I'm currently loading 168 grn Sierra MK in my 308 but I noticed that hornady offers a 168 BTHP and is cheaper. Has anyone else changed to the hornady and what are the results between the 2?
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Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
The Hornady 178gr BTHP has the best BC of them all, IIRC.
The Hornady 178gr BTHP has the best BC of them all, IIRC.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Yes I know. Just offering a similar product to consider, if he is so inclined.
Yes I know. Just offering a similar product to consider, if he is so inclined.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
No experience with the .308's but I have left 107SMK's for my 6mm on the bench to shoot the new 105BTHP's. They shoot better for less money so its a no brainer for me.
I have used nothing buy Hornady Amaxes in my 6.5, I have 1K of their 6.5BTHP's on the way and may go to them too.
No experience with the .308's but I have left 107SMK's for my 6mm on the bench to shoot the new 105BTHP's. They shoot better for less money so its a no brainer for me.
I have used nothing buy Hornady Amaxes in my 6.5, I have 1K of their 6.5BTHP's on the way and may go to them too.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Sierras are more tolerant of jump and BC of a particular bullet means nothing if your rifle won't shoot that particular bullet well.
Sierras are more tolerant of jump and BC of a particular bullet means nothing if your rifle won't shoot that particular bullet well.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Hornady has stepped up their game, great BC for the buck. I just found a recipe for my gun using the HPBT 178s....posted here http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3414333#Post3414333
Hornady has stepped up their game, great BC for the buck. I just found a recipe for my gun using the HPBT 178s....posted here http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3414333#Post3414333
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
The main gremlin with a SMK 168 is they will catastrophically fail once they go transonic. Look for sideways target entry near 900 yards or around that depending on how fast you can push them. Not all 168s go bananas during transonic flight...
The main gremlin with a SMK 168 is they will catastrophically fail once they go transonic. Look for sideways target entry near 900 yards or around that depending on how fast you can push them. Not all 168s go bananas during transonic flight...
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Try the 168 AMAX as well. They actually have a betetr BC than the the other two. </div></div>
This/\ and they seem to just fine in the trans-sonic as well. Had DA of 2300' at the time.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rob01</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Try the 168 AMAX as well. They actually have a betetr BC than the the other two. </div></div>
This/\ and they seem to just fine in the trans-sonic as well. Had DA of 2300' at the time.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boltgunluvr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sierras are more tolerant of jump and BC of a particular bullet means nothing if your rifle won't shoot that particular bullet well. </div></div>
I would like to see some facts about that. More tolerant to jump that is.
As for the second part... NO KIDDING?
In my particular rifle the 168 Hornady's out shoot the SMK's. Yeah, I should try some of the Noslers, Berger's and Cheek's Bench rest. But until then I will stick with the Hornady's.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boltgunluvr</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Sierras are more tolerant of jump and BC of a particular bullet means nothing if your rifle won't shoot that particular bullet well. </div></div>
I would like to see some facts about that. More tolerant to jump that is.
As for the second part... NO KIDDING?
In my particular rifle the 168 Hornady's out shoot the SMK's. Yeah, I should try some of the Noslers, Berger's and Cheek's Bench rest. But until then I will stick with the Hornady's.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
A known fact for many years that Sierras are very tolerant of jump. Their ogive design generally favors jumping.That's one of their attributes. And that allows shooters to load to mag lengths without losing accuracy. So its a win/win situation. Most of my buddies are starting to understand why I stay with Sierra. They are using Hornady and Berger. They have to seat farther out to get max accuracy and sometimes to the point where they cant use their mag.
A known fact for many years that Sierras are very tolerant of jump. Their ogive design generally favors jumping.That's one of their attributes. And that allows shooters to load to mag lengths without losing accuracy. So its a win/win situation. Most of my buddies are starting to understand why I stay with Sierra. They are using Hornady and Berger. They have to seat farther out to get max accuracy and sometimes to the point where they cant use their mag.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Every gun likes a certain bullet. But as stated above the sierras are a lot more forgiving as far as jumping. One thing I have noticed is that the 208 amaxs tend to vary in shape and form from lot to lot. Don't get me wrong, I love hornady bullets, but Berger seems to be the most consistent in different lots. Sierra also rocks but I hate the occasional messed up metplate that you get. Makes you second guess your dies. In the end. Find your bullet buy a huge lot of them and s huge lot of powder and you'll be set. They are all excellent bullets.
Every gun likes a certain bullet. But as stated above the sierras are a lot more forgiving as far as jumping. One thing I have noticed is that the 208 amaxs tend to vary in shape and form from lot to lot. Don't get me wrong, I love hornady bullets, but Berger seems to be the most consistent in different lots. Sierra also rocks but I hate the occasional messed up metplate that you get. Makes you second guess your dies. In the end. Find your bullet buy a huge lot of them and s huge lot of powder and you'll be set. They are all excellent bullets.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
I consider what people tell me .....but it doesnt alwas work from rifle/barrel/ chamber to a different rifle/barrel/chamber. Buy a box ladder em out and tune them to your gun and then you'll know exactly what she likes best. There is no substitute for real world testing in your own gun. They are both EXCELLENT mfgs. My 300 will drill with amaxes i was totally locked on amaxes ,but my 260 didnt really care for them at short range for whatever reason but it LOVES smk's from the time they leave the end of the barrel till they make itty bitty clusters on steel a long way away. Your on 308 so you got tons of barrel life .....test test test. Let your gun tell you
I consider what people tell me .....but it doesnt alwas work from rifle/barrel/ chamber to a different rifle/barrel/chamber. Buy a box ladder em out and tune them to your gun and then you'll know exactly what she likes best. There is no substitute for real world testing in your own gun. They are both EXCELLENT mfgs. My 300 will drill with amaxes i was totally locked on amaxes ,but my 260 didnt really care for them at short range for whatever reason but it LOVES smk's from the time they leave the end of the barrel till they make itty bitty clusters on steel a long way away. Your on 308 so you got tons of barrel life .....test test test. Let your gun tell you
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A known fact for many years that Sierras are very tolerant of jump. Their ogive design generally favors jumping.That's one of their attributes. And that allows shooters to load to mag lengths without losing accuracy.</div></div>
SMK's are known for having a forward ogive compared to many other bullets. Many factory rifles/chambers will mag feed an SMK that's loaded to the lands. Other bullets (like a-max) will not reach the lands when loaded to mag length. SMK design is great for tuning to the lands, but BC suffers.
I'm happy to hear people ghave good things to say about the Hornady HPBT's. I just got some .223 75gr hornady bullets the other day to replace the 77gr SMK's I've been using. I opted for the Hornady because of price. Haven't loaded any yet, but I expect them to shoot better than I do (which aint saying much...).
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A known fact for many years that Sierras are very tolerant of jump. Their ogive design generally favors jumping.That's one of their attributes. And that allows shooters to load to mag lengths without losing accuracy.</div></div>
SMK's are known for having a forward ogive compared to many other bullets. Many factory rifles/chambers will mag feed an SMK that's loaded to the lands. Other bullets (like a-max) will not reach the lands when loaded to mag length. SMK design is great for tuning to the lands, but BC suffers.
I'm happy to hear people ghave good things to say about the Hornady HPBT's. I just got some .223 75gr hornady bullets the other day to replace the 77gr SMK's I've been using. I opted for the Hornady because of price. Haven't loaded any yet, but I expect them to shoot better than I do (which aint saying much...).
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Why does everyone always talk about the AMAX bullets being cheaper, and that its a big plus. Are you guys really that conscious of your per round cost that the 1 cent cheaper they are per round makes a huge difference? A pack of 100 of amax's are 29 plus some change and 100 sierras are 30.07, at my local store. If you buy by the 500 sierras are actually cheaper than the amax's since I never see packs of 500. Even somewhere like midwayusa, by buying 500 at the same time your sierras cost only 1 cent per round more.
Why does everyone always talk about the AMAX bullets being cheaper, and that its a big plus. Are you guys really that conscious of your per round cost that the 1 cent cheaper they are per round makes a huge difference? A pack of 100 of amax's are 29 plus some change and 100 sierras are 30.07, at my local store. If you buy by the 500 sierras are actually cheaper than the amax's since I never see packs of 500. Even somewhere like midwayusa, by buying 500 at the same time your sierras cost only 1 cent per round more.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Yes
Yes
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Honestly the nosler custom competitions are my favorite. They have less weight variation that any other manufacture I've weighed. The sierras were horrible the varied by as much as 2 full grains. Plus the noslers have the j4 jackets. These are the only bullets I use anymore and I've tried most.
Honestly the nosler custom competitions are my favorite. They have less weight variation that any other manufacture I've weighed. The sierras were horrible the varied by as much as 2 full grains. Plus the noslers have the j4 jackets. These are the only bullets I use anymore and I've tried most.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
Midway shows the 140 Amax's $30 and 142 Sierra's $35. The Hornady's have a better form factor, though the BC numbers are a wash.
Comparing the price, it's like buying 6 boxes of Hornady's and getting the 7th box free. What's not to like?
Midway shows the 140 Amax's $30 and 142 Sierra's $35. The Hornady's have a better form factor, though the BC numbers are a wash.
Comparing the price, it's like buying 6 boxes of Hornady's and getting the 7th box free. What's not to like?
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why does everyone always talk about the AMAX bullets being cheaper, and that its a big plus. Are you guys really that conscious of your per round cost that the 1 cent cheaper they are per round makes a huge difference? A pack of 100 of amax's are 29 plus some change and 100 sierras are 30.07, at my local store. If you buy by the 500 sierras are actually cheaper than the amax's since I never see packs of 500. Even somewhere like midwayusa, by buying 500 at the same time your sierras cost only 1 cent per round more.</div></div>
Not everyone can afford a Vette...lol!
Assuming they all group, BC per dollar does the talking for me. If you shop around Hornady can be had for $24-$25 per 100.
Litz G7s
Hornady 0.308" 178gr HPBT 0.257 <----- Winner
Sierra 0.308" 175gr Matchking 0.243
Hornady 0.308" 178gr Amax 0.240
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why does everyone always talk about the AMAX bullets being cheaper, and that its a big plus. Are you guys really that conscious of your per round cost that the 1 cent cheaper they are per round makes a huge difference? A pack of 100 of amax's are 29 plus some change and 100 sierras are 30.07, at my local store. If you buy by the 500 sierras are actually cheaper than the amax's since I never see packs of 500. Even somewhere like midwayusa, by buying 500 at the same time your sierras cost only 1 cent per round more.</div></div>
Not everyone can afford a Vette...lol!
Assuming they all group, BC per dollar does the talking for me. If you shop around Hornady can be had for $24-$25 per 100.
Litz G7s
Hornady 0.308" 178gr HPBT 0.257 <----- Winner
Sierra 0.308" 175gr Matchking 0.243
Hornady 0.308" 178gr Amax 0.240
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why does everyone always talk about the AMAX bullets being cheaper, and that its a big plus. Are you guys really that conscious of your per round cost that the 1 cent cheaper they are per round makes a huge difference? A pack of 100 of amax's are 29 plus some change and 100 sierras are 30.07, at my local store. If you buy by the 500 sierras are actually cheaper than the amax's since I never see packs of 500. Even somewhere like midwayusa, by buying 500 at the same time your sierras cost only 1 cent per round more. </div></div>
Damn, what store is this!? My two local big box stores (who have pretty competitive prices on ammo), sell the AMAX for 28.99 and the SMK's for 36.99. I have never seen 175gr SMK's going for 30.00. Now Natchex sells them for 32/box, but then there is that pesky 15.00 shipping fee.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: timelinex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why does everyone always talk about the AMAX bullets being cheaper, and that its a big plus. Are you guys really that conscious of your per round cost that the 1 cent cheaper they are per round makes a huge difference? A pack of 100 of amax's are 29 plus some change and 100 sierras are 30.07, at my local store. If you buy by the 500 sierras are actually cheaper than the amax's since I never see packs of 500. Even somewhere like midwayusa, by buying 500 at the same time your sierras cost only 1 cent per round more. </div></div>
Damn, what store is this!? My two local big box stores (who have pretty competitive prices on ammo), sell the AMAX for 28.99 and the SMK's for 36.99. I have never seen 175gr SMK's going for 30.00. Now Natchex sells them for 32/box, but then there is that pesky 15.00 shipping fee.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
I wish I couldn't remember 175 smk's for 18 bucks per 100, seems like less than 12 years ago... oh wait it was!
But yes, buy in bulk and wait 365 days a year for the next serious sale before placing the next order. The last batch of A-max's cost me ~15 bucks a box last year and I am still feeding off my stock.
Speaking of which, if you need powder or primers Powder Valley is having free shipping until midnight, today only. Get them now before fall as I am betting the supply line will be hit even harder than 2008/2009.
I wish I couldn't remember 175 smk's for 18 bucks per 100, seems like less than 12 years ago... oh wait it was!
But yes, buy in bulk and wait 365 days a year for the next serious sale before placing the next order. The last batch of A-max's cost me ~15 bucks a box last year and I am still feeding off my stock.
Speaking of which, if you need powder or primers Powder Valley is having free shipping until midnight, today only. Get them now before fall as I am betting the supply line will be hit even harder than 2008/2009.
Re: Sierra SMK Vs. Hornady BTHP
When I was young and foolish I started off listening to everyone and used the almighty 168 SMK's, didn't take me long to see my mistake. For years now I've used the 178 Amax in both my LR .308's, both are factory chambered and I feed both from the mag. I tried the 175 SMK's first but the Amax's simply out performed them....lower cost is just iceing on the cake. When I use up the 1200 or so Amax's I have, I may switch to Hornandy's newer HPBT in same weight because of thier improved BC. I have no use for 168 gr pills in a .308.
okie
When I was young and foolish I started off listening to everyone and used the almighty 168 SMK's, didn't take me long to see my mistake. For years now I've used the 178 Amax in both my LR .308's, both are factory chambered and I feed both from the mag. I tried the 175 SMK's first but the Amax's simply out performed them....lower cost is just iceing on the cake. When I use up the 1200 or so Amax's I have, I may switch to Hornandy's newer HPBT in same weight because of thier improved BC. I have no use for 168 gr pills in a .308.
okie
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