SMK for mulies....

sakofan · #1 05-20-2003, 06:32 PM

Iam going to NM this year to hunt mulies.
Most of the shots will be 100-250 yds, historically.
I have a Sako 75 300WM, w/ a twist rate of 1 in 11in.
This gun loves the 150-175gr. bullets, but will shoot 180gr. rounds with no problem.
Question...whats the "best" SMK bullet weight for this range, rifle, and animal.
Thanks in advance for your input.
...sakofan...
[img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

Michael Eichele · #2 05-20-2003, 09:14 PM

With your cartridge selection and the high velocity achieved, if you want to use MK,s in that short of a distance I recomend the heavier the better. At high velocity close up they can explode, but also for the size of your target, anything in the 168+ should do ok. Should being the key word. With your 11 twist have you considered trying a 190 or 200 grain??

Ian M · #3 05-20-2003, 09:58 PM

While Matchkings are a possible bullet for your mulie hunt I would suggest considering one of the new bonded bullets - either the 165 Hornady or Scirocco for instance. Some of the new bonded bullets provide very close to match accuracy. They will retain a very significant percentage of initial weight regardless of the distance of the shot - matter or fact you might say they are optimized for the ranges that you are considering.
I have killed deer with 175 Matchkings at 100-200 yards cleanly, but a big mulie might best be hit with a bullet that will retain the maximum amount of weight to ensure adequate penetration if you have to take an angled shot.
I hope to shoot some mulies this year and I will be using the 150 Hornady Interbond or the 150 Swift Scirocco as those bullets have been deadly out to 500 yards on several deer. Also hope to use the new Nosler Accubond from my .300 Win. as this bullet is shooting sub 1/2 minute groups if I can hold onto the heavy Lilja-barreled M-70 properly. I also have a 75 and it is a wonderful shooting rifle.

sakofan · #4 05-21-2003, 02:42 AM

Fairly new gun. The biggest bullet so far has been a 180gr. variety.
This hunt, is guided, on this ranch. Written into my contract, is a clause stating that I'm to use at least a 7mm mag., and use a 175gr. bullet...minimum.
Have shot the Scirocco, and it did all right. The ol' Nosler Partition is also a consideration, or the Accubond.
Wish they made the Accubond in a 180gr. bullet, though.
I have never shot anything with a MK, and wanted to give it a go.
Thanks...sakofan..

moosehunter · #5 05-24-2003, 09:33 AM

We took 2 black bear a couple evenings ago. It was the first time I used MK's on game. Both shots were about 350yds. with a 300 win mag. The bullet was the 220gr. MK coming out at 2855fps. Both shots were broad side and both exited. One left the jacket on the far side hide. Not what Id call premium hunting bullet performance but the bears were both very impressed.

jcpython357 · #6 05-24-2003, 06:16 PM

Sakofan, Just ordered some 150gr MKs for my 708, I guess just to see If their as accurate as the 150NBTs I've been using, as long as I do my part the Nosler will hover around 3/8" for 3 shots @100yds, Usually have 2 in the same hole and the third off a little, I don't know If it's from the Varget powder that replaced 760 I had in them or the HS stock that replaced the plastic one, needless to say I'm impressed with my new found accuracy, hope the MKs will hold the same. Why does your guide stipulate you use a 7mag. for a mule deer? Jay.

tom baker · #7 05-24-2003, 07:09 PM

SAKOFAN, I too recomend the nosler, 6 mulies, a dozen whitetail, and too many blacktail to count. I use the 180gr in my in my 300win mag, the only bullet I recovered weighed 162gr after hitting a blacktail between the eye's and then hitting the right hind quarter, I found the bullet when I cut him up. They grow'em big in NM, GOOD LUCK!
Tom

Semper-Fi