Accuracy of Hornady 150 gr FMJBT vs 168 Match BTHP

Walnutty · May 15, 2015

Hi Guys,

I plan on reloading soon for my M1a Loaded.

How does the Hornady 150 FMJBT do in the accuracy department? I have no plans on unitizing my gas system. Already have a Sadlak spring guide. May eventually try shimming and/or adding a Sadlak piston.

Most of the shooting will be at 100 yards; 200 yards when I become a better shot. No need for 1 moa accuracy. Just need a decent bullet that can consistently shoot up to 2-2.5 moa. Also don't plan on making a stiff load, since I want to focus more on accuracy.

If the Hornady 150 FMJBT is unable of attaining such accuracy, would their 168 grain match BTHP be better? Or their 155 gr match BTHP?

Would the 168 gr produce much more recoil and battering on the m1a?

Thanks so much in advance.

Thedutchman · May 15, 2015

The 150 grain will serve your 100 to 200 yard need. If you plan on going farther than 300, the 168 grain bthp will out perform the 150 grain bullet.
Lighter the grain, lighter the recoil.
Check out this thread: http://m14forum.com/ammunition/179424-147-vs-168-grain-ammo.html

JayKosta · May 15, 2015

Typically a flatbase hollow-point or a HPBT will be more accurate than a FMJBT.
The difficulty with FMJBT is having the exposed lead at the base being smooth and even.

For 300 yards and less, any of the 'match grade target bullets' of 150-168 grains should work fine at moderate MV.
You might hear that bullets such as the 155 grain 'Palma' need high MV - that's only when they are used for longrange - primarily 1000 yards.

It's more a matter of finding which bullet and load works best with your rifle.
And that can take a lot of testing to have enough shots for a meaningful comparison.

The Sierra 168 HPBT MK (#2200) is usually the standard for comparison, and it seems to work very well in just about every rifle.

I've used Sierra HPBT of 150, 155, 168, 175 - they all worked fine.

Jay Kosta
Endwell NY USA

tonyben · May 15, 2015

Are you just paper punching or just plinking? 150gr FMJ's will meet your accuracy criteria but it's a crap shoot weather or not your rifle will like it.

Tony.

rickgman · May 15, 2015

Walnutty, I agree with Tony. The Hornady 150 grain FMJBT bullets should meet your accuracy criteria - assuming you do your part both with regard to reloading and shooting. The bullet design is frequently secondary to other issues. Accuracy is the sum of many factors and some tend to dominate. Bullet design doesn't tend to be a huge issue until you get to longer ranges. Rick

smoothy8500 · May 15, 2015

I've had good accuracy with Hornady 150 FMJ in my "Loaded" at 200yds. I currently use Nosler Custom Competition "Blems" that cost the same as the Hornady FMJ's for "Across the Course" matches.

fyrmastr · May 16, 2015

yo! smoothness eight five zero zero! what be up?

smoothy8500 · May 16, 2015

My CalPERS estimate came back is what's up!

LoB · May 16, 2015

I have seen sub MOA groups from them through my 18" SAI Bush Rifle with RG4895 surplus pull-down powder with iron sights.

smoothy8500 · May 16, 2015

That RG 4895 from Widener's was great powder!

Accuracy of Hornady 150 gr FMJBT vs 168 Match BTHP

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities