Hi! First discussion post on SH though I've read through quite a bit and purchased from the classified. First off, thanks for all the awesome info and discussions--you are all wonderful resources!
Now on topic. I reviewed quite a bit of discussion on TRG-22 loads, but wanted to see if anyone has experience specifically on the 20" bbl.
I recently purchased a TRG-22 and laddered the following 5-round loads using Varget in Winchester brass:
- SMK 155, 45gr-46.2gr, 0.010 off lands
- SMK 168, 43gr-44.5gr, 0.015 off lands
- Hornady AMAX 168, 43gr-44.5gr, 0.015 off lands
- Hornady SST 165, 43gr-44.5gr, 0.010 and 0.015 off lands
The SMK 168/44.0 gr/0.015 and Hornady SST 168/44.1 gr/0.010 are the most accurate with consistent <0.4" groups.
Today, laddered the SMK 155. 45.5-45.7 gr were just under MOA, but the rest were wild fliers. I thought I was shooting badly, or it was the 107 degree/18% humidity weather. I sent a SMK 168 down and drilled bullseye--off dead center by 0.095". A pretty fast 5-round group of SMK 168 followed for a 0.386" group.
One of the main reasons I'm asking for input is this is exactly opposite of what every other TRG-22 shooter reports: 155gr is magic but 168gr are mediocre. I intend to try 175gr next. All in all, no complaint if that's simply how the apple fell for my rifle because I also load for the M1A.
For reference, my chamber length is 3.003". Has any other TRG shooter seen the same "opposite from everybody else" results like this? If yes, any other bullet/powder loads you would recommend?
While I know my results are very acceptable considering I've only tested in over 100F weather, I have concerns about the SMK 168's long range capabilities once I finalize my load.
Thanks,
Andy
Now on topic. I reviewed quite a bit of discussion on TRG-22 loads, but wanted to see if anyone has experience specifically on the 20" bbl.
I recently purchased a TRG-22 and laddered the following 5-round loads using Varget in Winchester brass:
- SMK 155, 45gr-46.2gr, 0.010 off lands
- SMK 168, 43gr-44.5gr, 0.015 off lands
- Hornady AMAX 168, 43gr-44.5gr, 0.015 off lands
- Hornady SST 165, 43gr-44.5gr, 0.010 and 0.015 off lands
The SMK 168/44.0 gr/0.015 and Hornady SST 168/44.1 gr/0.010 are the most accurate with consistent <0.4" groups.
Today, laddered the SMK 155. 45.5-45.7 gr were just under MOA, but the rest were wild fliers. I thought I was shooting badly, or it was the 107 degree/18% humidity weather. I sent a SMK 168 down and drilled bullseye--off dead center by 0.095". A pretty fast 5-round group of SMK 168 followed for a 0.386" group.
One of the main reasons I'm asking for input is this is exactly opposite of what every other TRG-22 shooter reports: 155gr is magic but 168gr are mediocre. I intend to try 175gr next. All in all, no complaint if that's simply how the apple fell for my rifle because I also load for the M1A.
For reference, my chamber length is 3.003". Has any other TRG shooter seen the same "opposite from everybody else" results like this? If yes, any other bullet/powder loads you would recommend?
While I know my results are very acceptable considering I've only tested in over 100F weather, I have concerns about the SMK 168's long range capabilities once I finalize my load.
Thanks,
Andy
