I have never tried the tipped versions.
I have experimented with IMR XBR 8208, Reloader 15, H4895 and AR-Comp out of a government profile 20 inch barrel. All those and many more work fine.
Seems 23.2 +/- or so on the XBR 2,675fps
24.0-24.5 +/- or so on the RL15 2,595 fps
22.5 or so with the AR-Comp 2,630 fps
23 or so on the H4895 2,675 fps
H4895 shoots the best through-out a large range. No picky areas. You can also go higher and keep the same accuracy. I have noticed using a CC#41 can net +100fps with H4895. (same accuracy/more pressure LOL)
I shoot both Sierra 77's and Hornady 75's.
Both shoot well. The Sierras seem to shoot a little better in a lesser quality barrel. In a good barrel they will be neck to neck. IMO
It is cheaper to buy a good barrel and shoot cheaper bullets after several thousands of rounds IMO.
I have a dummy round from the longest Sierra SMK 77gr i have ever measured. I seat them all so a duplicate of that will fit in the mag. Normally COAL is from 2.240 all the way back up to 2.257+
I have a bunch of ball powder loads ready for load development. When i get the time "someday" i will post back the results. I was hoping for 2800fps.
We will see...