I'm very new to the reloading thing and am loving every moment of it. I shoot a Rem700 ADL in 30-06, 24' Barrel, Weaver Grand Slam Tactical 3-10x40 Mil dot .1Mil scope, 168gr SMK, 57.5gr H-4350 at 2845fps. Don't get cought up with the 700 ADL, it shootis 1/4-1/2in groups at 100yds and has proven itself at 500 and 800yds. I picked the 168gr SMK because it is easily accessible where I'm at. I was thinking about loading with the 175gr SMK once I got better at finding loads and just having fun doing it, but the 168's group and shoot great. Is there any reason why I shouldn't use the 168's and should switch to the 175's the next time I buy bullets? Or should I go even heavier, I plan on shooting out to as far as I personally can, for now my max is 800, but going to change with a new spot soon. I wold like to stay with SMK's, just because they are fairly affordable, but if you have any other options I'm open to any advice. Thank you
168gr SMK with the good old '06. Stay whit the 168's or get more muscle?
- Thread starter oregon700
- Start date
The 168 gets a bad rap in the 308 for folks close to sea level wanting to shoot 1000y. Your launching faster than a 308 and may also be at I higher altitude as well... delaying the troublesome transonic instability for a few hundred yards.
So I'd second the above, shoot what works and what you like.
So I'd second the above, shoot what works and what you like.
OP really depends on what your goals are. I recently moved back to 168 SMK's in my 308 because I can stay supersonic past 1000Y, although I may never shoot that far. I only loose about 200Y in ethical game harvest distance on the long end, but my 1:12 loves the 168's.
In the 30-06 the 175's have a slightly better BC, but you will have a touch more recoil. Not that its a sissy shoulder thing, but spotting your shots in the glass may become more difficult (for target shooting/steel).
If you want to try some out, the Grafs 175, is a Sierra blem bullet. Same all the way around only they look like they were exposed to some air and have a slight darkened color vs the new penny look of the smk.
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/26343
My 30-06 goto bullet for target is the 155 scenar, seat that over 50gr of varget and you have a load with 308 recoil and just a little laser. Trajectory mimics my 7mm mag out to 600-700Y(@5000ft). Its just a damn fun bullet out of the 30-06 with a BC similar to the 175.
In the 30-06 the 175's have a slightly better BC, but you will have a touch more recoil. Not that its a sissy shoulder thing, but spotting your shots in the glass may become more difficult (for target shooting/steel).
If you want to try some out, the Grafs 175, is a Sierra blem bullet. Same all the way around only they look like they were exposed to some air and have a slight darkened color vs the new penny look of the smk.
https://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/26343
My 30-06 goto bullet for target is the 155 scenar, seat that over 50gr of varget and you have a load with 308 recoil and just a little laser. Trajectory mimics my 7mm mag out to 600-700Y(@5000ft). Its just a damn fun bullet out of the 30-06 with a BC similar to the 175.
