155 or 168 SMK .308 for long range shooting

[bnz41]

Question for all the long range shooters,

I have always used 168gr SMK in my .308 reloads out to 600.

Bought some RWS 155gr SMK bullet ammo, used out to 600 went ok

so which is better for 1000+ shooting, rifle is a Musgrave T/R

Thanks.

[Dangermouse]

Much has been written about the 168s having been designed for 600 yard shooting. Many say that they do not measure up after that.
If you already have some why not try them and see what you think.If buying from scratch I would say start with 155s,

DM

[StanDeasy]

The 168gr SMK is an accurate short range bullet, but can become dynamically unstable at long range. The 155gr SMK does not have this problem, so is the one to use for 1000x shooting.

[Ballistol]

When properly loaded, the 155g SMK or Lapua Scenario will remain supersonic at 1000 yards, making it the better choice for this distance.

[Steve E]

Use the Sierra 155 (preferably the 2156) or Lapua Scenar 155, they will out perform any 168 at all distances. (and 600yds is not long range)
Bear in mind that if you are shooting TR Competitions you are limited to 155 any way. The rifle that you use makes no difference to what bullet you use, its the barrel twist that that is important. As its a Musgrave set up for TR I would expect the barrel to be 28'' to 30'' long with a 1 in 13 or 1 in 12 twist. Ideal for 155s.

[bnz41]

Thank you all for the info, 155 it is.

[rox]

so which is better for 1000+ shooting, rifle is a Musgrave T/R

The 168gr SMK was very popular in 300m shooting in the days when .30 cals were being used (e.g. when Malcolm Cooper was shooting).

Bear in mind that there are 2 flavours of 155 SMK – the 'old' 2155 and the 'new Palma' 2156. The 2156 is a good performer, easy to get running optimally and great value compared to many of the alternatives. The 2155 is only fractionally cheaper, and I can only imagine it being of interest if you are specifically training for competitions that use NRA issued ammo (or equivalent 2155-based ammo overseas), or because of restricted availability of the 2156.

Lapua Scenario

Is that the Italian version? The bullet of choice of Gio Compario? :lol:

..

[Mike357]

When properly loaded, the 155g SMK or Lapua Scenario will remain supersonic at 1000 yards, making it the better choice for this distance.

Bet Apple was responsible for that faux paux! tongueout

[bnz41]

Hi Steve E
" and 600yds is not long range"

Sorry to say it is with these eyes/glasses :lol:

Checked my stock of SMK's I have 150gr 168gr & 180gr so I think a trade of 168's with my local dealer maybe in order...