Ballistic info for federal gold medal match 168 gr ammunition
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Executive summary
Federal Gold Medal Match .308 Win, 168‑grain Sierra MatchKing (GM308M) is commonly listed with a factory muzzle velocity of 2,650 ft/s and a Sierra MatchKing ballistic coefficient generally cited around 0.447–0.462 depending on the source (factory velocity: 2,650 ft/s; BC: ~0.447–0.462) [1] [2] [3]. Independent tests and ballistics cards routinely use those numbers for trajectory and wind‑call tables, and users note that barrel length meaningfully alters muzzle velocity from the published spec (factory velocity typically taken from a 20" barrel) [4] [5] [6].
1. What the factory spec says — the numbers competitors use
Federal’s Gold Medal Match .308 Win 168 gr. load (GM308M) is marketed with the Sierra MatchKing 168‑grain BTHP and a listed muzzle velocity of 2,650 ft/s; retail and manufacturer product pages repeat that number and the cartridge is described as optimized for match shooting [1] [7]. Commercial ammo vendors and ballistic‑card makers use 2,650 ft/s and list the SMK BC in the 0.45–0.46 range when publishing drop and wind values for typical atmosphere assumptions [8] [9] [4].
2. Ballistic coefficient: small disagreement among sources
Ballistic coefficient values for the 168‑gr Sierra MatchKing cited with this load vary in reporting. Some product and vendor pages state a BC of 0.462 TS (transonic/sectional) while at least one independent test page reports a BC of 0.447 for the same Federal load — a non‑trivial difference for long‑range work because BC affects predicted drop and wind deflection [3] [2] [8]. Reported BC differences likely come from different measurement methods, velocity ranges, or whether the number is manufacturer‑provided, so users should select the BC that matches their ballistic solver’s expected convention [2] [3].
3. Barrel length and real‑world muzzle velocity
Published 2,650 ft/s is a factory figure typically measured from a standard test barrel (commonly ~20"). Chronograph tests and barrel‑cut experiments show muzzle velocity drops as barrel length shortens; Rifleshooter’s dedicated experiment recorded velocities for Federal 168 gr. Gold Medal across barrels cut from 28" down to 16.5", demonstrating measurable loss of ft/s as length decreases [5]. Forum and calculator users routinely apply barrel‑length correction factors to the 2,650 ft/s baseline for guns with shorter barrels [6]. Available sources do not give a single universal correction per inch because results vary by rifle and barrel profile [5] — you must chrono your rifle for precision work.
4. How people use the published figures: trajectory cards and BDCs
Ballistic‑card vendors and shooters’ tools use the 2,650 ft/s and a chosen BC to create drop, wind, and holdover tables often zeroed at 300 yards for mil BDC cards; cards assume standard atmospheric conditions unless otherwise stated [4] [9]. Sniper Central prints cards using those factory numbers and specifies the environmental baseline for the numbers, underlining that real‑world atmospherics change the outcomes [4]. Competitors and precision shooters therefore treat Federal’s spec as a starting point for rifle‑specific data gathering [9].
5. Accuracy & components that matter beyond raw numbers
Beyond muzzle velocity and BC, Federal’s Gold Medal designation emphasizes match‑grade components: Sierra MatchKing projectiles, match brass, and Federal’s primer/powder selection. Retail descriptions and sellers highlight those elements as the product’s design intent for repeatable groups rather than terminal effects [10] [11] [12]. Independent testers sometimes measure slightly different BCs or velocity than box specs; that divergence reflects manufacturing tolerances and differences between factory test conditions and a shooter’s rifle [2] [5].
6. Practical guidance and what reporting doesn’t say
If you need firing‑solution accuracy beyond a few hundred yards, chronograph the ammunition from your rifle and derive a BC that reflects your observed velocity decay; don’t rely solely on the 2,650 ft/s factory figure if your barrel differs from the test barrel [5] [6]. Available sources do not mention a single, validated per‑inch velocity loss to apply universally — the Rifleshooter chronograph data is the closest practical reference for how barrel length influenced this specific Federal load [5]. Use the BC variant (0.447 vs 0.462) that matches your chosen solver’s definition, then validate by shooting and adjusting.
Sources cited: Federal product and vendor pages, ballistic cards and independent testing discussions [1][3][6][12][9][4][8][2][5][10].