamber. The cartridge standard determines the surfaces and limits.

The level distance between two points. If the target is higher or lower, this is shorter than the direct line to it.

A reticle whose markings can be illuminated in whole or in part. It does not brighten the target image or replace night vision.

A location in the optical system where an image forms. The reticle’s position determines how it behaves when magnification changes.

Describes what happens inside the firearm during a shot, before the projectile leaves the barrel.

International Precision Rifle Federation: an international umbrella body for precision rifle sport. National organisations are separate entities.

International Shooting Sport Federation. This international shooting federation also runs rifle competitions at 300 m / 328.1 yrd.

The raised and recessed areas inside a rifled barrel. They follow a helical path.

A safety classification for laser devices. It does not measure accuracy or range.

A device that uses emitted and reflected laser light to measure distance. Its maximum advertised range applies only under the stated conditions.

A thin layer on a lens. It may, for example, reduce unwanted reflections.

The proportion of light passing through an optic. A high figure alone does not describe overall image quality.

The straight line from the rangefinder to the target, like a string stretched between them. Also called direct distance.

An umbrella term for shooting at longer distances. There is no single worldwide sporting distance threshold; the particular discipline matters.

Speed relative to the speed of sound in the surrounding air. Mach 1 equals that local speed of sound.

A component that holds cartridges ready for feeding. Similar outside dimensions do not automatically mean compatibility with a particular rifle.

How much larger an object appears through an optic. Higher magnification does not automatically mean a better image.

Part of the name of various cartridges. It does not define one universal performance or range class.

A rifle whose loading mechanism is operated by hand between shots. A bolt action is a common form.

Ammunition offered for sporting competitions. The label alone does not guarantee a particular performance in every rifle.

How close a measured value is to the actual value.

The smallest step a device can display or distinguish. Many decimal places do not prove accuracy.

How closely a measurement can be bounded. Even a careful measurement does not always produce a perfectly exact value.

The device receives signals from several surfaces, such as the target and background. This can affect the displayed value.

Minute of angle. 1 MOA / approximately 0.2909 MRAD denotes the same angle. It is not a fixed length in centimetres.

An observation optic for one eye. Binoculars, by contrast, are used with both eyes.

A fixed longitudinal inclination of the mount. Example: 20 MOA / approximately 5.82 MRAD. It does not change the riflescope’s total mechanical adjustment travel.

The height of a mount between specified measurement points. The manufacturer’s drawing shows which points are meant.

Milliradian, an angular unit. Rounded, 3.4377 MOA / 1 MRAD represents the same angle. Riflescopes often use the term MIL as well.

The projectile’s kinetic energy as it leaves the barrel, given in joules. It depends on mass and velocity.

The projectile’s velocity immediately at the muzzle, given in m/s.

A US competition system for precision sport with rimfire rifles. Equipment, tasks and scoring are defined in the current rules.

A separate rimfire competition format with event-specific tasks. It is not the same as the monthly NRL22 programme.

A sports series with hunting-inspired tasks and its own classes. Competition conditions are not equivalent to those of an actual hunt.

The front lens group of an optic, facing the target.

A traditional form of international long-distance Target Rifle sport. The event announcement defines teams, cartridges and format.

The reticle appears to move relative to the target even though the riflescope stays still and only your eye position changes.

An optical adjustment for different target distances. It concerns apparent movement between the reticle and target image.

A standardised mounting rail with transverse slots. The name describes the connection system, not the height or cant of a particular rail.

The location of an impact or the centre of a group. It is different from the group’s size.

Repeated results lie close together. In shooting, this appears as a small group. Where that group lies on the target is a separate question.

A rifle designed for consistent shooting performance. The term alone does not guarantee a particular group size.

Precision Rifle Series, an organised competition series. A match contains several stages. Not every similarly structured competition belongs to the official series.

A device that determines distance to an object. The reliability of a laser measurement also depends on the object’s surface and surrounding conditions.

An official supervising a competition. Depending on the rules, responsibilities cover safety, procedure and scoring.

The central housing of a rifle that accommodates and connects important parts.

The firearm’s movement in reaction to a shot. Perceived recoil also depends on the firearm’s mass and construction.

Similar results occur again under the same conditions. This does not automatically mean that the results are correct.

The cross, dots or scale visible when looking through a riflescope.

Light for selected parts of the reticle, making them easier to see. It does not illuminate the target.

An optical sight with a reticle mounted on a rifle. Image quality, mechanics and suitable mounting are separate properties.

A support for the rifle, such as a bipod or shooting bag. The rules of the competition class specify which supports are permitted.

The helical pattern inside a rifled barrel. It makes the projectile rotate.

An ignition system in which the priming compound lies in the rim of the case.

The mechanical connection between riflescope and rifle. Height, attachment method and any cant are separate properties.

As magnification increases, the target image grows while the reticle appears the same size to your eye. The abbreviation is SFP.

A rifle that reloads itself after a shot. In semiautomatic operation, one trigger actuation releases at most one shot.

The position of the body and rifle when shooting. Competitions may include prone, kneeling, seated or standing positions.

Several impacts considered together under defined conditions. Comparison requires shot count, distance and measurement method.

The distance between the centre of the bore and the optical centre of the riflescope.

In sport, usually refers to rimfire disciplines, often using .22 l.r. The German abbreviation KK alone does not specify competition distance.

An association’s rulebook, including permitted equipment, classes and scoring. The current event announcement also matters.

An observer, for example in a team competition. The rules define what assistance is allowed.

An observation telescope, usually with higher magnification and on a tripod. Its main purpose differs from that of a riflescope.

A group of competitors moving through the stages together. It is not automatically a team with a shared score.

A single task within a competition. Its briefing explains the procedure, time and scoring.

The part of a rifle that supports the action and allows handling. Stocks come in different materials and designs.

Unwanted light in the image. It can cause reflections or reduce contrast.

Slower than the local speed of sound.

Faster than the local speed of sound.

A component that reduces parts of a gunshot’s sound. It does not make a shot silent; hearing can still be at risk.

A precision discipline using iron sights and a shooting sling. It differs from F-Class, where riflescopes and other rests are used.

The device measures how long a signal travels. A laser rangefinder accounts for the journey to the target and back.

Whether a riflescope adjustment actually moves as its scale indicates.

The path a projectile takes through the air. A calculated trajectory is a model of that path.

Deals with events immediately at the muzzle as the projectile passes from the firearm into open air.

The speed range near the speed of sound. Airflow around a moving body changes in this region.

The control and mechanism that release a shot. Required force, travel and break describe different properties.

A noticeable point in trigger travel where resistance increases. Not every trigger has the same design.

A three-legged stand, for example for observation optics. Some sports classes also permit it as a rifle rest. Load capacity and resistance to bending are different properties.

A calculated value based on magnification and objective diameter. It does not by itself show how well an optic works in low light.

The distance along the barrel over which the rifling completes one full turn.

A rifle support with two legs, also called a bipod. The competition class rules determine permitted designs and additional rests.

The horizontal adjustment on a riflescope. It describes adjustment direction, not a measurement of wind.

A unit of length: 1 yard equals exactly 0.9144 metres. Our shooting distances are shown in metres / yards; converted values are rounded.

A mechanical stop on the elevation adjustment that makes a set starting position easier to find again.

The ratio of maximum to minimum magnification. An optic with 5–25× magnification has a fivefold zoom ratio. This does not rate its image quality.

A group of cartridges with similar bullet diameters, including 6 mm Creedmoor, 6 mm BR and 6 mm Dasher. Cases and performance differ; the cartridges are not simply interchangeable.

A rifle cartridge widely used in precision sport, abbreviated 6.5 CM. Specific performance figures depend on the ammunition version and test conditions.

Case length

48.80 mm

Bullet diameter

6.72 mm

Overall cartridge length

71.80 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

3095–3290 J (source examples)

Range context

Sporting guidance according to PGM: 600 m / 656.2 yrd – 1000 m / 1093.6 yrd and beyond. Not a fixed performance limit.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Wikipedia · PGM · Source check 2026-10-04

A distinct cartridge in the PRC family. PRC means Precision Rifle Cartridge. It is not the same as 6.5 Creedmoor.

Case length

51.56 mm

Bullet diameter

6.72 mm

Overall cartridge length

75.06 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

3747 J (9.5 g ELD Match; catalogue 2020)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Energy: one factory-ammunition example, test barrel 609.6 mm.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Hornady · Source check 2026-10-04

A distinct cartridge within the Creedmoor name family. It is not the same as 6.5 Creedmoor or other 6-mm cartridges.

Case length

48.77 mm

Bullet diameter

6.18 mm

Overall cartridge length

71.12 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

2849 J (7.0 g ELD Match; catalogue 2020)

Range context

Sporting guidance according to PGM: 800 m / 874.9 yrd – 1200 m / 1312.3 yrd. Not a fixed performance limit.

Dimensions: C.I.P. maximum cartridge dimensions. Energy: one factory-ammunition example, test barrel 609.6 mm.

Data sources: Wikipedia · C.I.P. · Hornady · PGM · Source check 2026-10-04

The designation of a military cartridge standard. Despite its similar shape, it must not be equated with .308 Winchester without explicit manufacturer approval.

Case length

51.18 mm

Bullet diameter

7.82 mm

Overall cartridge length

71.12 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

3346 J (9.53 g · source example)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Source dimensions in inches converted to millimetres and rounded.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A distinct rifle cartridge in the PRC family. PRC means Precision Rifle Cartridge.

Case length

57.91 mm

Bullet diameter

7.22 mm

Overall cartridge length

84.84 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

approximately 4663 J (11.66 g ELD Match; converted)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Energy converted from 3,439 ft·lb to joules; test barrel 609.6 mm.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Hornady · Source check 2026-10-04

.22 l.r. is a common small-bore rimfire cartridge, also called .22 lfB in German-speaking countries.

Case length

15.57 mm

Bullet diameter

5.66–5.73 mm

Overall cartridge length

25.40 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

178 J (source example)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Source dimensions in inches converted to millimetres and rounded.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A large-calibre rifle cartridge, also called 12.7 × 99 mm or .50BMG. BMG means Browning Machine Gun. It also appears in specialised ELR sports formats.

Case length

99.31 mm

Bullet diameter

12.98 mm

Overall cartridge length

138.43 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

17952–18942 J (source examples)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A distinct magnum cartridge named .300 Norma Magnum. It is not the same cartridge as .300 Winchester Magnum.

Case length

63.30 mm

Bullet diameter

7.83 mm

Overall cartridge length

93.50 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

5971 J (source example)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A distinct rifle cartridge in the .30 group. PRC means Precision Rifle Cartridge; other PRC cartridges are not automatically identical or interchangeable.

Case length

65.53 mm

Bullet diameter

7.83 mm

Overall cartridge length

93.98 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

5348 J (14.6 g ELD Match; catalogue 2020)

Range context

Sporting guidance according to PGM: approximately 1200 m / 1312.3 yrd – 1500 m / 1640.4 yrd. Not a fixed performance limit.

Dimensions: C.I.P. maximum cartridge dimensions. Energy: one factory-ammunition example, test barrel 609.6 mm.

Data sources: C.I.P. · Hornady · PGM · Source check 2026-10-04

A well-known magnum cartridge for hunting, sport and professional use. Its actual performance depends on the ammunition used.

Case length

66.55 mm

Bullet diameter

7.82 mm

Overall cartridge length

84.84 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

4919–5600 J (source examples)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Source dimensions in inches converted to millimetres and rounded.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A common rifle cartridge for sport and hunting. Different ammunition versions use different bullets and have different performance figures.

Case length

51.18 mm

Bullet diameter

7.82 mm

Overall cartridge length

71.12 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

3509–3685 J (source examples)

Range context

Sporting guidance according to PGM: 500 m / 546.8 yrd – 1000 m / 1093.6 yrd. Not a fixed performance limit.

Source dimensions in inches converted to millimetres and rounded.

Data sources: Wikipedia · PGM · Source check 2026-10-04

A magnum rifle cartridge often associated with precision shooting at long distances. Its abbreviation is .338 LM.

Case length

69.20 mm

Bullet diameter

8.61 mm

Overall cartridge length

93.50 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

6782–6973 J (source examples)

Range context

Application distance according to PGM: approximately 1500 m / 1640.4 yrd – 1750 m / 1913.8 yrd. Not a fixed performance limit.

Data sources: Wikipedia · PGM · Source check 2026-10-04

A distinct cartridge named .338 Norma Magnum. It must be distinguished from .338 Lapua Magnum.

Case length

63.30 mm

Bullet diameter

8.60 mm

Overall cartridge length

93.50 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

6585 J (source example)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A large rifle cartridge used in sport at exceptionally long distances, a field known as ELR.

Case length

76.91 mm

Bullet diameter

9.53 mm

Overall cartridge length

113.40 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

9294–10499 J (source examples)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A distinct rifle cartridge from Switzerland. .375 CheyTac is a different cartridge, even though both names begin with the same number.

Case length

69.85 mm

Bullet diameter

9.55 mm

Overall cartridge length

93.50 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

8492 J (FMJ example; test barrel 762 mm)

Range context

Supersonic range according to Wikipedia: approximately 1600 m / 1749.8 yrd with factory FMJ ammunition at sea-level conditions.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A large cartridge for specialised precision rifles. CheyTac is part of its full name.

Case length

77.21 mm

Bullet diameter

10.36 mm

Overall cartridge length

115.50 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

11247–11352 J (source examples)

Range context

Wikipedia cites a manufacturer's figure of more than 2011.7 m / 2200 yrd supersonic range for a particular bullet under standard atmospheric conditions; not a general calibre limit.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04

A large rifle cartridge used, among other applications, in sport at exceptionally long distances, known as ELR.

Case length

83.06 mm

Bullet diameter

10.57 mm

Overall cartridge length

118.11 mm

Muzzle energy E₀

11887 J (source example)

Range context

No sufficiently qualified range figure was taken from the reviewed sources.

Source dimensions in inches converted to millimetres and rounded.

Data sources: Wikipedia · Source check 2026-10-04