What ammo to shoot with new JP 20" 308 barrel kit?

[cjlane]

So I ordered a 20" .308 barrel kit from JP and it is en route. Its going into my Mega MATEN MKM receiver set. I was wondering if you guys have had have a favorite type of store bought ammunition. I will not be reloading at this time. I was looking into some 168 or 175 FGMM, but was wondering if there are others that shoot as well or better through these barrels/set-ups.

Thanks

 

[jevan126]

My JRP-07 likes FGGM 168gr sierra, it also like Buffalo Bore 175gr sniper ammo, it has done well with ammo from Southwest Ammo 175gr premium and standard. I am going to shoot some Black Hills 168gr soon. I have an 18" light contour barrel.

 

[cjlane]

Thanks ill look into those

 

[jevan126]

For some reason mine likes the heavier bullets a little better, 1:10 twist could be why.

 

[800mZero]

My 16 inch puts hornady match 168s into the same hole.

 

[ORD]

The JP rifles will generally shoot about any commercial match quality ammo exceptionally well. Stick with the proven performers like FGMM, BH, Hornady Match/TAP, Corbon, etc., and your results will speak for themselves.

As for bullet weight...I'd stick to min of 168gr, but you won't have any issues properly stabilizing far heavier pills accurately from that barrel. Let your particular needs/wants from the rifle dictate the "best" bullet for the job.

 

[fnbrowning]

While JP Enterprises did not build my AR10, they did Cryo the barrel and tune the trigger & gas system.
I met a couple of their reps way back in 2002 at the 1st Black Rifle Convention. Even back then, they recommended the 175gr SMK for the 1:10 twist .308. I've used the 175gr SMK confidently since then, and have found no reason to look elsewhere.

 

[cjlane]

When I am not shooting longer ranges (500+) will there be any performance lost going with 168 vs 175? My understanding was that 175s really only make a difference at range as they are more stable longer.

 

[ORD]

When I am not shooting longer ranges (500+) will there be any performance lost going with 168 vs 175? My understanding was that 175s really only make a difference at range as they are more stable longer.

The 175gr SMKs are generally better performers, especially at longer ranges (i.e. - >800yds). The 168gr SMK does not transition well from super- to subsonic speeds and thus, doesn't perform as well beyond ~800yds or so.

 

[BCP]

When I am not shooting longer ranges (500+) will there be any performance lost going with 168 vs 175? My understanding was that 175s really only make a difference at range as they are more stable longer.

Price is pretty much the same between them so I'd go 175 anyways. You're in Sacramento you might want to try out Sac Valley they have 600 and 1000 yard shoots there on a regular basis.

UNAMMO had M118LR for a 1.20 a round shipped, palmetto had some 175 federal for a similar price. If you handload PM me and I'll give you some tips on where to find components.

 

[jevan126]

500 yards or less go with FGMM 168gr Sierra, anything over go with 175gr SMK. Just something that works for me.

 

[odonnks]

Follow the break-in procedure.

I've only fired 168 gr FGGM and it seems to like it for shorter ranges.
I have some 175's I'll try soon.

 

[cjlane]

Thanks for all the responses! I put in an order for a few hundred 175 FGMM. I get the barrel kit next week and hopefully should be shooting it next weekend.

 

[fnbrowning]

3 shot groups are for sighting in.

5 shot groups are a decent measure of system capabilities.

10+ shot groups give you bragging rights. Post that picture.

 

[nombei]

my JP with 18" barrel seems to like a few different 168gr choices more than the FGMM 175gr. i only have access to a 100yd range right now though, so maybe at longer distances the 175gr would show an advantage. mine likes the AE 168gr OTM and the Norma 168gr military over run stuff that Midway had for awhile. The Atomic 168gr that Midway has and Prvi 168gr match have also shot well. it doesn't seem to like the Lake City 147gr bulk stuff i've tried though.