SMKs and Scenars

[simplerider]

I currently have some 6.5 123gr smk bullets but I cant find them in stock anymore. I can find 6.5 123gr Lapua everywhere. Has anybody ever had any problem switching from one to the other? Any major shift in POI or having to adjust loads? Have you ever switched bullets during a match and seen any difference, say something like shooting 123 Lapua at 200 and 300 yards then switching to a 142 sierra for 600 yards. The match season is coming up and I'm a little behind the power curve. :-\

Thanks!

 

[queen_stick]

Change any one component, and you'll need to start load development from scratch.

You'd be extremely lucky if there was no difference between these bullets (all else being the same). That would almost be a miracle! lol!

 

[dkhunt14]

I believe they will shoot different. I think the Lapua will have a smaller diameter. Matt

 

[simplerider]

What about switching between the two during a match (123 lapuas for short line and 142 smk for long line)? Anybody ever have any problems going between the two different brands?

 

[Heman]

I shoot 123gr SMKs in my .260 have never shot the Scenars but I am guessing they will fly a little flatter. As far as the load it will probably be close between the two. Case in point in my 308 upper the charge I use for 175's I just swap bullets and use it with 155's,140's, 135's, 125's and it all shoots fine.

As far as using different bullet manufacturers there will be no problem. I did it last course match I shot.

 

[Shynloco]

I believe they will shoot different. I think the Lapua will have a smaller diameter. Matt

+1. Found the 123 SMK shot good tight groups, but the Lapua Scenars didn't impress in my particular rifle.

Alex

 

[M14AMU]

What about switching between the two during a match (123 lapuas for short line and 142 smk for long line)? Anybody ever have any problems going between the two different brands?

As long as you have tested previously and have zeros....you won't have a problem. If not....you may as well be out behind the barn 'choking your chicken'!!

 

[flatlander]

My 260 Imp 30* (Bartlein 1-8.5tw) shoots bugholes with the S123MKs at 100, and they're pretty good out past 600. They're what I intended to do all my fireforming with during matches, but since they're currently 'unobtainium', and I had Lapua 123s, I tried the Scenars. Surprise! - they shot even better than the Sierras at 600.

The loaded round neck dia with the Lapuas is also a couple thou larger than with the S123MKs. Since my reamer's neck dia is .295", and the loaded round neck dia with Lapua 123s in Lapua 260 brass is also .295", I gotta neck turn when using that combination, while it's not needed with WW243 brass necked up, or WW7mm-08 when necked down.