Nosler 77 gr CC. As good as 77 SMK?

[Danattherock]

Notice this bullet is $173/1000 at Bullets.com.

I've been paying around $143/500 for 77 SMK molys at Powder Valley. Love them, shot a 1/4" group (only 3 shots) last week in my Barnes Precision AR-15 with Krieger 20". Shot a 0.501" seven shot group three weeks back.

23.8 gr of Varget with 77 SMK moly in Lapua cases at COAL of 2.265" is my sweet spot so far. Still working this load up as its a barrel I just got a few weeks back.

But as my interest in reloading and shooting continues to escalate, I can't help but to search for more affordable components. Anyone made the switch?



Dan

 

[jonbearman]

Before you buy 1000 get one box to try. If they don't shoot for you then you are stuck.

 

[chkunz]

I know several High Power competitors that use them and claim they are as good as the Sierra and use them interchangeably. My testing gave the best results for the Sierra 77s with 23.8 grains of N140 in the 20 inch 1in8 barrel, this load gave the best combination of accuracy and velocity. H4898, Accurate 2520 and Reloader 15 also gave good results. For the 77 Sierra bullet in the 26 inch 1 in 8 barrel I got the best combination of accuracy and velocity with 23.6 grains of Reloder 15 and also got good results with N140 and H4895. I consistently got less velocity with Varget.

 

[Danattherock]

T-Rex

Thanks again for the 223 dissertation the other week. My buddy and I appreciated it. I still need to read it again. Lots of great info!


Dan

 

[chkunz]

I have sent the report to several folks and lost track, my apologies for the repetition but it may help others. But the short answer to your question is that a lot of experienced shooters have tried the 77 and 80 grain Noslers and found them to be as good as the Sierras. The shortages over the last few years have forced some folks to experiment and this is one positive outcome. Take care, Clyde.

 

[r bose]

Depends on your expectations. I will tell you a lot of XTC shooters are using them at 200 and 300 yd stages because of price. We use 66 short line bullets per match. 3 or 4 matches a month x 12 ....you get my point. SPS website has cosmetic blems 77g for $12/100 at times. In any of the rifles I shoot, they will clean the 200/300yd NRA targets very easily.

But if you need 1/4" groups, they might not do that.....or maybe they will?

I've used the Nosler 80g at 600yds in club matches also but if it's a "match that matters" I use Bergers.

 

[MrMajestic]

I run the 80's in my 24" 8tw upper. I single load with the help from a "Bob Sled" as my COAL is 2.505" with them. That upper loves them with a bunch of Varget and gives me 2832 fps. I wish it would shoot the A-Max, for better terminal performance, but it will only pattern with them. I also run the 69 gr. in front of N140 at Mag length in a 20" 9tw, it runs in the mid 29's w/o looking it up. It also prefers them over the many I've tried. YMMV

 

[Danattherock]

Thanks guys.


And T-Rex, I PM'd you asking for the report. Fantastic info!! Thank you.


Dan

 

[RyanS]

Last summer I was heading to Ottawa Canada(Connaught ranges) for the Canadian National Service Conditions Championships(NSCC) to shoot both sniper and service rifle. I ran out of 77 matchkings before I left and all I could find was Noslers. Quite a bit cheaper even up here but still a pain in the ass when you already have a proven load worked up. So I bought a box and after some measurements decided to try my same load that I used with the matchkings. 24.5 gr Varget, 205M primer etc. Luckily they shot to the exact same point of aim and my dope was exactly the same as the matchkings back to 500M. So I bought a bunch more, loaded them up and went on to win the Canadian Championship setting a new record score in the process.

 

[Danattherock]

Quite a testimony. Thanks. Shot 30 the other day. But not on bench had to kneel and shoot off tailgate. Still looked good, MOA. Shooting more Fri side by side with SMK. On bench with rest this time. Hope I have same impression as you afterwards.

Dan