Settled on a load for 168SMK in Rem 700 SPS-V

[dpmcclellan]

Since just getting back in to reloading I've been working on a load development for 168 SMK using Reloader-15 shot through my Rem 700 SPS Varmint that I just got put together and bedded in a Bell and Carlson Tactical Medalist stock. I started at 42g of R-15 and worked up to 44g in 0.4g increments. I settled on 42.8g loaded in LC brass with Win-WLR primers and settled on a COAL of 2.810. These 5 shot groups were shot prone with a bipod and rear bag from 100 yards.

Danny

 

[bsumoba]

good shooting! now, take it out further and let her fly!

one thing to note if you dont know already know, the 168gr SMK has had a tendency to perform poorly beyond 800-900 yards.

try loading up some 175gr, 185gr, or even 215gr bullets and you can reach out to 1000.

if you stay inside 800 yards, the 168gr SMK is good to go!

 

[boltgunluvr]

Congrats....the 168 SMK shoots ok, not spectacular, in my 700 SPS V out to 500 yds with powder charge of 42.7gr of Varget. The 175 SMK shoots better and I haven't found the point of failure yet. So far I'm at the 700 yd mark.

I've spoken with the Sierra techs and they've informed me the 168 was really designed for 200-400 meter shooting and that's it. I've seen the bullet vapor trail every now and then in our horrible humidity in Missouri and can attest that it gets squirly beyond 420 yds using my load specs.

 

[dpmcclellan]

Thanks guys, I just started back doing some reloading and picked up the 168's locally at a good price. Just something to get me started back. I'm only going to shoot them out to about 500. I'm going to buy some 175's as soon as my local gun shop gets them in and work up a load for them. I just thought I would start out with these since he had them in stock. My rifle also shoots the 175 FGMM Factory ammo just about this good so I should be able to work up some good loads with the 175s also.

Danny

 

[Road_Clam]

My bullet of choice thus far has been the 168 smk, shot about 50 rounds at my 600 yd quals with no issues. My goto load is 41.9 gr of Win 748 avg velocity is 2570 fps. (same rifle an R700 .308 Varmint). So until I see keyholeing i'm sticking with my 168's. I also shoot 200 meters more often so the 168's are a good fit.