Post by jgbryant on Aug 2, 2016 21:11:52 GMT -10
Let address the match ammo myth here.
Just because ammo has heavier bullet heads normal, 77gr 223 / 5.56, 175gr 308 / 7.62, 210gr 300 Win, 140gr 6.5mm does not mean the round would be considered "match ammo." Unfortunately the word "Match" is used very loosely today.
Let me spend some time detailing what match ammo means to me. One word definition... "consistency." Match ammo should be in matching brass (matching headstamps), individually weighed powder charges, high quality match bullets (Berger VLD, Lapua Scenar, Sierra Match King, Hornady ELD-M), high quality primers pressed to the same depth (CCI, Winchester or Remington) and bullet heads pressed to the exact same overall length.
Really important... Different models of guns will like different ammo. No one ammo works for everything when it comes to match ammo. Semi-Auto rifles like Sierra Match Kings, Berger VLD Hybrid and Hornady ELD-M heads. Bolts tend to like VLD shapped heads like Berger VLD.
Now with all of that said above, how do we know whether the ammo we are being is "match?". Considering match ammo is loaded slowly or by hand the ammo will be more expensive.
Here are some factory grade match ammo models I have tested and seem to get good results with.
*Federal Gold Medal Match - If you have a .30 caliber rifle it is safe to go with Federal GMM. They have been paired with the SMK for decades and it works well.
*Hornady Match ELD - Right now Hornady seems to be popping out some very good ammo for a reasonable price. 6.5mm owners should start here.
*Nosler Trophy Grade - If the ammo above didn't work for you take a look here. Nolser uses the Accubond head in this factory round and it works great.
Ammo to avoid!!!
*Prime Ammunition - I have tried this ammo and have had decent results. Although I have had decent results I have decided to avoid carrying this ammo. The CEO of Prime boasts a very promising mission statement on his website but the company has the worst customer service, very shady sales reps and a non-responsive leadership. I would avoid this ammo at all costs. If you have any problem with Prime ammo you will be left holding the bag on your own.
Just because ammo has heavier bullet heads normal, 77gr 223 / 5.56, 175gr 308 / 7.62, 210gr 300 Win, 140gr 6.5mm does not mean the round would be considered "match ammo." Unfortunately the word "Match" is used very loosely today.
Let me spend some time detailing what match ammo means to me. One word definition... "consistency." Match ammo should be in matching brass (matching headstamps), individually weighed powder charges, high quality match bullets (Berger VLD, Lapua Scenar, Sierra Match King, Hornady ELD-M), high quality primers pressed to the same depth (CCI, Winchester or Remington) and bullet heads pressed to the exact same overall length.
Really important... Different models of guns will like different ammo. No one ammo works for everything when it comes to match ammo. Semi-Auto rifles like Sierra Match Kings, Berger VLD Hybrid and Hornady ELD-M heads. Bolts tend to like VLD shapped heads like Berger VLD.
Now with all of that said above, how do we know whether the ammo we are being is "match?". Considering match ammo is loaded slowly or by hand the ammo will be more expensive.
Here are some factory grade match ammo models I have tested and seem to get good results with.
*Federal Gold Medal Match - If you have a .30 caliber rifle it is safe to go with Federal GMM. They have been paired with the SMK for decades and it works well.
*Hornady Match ELD - Right now Hornady seems to be popping out some very good ammo for a reasonable price. 6.5mm owners should start here.
*Nosler Trophy Grade - If the ammo above didn't work for you take a look here. Nolser uses the Accubond head in this factory round and it works great.
Ammo to avoid!!!
*Prime Ammunition - I have tried this ammo and have had decent results. Although I have had decent results I have decided to avoid carrying this ammo. The CEO of Prime boasts a very promising mission statement on his website but the company has the worst customer service, very shady sales reps and a non-responsive leadership. I would avoid this ammo at all costs. If you have any problem with Prime ammo you will be left holding the bag on your own.
