Hey Billy, that Mauser sounds like a phatty ride.
You need to post some photos.
I'm not a 1K shooter like Boyd Heaton who moderates the Beyond 500 Yards forum. He is the guy to go to for info that works.
Only shot one "match" and that was with Boyd's 300 RUM.
Kewl rifle btw...
I do try for groundhogs though at that distance like last Saturday. It was quite fun on a running hog and got 3 rounds off before he made it to cover.
One reason I've been told the 168gr SMK isn't as good at 1K is due to it not staying supersonic out to that distance. When the 168grainer slows down to the speed of sound, there is some "turbulence" which causes the bullet to become in-accurate.
So 308win shooters switch to the 175gr SMK instead and that bullet is supposed to stay supersonic to 1K.
During break-in, the new 308 shot the 175gr SMK well at 100 yards. Haven't tried them since and have been using the 169.5gr Wildcat ULD RBBT HP instead. Btw, I nailed a chuck at 162 yards broadside across it's chest and that Wildcat bullet ripped open it's chest. Richard at WC Bullets is making me some special 169.5gr hollow points that have more of an open meplat to test for him. Can't wait to get them.
If your rifle is shooting well with the 168gr SMK, then try them first. What velocity are you getting?
I do like VARGET because of its tolerance to temperature. I can use the same load in Summer and Winter.
On a side note, after installing the tapered Badger base on the 308, I was able to get 75moa in elevation adjustment from a 100 yard zero with the 4.5-14x50LR scope. That should be plenty for the caliber.
Allen