Re: Sierra MatchKing 168 grain .308
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hunt3r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do have a chrono...
My 168 SMK load is currently 42 grains of Varget, Federal 210 primers, Lapua Brass. It pushes them at about 2610, very slow but extremely accurate. If I shoved them faster, the accuracy starts to degrade.</div></div>
That is pretty slow but probably works well out to 400-500yards or so. A 168g SMK usually is moving along at 2,700fps even out of my 12,000 round 24" barrel.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hunt3r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I suppose Varget would be a good choice for the 178 Amax's too? Do you fellows concure? Any advice would be appreciated with regard to powder choice. </div></div>
With a 178g AMAX over 42.3g of Varget your velocity will stay about the same and the timing will be similar.
Also try 42.0g of IMR 4895 which will get the bullet out of the barrel by about the same time as your 168SMK over 42.0g of Varget, should shoot similarly but you might still find a bit more consistency by messing with it a bit.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hunt3r</div><div class="ubbcode-body">To Joe: I've always liked Varget for the 168, have tried maney others with acceptable results though.
How do you guys like the 155 grain bullets? Any good at 1K?</div></div>
H4895, IMR4895, BL-C2, 8208XBR, Varget, RL-17 all work pretty well if you have solid case prep, good seating and a forgiving throat in your tube.
As far as 155g bullets goes IMO unless you are willing to really push the limits 26" factory tubes are chambered all wrong, too short and too loose to get you to 1,000yards reliably. I think you should be looking at the 175g SMK or 178g Hornady Match bullets for good results at 1,000 yards and a factory barrel.
HTH!