Hornady 178 BTHP in 308 Win Performance Questions

[Longshooter70]

I'm in the process of working up a load with the Hornady 178 BTHP for my 308. I will be shooting these up to and including 1K yards. They shoot very well out to 300 yds for me but I haven't had an opportunity to stretch them out further as of yet. I was just curious how these compare to the Berger 185 Match LR BT. The Bergers shoot really well but I'm looking for a less expensive option. I'd like to hear from people that have shot both but all info on these bullets is very welcome. Thank you!

John

 

[Cimarron2011]

With their Superformance Match 178's, I shot some of my best 100 and 200 yard groups ever (sub .25 MOA) from my Larue OBR. With optimized handloads you should be shooting some bugholes.

At longer range...I guess we'll both be working up to that at the same time.

 

[Minesweeper3433]

I use the factory hornady ammo with the 178 and it is the most accurate round out of my M1A by far. But out of my 20 inch 700 SA with a faster twist it patterns. Only round I would consider loading for my M1A if I ever started loading for my gas guns.

 

[Cimarron2011]

I have the same problem with my factory Remy 700. I have a custom build that should be complete in March...I am looking forward to trying that ammo in my blue printed Remy with Broughton 1:10 24" barrel.

 

[Bamban]

Longshooter 70,

I am curious as well. Over the years I shot the 185 Berger BTLRs in the M1a for the long line. Cost is becoming a factor in my shooting now that I am retired, I am looking for cost effective alternative to the Bergers. Could you share the load that shot well at 300?



Minesweeper 3433,

What sort of velocity were you getting with the factory ammo out of your M1A? At least that would be a good start for me.

 

[Longshooter70]

The load I have worked up is 42.5gr IMR 8208 XBR, Win brass, CCI 200 primers. The load shot extremely well, low ES and SD but the velocity for longer ranges just isn't there. I have switched to Lapua brass and I'm currently working up a load with Varget. I've heard a lot about Alliant's Power Pro powder and may try it later on. I have to make sure it's not too temperature sensitive due to the large temp swings we have in the South. These bullets shot very well with that particular load. Very small vertical spread at 300. I may use that load for some local matches out to 500 but need something with a little more speed to get to 1K efficiently.

Thanks to all for your posts so far. Doesn't seem like many have tried it or don't want to compare them to the Bergers. Wonder why?

John

 

[Bamban]

Longshooter70,

Thank you. 8208 will make my life simpler, yesterday I just finsihed the load development on my short line ammo with 8208.

My Berger load is fireformed Lapua and 42.5 of IMR 4895 and loaded long for slow fire prone. They shot real well with the 22 inch barreled M1A.


Nez

 

[Minesweeper3433]

I never checked velocity on the M1A as it was always factory and I was limited to 500 when I shot it. I only shot the hornady ammo because the military store on post stocked hornady match ammo at 16 a box when the same ammo sold for 26 on midwayusa. I couldn't help but buy it at that price. Plus the brass is good for my 308 700SA.

 

[Bamban]

I never checked velocity on the M1A as it was always factory and I was limited to 500 when I shot it. I only shot the hornady ammo because the military store on post stocked hornady match ammo at 16 a box when the same ammo sold for 26 on midwayusa. I couldn't help but buy it at that price. Plus the brass is good for my 308 700SA.

Thank you. I will check with Hornady on what their advertised velocity is in what barrel length. I am just looking at some general area as a starting point. 16 bucks is hard to pass on and you get the brass to reload.

 

[Cimarron2011]

I never checked velocity on the M1A as it was always factory and I was limited to 500 when I shot it. I only shot the hornady ammo because the military store on post stocked hornady match ammo at 16 a box when the same ammo sold for 26 on midwayusa. I couldn't help but buy it at that price. Plus the brass is good for my 308 700SA.

Thank you. I will check with Hornady on what their advertised velocity is in what barrel length. I am just looking at some general area as a starting point. 16 bucks is hard to pass on and you get the brass to reload.

Advertised MV should be based on SAAMI spec, which is 24" for a .308.