Looking for suggestions

[Meyersmp]

I have been shooting FTR for a number of months now and am using 185 Juggernauts. I'm down to a couple hundred rounds and can't find any more. What's your suggestions for alternatives that may be more readily available? I did see some 185 VLD. Not sure if they're still available. I was shooting mostly 1000 yards but could shoot mid range with lighter bullets. Thanks for any help you might have. Any suggestions for a starting load would also help. I currently have 3 pounds of Varget and 4 pounds of N140

 

[Dub]

these Berger 155's will surprise you at 600 yards. will work with your powders. only one box left though (qty 500)
berger-30cal-155gr-hybrid-target-30726

 

[Meyersmp]

Thanks, just purchased.

 

[Ned Ludd]

You might consider giving the 168 Hybrids a try. The 168 Hybrid is a good choice for those shooting a rifle with a [relatively] short freebore, as they are not as long in the BTO dimension as some of the heavier offerings. The 168 Hybrid is a fairly unique design in that it is one of the few bullets where it is actually possible to drive it fast enough in a typical F-TR rifle to actually equal or outperform the next higher weight class of bullets; i.e. the 185 Juggernauts. That is primarily because the 168 Hybrid has a very high BC for its weight class. More commonly, the heavier, slower, higher BC bullet will still outperform the lighter, faster, lower BC bullet because you typically cannot drive the lighter bullet fast enough to overcome the BC deficit at safe operating pressures.

In an F-TR rifle chambered with .085" freebore, I would run pointed 168 Hybrids at ~2900 fps with a COAL of ~2.915" (about .015" off the lands) using 43.7 gr H4895, Fed 205s, and Lapua Palma (SRP) brass. Predicted pressure for this load is ~61.5K psi, which is under SAAMI MAX, but still a stout load. You might be able to use Varget or N140, I never tried either of those powders with the 168s. According to QL, they should tune in about 20-25 fps slower than H4895, likely at a higher charge weight than is required with H4895.

The other good news about the 168 Hybrids is that I have seen them in stock regularly over the last 2-4 months at various vendors. Being a Hybrid ogive design, they may be a little more finicky with regard to seating depth, but in my hands always seem to tune in well at around .012" to .015" off the lands.

 

[MikeMcCasland]

It genuinely hurts my soul to recommend something other than a Berger, but I've had pretty good luck messing around with Sierra 195 TMKs. They don't have quite the BC of the 20x, nor can you get as much speed (they tune in for me right around 2600 even), but I can get them to shoot pretty darn tight at .005" off. About on par with a 20x.

I bet you can get those 155s to shoot really well though.

 

[Meyersmp]

Thanks guys. If I can't make the 155s work, I'll look at your suggestions.

 

[D-4297]

It genuinely hurts my soul to recommend something other than a Berger, but I've had pretty good luck messing around with Sierra 195 TMKs. They don't have quite the BC of the 20x, nor can you get as much speed (they tune in for me right around 2600 even), but I can get them to shoot pretty darn tight at .005" off. About on par with a 20x.

I bet you can get those 155s to shoot really well though.

Thanks for that info , Mike . I have a box of Sierra 195's that's been taking up space in my cabinet for awhile . I'll give them a try . Did you have to adjust your load much , from your 200.20x load , or can I start with my same 200.20x , and drop it down if needed ? Not shooting it "Hot" . Drop half a grain ?

 

[MikeMcCasland]

Thanks for that info , Mike . I have a box of Sierra 195's that's been taking up space in my cabinet for awhile . I'll give them a try . Did you have to adjust your load much , from your 200.20x load , or can I start with my same 200.20x , and drop it down if needed ? Not shooting it "Hot" . Drop half a grain ?

In the last barrel I shot them in the 200.20x load was 44.4gr of N150. The 195s needed 43.8gr to tune in.

They were right around 2600fps even.

It's worth mentioning that in every barrel I've tried (same reamer) they shot horribly until they were right up near the lands. .005 off, then they started bugholing. I've seen others mention the same thing about the 195TMK.

 

[D-4297]

Thanks , Mike . I also saw the same thing with the 175 TMK's when I tried them . .005 off , or junk .