Let’s Dive into Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets
For years, the Sierra 168 grain MatchKing has been a staple in the .308 Winchester world, known for its exceptional accuracy. When Sierra Bullets announced the Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets, the shooting community buzzed with anticipation. The addition of the acetal resin tip promised to enhance ballistic performance, potentially extending the effective range of this already legendary bullet.
My journey to these bullets started with a growing frustration in F-Class competitions. While my .308 was consistent out to 600 yards, the wind at 1000 was a constant battle. I needed a bullet that could buck the wind better and retain supersonic velocity at longer distances without changing calibers.
Unboxing the Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets was a familiar experience, yet subtly different. The bullets were meticulously arranged in the box, showcasing the sharp tips. The build quality was immediately apparent, consistent and clean as one would expect from Sierra.
I had been considering the Berger 168 grain VLD Target and the Hornady 178 grain ELD Match, but ultimately chose the Sierra TMK due to Sierra’s reputation for consistency and the promise of a more forgiving seating depth compared to the VLD. Initial impressions were positive; I was eager to see if the hype matched the reality. The profile looked more aggressive than the original MatchKing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets was at my local range, which offers distances out to 1000 yards. The conditions were relatively mild, with a slight crosswind of about 5-7 mph. I loaded up a series of test rounds with varying powder charges, using Varget powder and Federal Gold Medal primers, carefully documenting each load.
The initial shots at 100 yards revealed exceptional accuracy. I achieved consistent sub-MOA groups with multiple powder charges. Moving to 600 yards, the performance remained impressive, with minimal vertical dispersion. The real test, however, was at 1000 yards. Here, the TMK truly shined, exhibiting significantly less wind drift than my previous load with the standard MatchKing. There was no difficulty reading the impacts.
The Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets were easy to load and seemed less sensitive to small variations in seating depth compared to other match bullets I’ve used. This made the load development process relatively straightforward. However, I did notice that the tips were somewhat delicate and could be easily damaged if not handled carefully during seating.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets have proven to be incredibly consistent and reliable. I have fired hundreds of rounds in various conditions. This includes hot summer days with mirage and cold, damp mornings.
The TMK bullets have consistently delivered exceptional accuracy, maintaining sub-MOA performance in my rifle. There have been no issues with jacket separation or any other signs of poor quality. The lot-to-lot consistency has also been excellent, which is crucial for competitive shooting.
Cleaning my rifle after shooting the TMK bullets is no different than with other copper-jacketed bullets. I use a standard copper solvent and have not noticed any excessive fouling. Compared to my previous experiences with standard MatchKings, the TMK bullets have provided a noticeable improvement in long-range performance, particularly in windy conditions. The difference is especially noticeable at 800-1000 yards.
Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets
Specifications
The Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets boast several key specifications that contribute to their exceptional performance. The bullet diameter is, of course, .30 caliber. Each bullet weighs 168 grains. The Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT) design enhances ballistic efficiency.
The 168-grain weight is a sweet spot for .308 Winchester, balancing manageable recoil with good ballistic performance. The Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT) design reduces drag and improves the bullet’s flight characteristics, especially at longer ranges. The plastic tip further reduces drag and enhances the ballistic coefficient.
The sectional density is 0.253. The bullet quantity is 100 per box. The tip material is plastic (acetal resin). The bullet is primarily made of copper.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets is to deliver exceptional accuracy and long-range performance. In this regard, it excels. The ballistic coefficient (BC) of .535 (at 2050 fps and above) is a significant improvement over the standard MatchKing, resulting in flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift.
The TMK bullets consistently deliver sub-MOA accuracy in my rifle, exceeding my expectations for a factory-produced bullet. The boat tail design and plastic tip make it more forgiving in the wind. One potential weakness is the bullet’s limited expansion capabilities, as it’s not designed for hunting applications requiring rapid expansion.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets feature a streamlined design with a sleek profile. The materials used are of high quality, with a consistent copper jacket and a precisely molded plastic tip. The bullets are easy to handle and load into cartridges.
The weight distribution feels balanced, contributing to consistent accuracy. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets, as they load and perform similarly to other match bullets. Their consistency lends itself well to ease of use.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets are designed for target shooting and competition, not for extreme durability. However, they are well-constructed and should last indefinitely if stored properly. The copper jacket is durable enough to withstand the stresses of firing.
Maintaining the bullets themselves is not applicable, as they are single-use components. Cleaning your rifle after using these bullets is standard and straightforward.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets themselves do not have accessories. However, they are compatible with a wide range of reloading components. This includes various powders, primers, and cartridge cases.
They also work well with different seating dies and crimping tools. There are no specific modifications required to use these bullets. Any standard .308 Winchester rifle with a suitable twist rate (1:10 or 1:12) should be compatible.
Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups in properly tuned rifles.
- Improved Ballistic Coefficient: The plastic tip significantly improves the BC, resulting in flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift.
- Excellent Consistency: Lot-to-lot consistency is outstanding, ensuring reliable performance.
- Easy Load Development: Relatively forgiving and easy to develop accurate loads.
- Reputable Brand: Sierra Bullets has a long-standing reputation for quality and accuracy.
Cons
- Not Suitable for Hunting: Designed for target shooting and lacks the rapid expansion needed for ethical hunting.
- Delicate Tips: The plastic tips can be damaged if not handled carefully during reloading.
Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets?
The Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets are perfect for competitive shooters. They are also suitable for long-range target shooters and reloaders seeking exceptional accuracy and improved ballistic performance in their .308 Winchester rifles. This is the ideal round for those looking to stretch the legs of their rifle.
Hunters seeking a bullet with rapid expansion for ethical kills should avoid this product. Varmint hunters may find these bullets too robust for explosive expansion.
A quality reloading press, accurate powder scale, and precise seating die are must-have accessories. A bullet comparator can help ensure consistent seating depth.
Conclusion on Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets
The Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets are a worthy upgrade to the already legendary MatchKing line. The improved ballistic coefficient offers a noticeable advantage in long-range performance, making them an excellent choice for competitive shooters and serious target shooters.
The price is justified by the exceptional accuracy, consistency, and overall quality of these bullets. The ability to stay supersonic longer and reduce wind drift is worth the investment.
I would highly recommend the Sierra Bullets .30 Caliber 168 Grain Tipped MatchKing 100 Rifle Bullets to anyone seeking the best possible performance from their .308 Winchester rifle. Upgrade your ammo, improve your scores, and experience the Sierra difference!