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ferrum
10-10-2021, 18:27
Anyone have experience with Sierra matchking versus their tipped matchking?
Opinions seems to vary widely on which is easier to load for accuracy.

I am looking at the 6.5 bullets and .308.

I have a prize table coupon from Sierra that I need to use very soon.

Appreciate any insights

Oscar77
10-10-2021, 19:28
FWIW:
I shoot both in 223 (77 SMK and TMK)..............
Both shoot great and found loads rapidly......

Little Dutch
10-10-2021, 20:57
I like the Matchking so much I’ve never even tried the TMK.
I think you’ll be fine with either, but I wouldn’t hesitate to stock up on MK bullets.

ferrum
10-11-2021, 08:48
Thanks, appreciate the insight. I am leaning towards MKs

Hoser
10-11-2021, 12:25
The TMK has a slightly higher ballistic coefficient but they are a little harder to work up loads with.

I have used plenty of them in my 223 Ackley gas gun, but when I run out of this lot I am switching back to plain old matchkings.

The 30 caliber 125 TMK is excellent on critters.

zimagold
10-11-2021, 18:35
In 223/556, I have found the TMKs live up to their claimed higher BC and better terminal performance. However, some of my barrels just dont shoot them well for any reasonable velocity or COAL range (1.5-2MOA). Any barrel that shoots TMKs well shoots the SMKs as good or better. The TMKs are a little more forgiving in the wind at 600, but not noticeable at all inside 300.

In other calibers my results have been similar, but with a smaller sample size.

I will be trying the TMKs again for my new bartlein barrel. If they dont show promise immediately, I will just load SMKs and save the powder based on past experiences.

ferrum
10-11-2021, 19:29
Awesome info all, thanks.

Tim K
10-12-2021, 11:11
I've never gotten a TMK to work in 5.56. I've tried numerous times with several rifles. No bueno. I've stuck with the SMK's. No experience with .30 cal or .264.