10-28-2021, 12:33 AM
Welcome aboard from a former NJ resident who headed west about 15 years ago. 1:8 will be perfect for 123s in a 26". A +2 gas system would also likely be ideal, but the problem is that no one's done any real testing on what the proper port size should be. And by testing, I don't mean someone on the forum who's had a barrel made for them which may or may not work, I mean a barrel manufacturer whose done R&D and testing to see what actually works best for that length (such as what Proof Research does, especially with 6 ARC). Makes it a bit of a crap shoot unless you are comfortable drilling it larger if there's a problem.
Also take a look at the 123 gr Lapua Scenar. Same BC as the SMK, a heck of a lot easier to find these days and a lot more forgiving. The Grendel chamber's throat is allegedly designed with it in mind. I've shot thousands in Grendel and have even switched over to it in my 6.5 CM PRS gas gun. I didn't even have to bother with a seating depth ladder - shoots better than me at my initial depth which is a lot longer jump than what I do in my 22" JP Grendel barrel.
Also take a look at the 123 gr Lapua Scenar. Same BC as the SMK, a heck of a lot easier to find these days and a lot more forgiving. The Grendel chamber's throat is allegedly designed with it in mind. I've shot thousands in Grendel and have even switched over to it in my 6.5 CM PRS gas gun. I didn't even have to bother with a seating depth ladder - shoots better than me at my initial depth which is a lot longer jump than what I do in my 22" JP Grendel barrel.
Let's go Brandon!