308 Win - 168gr Sierra Match King vs Hornady Match

Published on July 14, 2019
Duration: 26:58

This video compares 168gr Sierra Match King (SMK) and Hornady Match bullets for the .308 Winchester using a new Krieger barrel. Reloads with IMR 4895 powder were tested. The SMK significantly outperformed the Hornady Match in this specific barrel, with SMK groups averaging around 0.4 inches while Hornady groups were larger. This highlights barrel preference for specific bullet types.

Quick Summary

In a .308 Winchester test comparing 168gr Sierra Match King (SMK) and Hornady Match bullets, the SMK significantly outperformed the Hornady. The SMK consistently produced groups around 0.4 inches in a Krieger barrel, while Hornady groups averaged 0.6-0.8 inches, highlighting critical barrel-bullet preference.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: SMK vs Hornady Match .308
  2. 00:50Reloading Components & Data (IMR 4895)
  3. 02:30Brass Prep: Neck Sizing Lapua Palma
  4. 05:24Powder Charging & Bullet Seating
  5. 10:37Range Test Setup & Equipment
  6. 17:57Results: SMK Dominates Hornady Match

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bullet performed better in the .308 Winchester Krieger barrel test?

The 168gr Sierra Match King (SMK) significantly outperformed the 168gr Hornady Match bullet in this specific test. The SMK consistently produced smaller groups, often around 0.4 inches, while the Hornady Match groups were typically larger, between 0.6 and 0.8 inches.

What reloading components were used for the .308 Win test?

The test used 168gr Sierra Match King and Hornady Match bullets, IMR 4895 powder, Lapua Palma brass (small rifle primer), and CCI No. 41 primers. The Overall Length (OAL) was set to 2.800 inches.

What were the key findings regarding barrel preference for .308 bullets?

The test demonstrated that barrel preference is critical. While Hornady bullets may perform well in other calibers like 6.5 Creedmoor, the specific .308 Winchester Krieger barrel used in this test clearly favored the Sierra Match King bullet for accuracy.

What were the typical velocities achieved with the tested .308 Win loads?

The top performing loads, likely using the Sierra Match King bullet with IMR 4895 powder, reached velocities of approximately 2600 to 2620 feet per second (FPS). Standard deviation numbers were acceptable for new brass.

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