Re: 155 scenars vs 175SMK's in a gas gun????
The 155 Scenar has the definite advantage at longer range...
If you are talking about the <span style="font-weight: bold">old</span> design Palma bullet, the 175 has the edge in that the 175s only have to be run to to around 2550 in the gas guzzlers...and that is easy enough on the moving parts. Powder burn rate is the more critical concern, and that needs to be in the 4895 area. That load combo is equivalent to Fed GM and is well suited to the gas system.
The high BC 155 grs like the Scenar or the <span style="font-weight: bold">new</span> Sierra and Berger designs all have the ballistic edge over the 175 because of their higher BC compared to their lower weight.
In other words, they are more streamlined so they cut through the air better, and because they are lighter, they can be launced faster. I am only talking about the new improved 155 designs here like the Scenar, not the <span style="font-weight: bold">old</span> Palma bullet design.
Higher BC is free downrange velocity.
Accuracy is dependent on the rifle and load development. Usually accuracy is the bottom line, and none of this ballistic stuff is an over-the-top critical factor when shooting under 1000 yards. At 1000 yards, it matters a lot.
I like the 178 Hornady too, but theoretically speaking, there is no reason why a good shooting load can't be worked up for one of the new 155s, and I generally like shooting them better in my gas guns.
TC