180 hybrid replacement

[J.d. Popkes]

Looks like the scenars require a long freebore. Long enough that most other bullets wouldn’t work so well.

 

[1shot]

I've been shooting 183 SMK's in a Shehane for several years now and so far 2 bbls. have liked them. I do trim/point them for 1K matches, but they are good enough to shoot HM sling scores.

Lloyd

 

[Willow]

If you don't mind jamming, the Berger 180gr VLD is an excellent choice.

 

[Willow]

Looks like the scenars require a long freebore. Long enough that most other bullets wouldn’t work so well.

That's the only real downside with these bullets, you need a really long freebore to suit them, but they're an incredibly consistent bullet too.

 

[bks22345]

I don’t compete so I cannot comment on “the best.” However, when I started with my 280AI about 18 months ago, the 7mm bullets disappeared. I would buy a box to work up loads then couldn’t find them again, so I ended up buying everything I could find. I’ve worked up loads for 168 SMK, 168 VLD, 180 SMK, 180 VLDH, 180 VLDT, 180 Hybrid, 180 Scenar and 183 SMK. I was able to get good loads with all of them except the 183s. My go to bullet right now are the Scenars. They are consistent and I can run them at 10 off and they still fit in the magazine. I really liked the 180 SMKs but never saw them again until about 3 weeks ago I picked up 1000 from this forum. The 180 hybrids are great but they are long. For my barrel 10 off gave me the best group which gives them about 3.63” COAL so single load only. I have a “match” chamber so my freebore may be longer than others.

 

[Rtheurer]

We had a FO shooter shoot a 600/600 with the 180 Berger VLD last fall at 1000yds

 

[Steve Blair]

If you don't mind jamming, the Berger 180gr VLD is an excellent choice.

They do not have to be jammed. They work fine when jumped.

 

[Sandstorm]

I’ve worked up loads for 168 SMK, 168 VLD, 180 SMK, 180 VLDH, 180 VLDT, 180 Hybrid, 180 Scenar and 183 SMK.

This I think is optimum...try them all. I have never seen a barrel that did not prefer one better than all the rest.
Yes.. It takes time and may consume a bit of barrel life, but in small samples works well when your favorite may not be available as in the Berger hybrid.

 

[bulaman]

I have/will continue to shoot the 184s with great success. I wouldn't hesitate at all to use them if that's what you can find.

 

[barefooter56]

What is the next best? Scenar, matchking, 184 Berger? 184’s seem to be available, to the point I’m skeptical.

JD,
The BERGER 180gr HYBRID TARGET bullets should be hitting dealers in JUNE AND JULY 2023.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

JD,
The BERGER 180gr HYBRID TARGET bullets should be hitting dealers in JUNE AND JULY 2023.

Is that from Berger?

 

[No i deer]

Looks like the scenars require a long freebore. Long enough that most other bullets wouldn’t work so well.

Approx 70 thousandths more freebore required over a 180gr hybrid so I heard

 

[No i deer]

I used some for foulers the weekend just gone in a 7mm saum which is throated for 184s and my 7mm 270 that's throated for 180gr hybrids and the scenars sit down in the case well past the doughnut area with 10 thousandths off touch.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

I used some for foulers the weekend just gone in a 7mm saum which is throated for 184s and my 7mm 270 that's throated for 180gr hybrids and the scenars sit down in the case well past the doughnut area with 10 thousandths off touch.

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[bks22345]

They do not have to be jammed. They work fine when jumped.

The VLDs in my barrel like 40-50 off.

 

[WSnyder]

Is that from Berger?

Isn’t @barefooter56 a Berger employee?

 

[J.d. Popkes]

Isn’t @barefooter56 a Berger employee?

I hope so

 

[Steve Blair]

I hope so

Yes, he is.

 

[Steve Blair]

The VLDs in my barrel like 40-50 off.

They vary a bit but do seem to like a fairly large jump.

 

[rpierce]

I have some 180 hybrids coming in a week or so as well as 6mm 108, 6.5 156, 30 cal 215, and N555. Just paid the invoice for them. Theyll be up on the website when they show up. Have a bunch of other stuff on there also. Cant ship powder.