168gr For long range?

dk17hmr

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I just read some not so good stuff about using 168gr bullets for long range shooting....mostly SMK's. I just bought 250 A-max 168gr bullets for my 300 whisper and 300 wsm. What can I expect out of the WSM at 1000 + yards with this bullet.....is it up to it?

I have been shooting 208gr A-max in my WSM with pretty good results but have only shot them out to 675 on steel. I maybe getting a 300 RUM and would rather shoot heavier bullets in that, for the velocity increase over my WSM, so the 180-220 will be in the RUM from now on. WSM will be 180gr and less.

Is what I read correct that 168gr dont do that well that far out? Its mainly a target rifle but I will try and take an antelope at 700 plus yards with it this fall.
 
I run the 168 AMAX to 1K no problem. Even at a measly 2810 FPS in cold sea level air they go through the paper straight. Published is .475? I think. I have found it to be more like .490. You will have NO problem with a 700 yard antelope. Last year I nailed a dall ram at 702 yards and he folded (high shoulder). Exit was over 3" with as much vertebre missing. While the 190 SMK is a very fine 1K bullet, it leaves alot to be desired for hunting. All that said, if youre getting good results with the 208 in the WSM, stick with it. You will never beat the wind with the 168, 178 or any other bullet short of the 240 SMK as much as you will with the 208. For 700 yard antelope hunting, the wind can be a real PITA. The 208 will drift conciderably less than the 168 period. In my 308, the 208 drfits 20" LESS than either my 168 or 178 loads. I am currently phasing out the 168 and 178 and moving soley to the 208 due to the retained energy and lack of drift. You dont need a 300 RUM to utilize the 208 AMAX. The 208 does just fine in the 300WSM with alot less powder and alot more barrel life.
 
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Thank you for the responce. I loaded up some 168 for the WSM and hopefully can test them out this weekend. If they do as good as I expect at 100 I will push them at further ranges.

I would stick with the 208's but Im not getting the velocity I would have liked. I may still use them for hunting. I have 250 of these 168's so it is worth trying.
 
Good answers here. The 168 should stay supersonic at 1000 at the speeds you've cited here, but it's far from an ideal choice. You're much better off giving up some velocity to go with a heavier bullet and a higher BC of anything out at distance. Byt the time they've both gotten downrange a bit, you'll see that the 168 has slowed down to the point that the heavier, higher BC bullet will be moving faster. From that point on out, it'll just continue to leave the lighter bullet in the dust.

Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA
 
What loads and speeds are you getting in the 300wsm with the 208amax??
Thanks
 
Good answers here. The 168 should stay supersonic at 1000 at the speeds you've cited here, but it's far from an ideal choice. You're much better off giving up some velocity to go with a heavier bullet and a higher BC of anything out at distance. Byt the time they've both gotten downrange a bit, you'll see that the 168 has slowed down to the point that the heavier, higher BC bullet will be moving faster. From that point on out, it'll just continue to leave the lighter bullet in the dust.

Kevin Thomas
Lapua USA

+1

Even in my 308 at those measly speeds, the 168 despite being over 200 FPS faster at the muzzle than the 208, doesnt hold a candle to the 208 for wind and energy. I get 700 pounds of energy with the 168 at 1K and 1000 pounds with the 208 with 20" less drift in a full value 10 MPH wind.
 
+1

Even in my 308 at those measly speeds, the 168 despite being over 200 FPS faster at the muzzle than the 208, doesnt hold a candle to the 208 for wind and energy. I get 700 pounds of energy with the 168 at 1K and 1000 pounds with the 208 with 20" less drift in a full value 10 MPH wind.


"Speed fades, but BC is forever!" German Salazaar or Bryan Litz, I forget which. Both bright guys, and a true statement whoever said it!

Kevin
 
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