Federal Gold Match vs Reloaded

[Phil3]

From all I have read, it seems that Federal Gold Match ammo shoots very well. It amazes me that one single ammo, can provide such good results in so many rifles. I really don't know how it fares vs carefully worked up reloads, but if it is anywhere close, that begins to call into the question of just how much benefit that very carefully tuned reloads are providing. I don't doubt that carefully tuned loads are more accurate, but wonder how much so. Anyone know all the components used, weights of cases, powder volume, runouts, etc. for specific calibers? Just curious as to why the stuff shoots as well as it does.

Phil

 

[DaveWhite]

Guns are something like girls. Some of them will eat anything and treat you nicely. Others are finicky about what they eat, and you can't wait to part with them...

Federal seems to have worked out a diet which fits the middle of the bell curve.

 

[Nomad47]

And there is a big difference between MOD (Minute of Deer) and .5 MOA at 1000 yards. ;D

 

[dryhumor]

I've had some rifles (.308) that really liked it, and a couple that didn't. It's been around long enough and fired through so many rifles, that for the most part it works. Many rifles use the same twist, length, and barrel profiles; so, that adds a bit to it's favor.

Out of curiosity, I tried some GMM .260 in 2 of mine. I get much better results with hand loads......

 

[jelrod1]

I believe FGGM ammo in .308 shoots well in many rifles because they have found a very good OCW with those specific components. At shorter yardages (100-200 yards) for me in my gun they shoot 1/2 Moa or a little better. Handloading with Bergers and putting them at the lands on average gets me 3/8 Moa or better. Last trip out I one holed a five shot group with the berger 175. I've never done that with any factory ammo and very well may never do it again shooting from a bipod and squeeze bag.

I think you will see the most differences when shooting at longer yardages. The Smk, although decent, has ragged meplats, lack of repeatability on base to ogive, and problems with diameter repeatability. This is before the lack of repeatability in powder charge weight is figured in. What this will do is is cause all kinds of problems with vertical stringing and such that will show up more on a longer distance target that one at 1 or 200 yards.

 

[nwflycaster]

Let your rifle tell you, but check at longer distances than 100 yards if you will be shooting at longer range. I used the 77 grn .223 match ammo on reduced course stuff and it worked fantastic I couldn't have ben any happier with anything else. However, when I took it to a full length match I found out my rifle didn't like it past 200 yards, it was aweful for me at 600. Now I've just started using hand loads and will burn up the rest of my factory match ammo at my clubs monthly 100 yard reduced matches and be done with it from that point on.
But check it out at distance first, your rifle may love it at any length. Also kep in mind that reloading will cut your expenses in half or more if you don't count your time spent at the bench.

Jeff

 

[Pres100]

Man, you really PULLED that bullet!

 

[gsg5pk]

If you had an experienced with handloaded, you will love it.

It's will make you challenge during tuned the best ammo for your rifle.

 

[Shynloco]

Federal Gold Match in .308, is known to be probably the most accurate in .308 while pushing a 168 gr HPBT that is known to work well in most manufactured .308's. It has Federal's special home brew powder load that is one of Federal's best kept secrets. Keep in mind, the loads are within SAAMI spec and the load is designed to shoot well in a large cross section of rifles. Having said that and as good as FGM is, it won't outshoot a handload made specifically for a specific chamber and rifle. Otherwise, competitors would be using FGM and not loading their own ammo and I have yet to see FGM win any competitions where there were custom built rigs and guys loading their own ammos.

Alex

 

[CatShooter]

There is no secret powder that Federal (or any other company) uses.

Federal has three basic powder loads for the 308 GM... and they use which ever powder they have on hand.

The 308 is such a kitty cat to load for, that you have to try hard to not make accurate loads.

I commercially load a generic 308 match load and I am constantly getting love-emails from customers that buy it at shooting ranges, wanting to buy it in bulk 1,000 round packs.

The 308 match load just ain't that hard to load.