Coyotes, hogs, and whitetail.

What say you?

Sierra Match King and Tipped Match King for hunting single choice
	Yes
	No
Votes accepted starting: 06/07/21 05:02 PM You must vote before you can view the results of this poll.

Hell yes, dead where they stand.

A lot IMO depends on caliber, I would not use the lighter weight ones in the smaller calibers for hunting those. Get to the 25 cal and up you bet.

I haven’t tried either one on game due to the consistent inconsistency I’ve found while researching them. It seems like a crap shoot every time you pull the trigger on whether it’s going to explode, pencil, or work just right. I know caliber, muzzle velocity, and shot placement all play a role in how any bullet will perform. You can read stories on any bullet out there about “failures”, but the original SMK seemed to be more common in my reading. I do believe the tipped version should be more reliable in theory, and if it performs like an Amax or ELD-M, I would be on board for sure as another option. I know some guys have great luck with them, and I believe you should use what you’re confident in. The original SMK however seems to be all over the map, and I’m just not willing to risk it on an animal.

I don’t see why not. I’ve used plenty of Nosler custom comps on thin skinned animals. Step up to something like oryx or nilgai and i prefer bonded.

First let me say I have not tried the SMKs or TMKs on game so have no real experience with them but I would think the TMK would be ok as the tip should initiate expansion. I would be concerned with the SMKs that have been pointed and the meplat closed. They may pencil through and not expand but again have no first experience.

I guess if I was using a large enough caliber I would feel comfortable. I’ve killed a javelina with a Nosler 6.8 115 grain Custom Comp before.

I have shot a lot of coyotes with the 60gr MKT and they worked great. Deer I have not been keen on trying them as I have plenty of other solid choices. I have shot a couple back in the day with the 168 mkhp from a 308 and I was less than impressed as I had to work to recover them but one was a less than perfect shot.

For coyotes and hog I'd use them. While I've only used the 168smk on hogs they haven't done well with body or shoulder shots. Neck shots are fine. As for deer, I'm with the other guy, I have better choices.

6 hours and we're 50/50

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

I finally gave up on them in my 22-250. The 77s explode on impact. The only thing I’ve had drop was a huge boar I shot in the ear hole. His head was like a sponge. Now a 7mm or 30 caliber I would if it’s all I had.

Hogs and 'yotes definitely. Deer......likely not unless it's a 115lb Hill Country version.

I voted yes. I’ve shot several doe with a .223 and 77 SMK’s. All in the ear hole. All died instantly but I don’t recommend them. On the other hand, 168 SMK’s in a 300 win mag or 30-06 make a big hole in a whitetail. Just don’t shoot the part you want to eat...

Sorry, I cast. I might have some 158 XTP's in .358. I know I have some Sierra 2000's for .30-30 I'll never use. I shouldn't have just posted that.

Too many good bullets designed to work on game. Why use one that is not designed for that purpose? Just one man's opinion...

Because those other "good bullets" are not available. Several SMKs are available.

I look for loading components multiple times per day, every day. We have been in the worst scenario I have ever seen for the last 18 months. I am not saying prices are higher, I am saying the bullets read "out of stock" day in, day out, through a multitude of suppliers, both retail and wholesale.

I voted no simply because I have bullets sitting on my bench that are better choices for hunting. However, if I did not have those, and only had the SMK or TSMK, I would likely try them on some pigs and go from there. I will say that I have never shot or loaded SMK or TSMK, so I have no real world experience with either of those two. You can take my opinion with a whole box of salt.

This^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Try to find a 7mm/.284" hunting bullet right now. I too have been looking multiple times a day, and the manufacturers just seem to be focused on 308 and 224 projectiles during this situation, maybe a little 6.5 mixed onto their production. Hardly any other calibers are coming out in any kind of hunting bullets.

Update: Just checked Midway, they have 139gr .284" Hornady Interbonds in stock right now, for .98 cents per bullet. I have yet to buy anything at a true panic-prices since this all began, and refuse to now.

I voted no on the poll. That was assuming that folks had actual hunting bullets, like I do. But, in the absence of the bullets you’d really want to use, I guess it’s a match bullet or nothing.

I have all my reloading stuff out, so I suppose I’ll have a look at what hunting bullets I don’t really need. I already know that I have a bunch of 40 gr Nosler BTs (not saying they are hunting bullets), and I’m pretty sure I have some 60 gr Nosler Partitions, that our late and much liked buddy Cast gave me and that I won’t use in the near future.

Check your PM’s psycho. Sent you a link that may help your cause.

I have and do use 155 gr Sierra TMKs in LR-308. Hogs 20 yards to 500 yards have died quickly.

been using and still using SMK w/o hesitation since 2004... 175s in my 308....

I sight one and target shoot the SMK in my .308. Then I’ll sight in and hunt with Sierra Game King. The are both very accurate for my rifle.

I voted No, but under the current situation you have to use what you can get. For whitetail, mule deer and antelope, Matchkings or other brands of match bullets should do the job as long as they are used in a reasonable range and shot placement.

Regular smk’s work well for deer, no such thing as too dead!
I’d use them with total confidence, what’s the difference in a accubond and a tmk, I bet not much.