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Varmint 308 bullet
- Thread starter bungiex88
- Start date
Confused
I'm probably missing something, so feel free to clarify for me. I keep reading from LR Service Rifle posts that the 168 BTHP goes trans-sonic very close to 600 yards. While a 168 for vermin may seem like ant-killing with a 12-pound sledge hammer, it may not be quite heavy enough. If memory serves, they seem to like 175gr. BTHPs for the longer distances. Perhaps you can launch the 168s sufficiently faster than from Service rifles that they'll go trans-sonic further out?
I'm probably missing something, so feel free to clarify for me. I keep reading from LR Service Rifle posts that the 168 BTHP goes trans-sonic very close to 600 yards. While a 168 for vermin may seem like ant-killing with a 12-pound sledge hammer, it may not be quite heavy enough. If memory serves, they seem to like 175gr. BTHPs for the longer distances. Perhaps you can launch the 168s sufficiently faster than from Service rifles that they'll go trans-sonic further out?
I'm probably missing something, so feel free to clarify for me. I keep reading from LR Service Rifle posts that the 168 BTHP goes trans-sonic very close to 600 yards. While a 168 for vermin may seem like ant-killing with a 12-pound sledge hammer, it may not be quite heavy enough. If memory serves, they seem to like 175gr. BTHPs for the longer distances. Perhaps you can launch the 168s sufficiently faster than from Service rifles that they'll go trans-sonic further out?
The old M852 match loading started hitting the transonic zone around 800 yards. Our snipers like the load because it grouped better and more consistently than some lots of M118SB loaded with the 173gr FMJBT bullet.
The 168gr SMK is still a favorite for service rifle shooters shooting "Cross the Course" High Power where 600 yards is the longest range encountered, although a lot of them have moved to the 175 because it has a slightly better BC (.5 over 0.48) so it bucks the wind just a tad better when launched at the same velocity.
The 175 SMK was designed to provide good accuracy through the transonic region, same as the 190gr SMK and 220gr SMK. The 175 SMK from a 308 may or may not be transonic at 1000 yards depending on atmospheric conditions, but it will handle the transition predictably. The 168 does not handle the transition predictably, largely because of how the center of pressure, center of gravity, and wave drag functions interact as the bullet does the "reverse sonic boom" going backwards through the sound barrier as it loses velocity.
Out to 700 yards, even at thick, dense, moist sea level conditions, the 168 SMK (and various clones) will do fine out to 700.
Jimro
I load 41.7gr of w748 and the 168 smk typically for 600 yds. My velocity from my 26" bbl is approximately 2550 (a relatively mild load). This velocity won't encompass transonic till about 900 yds. Taking a 308 out to 800 yds is no problem with respect to going trasnsonic. Taking a 308 to 1000 yds is still doable but you need to ensure you have sufficient velocity. Any 308 with <20" barrel length will most likely experience bullet instability from transonic at 1k yds. The 168 smk is also known for becoming unstable over 800 yds. The 168 smk was designed more as a "mid range" bullet. The m1a and m1 Garrand guys love the 168 smk
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Marco Califo
New member
Sierra 308 110 gr Varmit bullet.
Sierra does make a 308 cal. 110 gr varmint bullet, and publishes loads at 3300 fps. It is an open tip flat base. Shoots great at ranges I have tried, max 200 yards.
But, at 700 yards, I would use 150 FMJ BT.
https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/2110/308-dia-110-gr-HP-30-cal
Sierra does make a 308 cal. 110 gr varmint bullet, and publishes loads at 3300 fps. It is an open tip flat base. Shoots great at ranges I have tried, max 200 yards.
But, at 700 yards, I would use 150 FMJ BT.
https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/2110/308-dia-110-gr-HP-30-cal
.30 CALIBER/7.62MM (.308) 110 GR. HP
There is only one 30 caliber Varminter rifle bullet in Sierra's line. This 110 grain #2110 Hollow Point also is the largest caliber Varminter bullet in Sierra's line. It will withstand exceptionally high velocities and can be loaded in all 30 caliber cartridges, including magnums. It is extremely accurate and has been used by some Hunter Benchrest competitors. It offers explosive expansion on varmints and small game at velocities achievable with the full range of 30 caliber cartridges. This is an ideal bullet to choose for off-season practice on varmints with any 30 caliber hunting rifle.
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