M-1 Bullet Weights--Any clear accuracy champ by weight?

[Phil McGrath]

Here's some help for those Mk.I eyeballs and my crummy photo -


Earlier photo zoomed in on tail end of bearing surface.

Near as I can tell from eyeballing and measuring these things up close and personal, there is no significant difference in bearing surface between the two. (Definitely not more than .020".) Now you tell us, "the issue is more a case of loading and resistance to acceleration." Previously it was, "the Sierra 175 ball has a HUGE barrel bearing area, and the smart money says this is why you get pressure signs in a Garand." Oh well, what was it Emerson said about hobgoblins?

I stopped beating myself up with .30 calibers at long-range eons ago (after collecting an unexpected Palma pin with a service mousegun the first year they were allowed at Perry) - but still have a few dozen of those moly-coated 175's gathering dust.

The 168SMK has a bearing lenth of .370 and a BT angle of 12*

The 175SMK has a bearing lenth of .390 and a BT angle of 9*

[Parashooter]

You might want to re-check those bearing lengths. .470/.490" would seem about right, at least for the .300"+ surface.

[George in NH]

Amanda,
I would offer that you try the Sierra 150 gr. match king, if it is still available. Although the Palma bullet may cost less as it seems to be less popular. Also, wearing a medium weight sweat shirt under any reasonable shooting coat will be a great aid in maintaining a proper position. Sure, you will perspire but that is the reason for the sweat shirt, to keep sweat from the shooting coat and launder the sweat shirt. Try not to wear jeans while shooting. They can be too restrictive in position. I also unfasten the top button of my trousers when sitting. HTH

[slamfire]

I shot 168's all the way back to 600 yards. It was nice just to have one type of ammunition to fool with. Sometimes I would use 175's at 600, when I shot Garands at 1000 yards, 168's would tumble, the 175's would not.

I had buds who shot 125's at 200, they shot wonderfully and had less recoil.