174 grain SMK back in stock....for now.

[Sapper740]

Apparently Sierra heard our cries for help and produced a run of 174 gr. Sierra Match Kings. Optics planet had 500 bullets for $228.00 but those sold out quickly. They currently only have 100 bullet boxes left.

Sierra 303 Caliber 174 Grain HPBT MatchKing Rifle Bullets | $2.00 Off w/ Free Shipping and Handling

[Brian Dick]

The 174 SMK is an excellent projectile but a waste of money unless your rifle's barrel is new. The LE rifle was designed for flat base projectiles. Many won't stabilize boat tail projectiles and unfortunately, the most popular and cheapest PPU and S&B loaded ammo are all Mk.8z spec with boat tail projectiles. It's a shame no one offers a 174-grain equivalent projectile or even loaded ammo to Mk.7z spec. I reload 180 grain Sierra Pro Hunters which are about as good as it gets.

[browningautorifle]

the most popular and cheapest PPU and S&B loaded ammo are all Mk.8z spec with boat tail projectiles.

Many may not be aware, and that's why their rifles won't group.

[Sapper740]

The 174 SMK is an excellent projectile but a waste of money unless your rifle's barrel is new. The LE rifle was designed for flat base projectiles. Many won't stabilize boat tail projectiles and unfortunately, the most popular and cheapest PPU and S&B loaded ammo are all Mk.8z spec with boat tail projectiles. It's a shame no one offers a 174-grain equivalent projectile or even loaded ammo to Mk.7z spec. I reload 180 grain Sierra Pro Hunters which are about as good as it gets.

That's a common refrain in the Lee Enfield shooter's world but I've worked up some very accurate handloads with the 174 gr. SMK's as well as both the 150 and 180 gr. LeHigh's. My Long Branch puts 150 gr. LeHigh BT spitzers into 1 1/2" at 100 yds. and recently put 4 SMK's into 1" with a fifth called flyer blowing the group up to 2". My Fulton regulated No.1 puts 180 gr. LeHigh's into 2". I have just recently commenced working up handloads for my Ross MkIII and my CLLE using the 174 gr. SMK's and I'm starting to see some good results. As they say, the proof is in the pudding.

[Calif-Steve]

If your barrel is new or nearly new you likely will be OK with US made ammo. However, if your rifle has seen extended service it will not group for you. Cordite powder is very erosive, and the Army issue bullets are poor target bullets. Add to that what Brian Dick wrote about the current RTI run of beaters, then good luck!

[ssgross]

Ouch! my eyeballs are bleeding from the sticker shock.

[Sapper740]

Ouch! my eyeballs are bleeding from the sticker shock.

LOL! Wait until you buy some LeHighs.

[Brian Dick]

I get calls weekly from guys wondering why their SMLE and No.4 rifle purchases from Atlantic Firearms, (Royal Tiger Imports from Ethiopia), are keyholing at 25 yards. My first comment is always: " I bet you're using S&B or PPU ammo". We've covered this topic on this forum for years. Unfortunately, the ammo manufacturers won't make new ammo to the proper Mk.7z spec for rifles. Both Remington and Winchester could do it as they've had the tooling since friggin' WW1! It's frustrating. Of course, most of the Ethiopian "fence post grade" rifles have the .301 or .303 run gauge bouncing from side to side all the way through. I won't mention the muzzle or throat/leade gauges. What many don't realize is that rifles that are that worn in the barrel most likely have worn out bodies. They aren't like an M1 Rifle that can have six or more barrels fitted over its lifetime!

[browningautorifle]

the ammo manufacturers won't make new ammo to the proper Mk.7z spec for rifles

Even our brand new IVI 1982 .303 ammo is made to 8Z spec. I just looked at my collectors cartridges.

[Brian Dick]

I never understood it. Mk.8z is MG ammo and the Vickers MMG was long out of service by 1982.