I started loading Sierra Matchking 168s for my 20" REPR before reading that they recommend heavier bullets to get the true potential out of the rifle. I got 175s for the next round. Any recommendations for bullets or loaded ammo for a 20" in 308 Win? When is heavy too heavy? 100 yds to 1000 yds
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20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
- Thread starter targaflorio
- Start date
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
If you have 1-10" (you do unless you requested the 11.25) then you can use up to the 210s. You'll want to stay with the 175-178 grain to get the best out of the powder burn to bullet ratio.
Edit: My load
44.0gr Varget/RL15
Win brass
CCI BR2 primer
175 SMK seated 2.80
I don't like using A-max because the tips don't take much hard abuse. They're awesome in my bolt gun that has a long mag length, but I've slammed a mag on the ground once or twice and deformed the bullet tips a little. Whether or not it effects performance much under 300 is unknown, but it's just something else I have to worry about.
If you have 1-10" (you do unless you requested the 11.25) then you can use up to the 210s. You'll want to stay with the 175-178 grain to get the best out of the powder burn to bullet ratio.
Edit: My load
44.0gr Varget/RL15
Win brass
CCI BR2 primer
175 SMK seated 2.80
I don't like using A-max because the tips don't take much hard abuse. They're awesome in my bolt gun that has a long mag length, but I've slammed a mag on the ground once or twice and deformed the bullet tips a little. Whether or not it effects performance much under 300 is unknown, but it's just something else I have to worry about.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
175's all day long. I would guess they are trying to avoid the 147 grain
175's all day long. I would guess they are trying to avoid the 147 grain
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
Don't bother with 168's. I spent a long time trying to get them to shoot and was disappointed. For the price you can get 175 SMKs or 178 amax and they are just plain better.
Don't bother with 168's. I spent a long time trying to get them to shoot and was disappointed. For the price you can get 175 SMKs or 178 amax and they are just plain better.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
For long range accuracy, the 175 SMK is the standard. It is a great military sniping round for this reason. However, they do not have the best record for terminal performance or barrier penetration. Thus, they can exit your target and may pose a down-range hazard in urban environments. The Hornady TAP AMAX bullets have the best terminal performance for non-barrier sniping use. The 155 grain AMAX is the best man stopper but least accurate of the bunch coming out of a 1:10 twist barrel. The heavier AMAX bullets show slight decreases in performance but better accuracy as you move up the weight classes.
Thus, I have two zeros for my 20" REPR. One with 175 gr SMK at 200 yards for military sniping purposes where long range accuracy is paramount. This puts me within
2.5" of POA from 0-250 yards without adjustments, and gets me out to 800 + yards. The other zero is at 200 yards with 168 TAP when I want the best terminal performance out to 600 yards.
I will zero my 16" LMT MWS with 155 grain TAP and 175 grain SMK at 100 yards since this weapon will be used up close and personal. I just need SB to release their 1-8 short dot for this baby...
For long range accuracy, the 175 SMK is the standard. It is a great military sniping round for this reason. However, they do not have the best record for terminal performance or barrier penetration. Thus, they can exit your target and may pose a down-range hazard in urban environments. The Hornady TAP AMAX bullets have the best terminal performance for non-barrier sniping use. The 155 grain AMAX is the best man stopper but least accurate of the bunch coming out of a 1:10 twist barrel. The heavier AMAX bullets show slight decreases in performance but better accuracy as you move up the weight classes.
Thus, I have two zeros for my 20" REPR. One with 175 gr SMK at 200 yards for military sniping purposes where long range accuracy is paramount. This puts me within
2.5" of POA from 0-250 yards without adjustments, and gets me out to 800 + yards. The other zero is at 200 yards with 168 TAP when I want the best terminal performance out to 600 yards.
I will zero my 16" LMT MWS with 155 grain TAP and 175 grain SMK at 100 yards since this weapon will be used up close and personal. I just need SB to release their 1-8 short dot for this baby...
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
Thanks everyone for the excellent feedback. i will doubledown on the smk 175s. is anyone loading longer than 2.8" and going single shot? any improvement? to load single shot, just lay the round on top of the follower and release the bolt?
Should the gas piston adjustment knob be manageable by hand? my last range session i couldn't turn it from normal to closed.... also, i just bought the harris brms bipod. any suggestions for setting it up?
Thanks everyone for the excellent feedback. i will doubledown on the smk 175s. is anyone loading longer than 2.8" and going single shot? any improvement? to load single shot, just lay the round on top of the follower and release the bolt?
Should the gas piston adjustment knob be manageable by hand? my last range session i couldn't turn it from normal to closed.... also, i just bought the harris brms bipod. any suggestions for setting it up?
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
I do not think that you will significantly improve accuracy by going longer than 2.8" single shot, but I can't say that I've tried. The REPR excels at rapid engagement of targets between 100-800 meters with 0.5-1" accuracy depending on the ammo. Attempting to single shot it takes it out of it's element as it can't compete with a tuned bolt gun. God gave us GAP, Surgeon, TacOps, etc. for situations that require single shot, sub-0.5 moa accuracy out to 1K.
As for the gas regulator, it should in theory be hand tight. However, one of the gripes about the REPR are claims of frozen regulators that will not turn without a tool after 50-100 rounds. Mine started to get tight at 100 rounds. I cleaned the piston assembly and sprayed some CLP in the tiny holes at the base of the regulator. This loosened it up
considerably after turning the regulator a few times. LWRC does sell an adjustment tool which is helpful since the regulator gets too hot to touch after strings of fire. It's only about $10. Other folks have used a large socket wrench.
I have the same bipod on a Larue QD mount. Works great mounted on the longer rail section that shipped with the rifle.
I do not think that you will significantly improve accuracy by going longer than 2.8" single shot, but I can't say that I've tried. The REPR excels at rapid engagement of targets between 100-800 meters with 0.5-1" accuracy depending on the ammo. Attempting to single shot it takes it out of it's element as it can't compete with a tuned bolt gun. God gave us GAP, Surgeon, TacOps, etc. for situations that require single shot, sub-0.5 moa accuracy out to 1K.
As for the gas regulator, it should in theory be hand tight. However, one of the gripes about the REPR are claims of frozen regulators that will not turn without a tool after 50-100 rounds. Mine started to get tight at 100 rounds. I cleaned the piston assembly and sprayed some CLP in the tiny holes at the base of the regulator. This loosened it up
considerably after turning the regulator a few times. LWRC does sell an adjustment tool which is helpful since the regulator gets too hot to touch after strings of fire. It's only about $10. Other folks have used a large socket wrench.
I have the same bipod on a Larue QD mount. Works great mounted on the longer rail section that shipped with the rifle.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
DocLane: Good info, thanks! I forgot to buy the mount! The Harris won't mount without one, or you just like the QD feature?
DocLane: Good info, thanks! I forgot to buy the mount! The Harris won't mount without one, or you just like the QD feature?
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
I bought the bipod / mount combo directly from Larue. I love it because it can be quickly moved to other weapon systems. Larue sells the mount (LT-130) on their website for about $79. I'd give them a call to make sure that it will fit your needs.
I bought the bipod / mount combo directly from Larue. I love it because it can be quickly moved to other weapon systems. Larue sells the mount (LT-130) on their website for about $79. I'd give them a call to make sure that it will fit your needs.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
DocLane: Good gouge - thanks! It looks like a special combo they put together. So I'm tempted to send my bipod back to Midway and get the combo like you did. Were you able to attach it to the picatinny rail right out of the box? I have an AR-15 I'd like to be able to shoot as well ( I have a lot of 223 to shoot) So I want to be able to swap the bipod and optics back and forth.What's the difference between the LT-130 and LT-706?
http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=263
You want the bipod mounted as far forward as possible for stability? The rail sections just screw in with the supplies screws?
I cleaned up the gas piston system like you suggested. Lots of PB blaster did the trick. Seems like an 11/16th closed end of the crescent wrench works fine on the regulator adjustment knob.
My screws to remove the top piece of the handguard came out, even tho they are supposed to be captured. Di dyours come out?
DocLane: Good gouge - thanks! It looks like a special combo they put together. So I'm tempted to send my bipod back to Midway and get the combo like you did. Were you able to attach it to the picatinny rail right out of the box? I have an AR-15 I'd like to be able to shoot as well ( I have a lot of 223 to shoot) So I want to be able to swap the bipod and optics back and forth.What's the difference between the LT-130 and LT-706?
http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/Detail.bok?no=263
You want the bipod mounted as far forward as possible for stability? The rail sections just screw in with the supplies screws?
I cleaned up the gas piston system like you suggested. Lots of PB blaster did the trick. Seems like an 11/16th closed end of the crescent wrench works fine on the regulator adjustment knob.
My screws to remove the top piece of the handguard came out, even tho they are supposed to be captured. Di dyours come out?
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
If possible, I'd send you original back to Midway and go with the Larue combo. I think that Larue redesigned the mount and bipod by elimating the stud to get a lower profile. This will probably keep you from using the bipod without the Larue mount. I'm pretty sure that they both come ready to mount via a throw lever and all you need to do is adjust the tension. However, don't quote me on this and a quick call to Larue prior to ordering will insure that you get the best bipod and mount for your needs.
As for the rail screws, mine are captive on both my REPR and M6A2.
If possible, I'd send you original back to Midway and go with the Larue combo. I think that Larue redesigned the mount and bipod by elimating the stud to get a lower profile. This will probably keep you from using the bipod without the Larue mount. I'm pretty sure that they both come ready to mount via a throw lever and all you need to do is adjust the tension. However, don't quote me on this and a quick call to Larue prior to ordering will insure that you get the best bipod and mount for your needs.
As for the rail screws, mine are captive on both my REPR and M6A2.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocLane</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If possible, I'd send you original back to Midway and go with the Larue combo. I think that Larue redesigned the mount and bipod by elimating the stud to get a lower profile. This will probably keep you from using the bipod without the Larue mount. I'm pretty sure that they both come ready to mount via a throw lever and all you need to do is adjust the tension. However, don't quote me on this and a quick call to Larue prior to ordering will insure that you get the best bipod and mount for your needs.
As for the rail screws, mine are captive on both my REPR and M6A2. </div></div>
DocLane: My man Tyler at LaRue Tactical told me to get the LT130. But that means I lose the slick LaRue custom set up, doesn't it?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocLane</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If possible, I'd send you original back to Midway and go with the Larue combo. I think that Larue redesigned the mount and bipod by elimating the stud to get a lower profile. This will probably keep you from using the bipod without the Larue mount. I'm pretty sure that they both come ready to mount via a throw lever and all you need to do is adjust the tension. However, don't quote me on this and a quick call to Larue prior to ordering will insure that you get the best bipod and mount for your needs.
As for the rail screws, mine are captive on both my REPR and M6A2. </div></div>
DocLane: My man Tyler at LaRue Tactical told me to get the LT130. But that means I lose the slick LaRue custom set up, doesn't it?
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300WSM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what kind of accuracy are you guys getting out of the repr at distance? (with 20" bbl) </div></div>
I'm having range challenges here in Northern Virginia. I've been working only at 100 yards so far, getting the optics squared away, picking up a sandbag for the butt rest, just got in my bipod, haven't used it yet (see above post), and I'm working up handloads. My best group so far is .8" at 100 yds 7 round group, with SMK 168s over 42 grs of Varget. I'm signed up for Sean Littles October class. Then we'll find out what the REPR can do at 800 or 1000 yds. I'll be working up 175 gr loads for that weekend. I'm told the REPR will get better with 500 rounds thru it.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300WSM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">what kind of accuracy are you guys getting out of the repr at distance? (with 20" bbl) </div></div>
I'm having range challenges here in Northern Virginia. I've been working only at 100 yards so far, getting the optics squared away, picking up a sandbag for the butt rest, just got in my bipod, haven't used it yet (see above post), and I'm working up handloads. My best group so far is .8" at 100 yds 7 round group, with SMK 168s over 42 grs of Varget. I'm signed up for Sean Littles October class. Then we'll find out what the REPR can do at 800 or 1000 yds. I'll be working up 175 gr loads for that weekend. I'm told the REPR will get better with 500 rounds thru it.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
About .75" at 100 yards with 168 gr Federal SMK, slightly better with Federal 175 gr SMK with one 5-shot group approaching .5" minus a "cold bore flier."
As expected 155 grain TAP is about 1" or slightly over, while 168 grain TAP is 1" or a little better.
I'll try to remember to post pics in the next 48 hrs when work schedule settles down.
About .75" at 100 yards with 168 gr Federal SMK, slightly better with Federal 175 gr SMK with one 5-shot group approaching .5" minus a "cold bore flier."
As expected 155 grain TAP is about 1" or slightly over, while 168 grain TAP is 1" or a little better.
I'll try to remember to post pics in the next 48 hrs when work schedule settles down.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
I've fired the new Hornady Super performance in a bolt gun and it was not fun. It felt more like a 300WM although it is supposed to maximize velocity without increasing recoil via more efficient use of powder. However, I felt a significant increase in recoil when fired next to Federal 175 gr SMK or 168 gr TAP.
I've heard of people using it in the new Knight SR25 carbine with no blown primers. However, I hear from the rumor mill that Hornady recommends this load only in bolt guns.
I've fired the new Hornady Super performance in a bolt gun and it was not fun. It felt more like a 300WM although it is supposed to maximize velocity without increasing recoil via more efficient use of powder. However, I felt a significant increase in recoil when fired next to Federal 175 gr SMK or 168 gr TAP.
I've heard of people using it in the new Knight SR25 carbine with no blown primers. However, I hear from the rumor mill that Hornady recommends this load only in bolt guns.
Re: 20" LWRC REPR bullets - how big is too big?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DougSSG3000</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anybody tried the new Hornady 178gr BTHP match ammo yet and if so, how is it? </div></div>
Used it in a bolt gun and it worked quite well. Was able to get out to 800+ yards.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DougSSG3000</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Has anybody tried the new Hornady 178gr BTHP match ammo yet and if so, how is it? </div></div>
Used it in a bolt gun and it worked quite well. Was able to get out to 800+ yards.
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