Make the change?

[Hook Creek]

I just ordered 100 168gr BTHP SMK's, 5 lb of IMR 4064 powder, 100 Lapua rifle brass and 1000 CCI BR2 primers for my .308 Win. I have had extremely good sub .5 MOA success with the 168's in the 100 yard range out of my stock SPS Tactical. Although it gets closer to 1 MOA out to 300. I do plan on moving out to further distances, so its what made me start to wonder. I have been doing some reading and thinking about moving to the 175gr SMK's and Varget powder. I guess Im just a little nervous to change to a new load with my great success on this load for this gun. But hey, its most of the point of reloading right? Im just sitting here thinking on this sunday before they ship my order on monday to change it. What are your experiences and or opinions?

Edit: Should have mentioned I ordered this stuff from Cabelas witch is free shipping right now untill november 9th. Use the promo code "XHOLIDAY"

 

[RobertB]

Re: Make the change?

Varget is great for the .308. The 168 SMK's are good for 600yds and under in my book. Not saying they won't go farther because they will. Only that there are better choices like the 175's you want to get. I don't shoot my .308 much anymore but I like the 175's when I do shoot it. The hornaday 178 amax are great too. The amax 168 is better than the SMK 168 IMHO. Like I said. The 168 SMK can get the job done but I have seen better results from the heavier pills

 

[lightman]

Re: Make the change?

Theres nothing wrong with your choices,they have worked well for years.If you want to try something else,drop back to a hundred bullets and one pound of powder for your expierments.After rereading your post,just call them and order anouther hundred bullets in another weight to go with what you already ordered. Pete

 

[Hook Creek]

Re: Make the change?

Yea Im going to have to stay with the 168's and 4064 for now anyway because I just called Cabelas and they will not change my order for me even though it has not been shipped yet. Maybe next time though I will Try both the 175 SMK's and the 178 Amax with Varget powder.

 

[Roguestryker]

Re: Make the change?

One thing to consider for heavier bullets is your twist rate. The SPS has a 1 in 12, i believe, and the 168's will give you better long range vs the 175's with that twist.

 

[CK_32]

Re: Make the change?

Go 175 SMK's.

 

[John L]

Re: Make the change?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Intel</div><div class="ubbcode-body">One thing to consider for heavier bullets is your twist rate. The SPS has a 1 in 12, i believe, and the 168's will give you better long range vs the 175's with that twist. </div></div>

I am going to call BS on this one. Nothing personal but when the M1A was still the go to gun for competition we used 12 and 11 twist barrels with the 175 SMK. Very few people shot the 168 at 600. The load was a 175SMK and 4064. The 1 in 12 will work just as well as a 10 or 11 will. My Palma gun is a 12 and I use Berger 185 with great results.

John

 

[pjparker]

Re: Make the change?

Check the Berger web site and you will find that they recommend 1:13 for their 175 vld. Tighter will work, also.

168's are good out to 600,(some will claim 800) but the 175's are a better choice when you go beyond that.

Varget is the go-to powder for .308. There is a lot of proven data out there for it and 4064 is also a proven standby.

You are on the right track - only trigger time will tell you which combination your rifle likes best.

Paul

 

[308isgreat]

Re: Make the change?

Sounds to me like you found a great load for that rifle. IMHO if I were you I'd just buy a few more boxes of 168 MK bullets and start getting serious about trigger time. I've seen way too many people get caught up in trying different combos that they get overwhelmed and confused.