Re: 168 grain tap vs. fgmm ?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think we might have to add this one to that stupid Xtranormal video of questions on the hide.
To avoid 10 more threads by you with the same kind of question [is XXX like FGMM]... no.
None of these are EXACTLY like FGMM. There is a reason that Federal Gold Medal Match has the reputation that it does. Its been around a while. It consistently performs well. It is well manufactured.
If you hold up various cheap offerings against FGMM, odds are that before any of us ever even looks at it, no they will not easily compare, whether they use the word "match" in the marketing or not.
In this case you are asking whether a personal defense engineered round (of reasonably steep pricing, from a quality manufacturer) is similar-in-class for "accuracy" (did you really mean accuracy or are you looking for consistent precision, do you know the difference?) to a match "target" round (although as I have said myself in other threads, FGMM has been used to end a few lives of both 4 legged critters and the 2 legged variety).
My limited experience with the rifle offerings in the FPD TAP line (308 only) is that yes it is a very accurate offering. Its external ballistics profile is different than FGMM (unsurprising given bullet difference) so you will want to calculate new theoretical information and then put together "dope" based on real-world shooting specifically with this ammo.
Although I would ask... if you want FGMM why do you ask about all these other things? Just get FGMM...
If you are trying to find a "defense" round because this is advertised for defense, I would question your use. If you are using a 308 at close quarters for "self defense", what you really need is a shotgun. If you are at a distance where you need a 308 and it truly IS self defense.... well..... I guess we are all in trouble at that point
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A bit quick on the trigger today, are we?
It's a valid enough question, and I can see plenty of reasons why someone would want to know if the Hornady loads compare favorably to FGMM. The 168gr SMK should be a last-resort choice for hunting/duty/self defence, which is plenty of reason by itself for wanting something more versatile.
In my experience, the 168gr TAP offerings (and the BTHP and AMAX loads are <span style="font-weight: bold">not</span> the same) come close to, or equal, what I can get out of FGMM. Then again, as of late the price difference between the two has been fairly minimal - if anything, I'd say it's probably been cheaper to buy FGMM at times.
As always, everything is going to depend on the individual rifle(s) in question, and the only real way to get an answer is by trying a box of each and finding out what happens.