Sierra’s MatchKing-X is a new rifle bullet that looks to bridge the gap between match grade accuracy and effective hunting performance. It is the latest evolution of Sierra’s famous MatchKing series, a line of bullets long respected by target shooters for precision. These were the first projectiles I used when getting into reloading for my .308 many years ago. In simple terms, Sierra took their competition proven MatchKing bullet and modified it so that it expands reliably on game. The result is a bullet that can win long range matches and also cleanly take down deer sized targets, all with the same load.
The MatchKing-X (MKX) was developed in response to shooters like myself who loved the accuracy of the original MatchKing but wanted to use it for hunting. The original MatchKing has been a staple of long range target shooting for decades, but Sierra never recommended it for hunting because it was not designed to expand on impact. I can remember Googling if I could use my finely tuned 175 grain SMK;s for hunting and having a rough time finding an answer. After years of feedback from customers, Sierra created the MKX to provide that much needed terminal performance in a MatchKing style bullet.
At first glance, the MKX looks just like a regular MatchKing. It has the same overall shape, weight, and hollow point boat tail design as the standard MatchKing. This means its flight characteristics (trajectory and wind drift) are virtually identical to the original. The bullet uses a tangent ogive profile, a smoothly curved nose which helps its stable flight and retain a high ballistic coefficient. In fact, the MKX’s aerodynamic efficiency (BC in the 0.5–0.6 range, depending on weight) matches the standard MatchKing, giving it the same long range accuracy and minimal wind drift.
Inside, however, Sierra made key changes to ensure the bullet performs on game. The MatchKing-X has a softer lead core than the standard MatchKing, which allows it to mushroom out upon hitting an animal. The copper jacket is also re-engineered, it stays thick at the base for strength but is a lot thinner at the tip. Sierra added small pre cut splits around the nose of the jacket. These features mean that when the MKX strikes a target, the thin front jacket peels back and the bullet expands, creating a wide wound channel. Where a regular MatchKing might just punch through or fragment without causing enough expansion, the MKX is designed to open up consistently and still penetrate.
Something interesting to note, if you already load a 175 grain MKX in place of a 175 grain MatchKing, it should hit the same point of aim. Sierra’s goal was to add terminal performance while keeping the accuracy and ballistics unchanged.
The initial MatchKing-X lineup comes in a few popular calibres: 6.5 mm (142 gr), .270 (135 gr), and .308 (175 gr and 200 gr) bullet options. All are sold as component bullets for handloaders.
This is an exciting addition from Sierra and the new MatchKing-X means you don’t have to choose between match accuracy or hunting expansion. You can use the same bullet for competition and hunting, without re-zeroing your rifle or sacrificing performance.
PRECISIONRIFLE