Gold Medal Centerstrike packaging on a table

Long-Range Ammunition Anatomy

All target ammunition is not created equal. We reveal what separates rounds built for competition from those meant for a day of honing skills at the range.

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Introducing Gold Medal CenterStrike

Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike ammunition combines a high-BC match bullet with our exclusive Gold Medal brass and primers for handloader precision, right out of the box.

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Estimate Range With Your Reticle

In a perfect world, laser rangefinders would always work. But that's not reality. Malfunctions, dead batteries and other problems can render them useless. Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Jim Gilliland shares an easy-to-follow method for estimating distance using your scope's reticle should your rangefinder fail.

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Reading The River Of Wind

A bullet in flight might drop hundreds of inches before reaching a target at long range. As intimidating as that might sound, compensating for this is relatively easy since gravity is constant. The tricky part is wind, which acts upon a bullet in far less consistent ways. Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Jim Gilliland explains how thinking of wind as a river eases the process.

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wind speed device

Do Coriolis And Spin Drift Matter?

Coriolis and spin drift get a disproportionate amount of attention in long-range shooting. Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Jim Gilliland breaks down their actual effect on point of impact at 1,000 yards relative to other factors.

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Jim Gilliland looking down a scope of a rifle rested on a wooden stand

Danger Space Defined

When you push range to extremes, your target is not the size it appears to be. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland explains the concept of danger space and reveals how cartridge choice plays a role.

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Jim Gilliland holding a Gold Medal Berger box

MOA Vs. Mils

Mils or MOA: Does it even matter? Federal ambassador and competition shooter Jim Gilliland defines both systems and spells out what you actually need to care about when making long-range shots.

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Jim Gilliland shooting a rifle at an outdoor range

Cold Bore Bull

Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland sees many shooters hang onto a common misconception—that a cold rifle bore will shoot differently than one warmed by multiple shots. He clears the air about what’s really happening.

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Jim Gilliland shooting around a barricade

How To Beat Barricades

Placing accurate shots at long range from a bench is one thing. Making them when shooting off barricades is another. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland explains how to build solid shooting positions off any kind of rest.

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shot Speed device

Speed Trap

A chronograph doesn’t just tell you your velocity—it’s an invaluable tool for calculating ballistics and assessing the consistency of your ammunition. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland explains how to use a chronograph for better long-range shooting.

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Metal target hanging downrange outside

Spin Doctor

People have a tendency to make the spindrift phenomenon out to be more than it is. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland cuts the mystery and explains the reality in a way that will let you hit more extreme range targets.

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Rifle pointed down range

What Maximum Effective Range Means

The term "maximum effective range" gets thrown around a lot, but often incorrectly. Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Jim Gilliland clears up confusion over what it actually means and reveals the maximum effective range of three popular cartridges.

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Snow capped mountain and plains

External Ballistics Breakdown

Gravity. Wind. Weather. Everything that acts upon your bullet after it leaves the muzzle is considered part of external ballistics. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland describes how understanding these factors is the first step toward mastering long-range shooting.

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All About Optics

Federal ambassador and competition shooter Jim Gilliland sees it again and again. Shooters know every detail about their rifle but can't tell you a thing about the optic that sits on it. He aims to change that and help you shoot better in the process.

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Gear Up To Reach Out

Stretching out into the world of long-range shooting takes the right set of gear—and skills. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland lays out everything you need to play the game.

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Range Dial being turned up on a rifle scope

Elements Of A Long-Range Shot

Ringing steel at 1,000-plus yards doesn’t just happen—it’s the result of an intricate collection of concepts, skills and gear. Federal ambassador, veteran and competitive shooter Jim Gilliland explains what goes into hitting your mark at extreme distances.

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Multiple rifle sitting on a table

Choosing A Rifle

To play the long-range game, you’ll be best served by a rifle built for the task. Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland runs through four firearms that do the job, explaining the features, performance and functions that separate them from your average rifle.

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Jim Gilliland looking down the scope of a rifle

Use Natural Point Of Aim

Good rifles are inherently accurate—it’s us shooters who are the problem. That’s why shooters like Federal ambassador Jim Gilliland use a rifle’s natural point of aim to minimize how much their body mechanics influence a shot.

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Federal Ammunition sitting on a table

Choose The Right Long Range Ammunition

Ultimately, it's not your rifle or optic that hits a target. It's your bullet and the cartridge that sends it. When that target sits hundreds of yards beyond typical ranges, everything about that cartridge needs to be built for the job. Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Jim Gilliland reveals what he looks for in ammunition that goes the distance.

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Jim Gilliland looking down the scope of a rifle resting on a tri-pod

Three Legs & Infinite Applications

If you only use your tripod one way, you're not even scratching the surface of what it can do. Federal ambassador and competitive shooter Jim Gilliland demonstrates rock-solid tripod shooting positions you're not using.

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