To try and clarify, because I don’t always seem to type what I am thinking,
The new M-118 LR, which has the 175 grain Sierra Matchking Bullet, should shoot as well as the Federal or Black Hills ammo loaded with a 175 Grain Bullet. As Ty36695 pointed out, it is capable of producing sub MOA accuracy
That being said, here in lies the problems with “M-118”:
Some of the “M-118” that is floating around out there is the older/original M-118 SB. This is the ammo that has the 173 grain FMJ BT bullet. Due to a number of reasons, including the FMJ Bullet, this “M-118” ammo does not shoot as well as the Federal, Black Hills, and new M-118 LR.
Most of the “M-118 LR” that is floating around out there is actually XM-118 LR PD. This is the M-118 LR that did not pass the quality testing and could not be sent to the Military. While some of this XM-118 LR PD may be as good as the “real deal” M-1118 LR, chances are some of the rounds are going to have a problem that will impact performance. While some of the rounds may shoot sub 1 MOA, some may also shoot in excess of 1 MOA. Obviously one of the big things that you want to avoid in “Match” or “Sniper” ammo is inconsistency.
If you could get your hands on “real” M-118 LR, than by all means I would say buy it and shoot it. But I am willing to bet that you are not going to have much luck finding “real” M-118 LR for sale.
On another, but very related note, can anyone tell me what is going on with all of the “M-118” ammo that is being offered:
Cheaper Than Dirt“Lake City M118 .308 original US Military Sniper ammo marked "Long Range" 173 grain Sierra HPBT to be used in the M14, M24, M40A1 weapons systems, specs and designed to shoot 10 inch groups at 1000 meters, mfg 2003 and so rare we only have a few boxes to sell. 20 Round box, very limited supplies. Military sniper ammunition, 173 grain FMJ, M118 Long Range 20 round box.
Their own add is contradictory, is it a Sierra HPBT, or is it a FMJ? It also makes no sense because it has a 2003 mfg date, which would make it M-118 LR, and which would also make it a 175 grain SMK HPBT. Per the markings on the box this is also XM-118 LR PD, which also jives with it being the newer M-118 LR, but this also makes it a quality reject, not good enough for the Military.
Impact Guns“Lake City 308 173g LONG RANGE MATCH Ammo 20 rd box Lake City (US M118 LR) Long Range ammo, Not reloaded. This is the current long range USGI issue.”
This also makes no sense because it does appear to be the new M-118 LR which should have the 175 grain SMK HPBT, but they list it as having the 173 grain bullet. It is not clear if this is XM-118 PD, but I have a feeling that the white label that says Lake City Match was put over a XM-118 PD stamp.
Just some honest confusion, or just someone trying to baffle the buyer with BS to make a buck? I think you can probably figure it out!
Ammomandoes have some XM-118 LR PD for $16.00 a box, so I may just have to buy some to see just how good or bad this stuff really is.
Oh well when the Holidays are over and the weather breaks, I will make sure to post a range report. If anyone else has any recent experience with the XM-118 LR PD please share it.
Happy Shooting and Holidays,
“Capt Richardson”