77gr SMK vs. 75gr BTHP

[wareagle700]

I am trying to work up a load using one of these bullets. They will be used for medium range (100-700) target and steel shooting. The rifle is a SAM-Rish setup with a WOA SDM barrel. The Hornady 75gr BTHP and Sierra 77gr MK have very similar BC's when tested. Hornady's published BC is a little high and actually falls right in with the 77SMK. The 75gr BTHP is cheaper and can be pushed a little faster. However, for some reason the 77SMK seems to be a more popular choice. What does it offer over the 75gr BTHP?
Thanks.

[Paulo_Santos]

The Sierra 77 GR SMK is generally more accurate because of the Tanget Ogive. The Hornady 75 GR has the Secant Ogive, which gives it a higher BC, but it is a lottle more picky. I'd try a box of both and see which one your AR prefers. I've had good luck with 23.5 GR of H4895 with the Hornady 75 GR BTHP and with Varget. Some people like to use RE15.

[wareagle700]

I am able to get 1 MOA with the 75gr BTHP and RL-15. I will buy a box of the 77SMK's and test them. I am happy with 1 MOA from an AR though. The 77SMK's will have to do a good bit better in order for me to justify the price.
Thanks for the reply.