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Old January 23, 2014, 02:58 PM   #20
Jimro
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Join Date: October 18, 2006
Posts: 7,097
I'll add my 2 cents.

After the 168 SMK was used to win the 300 Free Rifle events in the Olympics, Service Rifle shooters started making "Mexican Match" ammunition by pulling the FMJBT bullets from M118 match ammo and replacing it with the 168gr SMK.

In 1982 Lake City introduced M852 National Match ammo, same brass/primer/powder as M118 but launching the 168 SMK. 42grains of IMR 4895 was the nominal charge. Since Service rifle competition takes place at 200, 300, and 600 yards the 168 SMK did just fine in its role as National Match ammunition. Where it failed was in the transonic zone with its steep boat tail causing instability as velocity dropped off.

Still, the 168 SMK tends to shoot very accurately and most 308 shooters don't shoot at the distances where the transonic zone comes into play.

For Palma and Long Range High Power, the 155gr and 175gr SMK work fine for 1000 yard shooting. Newer bullet designs like the Berger 185 Juggernaut are doing very well from AR-10's for NRA long range high power, and Berger's 168 VLD match hybrid got rid of the steep boat tail so it handles the transonic range much better than the SMK.

Still, from 600 and under, the 168 SMK is a fine choice.

Jimro
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