SMK replacement

i shoot alot of 175gr SMK in my .30 GAP 10. I know with good shot placement it is a deer killer. but with other manufacturers there are replacement with the same profile that are designed for game and not target. looking for the easy swap, hopefully same load and very similar POI. dont really want a ton of load development.

I think I would go with the Berger 175 gr Match Hunting VLD. I did a quick comparison at 2,700 fps and all other variables constant. The difference in POI at 500 yards was .8" or about .2 MOA, with the Berger being a little bit flatter shooting. You might need to tweek you seating depth, but it should be an easy transition.

You might have issue's running the Berger out of a AR without single feeding. The GK ofvthe same weight would be a good option and unless you are trying to really stretch your distance most any bullet will work.

Yes, the Sierra Game King is what I would go to, 165 or 180. The VLD would be hard in an AR, due to a large bullet jump. The Berger 185 classic hunter might also work.

Consider working up a load under a 168gr nosler ballistic tip. Seems to be more accurate (or is at least easier to work up a load for) than either 165gr SGK or Hornady IL in my experience. Tested in a RR LAR-8, ruger hawkeye, and rem 700. It is a fairly tough bullet with a thick jacket. Zipped through a couple of hogs I have shot with it.

Never tried them but I have read the 165gr HP sierra game king is a good one. That way you can stick with sierra hollow points.

First time I ever heard a NBT refered to as a tough bullet, usually mention of the NBT coincides with blew up or fragmented.

Yeah as they say ignorance is bliss

I would post a link to a 168gr cross section but I am too lazy for that. Nosler is constantly updating and modifying their line. The larger caliber ballistic tips have had a nice, heavy jacket for many years though.

Never mind found it, that wasn't too hard

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/4842832/4

Problem with the Ballistic Tip is they can be anything from varmint to big game. Some perform very well and some don't in my experience impact velocity has a lot to do with it which makes sense since they were built originally for long range hunting.

just stay with what you got bro.... that 175smk won't let you down

General rule of thumb with Nosler BT's is: less than 100 gr is for varmints; 100 gr or more is for hunting.

I have noticed that, in my rifles where I use both, the Sierra GK and the Nosler BT shoot to just about the same POI with same powder charge, etc.