Projectile for 308 win @ 300 yards

[gsg5pk]

If cost was not the factor, which projectile will be the best for competition in 308 win @ 300 yards?


Sierra 168 SMK
Berger 155.5 FB
Berger 175 LRBT
Berger 175 OTM


Shoot out of 24" barrel which chamber with .098" freebore.

 

[GSRswapandslow]

i was under the impression that the 168smk was specifically designed for 300m match shooting........if true, i'd at least give that a shot

 

[mao0720]

What kind of competition? At that range you might check out some of the light (>125gr) bullets from berger and a few other manufacturers.

 

[M14AMU]

The .308 Win cartridge using the Sierra 168 gr. HPBT has won numerous International Shooting events at 300 meters! That's what it was designed for! Not good in the same cartridge for the longer ranges as it has a 13* boat-tail and any bullet with that degree boat-tail has the same drag function as a flat based bullet! This drag data comes from Bob McCoy!

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-review-modern-exterior-ballistics.html

 

[gsg5pk]

I also got a good group during give a test with 168 smk at 200 yards.


But just have an idea that may berger come with more consistency than smk?

 

[XTR]

From 600 yards and in, 90VLDs in my 223.

For a 308, I'd see which of the 155 offerings worked better in the rifle in question. Whether it was the SMK2156 or the Lapua or the Berger 155.5 full bore bullet.

 

[gsg5pk]

The answer is "whichever one shoots best out of your rifle". I have a 185 Juggernaut .308 Varget load that is dead nuts precise that I use in 300 yd monthly matches. I have done very well using it. The rifle has .085" freebore, which is a tad short for the 185s, although the boattail/bearing surface junction is still above the neck/shoulder (just barely). With .098" freebore, you can easily load any of the bullets you listed, as well as the 185 Juggernaut. The one(s) that give the best precision are where I would start. However, if there is much wind where you shoot, BC would also be a consideration, even at only 300 yd. We often get twitchy winds later in the day in our 300 yd match, maybe in the 3-7 mph range, but it can easily be enough to push you out of the 10-ring if you miss the changes. In that regard, something with a higher BC than the 168 SMK might just save you a point or two per match. I'm fully aware that many, many 300 yd matches have been won over the years with the 168 SMK. However, it has been around a long time and there currently better designs with more favorable BCs available to you, as long as you can develop a load with equal precision. The 168s will certainly work, it's just not the route I would go unless I couldn't obtain equal (or better) precision with one of the higher BC choices.

I actually want to give a test with every projectiles as you suggested. But next match will be next month. So, I may not have enough time to give a try all of them.

To cut out a time, I plan to pick up maybe 1-2 for test.

155.5 may be a good one, but worried that my barrel only 24" which may not long enough to launch them at higher speed to beat 175

 

[gsg5pk]

My normal load with 24" barrel

168 smk was 2,650 fps
175 lrbt was 2,650 fps

I'm new with 155.5 but based on berger manual was max around 2,767 fps.


In case that I run 155.5 at 2,767 fps , it still out perform than 168 smk @ 2,650 fps?

 

[Marksman63]

Lapua Scenar 167 gr

 

[mysticplayer]

If mechanical accuracy was the same, I would shoot the biggest baddest bullet I could.

Wind is wind and the less drift you have to adjust for, the higher the scores over time,

If you can handle the recoil, consider the Berger 30cal 210gr VLD. I shoot FTR and have used this bullet alot.

It is one of the most accurate short to mid range bullets I have shot. I test at 250yds and if the load and shooter are doing their part, the bullets will go into a small hole.

11 twist seems to be the best for this style of shooting... this is NOT the best twist if going to 1000yds.

Not a bullet most would consider but it does work very well. And yes, recoil is much higher but I build my rifles to account for this and higher recoil and torque.

Jerry

 

[Marksman63]

At 300 yds drift difference for a 10 mph cross wind is around .5" between a 155.5FB with 2900 fps MV and a 210vld with 2600 fps MV.
I think 210 VLD recoil and barrel wear do not justity the choice

 

[dreever]

I shoot the 175 OTM seated to max mag length of 2.90 in my 24 inch Bartlein. Lapua brass, CCI250, 43.3 gr Varget 2615fps.

Danny

 

[gsg5pk]

If shooting at 300 meter , can run both 168smk and berger 155.5 fullbore at the same velocity. Which one will you choose?

Given that run both at 2,650 fps out of 24" barrel.

 

[people]

I would shoot the one my rifle shot best. If they are the same then cost.

 

[Marksman63]

If both same accuracy I would choose the 155.5. Better BC and bullet quality

 

[Nowhere Man]

When I first got into this game I remember listening to a fellow shooter talking about how he sorted his bullets in to 3 piles based on weight. I thought it sounded like a good idea. I opened my box of SMK 168's and started weighing them one by one. 168, 168,168,168,168,168..... I had one pile of 168's. I've shot them ever since with great results.

 

[mac86951]

well, lots of mixed answers here and many have said and I'll repeat which ever one shoots best from your rifle. I have an M852 match chamber, which shoots the 168 FGMM superbly, as well as other handloads with a 168 seated to 2.800" Freebore is 0.075.

With freebore of 0.098, you can seat a little further out which has many potential benefits, but wont fit in magazine if that matters.

With a freebore of 0.098, you have plenty of room to seat the 175 further out, likewise the 155s. As you mentioned you are worried about velocity, but the 30" tubes are to launch the 155s to 1000y at sea level and keep them supersonic, 300y try them and don't worry about the 24" barrel as I'm sure you'll still be supersonic.

I would be inclined to try the 175s and 155s and keep the 168s on the back-burner unless you can't find something good with one of those two. Magazine length, go 175 first; seated to nominal distance off the lands, I'd recommend the 155 first.

-Mac

 

[mysticplayer]

At 300 yds drift difference for a 10 mph cross wind is around .5" between a 155.5FB with 2900 fps MV and a 210vld with 2600 fps MV.
I think 210 VLD recoil and barrel wear do not justity the choice

But the OP is only going in the 2600's....

The 210s aren't going to be much slower even in a 24" barrel.

Now things change up quite a bit ..... not for everyone but certainly worth a test.

You just never know....And I don't see much difference in wear

Jerry