The 77 SMK-WC has been reliable on coyotes. I wouldn't be scared of trying it.
The OP was talking about 6.5 which has given me completely opposite results.
Bluejay 75 is doing something that I am pretty sure would make it completely reliable.
Sierra match king HP for deer
- Thread starter GRIZ1911
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The OP was talking about 6.5 which has given me completely opposite results.
Bluejay 75 is doing something that I am pretty sure would make it completely reliable.
Swampman
Old Fart
You might consider these...
https://www.shootersproshop.com/nos...150-grain-accubond-long-range-blem-100ct.html
I haven't used the 150's, but the 140 grain 6.5's shoot .75 inch out of my Tikka 6.5x55 and seem to kill about as well as Partitions.
https://www.shootersproshop.com/nos...150-grain-accubond-long-range-blem-100ct.html
I haven't used the 150's, but the 140 grain 6.5's shoot .75 inch out of my Tikka 6.5x55 and seem to kill about as well as Partitions.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I know you asked about Sierra bu poets but if the Sierra hunting bullet isn't available why take a chance with the SMK bullet injuring an animal and making it suffer? We are supposed to be ethical when hunting. There are so many good hunting bullets from Nosler, Speer, Hornady, Swift, Berger and a host of others why take a chance?
I like Sierra match bullets for the range but my hunting bullets are usually from Nosler.
I like Sierra match bullets for the range but my hunting bullets are usually from Nosler.
Dale Alan
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You are correct, the subject is SMK . This look dead enough for you ? Save the drama ., wimpy little 77 SMK, looks like it's dead .
Dale Alan
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Offensive ? I think it's offensive you have to add your drama . Why not just move along without comment if you can't handle the facts, dead is dead no matter if you approve of the bullet or not . Obviously you have no experience with the SMK for hunting so in my eyes your opinion does not matter.
Save the match bullets for paper punching. If the manufacturer does not recommend match bullet for game hunting, I am going to say, that is a good enough recommendation for me. I have had the core come out of a Norma 30 cal hunting bullet, so why would I want to use a bullet that was not designed for expansion and integrity in meat?
And, what do you really get? If you don't think game bullets will shoot straight, go try some. It is surprising how well some game bullets will do at distance. I have not tested them all, but no real stinkers out to 300 yards, and beyond that, some of my game bullets shot very well indeed.
30 cal, pulled Fed Fusion
277 Fed Fusion pulled bullets
These 130's float at 600 yards, at least that is what I am claiming for the shots in the nine ring. Can't be me, right?
the rifle liked the 150 Fed Fusion pulled bullets
shot well at 600 yards
hunting bullet, you think you can't hit unless you have a match bullet?
while the 6.5 Swede M70 puked with core lokt's
same bullet did well in a M700
With quality bullets, I am going to say that aiming error is greater than bullet. Tight group sizes don't mean as much as having correct range estimates and being able to dope the wind. Match or game bullets still move in the wind, and you have to shoot enough under fish tailing conditions, or gusty conditions, to appreciate how much bullets drift.
I remember complaining one year in the pits at Camp Perry about the 600 yard conditions the day before. My 223 bullets were drifting 36 inches before they hit the target. Of course, some drifted more, some drifted less, wind is never a constant. And some old USMC on a target near by stumped up and told me when he won the 1000 yard service rifle match, with his M14, he had full left windage, and was aiming three targets over! I estimated his bullets were drifting forty feet, or so.
I heard an apocryphal tale of a marksman shooter with a rack grade Garand shooting at Camp Perry in gale like conditions. The story was, the shooter won the 600 yard match due to the randomness of his hold, his aim, the ammunition, his rifle, and wind gusts.
Could have happened, after you blow enough water out of your rear sight aperture, these fish stories sound plausible.
And, what do you really get? If you don't think game bullets will shoot straight, go try some. It is surprising how well some game bullets will do at distance. I have not tested them all, but no real stinkers out to 300 yards, and beyond that, some of my game bullets shot very well indeed.
30 cal, pulled Fed Fusion
277 Fed Fusion pulled bullets
These 130's float at 600 yards, at least that is what I am claiming for the shots in the nine ring. Can't be me, right?
the rifle liked the 150 Fed Fusion pulled bullets
shot well at 600 yards
hunting bullet, you think you can't hit unless you have a match bullet?
while the 6.5 Swede M70 puked with core lokt's
same bullet did well in a M700
With quality bullets, I am going to say that aiming error is greater than bullet. Tight group sizes don't mean as much as having correct range estimates and being able to dope the wind. Match or game bullets still move in the wind, and you have to shoot enough under fish tailing conditions, or gusty conditions, to appreciate how much bullets drift.
I remember complaining one year in the pits at Camp Perry about the 600 yard conditions the day before. My 223 bullets were drifting 36 inches before they hit the target. Of course, some drifted more, some drifted less, wind is never a constant. And some old USMC on a target near by stumped up and told me when he won the 1000 yard service rifle match, with his M14, he had full left windage, and was aiming three targets over! I estimated his bullets were drifting forty feet, or so.
I heard an apocryphal tale of a marksman shooter with a rack grade Garand shooting at Camp Perry in gale like conditions. The story was, the shooter won the 600 yard match due to the randomness of his hold, his aim, the ammunition, his rifle, and wind gusts.
Could have happened, after you blow enough water out of your rear sight aperture, these fish stories sound plausible.
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Can't speak for the OP, but I've also been looking for a 6.5 bullet to load for hunting and the issue is availability. Target bullets are available.....hunting bullets are not. At least not one's I'm familiar with. Hornady, Sierra or Speer. But I've mostly been looking on Midway. Reloading store 100 miles away may have something, but have not checked with them.
So for me, issue would not be forcing a square peg in a round hole.......it's "any old port in a storm". Trying to work with what you can get your hands on. So far, it's been a pass. Continue to wait.
So for me, issue would not be forcing a square peg in a round hole.......it's "any old port in a storm". Trying to work with what you can get your hands on. So far, it's been a pass. Continue to wait.
wbm
Member
Think the OP gave it up after first post.
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Manufacturers want to sell bullets. Many of them sell essentially the same bullets in different boxes. One labeled for hunting, the other labeled as match bullets. Some used to advertise them for both hunting and match shooting until they figured out they could sell more bullets by offering different versions.
I can't say for sure about Sierra bullets, but based on what I read on the internet the Match Kings may not be the best choice. But many other bullets advertised as "match" bullets have proven to be just as effective, if not more, than many bullets advertised as hunting bullets. If you can find them the Lapua Scenar match bullets are an excellent choice for both hunting and paper punching. I've heard very good things about Hornady's match bullets too.
To the OP. Right now many of us have to use what we can get. I don't think I'd choose the Match Kings as my 1st choice. But if that is what I had I wouldn't stay home. Good luck.
irishlad
Contributing Member
Hugger-4641
Member
I happen to own a couple rifles in 6.5cm. I also happen to have some of the bullets mentioned.
Maybe time for my ballistic gel to come out and do a test?
Maybe time for my ballistic gel to come out and do a test?
ArchAngelCD
Member.
No drama, just my opinion. This is a discussion forum after all.You are correct, the subject is SMK . This look dead enough for you ? Save the drama ., wimpy little 77 SMK, looks like it's dead .
Yes, that deer looks dead alright but it also seems that a lot of meat has been destroyed.
Dale Alan
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So now it's about the destroyed meat ?
I guess a guy is supposed to shoot them in the guts so nothing goes to waste ?If you have ever butchered a deer you know already that's not prime stuff up there , Canning jar material .
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Varminterror
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There’s less meat destroyed by a hunter sticking an HPBT or poly tipped frangible bullet through nearly useless and abundant rib meat which explodes at the centerline and doesn’t blow a huge exit wound than a fool “punching the shoulder” straight through a shoulder roast with a “controlled expansion” hunting bullet...
Another one of those guys. I actually am too.
Hit it with a fast soft bullet and they may make 3 jumps. I will lose either neck roast or shoulder steaks if it's heavy brush though.
It of curiosity what caliber, weight and velocity smk do you use? I'm more of an AMAX/VMAX on deer. They always open. If it's larger than 30 cal I use cup and core bullets.
Captcurt
Member
Don't get in a hurry. I am starting to see some Hornady SST's and Interlocks available online. Not my first pick, but they will work. I think I saw the most on Scheel's.
Varminterror
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The 105’s are 6mm’s, which I’ve fired from fast twist 243wins and AI’s, and 6 creeds.
FROGO207
Member
Around here most of my hunting is 50-75 YDS at most. I am still working on some 180 grain CoreLokt 30 cal bullets in my 308. Dont underestimate a good inexpensive cup and core bullet for close range. Heck lots harvest their yearly deer with a good ole 30-30.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
@Dale Alan ,
Why do you seem so hostile towards me? I only gave an opinion and it's part of the discussion. I guess you don't like it when someone disagrees with you but for me it's not personal, only a discussion. I happen to think a SMK is a bad choice for hunting. You disagree and that's fine.
Why do you seem so hostile towards me? I only gave an opinion and it's part of the discussion. I guess you don't like it when someone disagrees with you but for me it's not personal, only a discussion. I happen to think a SMK is a bad choice for hunting. You disagree and that's fine.
Hornady Match Bullets 264 Caliber, 6.5mm (264 Diameter) 140 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail
Hugger-4641
Member
I don't hunt much with my 6.5cm, but my SIL does. He killed two deer last year with those bullets, and two more with 143 eldx.
Bcwitt
Member
I would suggest a Sierra 140 sbt. Very accurate w good terminals.
Nature Boy
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As has been talked about before, Hornady AMAXs used to be build and suitable for target and hunting work…..until they came out with the SSTs and all of a sudden AMAXs we’re only good for punching paper.
I’ll also add this observation. Spend any time in the pits at a High Power match watching and hearing all those target bullets impacting the berm 10 feet in front of you and tell us how any mortal animal in the planet would fair if struck by one.
I see this was posted about 60 days ago. Since then, I first found Hornady SST in 123 grains, then later Speer Hot Cor in 140 grains. Both from Midway. Gone now, but not forever. Window of opportunity is opening and closing......you just have to be looking when it does.
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