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.

[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.

[Ryno12]

I certainly hope this thread isn't what got Mark banned. He said nothing out of line. If it is, it doesn't reflect positively upon the powers that be. Like it or not, Mark is a knowledgeable member of this forum and I for one, have probably learned more about reloading from him than most others.

Jstone - we can't afford to lose you either. Sad to say but you may have to self censor your opinions too.

[Onyx Z]

I have never had a problem with Black Hills ammo. I don't have much experience with them either since I reload 99% of my ammo. I have bought exactly 100 rounds of Black Hills ammo over the last few years. 5.56 77gr OTM (Mk262) to use as a benchmark and these new 5.56 77gr TMK. I don't ever see myself buying much more of it since I do reload so much. But I have never had a problem with any of their products. My only real gripe is price, but its along the same pricing plane as all match ammo...

Most (not all) "match" ammo is just a match bullet stuffed in a case loaded to the same standards as blasting ammo. I think Black Hills goes beyond that and truly tries to produce the best bulk match ammo possible.