Gents, was wondering what kind of hunting round the 175SMK is? If it's a poor performer what do you suggest as a replacement? I would like a good long range hunting round and have heard a lot of good about the 175smk but wasn't sure about terminal ballistics. Thanks in advance.
- Thread starter BMerino
- Start date
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
178 A-MAX I have NEVER not had preformance from them on soft targets.
the SMK will just poke a hole. While they will shut em down with a well place shot. You will loose one in time for sure. Thats not what its about.
Anyone else can chime in I have never used VLD's but I hear good things on them.
178 A-MAX I have NEVER not had preformance from them on soft targets.
the SMK will just poke a hole. While they will shut em down with a well place shot. You will loose one in time for sure. Thats not what its about.
Anyone else can chime in I have never used VLD's but I hear good things on them.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
I agree with esromvre. I have used 168 and 175 A-max against deer at 250+ yds.
I agree with esromvre. I have used 168 and 175 A-max against deer at 250+ yds.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
bandit19
I have used 168grMKs on a lot of different game at some really long distances and at some not so long. I have never had one lick of a problem. I have shot them all thru a 300Wby. If I were to choose a single bullet to hunt with today it would be a Barnes TSX. I have shot these bullets in 7mm,30, and 375. I think they are the place to start, they are very accurate. This is just my experience. IME.
bandit19
I have used 168grMKs on a lot of different game at some really long distances and at some not so long. I have never had one lick of a problem. I have shot them all thru a 300Wby. If I were to choose a single bullet to hunt with today it would be a Barnes TSX. I have shot these bullets in 7mm,30, and 375. I think they are the place to start, they are very accurate. This is just my experience. IME.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
Another happy A-max user
Another happy A-max user
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
How long a range are you trying to shoot game? Seriously if you are hunting where deer typically walk out at 800 yards move your stand. If you are looking for something for cross canyon shots on deer or elk that's good, but use a round designed to do the job, and a rifle that will get it there.
I don't use match bullets on game, they're not designed to expand. I've been told that 165g SGKs shoot the same dope as 168 SMKs, I haven't proved it to myself yet, but I'll be working up a load for them shortly, but first I'm working up one for 150 Sierra Pro Hunters for shooting white tails.
How long a range are you trying to shoot game? Seriously if you are hunting where deer typically walk out at 800 yards move your stand. If you are looking for something for cross canyon shots on deer or elk that's good, but use a round designed to do the job, and a rifle that will get it there.
I don't use match bullets on game, they're not designed to expand. I've been told that 165g SGKs shoot the same dope as 168 SMKs, I haven't proved it to myself yet, but I'll be working up a load for them shortly, but first I'm working up one for 150 Sierra Pro Hunters for shooting white tails.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
The 175SMK will put down game provided you hit the right target area.
For long range use the Berger hunting VLD's give shooters high BC projectiles with performance advertised as that of a hunting bullet.
I have used the VLD's myself and have found the following:
- Good bullets
- Require some load development research for long range use
- sometimes they are picky when it comes to seating depth
- Typically more expensive than other brands of projectiles
End of the day should you be looking into extreme long range shooting you must invest time and effort into a round that is as accurate as can be over long distances... for me anyway, I would spend my time looking into Berger bullets.
Shot placement is key.
The 175SMK will put down game provided you hit the right target area.
For long range use the Berger hunting VLD's give shooters high BC projectiles with performance advertised as that of a hunting bullet.
I have used the VLD's myself and have found the following:
- Good bullets
- Require some load development research for long range use
- sometimes they are picky when it comes to seating depth
- Typically more expensive than other brands of projectiles
End of the day should you be looking into extreme long range shooting you must invest time and effort into a round that is as accurate as can be over long distances... for me anyway, I would spend my time looking into Berger bullets.
Shot placement is key.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
Thanks for the replies. I hunt elk and mulies in Utah so the cross canyon shot is very likely and created the interest for me. I have shot the 168 A-max out to 600 in schools and shooting I've done on my own. I shot the 168 VLD's this year out to the same but nothing beyond. I know much more distance starts leading to unethical shots but like the gee wiz in knowing it can perform further. I have tried to find 175 VLDs with no success locally. I'll keep looking and give the 175 A-max a shot also.
Thanks for the replies. I hunt elk and mulies in Utah so the cross canyon shot is very likely and created the interest for me. I have shot the 168 A-max out to 600 in schools and shooting I've done on my own. I shot the 168 VLD's this year out to the same but nothing beyond. I know much more distance starts leading to unethical shots but like the gee wiz in knowing it can perform further. I have tried to find 175 VLDs with no success locally. I'll keep looking and give the 175 A-max a shot also.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
Berger 175 VLD hunting @ third generation shooting supply.
I plan on trying these in my .308
Berger 175 VLD hunting @ third generation shooting supply.
I plan on trying these in my .308
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
Search is your friend. This topic has been beat to death for years on a bi-monthly basis.
Good luck
Jerry
Search is your friend. This topic has been beat to death for years on a bi-monthly basis.
Good luck
Jerry
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
I am giving the 7mm beger 168 VLD a try this year......deer hunting at 380yds and up.
I am giving the 7mm beger 168 VLD a try this year......deer hunting at 380yds and up.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
155 Lapua's this year out of the 308. Will post results.
155 Lapua's this year out of the 308. Will post results.
Re: what hunting bullet for long range?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">155 Lapua's this year out of the 308. Will post results. </div></div>
Niles, please let me know how the Scenars work out for you on game. They shoot the best in my 6.5, but I'm a little scared to hunt with them. I would love to hear some firsthand experience. Thanks
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Niles Coyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">155 Lapua's this year out of the 308. Will post results. </div></div>
Niles, please let me know how the Scenars work out for you on game. They shoot the best in my 6.5, but I'm a little scared to hunt with them. I would love to hear some firsthand experience. Thanks
