Litz Field-Tests BCs of Sierra Tipped MatchKings
Following Sierra’s introduction of Tipped MatchKing (TMK) bullets, Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics LLC has received many requests to determine the Ballistic Coefficient (BC) of these bullets through testing. Below are Litz’s findings for four out of the six bullets he has able to acquire and test so far.
As you can see from the above table, when Sierra’s G1 BC is averaged for all speed ranges (which is representative of long range shooting) the results closely match the Applied Ballistics’ measurements of the same bullets, averaged from 3000 to 1500 FPS. The G7 BC doesn’t suffer nearly the velocity sensitivity as G1 and should be used for modern long range bullets when possible. Bryan tells us: “When I get the .22 caliber 77gr, and the .308 caliber 168gr tested, I’ll update the table.”
How do these Tipped MatchKings compare to standard MatchKings? According to Bryan’s measurements, here are some comparisons:
- The 69gr TMK BC is +8% compared to the 69gr SMK
- The 125gr TMK BC is -5% compared to the 125gr SMK (Litz believes this SMK was ‘pointed’)
- The 155gr TMK BC is identical to that of the 155gr SMK (#2156, which is also pointed)
- The 175gr TMK BC is +10% compared to the 175gr SMK
Bryan provided this additional advice for users of Ballistics programs: “Sierra’s stated BCs are measured by live fire, and are typically pretty accurate if the velocity bands are properly observed (7mm being the exception). A common error is to look at the BC that Sierra gives for your MV and just use that. Doing so overestimates the performance of the bullets over long range, and will cause you to hit low compared to your trajectory predictions.”
Similar Posts:
- NEW Tipped MatchKing (TMK) Bullets from Sierra
- Sierra MatchKing (SMK) vs. Sierra Tipped MatchKing (TMK)
- Ultra-High BC Sierra MatchKings in .223, .264, and .308 Calibers
- RifleShooter.com Reviews New .30-Cal 175gr Tipped MatchKings
- Sierra Bullet Sale at Midsouth Through 3/18/2018
Tags: Ballistic Coefficient, BC, Bryan Litz, G1, G7, Sierra Bullets, Tipped MatckKings
Interesting, cant wait for the 6.5 ‘s to come out, looking forward to the 77 gr TMK data. Thanks for the info Mr Litz.
If the 77`s number holds up this would be a great bullet to shoot across the course particularly with service rifle. Like shooting 80`s or 80.5`s all they way back. One bullet, 88 rounds, all mag length. Providing your barrel likes them. We are finding they are doing the best in a straight 7 twist although a Krieger 7.7 seems to work well too. The 8 twist looks questionable.
Awesome work! Looks like my own testing is about .3% off his on the 69’s, cant wait to compare the 77 grain results too.
Guy, not really. The tip severely decreases the case capacity for mag length, and the TMKs shoot worse than the SMKs.
Dave, We were shooting the 77 TMK`s last week and they shot 3/4 minute or better, just as good as the 77 mk. Velocity from a 20 inch barrel was 2740 so good there. Them seem to like at least a 7.7 twist. 8 is right on the edge. Maybe that was your problem with them?
Guy, did you load the TMK’s mag length? Anyone else loading them mag length and getting equal or better results as SMK’s?
I did load them mag length as well as jumping .015. Shot both at 600 yards and noticed no change in vertical. Both shot very well. Makes it easy, mag length for all, jump doesn’t seem to bother them. In my barrel anyways, 7.7 Krieger. Haven’t shot them in the 7 twist yet. I get the same velocity I was getting with the hp matchking 77`s.