OK, the definition of long range versus extreme long range is quite different. Cartridge requirements follow the same line of thought. Smacking steel subsonic versus energy for hunting is another rabbit hole. Minimal velocity for proper bullet expansion another variable. I am old geezer, hunted with bayonet on end of rifle. Then I did something stupid and jumped into rabbit hole rebuilding the first rifle I bought in 1968. I suppose you can do the math. It was simply a rebuild to SAAMI. Then I rebuilt a 300WSM with some tweaks. Uh oh. Then I really dove in. Built a rocket of a .270 known as .270 Thors Hammer.
@Redmt might recall it from LRH. I have kills little over 600 with it which is the range I decided I would not exceed. This rifle runs a 156HH 3250 so it has the horsepower. 700LA trued, 27" SS, Light Palma, 1:8tw, 0.290 freebore, TriggerTech trigger, Athlon Midas Gen 2, 5x25x50. Magpul stock. If you build a rifle to maximize performance, distance does become relative. I shoot woodchucks out to 500 with a .243 so its just what you become comfortable doing with equipment capable of doing it. I built a 06 last year even more capable, details posted up on HT. Serengeti Bore Rider teamer with 1.5° leade entry. A181HH @3150 is no slouch either. It is also a 700LA trued, 26", 1:9tw, freebore, TriggerTech trigger, Magpul stock. Rifles like this are fully capable at moderate long range.
Don't confuse "ethics" with lack of capability or competence. Shoot as far as you the shooter are competent along with a capable rifle. Me? I prefer having at least 2,000fps at distance to insure good bullet terminal performance. My .270TH hits 800yds with this requirement. I will never shoot that far in all likelihood. Just not my preference even though the rifle is capable. Too many variables. The rifle is proven at 600 so I like that as a go no go reference point. Leica 2700B, Kestrel ballistics and Apps do help though.
The biggest issue I have is the complete disregard for GOOD bullet terminal performance which will hinge upon adequate velocity to achieve GOOD bullet terminal performance.
If you bowhunt, the same principle applies to arrow mass to velocity to distance for GOOD penetration.
Well this should be good for another 5 pages?