SMk- 168 vs 175

[pepperbelly]

What is the difference between the 168gr SMK and the 175gr SMK?
The weights are so close that it can't just be a 7gr difference in weight. Is there some other difference?
Here the 175gr SMK seems to be favored over the 168gr. What are the advantages?
Another question on the same subject. I have 2 boxes of 6.5mm SMK bullets for my Swede. One is 140gr and the other is 142gr. Again, why a 2gr difference in weight?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Lindy]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

The 175SMK is longer, and has a higher ballistic coefficient. The 168s won't always get to 1000 yards supersonic, especially in cooler weather, so the 175s are favored by long distance .308 shooters.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

Since I won't be shooting to 1000 yards any time soon- if at all, I guess I can just buy whichever is available.

Jim

 

[Queequeg]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

The 178 AMAX is an impressive bullet too and costs less than either.

Then there is the Nosler 175...Cheaper still!

 

[gyr]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

What speed are you getting witht he 178 amax and which barrel length?? Thanks

 

[Queequeg]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

I shoot them in ignorance, velocity wise. Sorry, but I haven't chronographed them.

I shoot them in:

A) 20" Rem. SPS .308 1:12" twist.
B) 18" AR-10 1:11.25"
C) 22" Savage 110 sporter 1:10"
D) 22" Rem. 30-06 1:10"

In .308 I usually load them over 43.5 grains of Varget or 43.1 grains of RL-15. But I'm working up some IMR 4895 loads up to 42.8 so far. 42.2gr (4895) was most accurate thus far.

For grins I thought about loading some up for my 30-30, for single loading of course, but some one might load them into the tube and that might not be too grin worthy.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

Thanks guys. I think I will make a list of bullets to try when I go to Cabela's. Hopefully one or more will be in stock.

Jim

 

[Queequeg]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

Midway USA had the 178 AMAXs yesterday. Limit is 1000 rounds per customer.

I only bought 600; Mrs. QQ can be fearsome when I'm "saving money" by buying in bulk.

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: SMk- 168 vs 175

I will order some if I have to, but I have a Cabela's about 7 miles from me and I like to buy there if possible.
They had a few boxes of the 175gr SMKs- at about $30.00 per hundred.

Jim