Black Hills tipped SMK's 77 and 175

[gamewarden]

Wow! I really like the claims...I hope they are correct. Have any of you got your hands on either of these? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofhSLVdk_ik

[markm]

I'd love to try both of those bullets. NOT in BH's loading, but as a component. 2 MOA at 1000m? That's an impressive gain.

[gamewarden]

Well I'm in line for 2 cases of the 175 grain tipped SMK in .308...I think they said 2nd quarter (can't remember now). Can't wait to compare it to Federal GMM 175 grain SMK in .308 and Federal GMM 175 grain SMK in 7.62x51 (Mk316).

I have a range that goes out to 1400 meters...so i will be able to stretch its legs...however its a waiting game at this point.

[JimmyB62]

Sounds like it's a Black Hills specific bullet. I hope they get offered as a component by Sierra. I would think it could happen since a polymer tip isn't a exactly a new development but it may be like the 50 gr Barnes bullet in 5.56 that was built to BH specs and is controlled by them. I guess it all comes down to whatever agreement BH and Sierra have (yeah I know, duh).

[1slow01Z71]

So sierra made an amax, good for them

[RyanB]

So sierra made an amax, good for them

Not really. I expect them to be more expensive than the AMAX, but the .224 has a lower BC and the .308 a much higher BC. More importantly the 77gr tipped SMK will fit in an AR mag, the 75 AMAX won't really do that. The TSMK 175 has a higher BC than the Hornady 178 BTHP or the 175 Berger OTM.

All in all, good developments.

[1slow01Z71]

My comment was more in jest as sierra has always been a BTHP company obviously and are now getting into the 21st century with tipped bullets. Id be real interested to see if their BCs hash out in the real world. That's an awful lot of improvement over comparable amax bullets. I just don't see how they could gain .04 over the 178. FWIW the 75gr amax shoots fine when used in a PRI or other extended COL mag, I know not apples to apples though. If the 77gr is offered as components and comes in close to the amax or 77gr BTHP lines itll be a winner for sure.

[eightmillimeter]

Sounds like it's a Black Hills specific bullet. I hope they get offered as a component by Sierra. I would think it could happen since a polymer tip isn't a exactly a new development but it may be like the 50 gr Barnes bullet in 5.56 that was built to BH specs and is controlled by them. I guess it all comes down to whatever agreement BH and Sierra have (yeah I know, duh).

If we scream loud enough, Sierra will make it. Time to start sending emails again...

[markm]

Pappabear suggested we buy some and pull the bullets to see if we can make good ammo with them.

[ALCOAR]

For the very few that play extensively at 800-1000yds with 18" or less 5.56/.308 ARs...these two new loads are close to being "game changing".

Mark, did you notice that the new tipped 77gr. SMK now has the same BC as the 80gr. SMKs? For that reason alone me, you, and Pappabear should love these new loads.......even if you have to buy them from your nemesis, Blackhills