If you want dangerous, get slingers. They're not as long-ranged, but they punch right through armour. They're even better at killing other skirmishers. Slinging is a forgotten art, but they were lethal, especially with bullets rather than stones.
Did you ever use Eastern Slingers, Sphendonetai Rhodioi? They beat archers in range, by a long shot.

Pun not intended.