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168 better for short range?

Iggy

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Feb 21, 2010
644
6
Northern California
Is it just me or are the ballistics on the 168 better than 175's?

I have continually on factory and reloaded ammo been able to put 168's on top of each other at 100y, but when I try that my groups open up with 175's. At longer distances it's completely different story.

Why does it seem like 168's do better at a closer range?
 
Re: 168 better for short range?

What are you shooting? Barrel and twist rate? 168 and 175 shoot the same for me from 50y to 550. After that the 168 ain't worth messing with in my work gun (700p .308)...that's SMK or Amax. That's where hey start falling apart.
 
Re: 168 better for short range?

... and your twist is 1:11.25".

One thing I've learned over the years is that different rifles act differently. Even 2 of the same model may not shoot the same with the same ammo. There are many factors to consider from machining tolerances to barrel harmonics based on different batches of steel. I'd suspect you just need to find the load that works best for your particular rifle with that weight bullet at whatever distance you're shooting that day. Hell... That's half the fun!
 
Re: 168 better for short range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Iggy.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why does it seem like 168's do better at a closer range? </div></div>

The most probably reason is that you have not fuly developed the 175 loading.
 
Re: 168 better for short range?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Iggy.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">True! I'm a nerd when it comes to ballistics.

Another thing I was thinking was recoil control. I will see, but I don't have anymore 168's and I won't buy any more. </div></div>
Someone very wise once told me: " if you notice a difference in the recoil from one weight bullet to another you're paying too much attention to the recoil in the first place". Words to live by!