M72 vs. M118 bullet performance

[smle-man]

I loaded up some 7.5x55 rounds as well as 7.62x51 rounds with both M72 and M118 projectiles. Interestingly the 168gr projos shot to the right for both cartridges and the M72s shot to point of aim (the rifles were sighted previously using the M72 bullets). I realize that different bullets shoot to different point of aim but I'm curious what is in the make up or design of the M118 bullet that in different cartridges and out of different rifles would both shoot to 3 o'clock? Or is it just 'one of those things'?

[FLIGHT762]

Or is it just 'one of those things'?

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Also, M 72 (30/06 Match) bullets are a 173 grain FMJ with an open base, very similar to the original M1 ball bullet that was used from 1925 to 1940 in Military 30/06 ammo. M 118 (7.62 NATO Match) bullets are the same M 72 bullet used in the 30/06 Match ammo. M 118 Special Ball uses the 173 FMJ. "M118 LR" uses the sierra 175 OTM.

The M 852 ammo (7.62 NATO Match) uses a 168 Sierra OTM bullet.

History of the ammo can be seen here: http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com...cial-ball.html

[highpower790]

The 173gr bullet, while not as good as the 168 served its purpose.IF my understanding is correct the 173 came about as a bullet was needed (1920ish)to stabilize in machine guns at longer ranges.
For match competition I have found the 168 to be the better bullet,which can be expected.While good scores were shot with the 173,the 168 was a game changer in the competition world,much like CMP switching from ball issue ammo to Hornady Amax at the National Matches.