.308 175gr Sierra matchking

[MNGaryB]

Does anyone know of a hunting bullet that has similar ballistics and all around similar accuracy as a smk 175 bthp?
Thanks

 

[Zac]

Not much really, you might try Berger's 175

 

[MNGaryB]

Not much really, you might try Berger's 175

Do you any experience with Sierra game changer bullets?
10gr lighter than matchkings

 

[whiskeysierra762]

180 Accubond.

 

[JimGa]

I've had great luck with the old 178 amax. They are not as tolerant of jump as the SMK, as you can practically jump it 1/4" and it'll still shoot. I have not shot any of the new 178 Hornady's but they are worth a try. Another great bullet is the 155 Scenarr. You can run them near 2900 fps with Varget and it's good to at least 600 yards.

 

[MNGaryB]

Update
Loaded 165gr Sierra game changers. 43gr varget. Shooting 3/4 MOA. Not as good as matchkings but good enough for hunting! It was 2” higher at 100yards than 175gr matchkings with same powder charge.

 

[orelkaddict]

Just curious, was there a reason you couldn't hunt with the Match Kings?

 

[MNGaryB]

Just curious, was there a reason you couldn't hunt with the Match Kings?

I read dozens of articles stating there’s zero expansion and pencil in pencil out holes. Many game animals with good shots lost...

 

[orelkaddict]

Ok, like i said I was just wondering. I've shot plenty of animals with SMK bullets and always had great success. Maybe I've just been lucky so far? Best of luck to you!!

 

[MNGaryB]

Ok, like i said I was just wondering. I've shot plenty of animals with SMK bullets and always had great success. Maybe I've just been lucky so far? Best of luck to you!!

Sorry if my comment seamed like a reaction! Not intended. You have more experience and knowledge on the matter than I do by the sounds of it! I’m going to try the match king out on a coyote and see how it goes!
Also I’m going to try a few other things on these new game changers. I will keep ya posted!

 

[Formidilosus]

SMK’s work. However they exhibit variable behavior in tissue. If you use them, ensure that the open tip is in fact open and that there is no copper or lead blocking it. If you do so, you should expect 2-4” exits on deer.

 

[bruceleroy]

178 ELD-X has the best BC in that weight class. I also like the Speer 180gr BTSP. I get 2625 from an 18" barrel on those Speers.

 

[BCsteve]

175gr LRX has almost an identical BC. .505 for the SMK and .508 for the LRX. ( according to each’s website.)

 

[new2mud]

I have been loading both the 178 ELD-X as well as the 175 SMK for my 308. While I think the 175 does win in the overall accuracy department, I just started tinkering a bit more with seating depths on the 178 ELD-X and am showing potential for a 0.60 MOA node with it. Which for me, for hunting up to 500 yards would suit me just fine.

 

[mpodkolzin]

@new2mud could you share your load data for eldx, please? What velocities can one expect?

 

[new2mud]

42.6 grains of Varget is netting me 2561 FPS out of a 20.5” barrel with the 178, using CBC (Magtech) brass and S&B primers. Single digit SD.

 

[bowstruck]

im a fan of the eld-x bullets. several guys I know use these