Let’s Dive into Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets
The Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets are a legendary choice for serious hunters pursuing large game. These bullets, manufactured by Sierra Bullets, have a long-standing reputation for accuracy, reliable expansion, and deep penetration. They are designed specifically for magnum cartridges like the .338 Winchester Magnum and .340 Weatherby Magnum, promising flat trajectories and minimal wind drift at extended ranges. Their boat tail design aids in accuracy, while the heavy jacket and hard core ensure controlled expansion on tough game animals.
I was in the market for a bullet that could consistently and ethically take down elk at distances beyond 300 yards. My previous experiences with lighter bullets in .30 caliber rifles left me wanting more knock-down power and confidence in terminal performance. I needed something that would deliver a lethal blow, even with less-than-perfect shot placement.
My first impression was the sheer heft of the 250-grain bullet. These aren’t your average varmint rounds; they are built for serious work. The boat tail design looks sleek, promising a stable flight path, and the exposed lead tip suggests reliable expansion upon impact. The build quality appeared top-notch, as I would expect from Sierra Bullets.
I considered Nosler AccuBond and Hornady ELD-X bullets in the same caliber. However, the Sierra GameKing had a more proven track record with hunters I trust, especially regarding consistent expansion on larger game like elk and moose. The price point was also slightly more attractive, making it an easier decision to try them out. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested these bullets extensively at my local shooting range, focusing on accuracy at 100, 200, and 300 yards. I also prepared a custom load with Hodgdon H4831SC powder, working my way up to near maximum loads to ensure proper velocity and consistent grouping. The weather was variable, ranging from sunny and calm to windy with light rain, providing a good range of conditions to assess the bullet’s performance.
Even with a crosswind of 10-15 mph, the Sierra GameKing bullets exhibited minimal drift at 300 yards. I achieved consistent sub-MOA groups with my custom load, which was a testament to the bullet’s inherent accuracy and my rifle’s capabilities. There were no malfunctions or misfires, and the recoil was manageable, even with the heavier loads.
I was impressed with how easily the rifle settled into a consistent rhythm after working up the load. The accuracy was excellent, but the real test would come in the field. After the range test, I was impressed with how well they performed.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including a full hunting season, the Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets have proven to be exceptionally reliable. I took them on a week-long elk hunt in the Rocky Mountains, encountering a variety of weather conditions and challenging terrain. The bullets performed flawlessly, providing consistent accuracy and terminal performance when it mattered most.
There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the remaining bullets in the box, even after being transported and handled frequently. The brass cases extracted cleanly, and there were no signs of over-pressure. I clean my rifle meticulously after each range session and hunt, which undoubtedly contributes to the longevity of the components.
Compared to my previous experiences with lighter bullets, the Sierra GameKing offered noticeably improved terminal performance on elk. They expanded reliably and penetrated deeply, resulting in quick, ethical kills. These bullets far exceeded my expectations, proving to be a trustworthy and effective choice for hunting large game.
Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets
Specifications
The Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets are designed for the .338 Winchester Magnum and similar cartridges. The bullet weight is 250 grains, providing substantial kinetic energy for deep penetration on large game. Its Spitzer Boat Tail (SBT) design reduces drag and enhances accuracy at long ranges.
The sectional density is 0.313, indicating good penetration capability. They are sold in boxes of 50 bullets, and the bullet tip material is exposed lead for reliable expansion. The jacket material is copper, ensuring controlled expansion and preventing core-jacket separation. These specifications combine to deliver a bullet optimized for accuracy and terminal performance on heavy game.
Performance & Functionality
The Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets excel in both accuracy and terminal performance. At the range, they consistently deliver sub-MOA groups when properly loaded. In the field, they expand reliably upon impact, creating a large wound channel and ensuring quick, ethical kills.
The bullet’s primary strength lies in its consistent terminal performance on large game. A potential weakness could be its relatively high ballistic coefficient compared to newer, more streamlined bullet designs, potentially impacting long-range performance in extreme wind conditions. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations, offering a reliable and effective hunting bullet.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sierra GameKing bullets have a classic hunting bullet design with a copper jacket, exposed lead tip, and boat tail. The build quality is excellent, as one would expect from Sierra Bullets. The weight is substantial but manageable in a .338 magnum rifle.
The design is straightforward and functional, requiring no special tools or techniques to load. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets; they are designed to be user-friendly for experienced reloaders.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets are inherently durable, constructed from high-quality copper and lead. When properly stored, they should last indefinitely.
Little to no maintenance is required. The jackets prevent corrosion under normal storage conditions.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no accessories that come directly with the Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets. However, handloaders can customize their loads by selecting different powders, primers, and cases to optimize performance in their specific rifle.
These bullets are compatible with standard reloading equipment and components. Many hunters pair these bullets with premium brass cases and high-quality powders to achieve maximum accuracy and consistency.
Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets
Pros
- Proven terminal performance on large game: The heavy jacket and hard core ensure controlled expansion and deep penetration, resulting in quick, ethical kills.
- Excellent accuracy: The boat tail design and consistent construction contribute to sub-MOA accuracy in many rifles.
- Reliable expansion: The exposed lead tip ensures consistent expansion, even at lower velocities.
- Suitable for magnum cartridges: Designed specifically for .338 Winchester Magnum and similar cartridges.
- Reputable manufacturer: Sierra Bullets has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality bullets.
Cons
- Can be affected by wind: They are not as aerodynamic as newer, low-drag bullet designs, leading to potentially greater wind drift at extreme ranges.
- Some lead exposure: They are constructed of Lead. Handle carefully when reloading.
Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets?
The Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets are perfect for hunters pursuing large game such as elk, moose, bear, and African plains game with .338 Winchester Magnum or similar rifles. They are also well-suited for reloaders who prioritize consistent terminal performance and accuracy.
Hunters who prioritize extreme long-range accuracy and minimal wind drift may want to consider more streamlined, low-drag bullet designs. Those who don’t reload or prefer lead-free ammunition should also consider alternatives. Necessary accessories include reloading equipment, high-quality brass cases, primers, and powder.
Conclusion on Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets
The Sierra Bullets .338 Caliber 250 Grain SBT GameKing Rifle Bullets are a reliable and effective choice for hunters seeking consistent terminal performance and accuracy on large game. These bullets have earned their reputation as a top choice for .338 magnum rifles.
The price is justified, given the bullet’s proven performance and the ethical advantages of a quick, clean kill. I would personally recommend these bullets to any hunter seeking a trustworthy and effective .338 caliber bullet for large game hunting. Take your .338 to the next level and load up some Sierra GameKings for your next hunt!