Guys,

Any comparative experience with the 168 gr and 178 gr Hornady BTHP match bullets versus the 168 gr and 175 gr SMKs?

The Hornadys are a fair amount cheaper.

Thanks,

Using the 168's from each company I reload both w/ the same data and haven't had any noticable differances in my 1903 & 1903-A3 during military high power matches.
Joe

Joe,

Ever try the 168 gr Mil-Spec match OTM from Widener's or their 175 gr M118 FMJBTs?

And Thank You for your input!!!

The SiErras pretty much shoot well, especially the 168s. Seat them at maximum listed overall and you are good to go.I use them in 308 Win primarily.the few hundred 175s I've shot we're not as accurate in my two 308 bolt guns. The 7 grain difference in bullet weight didn't justify too much experimentation with the 175 s for the shooting I do.

I've only shot the Hornady 168s and they seem much more sensitive to seating depth. They will shoot as well as the Sierra 168s, but rounds I loaded with the Hornady are too long to feed through the magazine in my Sako. Work fine in my Pre-64 Winchester.

I've neve loaded the178 Hornady.

Just happen to have several boxes of Hornady 168 grain HPBT if anyone is interested.

IMO,the only way to tell would be to buy a small box of each and try them next to each other,in the same rifle,by firing a few groups.I`ve used both and found them extremely accurate.I`ve never shot both in the same rifle and not for any reason.I think I am going to try this in the rifle I am shooting at present just for the fun of it.I`ve also ordered some Wilson 308 hand dies and will test them against my old Redding competition dies.

I have used the 168's from both w/o any change in the loading data and they are fine for me. I usually use them in a 1903 &-a 1903A3 for military high power, 200,300&600 yards. With either the sighter shots are no-more than a few clicks on the sights which is no differant than the weather condition adjustments. My biggest problem is avalibility. I like finding the Hornady's but have to go with the Siera when thats all I can find. I also shoot a 308 PALM gun and there I only use the Sierra 155gr because that is the standard for this compitition and they're over $30/box nowadays.

I shoot both the 168 SMK and 168 Hornady BTHP and get about the same results with the same charge. Both are very accurate. I also get great results with the 168 Hornady AMAX bullets. 100 bullets of each variety is not that expensive and your gun will tell you what it likes best.