Sierra .338 300 gr HPBT MatchKing

A long-range classic. The 300-grain HPBT MatchKing® is one of the most popular .338 bullets for precision rifles shooting past 1,000 meters. Built in the MatchKing tradition—with a thin, uniform jacket, long shank, and boat-tail—it delivers highly repeatable ballistics and is straightforward to tune during load development. The manufacturer recommends a minimum 1:10" twist and positions this bullet for sport/target use (it is not intended for most hunting applications).

Why shooters like it

• Very high BC: about 0.768 (G1) / 0.383 (G7), which helps reduce drop and wind drift at long range.

• Predictable transonic behavior—many users report stable performance out to a mile and beyond (depending on muzzle velocity and rifle setup).

• Excellent lot-to-lot consistency—frequent reports of sub-MOA and even ¼-MOA groups once the load and seating depth are dialed in.

Technical specs

• Caliber / diameter: .338" (8.59 mm)

• Weight: 300 gr

• Type: HPBT (Hollow Point Boat Tail), MatchKing® line

• BC: G1 ≈ 0.768; G7 ≈ 0.383

• Minimum twist: 1:10"

• Bullet length (reference): approx. 1.700"

• Part numbers: 9300 / 9300T

• Packaging: 50 or 500 pcs

Use cases & compatibility

Ideal for precision, long-range target shooting in cartridges such as .338 Lapua Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum, .338 RUM, .338 Edge, and other .338 magnums (with appropriate barrel twist).

What shooters say (forums & groups)

• “Easy to make shoot.” Many .338 LM owners report tiny groups after proper load tuning; commonly mentioned powders for 300-gr bullets include H1000, Retumbo, and Reloder 33 (always follow current powder-maker data).

• In head-to-head comparisons with other top bullets (e.g., Berger, A-Tip), some shooters note the 300 SMK can be slightly slower or group differently in specific barrels, but it remains a go-to thanks to its predictability and value.

• Hunting use: both the community and the manufacturer emphasize that SMK is a target bullet; for hunting, choose a dedicated design (e.g., GameKing/Elite Hunter).

Practical tips

• Twist rate: at least 1:10"—critical for stabilizing 300-gr .338 bullets.

• Seating: the ~1.700" bullet length generally fits magazine constraints for .338 systems; some cartridges with shorter magazines may require deeper seating.

• Load development: many shooters see best results around 2,650–2,750 fps from 26–30" barrels. Start low and work up using current, published data and safe practices.

Safety note

These are bullets for handloading (this is not loaded ammunition). Use only with current, published data from component and powder manufacturers. Not intended for most hunting applications.