Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

[Duffy1298]

I Had a rifle with 1-12 twist 26 inch barrel, it shot em great. I now am having a 21 inch 1-10 twist barrel installed and am planning on using 175s. But how come everyone hates 168s? Its just something I've wondered, i assume they don't group well at distance?

 

[Jhnmdahl]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

That's pretty much it. The theory is that excessive taper angle on the boattail contributes to a little less stability at long distances/transsonic speed, so people tend to move up to 175gr bullets that are better designed.

If you're shooting on a 600 yard range, though, might as well shoot what you've got. I started with 168s knowing I was unlikely to shoot over 600 yards, and that 168s were a de facto "standard" so there'd be tons of info available.

John

 

[Mudcat-NC]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

I dont think folks hate them, I think its cause a lot of folks think they are going to shoot 1000 plus yards all the time and dont want a bullet thats going to go subsonic and tumble all over the place, so they just avoid them and go with 175s, etc.

But yes, if you got a rifle that likes them, they can totally rock....I have a few rifles that are like that with them.

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

it's not that we hate the 168s...

168SMKs were developed for 300yd competition (IIRC), and they work great, even out past 600yd, but they don't always work at 1000yd. I've never had any luck w/ them past 900yd, but the 175SMKs, 178 A Max, 155s of various favors, even the 168 A Max, all tend to out shoot the 168 SMKs, past 800-900yd.

So, since most of us here tend to want to shoot to at least 1000yd, we tend to recommend something other than the 168s.

 

[Duffy1298]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

gotcha! now as you most likely read in the initial post here, I'm having a real stiff 21 inch barrel installed on my trued up rem my action, and I'm debating my bullet of choice, I've been tossing the idea of 155s for the speed but i just dunno how they would fly at distance, if YOU had to choose. 155s or 175s?

 

[Force_Multiplier]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

try them both

 

[BuzzBoss915]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

I guess we are talking about a 308, right? Whatever, but in my 300WM, I always had very good luck with the 168 Nosler. BB

 

[Deadshot2]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

My Rem 5-R doesn't like them and my old 1903 does great with them.

My 5-R has a long leade and the only way I can get the 168 gr close to the lands is put the bullet so far out on the neck that I'm afraid of it falling out and filling the action with powder.

The 175's do much better. I guess I just have to shoot my old '06 more as I still have about 1200 168gr bullets left.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

I like them, but I also believe the .308 has marginal ability to drive their BC to 1000yd consistently supersonic. The 175 crosses that threshhold more reliably out of the same case capacity.

With the .30-'06's additional case capacity, I think the 168 becomes a more reliable bullet out to 1000yd.

Greg

 

[Duffy1298]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

ah ok i got ya. now to just pick between 155s 175s

 

[roggom]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

Try some Hornady Match 178's, will do everything you need. The 155 are nice over 46 of varget, but out of a 21"r you really wont be maximizing the potential of that bullet. You should get them hopping at 2900 for best results. The 178's are real performers, and a little better on the wallet.

 

[Tpb10505]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

What about the 168 Berger Hybrids? Has anyone shot those to 1000? The BC is substantially improved over other 168's and I've been using them for load work up, but I only have 250yds at my disposal.

 

[Ol' RD]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

178 Amax give them a go too!

 

[Shoots 700's]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

I shoot 168's out of my M1A out to 500 but the bolt gun gets 175's

 

[Paladin2147]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

Not all 168s are the same. But, the SMK will do fine out to 600. Gets what your rifle likes, not what everyone else likes.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

I would suggest that if your twist is 1:12" or faster, the 175's will probably work better.

The Palma folks have been saddled with the 155gr upper bullet weight limit, and have optimized their rifles around the combination of the 308 case capacity and 155 Palma bullet. Their rifles tend to have much longer (28"-32") barrels, and slower twists (some as slow as 1:15").

If you're looking for the full potential of the 155, this is your optimal development path. Otherwise, I suggest the 175.

Greg

 

[JoeBUtah]

Re: Why does everyone hate 168 gr bullets

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Duffy1298</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ah ok i got ya. now to just pick between 155s 175s </div></div>

Why not give the 155, 168 and 175 a try? Loading more just means you get to shoot more....