M118 7.62 LC National Match ammo

[GA-Dave]

What is the current value of M118 LC National Match Ammo? This the standard ammo with the 173 grain bullet not the M118LR. I have an opportunity to buy and I want to make sure the price is not outrageous.

Thanks,
Dave

[raymeketa]

The old M118 is still available on the auction sites, both in 20-round cartons and in hinged ammo boxes. I collect US Match ammunition and I never pay more than $1 per round unless it's something rare that I need for my collection. That's $1 per round in clean, sealed cartons or boxes. For shooting ammo, opened cartons, mixed lots, or for large quantities, you should pay proportionatley less.

Ray

[Ken Hill]

Saw the thread and it prompted a follow up question on the M118LR.

I have a case, (two cans unbroken seal) I got from CMP perhaps 7 yrs ago. I understood it to be 173gr Sierra and someone told me that it should by 175. I am looking to find a fair price to pass it along to a friend/.308 shooter who just bulit himself a decent rifle.

I haven't broken the seals so I cannot tell you about headstamps. Appreciate any advice. Thanks.


M118LR..JPG

[P. Greaney]

M118LR uses the Sierra Hollow Point Boat Tail Match King bullet which is 175grains plus or minus 0.3 of a grain.
I can't assist you with a price, but was given to understand that the M118LR the CMP sold in the timeframe to which you refer was loose packed, not in twenty round boxes and of mixed headstamps (by year)
When separated by headstamp it proved to be accurate but when just used without regard to separating by headstamp it produced results similar to standard ball (M80).
I could be wrong but that does not look like a legitimate lot or contract number stenciled on the can. So, it could well be mixed headstamps packed loosely.
I have also never seen a seal on a U.S. ammunition can. I have seen seals on the small wooden two-can crates they come in.
I'd open the can to see if it is loose or packed in boxes as it says on the can and if there is a lot number printed on each box.

[Ken Hill]

The two cans have a lead seal and the wooden crate was sealed. Picked it up directly from Anniston warehouse before they sold to the public. I know the party that sold it to me. It's new Lake City and was told 173 grain. It was from a "lot" of cases the Marine Corps was buying back.

What is stenciled is the SMQ number listed but sheds no light on the grain of the bullet. The M80/XM80, M118LR/XM118LR, M193/XM193A, M855/XM855, M856/XM856, all share this number. The cans are labeled M118LR.

My question remains is it 173 or 175gr because of the 2003 year I'm thinking 175 Sierra. And if so what would be a fair price for it?

SMQ03K271-003 for a box of the M118 LR 7.62mm cartridges.

SMQ = manufacturer code
03 = 2003
K = October
271 = Interfix number
003 = Sequence number

Thanks

[gwp]

I purchased a case of M118LR when it was available from the CMP (Lot SMQ03E271-002)

The bullet used is the Sierra 175 gr. Matchking.

You can find additional information here:

http://www.snipercentral.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=231

From:

http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com...-match_04.html

With the start of the Gulf War II in 2003 the high temperatures encountered in Iraq (in excess of 115 degrees F) began to produce some M14 op-rod failures due to excessive pressure at the gas port. Both the Army and Marines found the range marking on their scopes to be off of calibration with the higher velocity M118LR loads in such desert conditions. The result was a decision to reduce the load to a more moderate level.

[Ken Hill]

Great link and an answer to the grain question. I'll forward the info to my shooting buddy at the club and let him decide what a fair price is and if he wants it. I have a 700 that's found a home w/ 168Gr, consistently sub MOA at 100, but I tend to shoot pistol. Appreciate your help.

[Johnny in Texas]

It is 175 SMK bullet some has mixed brass dates from 2001 - 2003 it shoots great. I have shot about 600 rounds. It consistently shoots under 1 MOA and 1/2 MOA is not uncommon.

[George in NH]

As I recall, the initial over the counter sale at Camp Perry during rifle week was for sealed cases of
M118LR in cartons. I did buy a sealed wooden case but I cannot remember the year. I have not opened it yet but may do so if I can get my M21 clone project off the ground. A fellow SR shooter who has moved to mid range prone and F tactical reports that he buys every round of LR that he can find. He also reports that the LC brass is just fine for his shooting. Have to add that he owns and shoots a Chandler and several other high end LR rifles. We have access to a private 1000 yard range and really enjoy shooting there. George in NH

[powerwagon]

i lso bought this ammo years ago 2 lead sealed cans in a wooden case.