Sierra Mathch Kings for hunting?

GRiNGo

GRiNGo

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Berger bullets are used for hunting and they are a "target bullet" that is now touted as a hunting bullet. What is the consensus on using the match kings as hunting bullets?
Now be gentle, I am just asking as they shoot well in my .270. I generally use Federal cheap blue box ammo for moose and deer with no problems, now that I am reloading I was going to switch to a better bullet but was having trouble getting the Barnes TSX to shoot, and have not found any Bergers yet for .270.
 
If the barnes dont shoot to your expectations There are a ton of Other great hunting bullets to try . I have a few guns in the same calaber and for example one will get cloverleaf groups with nosler accubonds ,the other gun will only come down to about 2" groups with the accubonds.

I dont know the consensus on using the match kings , But I look at it as that I am killing an animal , I owe it the quickest/ethical death I can give it and if it cost me a few bucks to find a good "hunting" bullet that the gun will shoot , I feel its well worth it .

Just my take ;)
 
Sierra makes hunting bullets as well. It is my understanding that the jackets of the match bullets are too thin for proper penetration.
 
Sierra considers using their Matchkings for hunting to be a bad idea.

From their site

Can I use a MatchKing bullet for deer hunting? They shoot just great in my rifle, so they should be just super for hunting use, right?

No, it's not recommended. The MatchKing bullets are designed for pinpoint accuracy; with no consideration given to what might happen after impact. If the bullet has arrived on target accurately, its job is done at that point. Hunting bullets must perform in a certain manner after impact. Penetrating ability, expansion characteristics, and even profile must be considered when designing a hunting bullet. Use MatchKings for matches, and game bullets for hunting.
Click to expand...
 
there's all of THREE grains in 308 between sgk and smk- 165 vs 168 when hunting time rolls around, sight in with sgks and make allowances if necessary- i haven't noticed any appreciable difference in my rifles
 
Tried it, bad idea. The MK's small hollow point is designed to stabilize the bullet in the air, and has no role in the expansion of the bullet. As a result, the performance on game is inconsistant. The thin jacket can create varmint bullet type explosive expansion, but other times they just pencil through. Leave the MK's for paper and choose a game bullet for hunting.
 
i've heard of several people using the matchkings for hunting deer sized game and even black bear. all one shot kills. the problem they had was little to no blood trail. good thing the furthest any went was 40 yards. so a well placed bullet will bring it down but sierra also makes gameking bullets which are supposed to be pretty darn accurate and are a hunting bullet.
 
Match bullets are not hunting bullets and are not "Designed to expand". Therefore using them to hunt with, could be considered contravening hunting regulations were you are required to use bullets that expand!

I don't use hunting bullets to shoot matches, don't use match bullets to hunt with. The job of a hunter is to dispatch his/her game quickly and humanely, not to shoot it from 900 yards and have it be gone by the time he gets to were he hit it!

Scott
 
A few years back on another forum, this same topic went over fourty pages.
It seems that some people do hunt with these bullets, and are willing to argue the point.
Those making the argument, in general were guys hunting at extreme range, with cartridges like the 338 RUM.
It can be done.
Myself, I'll stick with true hunting bullets. If you like the Match king, try the Sierra Game king. It's a true hunting bullet, and from my own use, very accurate.
 
I will be sticking with hunting bullets, I was just asking simply as to the construction of the bullets, like berger target/hunting bullets. If it's going to ruffle to many feathers go ahead and delete this thread.

And thanks to those who did give info, I appreciate it.
 
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