Maximum range for DPMS .308 SASS.

[cchurchi]

I've had a DPMS .308 SASS for about 5 months now and was wondering what the maximum range for this rifle is. It has an 18 inch barrel and I have only shot it out to about 400 yards, which is the distance to the farthest berm at my range. Out to that distance it is accurate enough to reliably hit a 6 inch diameter target.

I don't have a range finder and my Burris scope has the balistic-plex reticle for 500 yards, so I would consider a higher mag scope with more adjustment if the rifle is accurate to distances above 500 yards.

Would it be worth it to purchase a range finder and say, a night force scope or would I also need an upper with a longer barrel?

 

[Billy_H]

I don't have any experience with that rifle, but you might find this article interesting.

BARREL LENGTH AND THE PRECISION RIFLE

 

[protolith]

It's my understanding that the maximum effective range of .308/7.62 NATO is around 600 yds against a human target. If you are just looking to punch paper, you might be good for a couple hundred more.

shot it out to about 400 yards... ....Out to that distance it is accurate enough to reliably hit a 6 inch diameter target.

It sounds like you are shooting at least 1.5 MOA, Should be good to hit a 12 diameter target at 800 yds.

 

[DnPRK]

The 168 SMK with a MV of 2500 FPS out of an 18" barrel is supersonic out to about 1000 yds. Once the bullet goes subsonic, accuracy goes to h3ll. At 1000 yds, the 168 SMK retains 400+ ft-lbs of energy (more than a .357 Mag at the muzzle).

At about 500 yds, the 168 SMK has 1000 ft-lbs of energy. Some folks use the 1000 ft-lbs as the lower limit for "effective range", but I'd still hate to get shot at 1000 yds with a supersonic projectile with 400+ ft-lbs of energy behind it.

 

[NetJunkie]

Sigh...wish my SASS would come in.

 

[shadowalker]

If you know the BC of the bullet you will be firing along with velocity information you can do ballistic calculations that will tell you estimated energy, velocity and trajectory.

There are various calculators around, Hornady has a free one on their website, http://www.hornady.com/ballistics/ballistics_calculator.php

 

[cchurchi]

Thanks for all the great information! The balistic calculator and barrel length article was very helpful.