Bill Poor, a 41-year-old from West Texas, has set a new world record by hitting a target from 3 miles away, 53″ target from 5,280 with a .408 CheyTac firing a 390 gr bullet at 3,160 fps after firing eight shots!
The previous record was 2.84 miles (or 5,000 yards) was set by retired Navy SEAL Charles Melton in 2017 after firing thirty-eight shots.
While it is amazing, and one for the books it’s apparently not one for the Guinness Records book. “They do not recognize shots with optics,” Poor told the Dallas News. “Several guys have tried and sent them in everything, but for some reason they just don’t want to take it.”
The shot is incredible, and Guinness explained the situation. By using “optical devices” doesn’t allow for what they call a “level playing field”.
“It didn’t happen overnight,” Poor explained. “It took a lot of homework and a lot of science.”
Poor used a custom-built rifle from a gunmaker that specializes in crafting firearms for extreme distances. Both he and Melton used the same base round: a .408 CheyTac, originally designed for snipers operating at long range.
A lot goes into shots like this. Poor has to account for many variables that can alter the bullet’s path INCLUDING the shape of the Earth! Which curves 6 feet over 3 miles.
“We call it dope — how much elevation you have to put in your scope to be able to see that far,” Poor said. “Getting a clear view is almost impossible.”
Temperatures in the mid-50s also complicated the shot. Because cold air is heavier, it causes a bullet to drop more than warm air would. To compensate, Poor aimed well above the horizon, adjusting his aim after each shot with the help of two spotters.
“It’s a 14-second flight time,” Poor said. “It’s 10 seconds before the spotter downrange can hear the boom of the rifle going off, and another four before the bullet hits the target. You have that much time and you’re thinking ‘This is it.'”
And not one to take it lying down, former record holder Melton has announced that he’ll attempt to break the NEW record by pulling off a 6,000 yard shot in the near future.