Battle of the Matchkings! (168gr)

[ILikeLead]

Sierra matchking 168 grain in .308 versus

Speer matchking 168 grain in .308 (technically not a match king, but similar design)

Which is more accurate? (The ogive is farther back on the Sierra by .020)


BTW, where did the old thread about this topic disappear to?

 

[amlevin]

I've actually found the Nosler 168gr. Custom Competition's to be more accurate in my rifles.

 

[REL1203]

I find the 168 Sierra Match Kings to be about as accurate as I could ask for.

Below is a 5shot group at 100 with my R700 AAC

 

[Funshooter45]

Sierras are the standard by which all others are judged. However I have had equal results with Hornady AMAX bullets. I have not tried Speer in that particular caliber and weight, but based on other comparisons between Speer vs. Hornady or Sierra in other bullets, I generally get better performance from the others if you're talking about match bullets. Speer isn't bad, just not quite as good as the others in my tests.

 

[Curator]

I agree with Funshooter. Speer aren't bad, just not as good as Sierra. Weigh samples of both. Sierra will be + or _ .02 grains. Speer will run + or - .06 grains. I do take the ogive into consideration when loading and set my OAL length to position the bullet .02 off contact with the lands.

 

[helotaxi]

At long range, the Sierras are known to have transonic stability issues. The Hornady A-Max is another to consider. Usually less expensive as well.

 

[Slamfire]

I stopped loading 168's in my 308's the first time I had tumbling at 1000 yards. I have not tried the various brands at 1000 yards, why drive 2 hours to a 1000 yard match, mess up your score, finding which 168's may or may not tumble?

At 1000 yards I use 175 SMK or 190's and they stay stable all the way.

At 600 yards the 168's stay stable in my rifles.

I can't tell any difference between Speer, Sierra, Nosler or Hornday 168 Match bullets. Maybe a bench rest shooter can but accuracy differences are within my hold.

Sierra bullets have been very consistent and the 70's vintage 168 SMK's shot just as well as modern. Can't say that with other 60's and 70's vintage match bullets I shot. However all the modern brands shoot well.

Buy by price.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I've had very good success with the Sierra MatchKings as well as the Nosler and Hornady match bullets. I've not used the Speer bullets so I can't comment.

 

[Rat Robb]

I usually try and get Hornady but I have also had good luck with Fusion and Black Hills.

-Robb