cjl2010 Report post Posted October 22, 2017 Ive been messing around with different 6.5 Bullets in my creedmoor and noticed on the sierras, 142smk, all the tips looked clogged. Almost like the lead is all the way to the meplat. Is this normal for SMK? I mostly use bergers and all my meplats are clear on them. For hunting, should I try to clear the tips? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
300RUM Report post Posted October 22, 2017 I have used SMKs in .223, .277, .284, & .30. There has always been a cavity behind the tip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
L Cazador Report post Posted October 22, 2017 What you're seeing is polishing material. The core should be only about 3/4 of the way up. Yes it may affect expansion and cleaning it may damage the meplat. I've seen this with Bergers as well. It won't make much difference but if it bothers you don't use that bullet. I found that even some very slight things that affect my perception of the accuracy of my loads can affect my shooting, LOL! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lancetkenyon Report post Posted October 22, 2017 I have always had good luck with the performance of the 6.5mm 142 SMK on game. The meplat has gone through a pointing process by Sierra for better BC. So they appear much more closed than the 140 SMK or any Berger. I will be trying the new 6.5mm 150 SMK in my 6.5 SS once I can get my hands on some. They get the same pointing process as the 142s do. You can see where the pointing process happens if you look close. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjl2010 Report post Posted October 23, 2017 Tough picture to take. Only reason I bring it up is I hear of bergers not expanding because of a clogged meplat and I wasnt sure if this is the case with match Kings as well. Besides the fact you shouldnt use match Bullets for hunting 😝 Top to bottom 142 smk 140 vld 130 ar hybrid Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WampusCat Report post Posted October 23, 2017 I don't have any pictures of my specific setup but after having a Berger 210 gr (7 or 8 years ago) give less than desirable performance I started drilling the tips using micro pin vise style bits. I am not removing jacket material. Only clearing the opening/cavity of any debris. Can't remember the exact size but you can eyeball it pretty good for each specific projectile if you buy a set that gives plenty of options like this... https://www.amazon.com/CML-Supply-Micro-Drill-Chuck/dp/B001RJE3X8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1508750194&sr=8-3&keywords=pin+vice+drill+bit I do not know if a clogged tip caused my problem long ago as there is no way to prove it but I noticed many of the tips were clogged in that lot. I also don't know that drilling will prevent a repeat of my results but it is a major piece of mind (confidence) for me now. I read about others doing this a few years ago and it has become a habitual part of my load regimen for hunting ammo. No problems since. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
