168 SMK and 175 SMK

[l115a3]

Hi,


I just purchased 4 bulks of 500 pcs 175 SMK from Powdervalley for shooting FTR 600 - 800 yards.

Just wanna join some short range competition at 200 - 400 yards.

Will the 175 SMK accuracy for 200 - 400 yards as 168 SMK? Or I need to purchase another 168 SMK especially for short range.


My 2 rifles were chambered in .308win
• Remington 700 XCR Compact Tactical 20" Fluted Barrel 1:12"tw
• Les Baer Tactical Recon Bolt Rifle 24" Bull Barrel 1:10"tw



The best price that I can find was from Powdervalley.
$146.07 for 168 SMK (500 pcs box)
$149.35 for 175 SMK (500 pcs box)

Do any recommend for better deal price for 2-3 bulks of 168 SMK (500 pcs box)?

 

[Helmet]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

They should be just as accurate if you work up a good load with them. They will drop more, but drift less. A 1-12" twist is plenty fast for them.
You should just focus on the 175 SMK imho. It's a better bullet.

 

[boltgunluvr]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

I mostly use the 168 SMK because I very seldom get to shoot over 500 yds. I have no complaints whatsoever. The 168 was not produced for long range. The 175 really is a better long range bullet. Sierra will tell you the same thing. As a matter of fact, I've been considering going to a 155 (not Palma) or 175. Both are better for long range. I've never had any Sierra that had to be pushed fast or seated long for accuracy. Just a cpl reasons why I prefer them. All my accuracy loads are very mild.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

In my opinion, if your gun shoots 175's well, there is no particular reason to use the 168s.

 

[dbateman]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

I use the 175gr SMK and like them a lot.

 

[l115a3]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

I currently using .30 Berger 175gr LRBT for competition and just use 175 SMK during practice.


I had tried factory ammunition match of FGMM both 168 and 175 and can see that the shorter distance like 100-200 yards, the FGMM 168 perform better accuracy in my LB Tactical recon with 1/2 MOA of 10 shots as Les guarantee.

 

[YAOG]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Golfy Sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi,

I just purchased 4 bulks of 500 pcs 175 SMK from Powdervalley for shooting FTR 600 - 800 yards.

Just wanna join some short range competition at 200 - 400 yards.

Will the 175 SMK accuracy for 200 - 400 yards as 168 SMK? Or I need to purchase another 168 SMK especially for short range.

My 2 rifles were chambered in .308win
• Remington 700 XCR Compact Tactical 20" Fluted Barrel 1:12"tw
• Les Baer Tactical Recon Bolt Rifle 24" Bull Barrel 1:10"tw

The best price that I can find was from Powdervalley.
$146.07 for 168 SMK (500 pcs box)
$149.35 for 175 SMK (500 pcs box)

Do any recommend for better deal price for 2-3 bulks of 168 SMK (500 pcs box)? </div></div>

Golfy,

If you are happy with the 175gr SMKs you should probably focus on first finding then building the best 175gr SMK load you can. Moderately loaded to about 2,600fps the 175gr SMK is great to 800 yards and is extremely accurate. Inside 300 yards the 168gr SMK shoots flatter with better drift than the 175gr SMK. Past 300 yards 175gr SMK is a much better choice.

That said if you are looking for a better performing 168 grain bullet many folks have found outstanding results with the 168gr A-MAX bullets. With a muzzle velocity of 2,730+fps the 168gr A-MAX's BC and drift can match and beat at shorter ranges the 175gr SMK's BC and drift. Between the lighter weight and approximately same powder capacity the 168gr A-MAX can be pushed well past 2,730fps with a factory Remington 700 and faster with custom chambers. The 168gr A-Max should work very well in your shorter barreled 1 in 12" twist gun and would be and is my first choice to 1,000 yards.

The faster twist 1 in 10" 24" barrel might be too fast for lighter shorter bullets like the 168gr SMK but it should like longer heavy bullets like the 190gr SMK or possibly the 208gr A-MAX. Loaded up to 2,450fps or faster the 208gr A-MAX would make this a legitimate 1,100-1,200 yard weapon with amazing wind bucking stability.

HTH!

 

[l115a3]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

Any suggestion for place to buy?

 

[YAOG]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Golfy Sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any suggestion for place to buy? </div></div>
For bullets I like Bruno, Powder Valley or Midway, all are close in price delivered to your door. I frequently end up buying from Midway because they almost always have whatever I need in stock. That said I prefer Bruno or Powder Valley if they have what I need in stock.

HTH!

 

[Ishallbie O'Cullkillin]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

+1 big time on the 168gr Amax. 43.8gr of H4895 doing 2650 seated to 2.8" out of a 20" Rock barreled AR10. Boring accurate on steel at 975yds. Winchester brass.

 

[Jim Buck]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

I would stick with the 175 SMK if that is hwat you have bought. i noticed no difference in the two i have loaded.

 

[YAOG]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jim Buck</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would stick with the 175 SMK if that is hwat you have bought. i noticed no difference in the two i have loaded. </div></div>
Really? It has been my experience that with good testing methodology and through documentation when shooting at longer ranges you can easily see differences in performance between different bullets and bullet weights. IMO if you don't see these differences you may have a gun or shooter issue.

 

[Sudden Impact]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

Golfy, you might check MidSouthShootersSupply. My friend has found good deals there from time to time. Also, shootersproshop occassionally has Nosler CC Blem 175gr. on sale for killer prices if you don't mind Nosler. Most guys say they shoot the same but I haven't tried mine yet. Good luck!

 

[donshaw]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

What kind of loads are you guys working up for 175g Sierras w/ a Remy 700 1/10t that are working good for y'all?

Thanks

 

[leadbullet]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

I use 175 SMK in a 1-12 barrel, I have 2 different loads that shoot under 1/2 MOA
44 gr of varget in win brass for 600 and under and 45 gr of varget for 800 and up,and if you mix the load and distance, it still shoots great.

 

[rkaires]

Re: 168 SMK and 175 SMK

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Golfy Sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I currently using .30 Berger 175gr LRBT for competition and just use 175 SMK during practice.


I had tried factory ammunition match of FGMM both 168 and 175 and can see that the shorter distance like 100-200 yards, the FGMM 168 perform better accuracy in my LB Tactical recon with 1/2 MOA of 10 shots as Les guarantee. </div></div>

Check out Nosler 168 hpbt custom competitions. For me they shoot as well as SMK 168's in both my .308's 1-10 and 1-12 twists.

Powder Valley has them for 213.70 per 1000. I'm on my 2nd box and glad I made the switch.