Ammo Field Test: Gorilla Ammunition .308 175gr SMK Review

 

Recently I received some .308 175gr Sierra Match King Ammo from Gorilla Ammunition to field test. This was my first time using any of their ammo, so I was quite excited to see how it performed.

First a little background and ballistic data direct from Gorilla Ammo’s Site:

 The Gorilla Ammunition 308 Winchester features factory new Federal Cartridge cases loaded with Sierra 175 gr. Matchking© bullets. Match primers are utilized in these premium quality loads resulting in consistent powder ignition and continuous powder burn. MatchKings© are the pride of the Sierra bullet family, unmatched worldwide and truly world class in all respects. Competitive shooters have relied on the consistent accuracy of Sierra’s MatchKings© for decades, resulting in a history of state, national and world records. Although they are recognized around the world for record-setting accuracy, MatchKing© bullets are not recommended for hunting. Factory new cases, match grade primers and top quality projectiles make this load a go to choice for competition or match practice.

Technical Specifications

• Caliber = .308 Winchester
• Projectile = 175gr Sierra MatchKing©
• Muzzle Velocity = 2680 FPS
• Muzzle Energy = 2790 ft/lbs

 

The gun I will be using is my recently modified Dinzag Arms Saiga .308. The scope is a Bushnell 3-9×40, standard Tru-Plex. The gun has had only basic exterior mods, with some minor trigger shelf polishing. As many Saiga owners know, these barrels tend to heat up fast and vertically string when they do, so it is best to allow a cool down period every 20 rounds or so.

Because of range limitations that day, I was only able to do a 200 yard trial, so I went ahead and did prone position using my pack as a rest to add some authenticity to the test, this being a DM rifle.

The target was a Howe CSAT, one of my favorite targets to use for field training. Very simple and basic. The Center of Mass and “Head” width boxes measures 5 1/2″ wide, so the target is exacting. Most humanoid rifle targets I train with give you around 13 inches for the Sniper Triangle on the Torso (nipple to nipple) and 4″ for the head (width between the eyes) . I put a orange sticker for a reference point on head and torso.

I fired 9 rounds total. My first two shots were head shots, with the first cold bore round piercing the sticker. My next shot was a flyer, 3″ low and to the right. My next set was to center of mass, my first round hit right above the sticker with the following two shots a tad to the right and low;  the last shot of the group  was a wild flyer; a full 3″ off the rest of the group.  The next set hit high and to the right, stringing due to the barrel starting to heat up.

Overall, I gotta say I was really pleased with how the ammo performed .Very Smooth feeding, and no issues ejecting. The recoil was extremely light, even negligible you might say, very pleasant to shoot! Now I realize this load, as specified in the above description, is not made for “hunting” per se (or a self-defense load) and is more suited for competition shooting, but I wanted to try a load like this out just to get a baseline for further testing on Hunting and Self-Defense Loads in the future.

As far as the Rifle goes, I realize the limitations of my Saiga, I have shot it at several classes over the years and taken some hogs and coyotes with it here and there. And although it is no “tack driver” by any means, for a Semi-Auto DM Rifle, it has shown it can shoot “Minute of Man” with quality ammo out to a respectable engagement distance and that is enough for me as a Civilian Operator living in the dense woods of Texas.

3 MOA at 200 yds is a fair example of this rifle but let me say I believe this load is easily 1 MOA or better with a more precise rifle behind it. Next test we will change things up to show you that.

Stay tuned for more Ammo Test From Gorilla!

Until then,

Shoot Straight, Stay Alert, Stay Armed and Stay Dangerous!