7.62x51mm -> 149 grain FMJ vs. 168 grain OTM?

Vegetaman · Jul 28, 2014

Was just window shopping today and ran across the 149 grain FMJ (Federal) and the 168 grain OTM (American Eagle) and was curious what the pros and cons are of these particular loads for the 7.62x51 cartridge? I'm kind of new to the whole bullet weight thing. Or even what OTM means (I mean, I know it stands for open tip match or something like that, but what does it _mean_?).

ArchAngelCD · Jul 28, 2014

Vegetaman said:
Was just window shopping today and ran across the 149 grain FMJ (Federal) and the 168 grain OTM (American Eagle) and was curious what the pros and cons are of these particular loads for the 7.62x51 cartridge? I'm kind of new to the whole bullet weight thing. Or even what OTM means (I mean, I know it stands for open tip match or something like that, but what does it _mean_?).

The 149gr bullets are more in line with service ammo whereas the 168gr bullets are usually used for competition or distance shooting in the .308. Both are good choices for what they are. What are you going to use the ammo for?

JustAnotherGunGuy · Jul 28, 2014

As posted already, plinking vs precision.

Vegetaman · Jul 28, 2014

Oh, probably just plinking with my 7.62x51 NATO Chilean Gewehr 98 rebarrel. What type of yardage are we talking for these cartridges?

ArchAngelCD · Jul 28, 2014

Vegetaman said:
Oh, probably just plinking with my 7.62x51 NATO Chilean Gewehr 98 rebarrel. What type of yardage are we talking for these cartridges?

The .308 Winchester is a very capable cartridge. Using a 149gr bullet I see no reason why you can't get good combat accurate out to 600 yards +. Using the 168gr Match bullets good accuracy is possible to 1000 yards or more if you are up to it.

Of course those numbers are a generalization and some shooters can do better. (or worse too lol)

*EDIT*
Sorry, I forgot to answer what OTM means. It stands for Open Tip Match. (like a Match HP bullet)

ACP230 · Jul 28, 2014

If you are plinking buy whatever is cheapest.
Some rifles do prefer heavier bullets to lighter and your rifle could be one. But the difference might not matter if plinking.

Surplus .308 ball ammo is showing up again. You might find some of that to try.

just plain joe · Jul 28, 2014

OTM = Open Tip Match

Not an expert here, but with a hollow point/cavity, the bullet is supposedly a bit more accurate. I think it has something to do with the spin of the bullet & center of gravity.

Google is your friend.

JPJ

nawilson · Jul 28, 2014

For just plinking and general shooting, the 149 grain should be fine. It should also be much cheaper than the 168 OTM. If you want to learn more about OTM, google "Sierra Matchking." You will likely get a lot of hits. Frankly, you probably won't get match grade accuracy from your Mauser rebarrel, so the extra cost of match grade ammo is likely unneeded.

Vegetaman · Jul 28, 2014

ACP230 said:
Surplus .308 ball ammo is showing up again. You might find some of that to try.

This is what I've been waiting for. What kind of prices is it at?

And yeah, if anything, I'll probably pick up some more 149 grain if I come across it cheap. Most places has it about $18 for a box of 20... Unsure if that's typical or high at this point.

ACP230 · Jul 28, 2014

I've just seen some for .73 per round in Sportsman's Guide.
Just a cent under new PMC Bronze FMJ ammo.
Both with 147 grain bullets.

I think there may be some surplus for a bit less.
Haven't really been looking lately.

ArchAngelCD · Jul 29, 2014

Vegetaman said:
This is what I've been waiting for. What kind of prices is it at?

And yeah, if anything, I'll probably pick up some more 149 grain if I come across it cheap. Most places has it about $18 for a box of 20... Unsure if that's typical or high at this point.

Ammunition To Go has .308 Prvi Partizan 145gr. Full Metal Jacket Ammo in bulk for as low as 59 cents a round. Even when buying 20 round boxes it's 62 cents a round.
All .308 / 7.62 NATO : Ammo To Go

Mack · Jul 29, 2014

The Federal M1A Match ammo has a pretty good rep for being a good performer in the right twist barrel. Be aware though that the 168 grain SMK bullet is not a thousand yard bullet. It was developed for 300 yard matches and in .308 it goes transonic around 700-800 meters and dies. If you manage to hit the target at 1000 it likely will keyhole. However for out to 600 it is one of the best match bullets out there, just as the 175 grain SMK is a superb 1000 meter bullet.

7.62x51mm -> 149 grain FMJ vs. 168 grain OTM?

Vegetaman

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ArchAngelCD

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JustAnotherGunGuy

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Vegetaman

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ArchAngelCD

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ACP230

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just plain joe

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nawilson

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ACP230

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ArchAngelCD

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Mack

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