308 target gun with factory loads: 168gr or 175gr?

[Richard.Howe]

I'm building a Win M70 .308 target/varmint gun to be used with with factory loads at ranges up to and including 600m. In a Black Hills, Hornady, or Federal GM factory load, why pick a 168 MK over a 175 MK (or vice-versa)?


Thanks,
Rich

 

[nbkky71]

The 168gr ammo should will be fine out to 600yds. However, the 175gr will hold the wind a little better at 600 yds. If you want to go farther than 600, the 175gr is the way to go.

Got some spare cash to burn? Factory match ammo is not cheap!

 

[Richard.Howe]

Factory match ammo is not cheap

You are not kidding, it's over a buck a pop for the good stuff. However, the job that helps me afford my hobbies is the same one that eats all my time and keeps me from reloading. When I have the decision between family time and 50 cents a round...well, the math is easy for me!

Thanks for the advice bud.

Rich

 

[Jim Watson]

I'd go with 175s unless the 168s were markedly more accurate in your individual rifle. Get a few of each, some different brands, too. I have never used anything but 175 gr SMK in .30-06 or .308 else since my highpower shooting friend got me to try out F-class. He uses Black Hills 175 when he doesn't have time to handload. Dollar a pop, but cheaper by the case.

 

[Rambosky]

Use either but........................start reloading unless money isn't an issue. Costs less and you can fine tune your reloads to your rifle.

 

[kaferhaus]

Unless it's very windy the 168s are the way to go. i use both in "F Class" matches. The 175s only come out when a stiff cross wind is blowing.

168s produce less recoil and towards the end of a match that means something... guys that say they can't feel the difference are only fooling themselves.... I can look at a guys targets after a match and tell you who was shooting 175s - 190s by comparing the scores from the early relays to the later ones.

 

[Richard.Howe]

I know I should handload these, but as stated above -- the money is much less important than the time these days!

So, if 168's are better than 175's for recoil, and the 175's true value is seen only on windy days, then why not 150's?

Rich

 

[kaferhaus]

I know I should reload these, but as stated above -- the money is much less important than the time these days!

So, if 168's are better than 175's for recoil, and the 175's true value is seen only on windy days, then why not 150's?

Rich

The 150s shed velocity too fast... the BC of the 168s is far superior to the 150s

308 is a bit big for a varmint rig to begin with..

And your not going to win any matches or even come close with factory fodder. If what you mean by "varmint/target" is really just better than average accuracy "plinking" then you'll be well served with the Federal Gold Medal 168s

 

[dakotasin]

168's are the way to go, especially if all you're doing is 600 yards and not handloading.

 

[Swampy]

Richard,

I shoot .308 Match Grade M1 rifles in NRA Across the Course events, so am a little familiar with what you are asking....

At 600 yards I really like the 175 grain bullets. They suffer much less from wind deflection than the 168's, and heaven forbid, 150's at that distance.

The 168 is a great bullet, but in even a little bit of wind it starts to get pushed around out past 300 yards. The 175 just holds center better in a wind. Can't get around it.

As range drops there is no reason to go "lighter" on bullet selection, as long as your rifle likes the bullet.

At 300 yards, in the Rapid Prone stage I shoot the 168. Wind is not that much of a concern for it at that distance, and a bit less recoil (compared to the 175's) is a good thing in the rapids.

At 200 yards, for Rapid Sitting and Standing, I'll usually shoot the 150 SMK. Again, not so much wind concern and lighter recoil.

Just my thoughts,
Swampy

Garands forever

 

[Onmilo]

Again, not enough information,,,,,

If you are building a bolt gun, 175s are the way to go.

If you are building a gas gun the 168 grain bullets will be tolerated for a far longer period of time verses the 175s.