The Best .308 Bullets for Precision Handloads (2026): Sierra
Last updated: June 25, 2026 · Originally published: June 26, 2026
The Best .308 Bullets for Precision Hand Loads
Sierra Bullets: A Legacy of Precision
How to choose a .308 bullet
Choosing the right .308 bullet doesn’t have to be complicated. Asking yourself these three questions will help narrow down the best option from Sierra’s lineup:
- What is my primary use? (Long-range target shooting, hunting, or general precision work?)
- What bullet weight does my rifle prefer? (Most .308 rifles shoot 168gr or 175gr bullets very well, but some prefer lighter or heavier options.)
- How important is ballistic coefficient (BC) versus terminal performance? (Higher BC bullets excel at long range, while hunting bullets prioritize expansion.)
Answering these questions will quickly point you toward either Sierra’s MatchKing/Tipped MatchKing line for precision work or their GameKing line for hunting applications.
What does a match grade bullet actually mean?
This usually includes:
- More consistent bullet weight
- Better jacket concentricity (how evenly the jacket is formed around the core)
- More uniform ogive shape (the curved nose section of the bullet)
- Tighter overall dimensional tolerances
Best bullets for hunting vs. match — the Sierra lineup
For Precision Match Shooting:
- 168gr MatchKing — The classic .308 match bullet. Extremely consistent and accurate out to 800–1,000 yards.
- 175gr MatchKing — Slightly heavier with a higher ballistic coefficient. Excellent for long-range work and often preferred in competition.
- Tipped MatchKing (TMK) — Features a polymer tip for improved ballistic coefficient and more reliable expansion at longer ranges.
For Hunting:
- 165gr GameKing — A popular choice that offers a good balance of expansion and weight retention on medium game.
- 180gr GameKing — Better penetration and energy retention for larger game or longer shots.
- Pro-Hunter line — Designed for reliable expansion at typical hunting velocities.
Many precision shooters use MatchKing bullets for load development and practice, then switch to GameKing bullets when hunting.
One leg of a complete reloading bench
In the Day 71 package, the Sierra bullets pair with 10 pounds of Hodgdon-family powder and the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Elite press — a full bench to handload precision .308 for the suppressed Savage 110 Carbon Hunter that anchors the giveaway. Top it with the Burris Fullfield and the winner has a true precision rig, glass to bullet.
See the full giveaway lineup and how to enter on PopularSuppressors.com.
Ballistic coefficient and bullet construction, explained
Bullet construction also matters greatly:
- Match bullets (like the MatchKing) have thin jackets and are not designed to expand. They are built for accuracy and aerodynamic efficiency.
- Hunting bullets (like the GameKing) have thicker jackets and engineered cores that allow controlled expansion upon impact. This creates larger wound channels while still maintaining enough weight to penetrate.
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right bullet for your intended purpose rather than trying to make one bullet do everything.
Load development: finding your rifle’s node
A simple and effective method is:
- Start with published load data for your chosen Sierra bullet and powder.
- Load 3–5 rounds at several different powder charges (working up safely).
- Test each group at 100 yards.
- Look for the charge that produces the smallest group (this is often your node).
- Once you find a promising load, fine-tune seating depth in small increments (usually 0.010″ at a time) to further improve accuracy.
Many precision .308 shooters find excellent results with Sierra 168gr or 175gr MatchKings paired with powders like Hodgdon Varget or H4895.
How to enter
Free entry, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. CT, presented by Silencer Central. U.S. residents 21+; the suppressor prize is void in CA, DE, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, RI, and DC (NY, FL, CA, and RI not eligible to win).
Frequently asked questions
What are the best bullets for hunting a .308?
A controlled-expansion hunting bullet in a weight your barrel shoots well — often 150 to 180 grains in .308. Sierra’s GameKing line is a long-proven hunting choice, built for reliable expansion and flatter flight at range.
What is the best .308 bullet for precision?
A quality match bullet in a weight your barrel favors — frequently 168 or 175 grains. Sierra’s MatchKing line, especially the 175-grain HPBT, is a long-standing benchmark for consistency and stays supersonic toward 1,000 yards.
Match bullets or hunting bullets — what’s the difference?
Match bullets prioritize the smallest groups on paper; hunting bullets prioritize reliable expansion and energy transfer on game. They’re built differently for different jobs, so choose for your purpose — or load both.
Do bullet choices change my load?
Yes. Bullet weight and design affect pressure and the ideal powder charge, so always confirm against published load data when you switch bullets, and work up from the starting charge.
How many bullets are in the giveaway?
1,000 Sierra bullets, winner’s choice — enough to find your rifle’s node and then shoot it all season.
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