Re: 168gr vs 175gr
I've used 168s out to 800+ yards so far with good results. 1000 yards is probably pushing it unless you are at higher altitude. I shot some about 1000ft. above sea level and they seemed OK, but every now and then one would act a little funny at 1000 yards.
However, 168 Gold Medal Match rounds are almost 50% cheaper than 175 Gold Medal Match which means you can shoot 50% more often with match grade ammo. So really you should be asking whether you shoot enough at the 900-1000 range to justify the significant cost difference (assuming you don't reload in which case just use the 175s because they are basically the same price as 168s SMKs).
This is a way of saying that you if you are new to longer range shooting you shouldn't optimize for the last 5-10% of the distance IMO. Your money and time is better spent buying the cheaper match ammo and practicing more at the 900 and less ranges because you can develop all the skills you need to then go to 1000 yards with the 175s and not be wasting a bunch of money.
At least, that's been my observations so far in this endeavor. If I can't hit a steel plate consistently at 700 yards with 168s for instance then shooting 175s isn't going make me do it either. There are fundamental skills that should be built first such as trigger control, sight picture, breathing, steady hold factors, reading wind and elevation, natural point of aim, etc. Once these are solid, then when you know you are going to 900-1000 yards you can start using the 175s for all ranges because you won't be pissing money away making basic errors while learning.