150gr 308?

[sanchezero]

I'm putting together a LRR in 308 and will be taking a coupla classes with it for sure so I need to load up some ammo rather than pay nearly $400 for 500rnds of match stuff.

I see that the 175SMK seems to be the king of 308 closely followed by the 168SMK, but I don't see alot of people jumping up and down over 150gr bullets. Why is this?

I know the max range for my 1st class will be about 800m. Is it worth playing with a load in the 150s or is it just crap out there?

BTW, anyone have any experience with these guys?

http://www.deerfieldenterprises.com

Note their special on the 150gr FMJBTs, wink wink...



Thanks...

 

[Art Eatman]

If you look in your loading data handbook and compare the ballistic coefficients and sectional densities for the various weights of bullets, it will become obvious why the heavier bullets are favored.

, Art

 

[jem375]

I use the 150's for deer hunting only......Art is right......the BC's are much better with the heavier bullets

 

[Jim Watson]

The only light bullet load that would have any hope at that range would be the 155 gr Palma at a screaming muzzle velocity. I'd stick with the usual 168 or 175.

 

[SodaPop]

Has anyone ever tested the 155 Palma vs the 175gr Matchkings?

I just got done shooting Matchkings threw my '06 for the first time and was impressed.

I still don't know if I want to reload matchkings in my FAL or go with something lighter.

 

[ocabj]

168SMK and 175SMK are pretty much 50/50 as far as use goes. A big reason why 175 is being used more often now is because the military switched to a 170+ grainer to get better performance at the 800yd+ distances. Thus, a lot of the shooters followed suit.

I think 168SMK will fit you well from 100 to 500. Many will say that the 168 can hit out to 800, but if you want to be sure, try 175.

I personally use 168SMK right now in my Savage 10FP. I have yet to load 175SMKs (I do have a box of 100 sitting in my garage).

In your case, if you know you'll be going out to 800yds, then go with the 175SMK.

BTW: If you haven't decided on a powder yet, try Varget. It's the popular powder for .308 right now. Aside from making accurate loads, it's probably the least temperature sensitive of the other powders out there.