Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

crazedone2

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Minuteman
Jul 13, 2007
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Houston, TX
Just out of curiosity, I am running 155gr scenars w/ varget for my 308 with good success. Is there a really a great benefit to switching to 178gr bullets? What powder are people using with 178gr? Thanks in advance.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

We need more info. How far are you shooting? Generally 800-1000 yds the 178's are going to do better in the wind.

Varget is a good powder for 178's.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

Varget, vihtN550, I have x2 good loads from these with the 178
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Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

Thanks for the input. I'm shooting to 1000 yds. It would definitely be nice to be more resistant to wind. What is your typical loads with 178/Varget? Do you think it's worth developing a load?
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

I would say go to JBM and plug in what data you need to get a benchmark, and that will tell you if the 178 will work better for you. kinda
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Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

With varget, I'm running on a slower node, preserving brass life etc, but it's damn accurate for me,
42.4 grns, lap brass, cci2 primers. .010"jump
That's giving me 2600 fps out of a 26" 1/10 twist.

That's barely enough to keep it supersonic @1000, but I havnt taken it past 750yrds.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

The 155 scenars are very much a proven long range bullet. Even tho they are a little lighter than the 178, they offer excellent ballistics and good speeds.

You can do the job successfuly with both imo.
 
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Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

I'm not too sure on the BC of the 178 Amax, but the 155 Lap Scenar, and the 175 SMK have pretty much the same BC. For long range shooting the 155's like to be driven hard -2940-2950ish. At that velo the 155 is gonna shoot inside a 175, and beat it simply on time of flight - less time in the wind.

There will always be certain wind conditions were the 178 might be a lil more favorable, but that is gonna be at the long end of the track, and it's gonna be pretty windy.

I say don't give up on the 155's. They are a great proj. Tip them up and they are even slicker.

Varget is awesome for the 155's. Very temp stable. I was running 46.7gr, Lap brass, CCI BR2, and getting 2950 out of a 26" Bartlein.

Just my 0.02.

 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

The Lapua 185g scenar and berger 185g VLd might also be worth trying out, I run the molly berger vld with 49g n550,Lapua brass necksized, cci br, av vl 2730 fps with my blaser Lrs2 308, accuracy is exellent.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Heavy Haulin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not too sure on the BC of the 178 Amax, but the 155 Lap Scenar, and the 175 SMK have pretty much the same BC. For long range shooting the 155's like to be driven hard -2940-2950ish. At that velo the 155 is gonna shoot inside a 175, and beat it simply on time of flight - less time in the wind.

There will always be certain wind conditions were the 178 might be a lil more favorable, but that is gonna be at the long end of the track, and it's gonna be pretty windy.

I say don't give up on the 155's. They are a great proj. Tip them up and they are even slicker.

Varget is awesome for the 155's. Very temp stable. I was running 46.7gr, Lap brass, CCI BR2, and getting 2950 out of a 26" Bartlein.

Just my 0.02.

</div></div>

Heavy Haulin, thanks for the advice.

I'm shooting a R700 5R and with a factory barrel/chamber, and it seems like the max velocities I get are around 2750fps. If I could get 2900+fps, I would probably not even bother asking the question. I guess I should just get the rifle rebarreled and that would solve me problem...
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

Hi, I have cut my 5r to 20' and run it suppressed. I spent about 7 hours last night on jbm ballistic calculator, the hide and related sites. I'm looking for a bullet that performs at 1000 yds. I think the top three are the 178 amax, 175 berger and 155 scenar. The berger according to jbm is the best candidate but it is the most expensive ( I think). I still don't know which bullet I'm going with.

I need to push the 178 amax at 2900-2950 fps mv, the 175 Berger 2850-2900 fps mv, and the 155 scenar 2850-2900 fps mv.

I don't know if this is possible and will find out when I start my ladder test.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I need to push the 178 amax at 2900-2950 fps mv, the 175 Berger 2850-2900 fps mv, and the 155 scenar 2850-2900 fps mv.</div></div>

If you get the 178's and 175's to 2900 fps out of a 20" barrel, then you can color me impressed. Might I suggest eye protection?

 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

That very well be my bridge to far. LOL. Right now my factory Federal 175grn is flying at 2622. I am just starting my crusade.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: remr5</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I need to push the 178 amax at 2900-2950 fps mv, the 175 Berger 2850-2900 fps mv, and the 155 scenar 2850-2900 fps mv.

I don't know if this is possible and will find out when I start my ladder test.
</div></div>

Brother seriously reconsider those speeds, because out of a .308win, pushing a 175/178 @ 2900-2950 FPS is a dangerous task.

There is one member on this forum that uses specific barrel types to achieve very high speeds, but this is not the normal practice with a .308, so unless you have some new type of speed increasing barrel technology I would reconsider.

2900+ FPS is achievable with the 155's, but not with anything heavier.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

I just plugged the numbers in hornady's ballistic program online and it seems even at 2600 fps the amax will get to 1k. The velocity at 1k was a hair over 1200fps.

Unless I missed something, I think 2900 with 178's is a little much.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

Out of my rifle the 155 is better (all most a full MOA) in the wind than the 178, only because I can launch the 155 200 fps faster than the 178. But... the 178's tend to be a little easier on the wallet
smirk.gif


If you use JBM be sure to use the Litz bullet data in the drop down. I have found these to hold very true to my fired data. Provided I use the correct conditions for the range session...

 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

I shoot 178 amax's as my standard load.

42.2 imr 4064, lapua brass, cci large rifle primer, OAL 2.807"

this shoots sub moa easily for me, and has taken medium sized game wayyyyy out there with very favorable performance.

i chronographed them yesterday @ 45 degrees, although the ammo was a little bit warmer from being in the house. 2566 averaGE SPEED

once the ammo cooled down to outside temp 2545 was the average.


seems real slow, but i know at 10 degrees F i can dial in 45 up, hold for wind and rock the steel nose on at 1K. can't wait to shoot it this summer, where i might only need 43.5 up or so....



also JBM is great, but don't be mislead about the way out there ranges. for example at 875 yards jbm no longer applies to me. some funky shite is happening around transonic. still accurate, still nose on, but dropping like its hot.

anyway hope that helped with yhour decision
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

Per some of the input above,

I am working up a load with the NEW Hornady 178 BTHP Match bullets.

So far, very good, 5 shot groups that are a single ragged hole running them at 2,650 fps using Varget.

Not 100% sure of the exact BC value yet, but it is close to a G1 of 0.510-0.520, which is very good for wind at 1,000 yards!

Best of Luck,
M Richardson
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: captrichardson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Per some of the input above,

I am working up a load with the NEW Hornady 178 BTHP Match bullets.

So far, very good, 5 shot groups that are a single ragged hole running them at 2,650 fps using Varget.

Not 100% sure of the exact BC value yet, but it is close to a G1 of 0.510-0.520, which is very good for wind at 1,000 yards!

Best of Luck,
M Richardson</div></div>

Thanks cpatrichardson, I definitely want to try the 178 BTHP
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

Hi I was just on Hornady's website the Bc for their new 178 bthp is .530. The 178 amax has a bc of .495. I'm going to give the 178 bthp a try.

Now that I have a reality check, I'm looking to get them flying at around 2700 fps ish.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

I have just started working up some loads with the 178 AMAX and Varget. I found out of my factory 26" TRG the accuracy was best with 44.5g in lapua cases and 210gm primers. The velocity was 2680-2690 at 25f. I am looking forward to running this load out past 200m and seeing how it will work. Right now the 178 AMAX seem to the bullet to shoot unless I run into some unforeseen prob. The accuracy is as good as the 175 SMK and the 155 Scenar, and the price is way better.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

Just 1 more note the AMAX and Scenar seem to be a bit more picky about the load. So if you try eighter give them a fair shake by doing a good load development before ruleing them out.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

178HPBTGroup.jpg


5 Rounds of the Hornady 178 BTHP Match at 100 yards
This is 43.9 grains of Varget in Federal Brass with 210M Primers, loaded with an OAL of 2.800
Out of my DPMS SASS this is running around 2,550 fps

There is another accuracy node higher up, but I am going to stick with this one because of the group sizes and I don't like running the higher velocity/pressure with a gas gun. With a bolt gun, I am sure you could run this around 2,650 fps with no problems.

I really like this bullet because it will shoot like this with a 2.800 OAL running out of a mag. Obviously when you use bullet with a Secant Ogive you can run into problems with the OAL and trying to run them from a mag.

In terms of BC, I am not sure what velocity the factory advertised value of .530 came from? From what I have seen and heard it probably is going to be more in the 0.500-0.520 range for most loads. I am hoping to get some more rounds down range out to 1,000 yards in the coming weeks to get a better calculation.

Given what I have seen so far, it is working very well for me!

Best of Luck,
M Richardson
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: captrichardson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
178HPBTGroup.jpg


5 Rounds of the Hornady 178 BTHP Match at 100 yards
This is 43.9 grains of Varget in Federal Brass with 210M Primers, loaded with an OAL of 2.800
Out of my DPMS SASS this is running around 2,550 fps

There is another accuracy node higher up, but I am going to stick with this one because of the group sizes and I don't like running the higher velocity/pressure with a gas gun. With a bolt gun, I am sure you could run this around 2,650 fps with no problems.

I really like this bullet because it will shoot like this with a 2.800 OAL running out of a mag. Obviously when you use bullet with a Secant Ogive you can run into problems with the OAL and trying to run them from a mag.

In terms of BC, I am not sure what velocity the factory advertised value of .530 came from? From what I have seen and heard it probably is going to be more in the 0.500-0.520 range for most loads. I am hoping to get some more rounds down range out to 1,000 yards in the coming weeks to get a better calculation.

Given what I have seen so far, it is working very well for me!

Best of Luck,
M Richardson</div></div>

Great looking group! Looks like more reasons to try 178 bthp
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: crazedone2</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Heavy Haulin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm not too sure on the BC of the 178 Amax, but the 155 Lap Scenar, and the 175 SMK have pretty much the same BC. For long range shooting the 155's like to be driven hard -2940-2950ish. At that velo the 155 is gonna shoot inside a 175, and beat it simply on time of flight - less time in the wind.

There will always be certain wind conditions were the 178 might be a lil more favorable, but that is gonna be at the long end of the track, and it's gonna be pretty windy.

I say don't give up on the 155's. They are a great proj. Tip them up and they are even slicker.

Varget is awesome for the 155's. Very temp stable. I was running 46.7gr, Lap brass, CCI BR2, and getting 2950 out of a 26" Bartlein.

Just my 0.02.

</div></div>

Heavy Haulin, thanks for the advice.

I'm shooting a R700 5R and with a factory barrel/chamber, and it seems like the max velocities I get are around 2750fps. If I could get 2900+fps, I would probably not even bother asking the question. I guess I should just get the rifle rebarreled and that would solve me problem... </div></div>

2750 with 155's? Try a lil harder.

I shoot with a guy who runs a factory Rem 5R, with 45.5g H4895, and LC brass,he is just maybe .1-.2 mil behind me 800-1K yds. Mag length too. 2.840 COAL

I can get away with running Varget to that speed since my velo's are coming out of a 26" Bartlein, & Lapua brass.

2920-40 is very easily within your grasp.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Heavy Haulin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
2750 with 155's? Try a lil harder.
</div></div>

Not necessarily. Some barrels are just slow, not everyone can hit 2900+ fps.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

I've tried loads with >46.5 gr Varget, and the max speed I get is 2775, while my friend's GAP 308 was getting >2900fps. I guess factory barrels have a lot of variations from barrel to barrel.
 
Re: Should I switch from 155gr scenars vs 178gr

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BCP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Heavy Haulin</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
2750 with 155's? Try a lil harder.
</div></div>

Not necessarily. Some barrels are just slow, not everyone can hit 2900+ fps. </div></div>

Ya, some barrels are slow, but don't take this the wrong way - so are some of the people behind them.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: crazedone2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've tried loads with >46.5 gr Varget, and the max speed I get is 2775, while my friend's GAP 308 was getting >2900fps. I guess factory barrels have a lot of variations from barrel to barrel. </div></div>

If Varget is the ONLY powder you have used for hitting a target velo range, then..... ?????

I was able to hit those velos w Varget because:

#1 - I had the bbl length to burn a slower powder such as VARGET
#2 - I had a match chamber, w Lapua brass
#3 - I took the time, and worked up the load.

Varget is not the only good powder for a 308. There are many ways to skin a cat. Read up on burn charts, and you will see were Varget is at in relation to the orbit of the earth...

As I mentioned earlier, another proven option for getting 5R's up to speed w 155's is H4895, or RL15. I have seen more than a couple handfuls of people running 5R's & 155's @ 2900 +.

To quote BR " Sometimes I repeat myself..."

Try a lil harder. Both of you. It all boils down to how bad do you want it.