Sierra Match King Prices?

[AManWearingAHat]

I used to shoot Sierra Match Kings almost exclusively in most of my firearms, with rare exception.

The past year or two I've been transitioning away, mostly either to Hornady or Nosler. It just seems to me that over the last 3 - 5 years the prices on Match Kings have gone off the charts most places. The TMKs are worse. Hornady seems to come in 3-5 cents cheaper per bullet for comparable offerings. Have the rest of you observed this? If so, what gives? I seem to remember them getting bought out at some point. I really liked how Match Kings loaded and performed, but for what they're asking lately I can't justify the cost when Hornady's stuff performs about the same. Yay capitalism!

 

[Doom]

I have to agree with you. I haven't made the switch as I've never had good luck with the Hornady. I have shot Noslers and have been happy with them in 223. I especially like the 55 NBT in 223. Haven't tried them in 308.

 

[hlee]

Yeah, they're more expensive, but if they don't blow up like several offerings in the ELD-M line do, they may be worth it. I am strongly considering switching from the 88 ELD-M to the comparable SMK for my 224 predator, because I am leaving velocity on the table by staying where bullets don't disintegrate before hitting a 100 yard target.

 

[bllistc]

I’ve gotten the best results from 175gr SMKs for Sierra. Every once in a while there was a sale on them (pre covid) so I picked up a couple boxes.

For 6.5 CM the hornady 140gr ELD-Ms have performed better for me than the 142gr SMKs. Can’t find either of them anywhere right now though so it doesn’t matter.

 

[Kevins750]

I shot 175 smk in 308 almost exclusively until I found a load for matchburners. Much cheaper but both are extinct right now.
I have better luck with 140 bthp hornady than 140 smk in 6.5c

 

[AManWearingAHat]

I just researched the Match Burners after your post. Ive been reading good things, I am definitely going to check them out!

 

[jlficken]

I switched to Hornady BTHP's a long time ago. I still have a few thousand SMK's around though from back when they were $130/500.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

Certainly miss those days