Bullet for service rifle? (

[XTR]

Based on current availability, and I'm new to position shooting so there is no point in spending the $$ for the exrea 1/2 inch that I'd get from Lapua or Berger bullets, which would you choose for a service rifle load:

75 GR A-MAX
80 GR A-MAX
77SMK (If using the SMK, would you use the cannelured version? or does it even matter?
69SMKs don't seem to be available anywhere.

This is for loading in my White Oak AR to shoot service rifle.

 

[Gundog64]

The 77gr. SMK is a great bullet for 2 and 300 yards, many use them at 600 also. Skip the cannelure unless it is all you can find. The 80gr. Amax or SMK is a fine choice for 600, find which one your gun likes and go with that.

 

[XTR]

Unless supplies get better, which I doubt, I'm planning to get a couple of thousand of one bullet to use at all ranges, at least for this yr.

 

[navyrad8r]

XTR,\
In my opinion, If you are hell bent on one bullet for this i would go with the 77smk with or without makes no difference, RL15, varget, IMR4064, and Russian primers (small mag with the RL15) would be my first choice. those 80 amaxs in my experience prefer a little jam in their coal and exceed mag length to get it..so no go on them in my opinion. 75 amaxes could work well though, they are a good bullet just did not work as well in my gun. somewhere around ~24 gr should get you in the neighborhood quickly, take your time and make sure your primers are seated well. when you are ready to goof around with heavies at 600 come back to the forum and snag a variety pack. I recommend the 80.5 bergers for the 600. best of luck to you in hope you find your leg points.
cheers,
doc

 

[XTR]

My real shooting efforts will be in F-TR again this yr. I'd like to go back to Raton for the worlds this yr, and to Perry if they let us come back this yr.

I don't have time to play seriously in more than one discipline but I belong to ORSA (Oak Ridge Sportsman's Assn) and it seems like every weekend that we're not shooting long range there is a service rifle match or CMP games or something with service rifles. I've got a White Oak AR, coat and sling (still need a decent trigger) so I figure I'll squeeze some 223s together and go get some position practice. In this case I'll be participating, not competing no delusions there. I seriously doubt that the ammo is going to cost me any points.

I'm pretty OCD, (who in this game isn't) so at some point I'm sure I'll develop a load for bullets that are longer than mag length, but for now I'm looking for something that will serve to get me in the game a few times this yr. (and my sling and irons buddies will feel a small victory that I'm shooting something w/o a scope 8) )

 

[jhord]

I'm planning on shooting 75grn Hornady HPBT's at mag length from 200-600 this year. One load, no fuss, no muss. I worked up a load with CFE 223 and Tula primers that shoots ~3/4MOA consistently, that's good enough for me. They say the Amax's aren't suitable for mag length. Haven't tried it myself, but just passing it along. I also have a pile of 69SMK's that I'll use for the reduced matches.

 

[navyrad8r]

ORSA huh? i think i hear a froggy one in the background
cheers,
doc

 

[XTR]

I'm planning on shooting 75grn Hornady HPBT's at mag length from 200-600 this year.

Do you already have bullets? No place that I am looking has them in stock. Midway isn't even taking back orders.

 

[jhord]

I already have a supply. I guess if it comes down to shooting what you can find, I'd go the 77SMK route... but they are pricey compared to the Hornady's.

 

[2506]

The Nosler custom computation bullets are pretty good also so you might give them a try if you can find some.

 

[jhord]

As of this AM MidSouth have the Nosler 77's in stock. I bought some to pad my seasonal supply a bit.

 

[infantrytrophy]

Unless supplies get better, which I doubt, I'm planning to get a couple of thousand of one bullet to use at all ranges, at least for this yr.

If you want to use one bullet at all ranges (perfectly reasonable), do not even consider the A-Max bullets - they must be seated to longer than magazine length.

The SMK 77's (or any Sierra, Nosler or Hornady HPBT bullet in the 75-77-grain range) will work very well.

Randy

 

[boltman13]

+1 on what Infantrytrophy said. Nosler and Hornady 75's have both worked well in my AR's at mag length. All bullet making machines everywhere are running to the max, the back order situation should ease by spring.