Sierra MatchKing vs GameKing

[Mudshack]

Hey gang. I did a test of 4 different factory loads for my .308 back in 2006. The federal premium 165gr Sierra GameKing was the most accurate. And I have loved it ever since. Unfortunately, I have been looking for a couple boxes of GameKing since March and can not find any. Came across the 168gr MatchKing the other day, and the guy behind the counter (salesman) told me that the MatchKing are hollow tips so they will expand like the GameKing.

What say you? Should I keep looking for my GameKing and sell the two boxes of MatchKing? Will the MatchKing have the same knockdown power of the GameKing? Oh...and btw....the MatchKing were about $5 cheaper per box.

[Mudshack]

GameKing


MatchKing

[bigchiefj]

I don't think the Matchking bullets are designed to expand.

[Mudshack]

Actually......I found on the Sierra website the following statement:

"Although they are recognized around the world for record-setting accuracy, MatchKing bullets are not recommended for hunting."

Guess I will be returning those 2 boxes.

[MarkV]

The Federal 168 gr Sierra matchking BTHP gold medal match have been great to me. Dropped an oryx 10 ft from where I shot it, have dropped whitetail in their tracks and blackbuck, and sika too. I like them a lot and my gun does too.

[RemMan700]

Have you looked at the 165gr Gameking hollow points (product #2140)? I use both the soft point and the hollow point. I find the hollow point to have a little bit better wound channel.

https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/2140/308-dia-165-gr-HPBT

Midway has both 165 soft point and hollow point Gamekings in stock:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/326863/sierra-gameking-bullets-30-caliber-308-diameter-165-grain-hollow-point-boat-tail-box-of-100

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/349363/sierra-gameking-bullets-30-caliber-308-diameter-165-grain-spitzer-boat-tail-box-of-100

[Mudshack]

RemMan,
I need the bang to go with them. That has been the problem. Cant find gameking anywhere.

[Slick8]

A 30 cal Match King will kill deer sized game and many people do it. Sierra puts the statement out regarding their match bullets to protect themselves.

The Match King is a thin jacketed bullet that will fragment violently and depending on the shot angle may not give adequate penetration to anchor the animal. Under ideal conditions where a slightly quartering away or perfectly broadside shot is encountered you'd be fine. On the other hand a long raking shot or one through heavy shoulder bone is an unknown due to extreme fragmentation.

If you watch any of the "long range" hunting shows which mostly use Berger VLD's, you'll notice they typically take a spine shot on animals. I asked one of these gents about that at the NRA convention and answer was two part. A spine shots drops the animal so you have no issues with finding a blood trail at 600+ yards. Second with the precision equipment they use the vertical is nearly pinpoint and now you have a large left and right fudge factor with wind in the spine.

Good luck to ya.

[Bonesplitter]

I shot a lil ole blackbuck at 412 yards with a 168gr matchking. Fell where it stood, it was quartering to me and the bullet entered the front right shoulder and exited the left rear hind quarter smashing through bones on the way. I will keep using them.

[Mudshack]

Yep. They are going back. I expected more advice from the guy. Bought them from the ammo storebnext to Rogers. I questioned him specifically about shooting them at deer and he said they were better than the gamekings dure to thwm being hollow points. :mad2:

I just cant find Federal Premium 165gr GameKings anywhere...even the internet searches of two weeks ago only found them in a 100rd case option. And I dont have $308 to spend on ammo for the deer rifle right now. I just want 2 boxes...lol

[bustacap]

Try welchersgunshoponline.com
I've never ordered anything from them, but looks to be in stock.
$31.99

[Mudshack]

Ooo. Thx

[LWolken]

The Sierra game kings are some of the most accurate bullets for game that I have shot out of my 308 win. With larger cartridges the match kings seem to work fine but every since I shot some at 628yds and found them(175gr.) in the berm behind the target I decided I would not use them on game. They looked almost good enough to reload. I'm sure it would hurt pretty bad but very little to no expansion at those ranges. I have been using 150gr. Nosler BT and they work well and shoot tight groups from my 308 VSSF.

[Matteo]

I have used both often and have noticed that although the matchkings are crazy accurate, sometimes exit wounds were the size of my pinky when no bone was hit. I read the same thing on the Sierra web site about them not being recommended for hunting. I won't use them for hunting anymore.

[gibowhunter]

Ive used them in my 7mm rem mag in 168 grain, they are the most accurate round Ive used. Shot several deer with them, never shot at a shoulder, always in the lung/ heart broadside, wicked holes and expansion, all were DRT
I have been buying boxed ammo lately and have been pleased with the Winchester XP3 and the Accubonds. Almost as accurate but I really like to shoot deer in the shoulder as I hunt near very thick cover or water often