Match King for deer size game

[markherring]

I have two sheriff deputies in my hunting club claim that the sniper round that they use is the best thing since sliced bread.
They have convinced others to use the match king bullets for hunting deer.What kind of info can you give me to convince them they are using the wrong kind of bullets.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

The SMK is fine for hunting! I have used the 175smk to take whitetailed deer at 300yds a high shoulder shot and she droped in her tracks. If you go over to www.longrangehunting.com you can read atleast 100 post of diffrent guys using the SMK in cals from 6mm to 338 at ranges out to 1700yds.

 

[2506]

If you don't like the Match King's go with the Berger VLD's . Man they really blow holes through deer.

 

[FALPhil]

I have never used MatchKings on deer because the GameKing is such an excellent bullet. In fact, in my Rem 600 in 308 Win, the GameKing is more accurate.

My brother lives in the Pacific NW, and hangs with a couple of Canadians that were involved in some CWD culling. The were taking stupid long shots and using SMKs. They told my brother that sometimes the SMKs would expand, sometimes they would not, and sometimes the SMKs would shed their jackets.

My question is, why are those bozos using department supplies in personal activities. As a taxpayer, I find that offensive.

 

[ICANHITHIMMAN]

FALPhil

If you worked for an agency or department were you could get ammo and stuff for free you would do it to. My wifes deparment gives her 100rds of ammo a month to train with they dont ask were it went or what we shot it at all they want is the brass back its a tax write off for them.

I have heard the same thing about the SMK that you did. Sometimes it expands sometimes it expoldes but the deer is still dead.

 

[M700]

"My question is, why are those bozos using department supplies in personal activities. As a taxpayer, I find that offensive."

I understand - but don't jump to conclusions. I carry my own Kimber 1911 on duty, and also use it off duty for target practice and just bumming around the woods. Years ago I was handed an unacceptable rifle for use as a SWAT sniper, and the department wouldn't fund a replacement for it, nor would they improve it... So... I got a Rem 700 VS, and built it up with my own funds for duty use. I've been using that rifle now for about 14 years, for duty purposes, target shooting and some hunting.

Also - the dept was issuing me a whopping 240 rounds a year for practice - so I started handloading for the .308 Win... I've worn out a few .308 barrels, mostly with my handloads.

Now that I'm in charge of the firearms program at the department, we've supplied a good rifle, good scope and a LOT more ammo and training for the SWAT guys and the other cops as well.

Matchkings for hunting? Some guys have had great results. Some haven't. I think there are better solutions.

Regards, Guy

 

[Preacher]

There sure are better solutions-- they are called Bergers......

 

[Sendero_man]

I use 115 DTAC which is a SMK in all true regards. I also use the VLD's. They perform very well on game. No problem.

Go look at my antleope with Tyler post and watch the youtube video I posted of it. taken at 507 with a 115 dtac.

Bergers and SMK's perform very well.

 

[davek]

I used a 175 mk in a .308 last year to get a deer and the year before that a 168, they worked fine, both were heart, lung shots and the deer was found no more than 50 ft away from the shot.Both of the front sholders were fine, no bullet dammage to the meat.

 

[M700]

They sure seem to work out well for some folks - and this subject often gets people all heated up. Glad they worked well for you - I wasn't impressed when my buddy and I tried them 10 or 12 years ago. Then again, we gave up pretty fast on that project and went back to more conventional hunting bullets.

This year was the first year I tried the Berger VLD, and dang, those bullets sure have worked out for me.

 

[boogershooter]

DONT TAKE ANY FRONTAL OR REAR SHOTS......But they will trash a set of lungs on a broadside shot....Again dont expect any dense bone penetration on anything heavier than a rib!

 

[30378]

Through the years I have used SMKs to take several deer. The problem I found is they kill but expansion is inconsistent. One time they will work perfect and the next time they ice pick through without any expansion. SMKs are not the way to go. If you must hunt with a match bullet the Berger 175 30 caliber and 95gr 6mm bullets are deer killing machines.

 

[BudMan]

This Q&A came off of Sierra's home page. They might know what they are talking about.And if a sheriff deputy wants to practice on live game it will only hone his skills.


Question:
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?

Answer:
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.
Your catalog lists a .224" diameter 69 grain MatchKing for use in 7"-10" twist barrels. How about my 22-250? Can I use this bullet in my Remington 700 Varmint rifle A longer, heavier bullet in any diameter needs a faster twist to be properly stabilized. Most factory .22-250s are intended for use with 50 and 55 grain bullets, and come with a 1x14" twist as standard equipment. In fact, with just a few exceptions, most high-velocity .22 center fires have either a 1x12" or 1x14" barrel. For best results, confirm that your twist is 1x10" or faster.

 

[Sendero_man]

Go look at this if you doubt that a 115 DTAC,SMK) will put an animal down....

This is my son and I, this year.

507 yards with a 243 AI.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5Z0c_Ic7G0

 

[wal]

The main reason i think SMK projectiles are used for game deer is for accuracy at longer ranges.
I use SMK on Sambar deer with no problems. Sambar are heavy boned/skined deer. Your bullet is only as good, as where you put it IMHO.

Wal

 

[tnhunter]

I have used 52gr sierra mk in my 22-250 to shoot deer. I try for head or neck shots.

 

[hunter14806]

I was told that Match Kings would work fine on deer also- .308 175's. I hit a lot of deer due to the accuracy, but they went far after the shot. Several times I couldn't find the entrance wound and I had to look inside the chest cavity to see where they hit. I had to change rifles mid season because I was getting so frustrated and tired of tracking for such long distances Head shots not a problem, but body shots sure are.