Precision or velocity

[Joetinva]

I'm going to be shooting in a match that has 2 MOA targets at distances from 100 to 900 yards. My Savage with Criterion barrel will do .25 MOA with 168 Amax at 2723 fps, if I bump it up to 2950, the groups go to .875 MOA. I'm leaning toward the latter as wind drift, drop, and TOF will be less which should translate into better accuracy. What ya think ?

[LoneWolf]

I like to use a good accurate and consistent load (assuming you speaking towards the 308). I shoot steel matches with a 308 as well and found my best luck over the large range spread has been with 175 SMK's or 175 Nosler CC. the 168SMK's although they'll reach always seemed to get sporatic beyond 650-700yds. I use a load of 44grs IMR 4064 and a CCI #200 primer and get a good 2700fps out of the 175's.

With the 168's the extra velocity probably with not hurt as long as it stays consistent. For the record though I put 8 consecutive shots on a 6in Plate at just under 900yds with the load I described above. I wouldn't have the confidence in the 168's to perform like that.

Strategically thinking if the majority of shots in the match are 600yds or less, the 168's should prove worthy.

[Joetinva]

Good info, thanks ! I have some 175 MK that I'll try out.

[stomp442]

A slow X is better than a fast miss. I would use the best most consistent load regardless of velocity.

[earl39]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^that is the way i would go also^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Ackevor]

I agree with Stomp, consistency is key for accuracy.

Even if you chose to bump up to the load that gets .875 MOA for the purpose of beating lateral wind into submission, who's to say that the larger disbursement from that group will improve at long range anyway. Yes it may get moved less by the wind but if it opens up .65 Inches per hundred yards more than your .25 load, then you have a 5+ inches you may be sacrificing at 900 yards. Meanwhile, the wind may only move your slower load over 2.5 inches at 900.

Everything is a variable of course so it always depends on one or several factors. Just my .02

[Rifleshooter308]

Find a happy medium that your rifle likes. Out at 900 plus the wind is not your friend. Shoot the highest BC bullet at the fastest speed. I'd take 3 MOA less wind deflection at 900 over .50 MOA accuracy anyday. But that's just for long range only. If you need to shoot closer targets and your not confident then load to the most accurate node. My bet is somewhere between 2700 and 2900 is a good node with .5 MOA accuracy which would be a good balance. When I was shooting the .308 I used the Hornady 178 Amax's loaded to 2820. They were awesome out to 1000. Not nearly as awesome as the 6.5 at 2800!

[chukarmandoo]

By pure design of the game you'll have more misses than hits so pick the most accurate load and hope you can see your splash. If you can't see your hits or splash you'll have a long day. A gun with > .5 moa is tough to compete with. Main thing, go out and have fun!

[390fe]

I agree with the others - stay with the more accurate load, even if it is a bit slower.