Moving from 175 SMK's down to the 168 SMK's

[cowtownup]

I've probably got 500 rounds down range with the 175 SMKs and they work good. However, I spend most of my time shooting less than 500 yards so I thought I'd give the 168 SMK's a try. I only bought one box of the 168's hoping to see what they will do quickly. (wishful thinking) My question is if you only had one box of 168 SMK projectiles, how would you go about giving them a fair test? start with a condensed ladder? Using IMR-4064... Thanks for your help...

[stomp442]

4064 is a great one for that combo. The best there is in my experience.

[homefrontsniper]

Yep IMR 4064 . Here is a good one XBR 8208 & 155 scenar 2920 m.v. out of 24 inch.

[jonbearman]

If you can find some, reloader 15 is a good one along with varget and h335. H335 isn't an extreme powder or anything but I have gotten super results with it as I only shoot the 168's.

[cowtownup]

I am using 4064 because I have several pounds of it.. Do you think 3 shots per charge weight in 1/2 grain increments will suffice for a ladder test or do I really need 5 shots?

[earl39]

3 will do fine

[cowtownup]

I'm going to eliminate the min and max charge and do 1/2 grain increments then go from there..

[thermaler]

Just my opinions: If you can afford it--and you're not going to do a OCW ladder--I'd do 4 shots (best is 5). I sometimes do 3 myself--but only in perfect conditions cause the slightest variation in winds or maybe pulling a shot and it's too easy to miss a node with only 3 shots. gr increments depend on min-max range--the finer your gradations the better chance you'll find your better nodes sooner rather than later IMO. Once I find the nodes I'll do a second "bracket" of .1 or .2 gradations above and below the node just to make sure the real mother load wasn't missed--and finally (if you're really super OCD about it) some experimenting with distance to lands, though all my loads start out fairly close (magazines permitting). Remember the days when reloading was cheaper than buying off the shelf? lol

[thermaler]

I'm going to eliminate the min and max charge and do 1/2 grain increments then go from there..I have recently converted to the church of Deano and have to admit that I rarely if ever dismiss max charges anymore--but as always depends on the weapon and demands thoroughly careful approach.

[yobuck]

44 gr. 4320 with either the 168 or 175 SMKs works very well for me in my 308. I like 4320 because it meters very well and i dont need to weigh each one.
I usually just pick a load and shoot 3 to see how they work.

[copterdrvr]

Are you shooting a bolt or gas gun?

[DanSavage]

I'd try 42-44 but it really depends on what brand of brass and head space setting. The reason I say that is because I set up my barrels on new brass so there is zero head space,, I use Lapua brass which is rather thick and a fairly tight chamber, I don't have to run as much powder to get the higher velocities. I have been running around 41.5 IMR 4064 with a 168 SMK, and 41.4 IMR 4064 with a jammed 178 Amax nets 2700 fps from 26" barrel.

[S. Blair]

In my BA and my wife's FCP our 168 SMK load is 45 gr of 4064, Lapua brass, BR2 primer, .010 from the lands, @ 2820 fps. This load shoots between .300 -.400 groups at 100 in both rifles with no pressure signs. I would start at 43 and go up in 1/2 grain increments, 4064 is a great powder....good luck!

[CharlieNC]

I did the ladder / OCW trials for a number of bullets in my 308 ranging from 155 to 175gr. Guess what, the nodes were at the same powder charges for all of them! As a matter of background I was doing this to compare the results to the OBT predictions, and bullet weight has little effect on barrel time so hence these results. Of course heavier bullets yield higher pressure for the same powder charge, but since you are going lighter I would simply use your established best charge and set the 168SMK around .020" off the lands and have fun shooting.

[cowtownup]

Since I bought those 168s to try, I've some how managed to acquire a new barrel and stock... As anxious as I am to install them now and start banging some steel, that buck fever has got me keeping this rifle dialed in where it's at... I may even have to pull some projectiles I had loaded up for testing since the IMR 4064 is hard to find right now. I'm gonna start a build thread soon, but this build has been about 3 years in the making so I don't want to rush it either... As always, I appreciate everyone's input..

[S. Blair]

Natchez has 8 pound bottles of IMR4064 in stock right now.

[eddiesindian]

You,ll like that combo.
federal gold metal match in 168smk is fantastic.
I took one apart and to my eyes?.....its defently 4064 propellant @ 42.8grs.
your mileage may vary...but its a start.

[Uncle H]

A good starting point for SMK 168 is 42g of Varget or Reloader 15, COAL 2.800, these have worked great for many people in many different rifles.

[cowtownup]

I have been running the 168 SMKs at 42 grains of IMR-4064 and getting 2535 FPS...

The FGMM in 168 SMKs runs about 2763 FPS in my rifle...

[LoneWolf]

Are you using a 20" barrel? I was looking through the post and didn't see a mention of it. I was running 42.7grs of IMR 4064 behind a Hornady 178gr BTHP and getting 2680-2690.