New .22 Cal Matchking

Ian M · #1 03-09-2005, 06:48 PM

2005 Sierra Bullets
New Product Announcement

.224" Diameter 90 grain MatchKing

In response to the increasing demands of Long Range shooters, Sierra is pleased to announce the introduction of the newest member of our MatchKing line; the 22 caliber 90 grain HPBT. With the recent successes of the AR-15/M16 rifles in Long Range competition, the need was felt to maximize the ballistic potential of these rifles. The new 90 grain MatchKing is the final product of a series of tests, covering both accuracy and exterior ballistics, to arrive at the best possible bullet for the Long Range competitor. Designed specifically for the .223 Remington/5.56x45mm cartridge, the new 90 MK is at equally at home in both Match and Service Rifles. Due to the inherent requirements for a bullet of this type, the 90 grain MK is intended for single loading, and is not intended to be fed from a magazine. Sierra recommends the use of a 1 x 6.5" or faster twist for optimum stability and performance. Available after April 15 at your favorite Sierra retail location.
These bullets will be available in boxes of 50 bullets (stock #1490) for $13.85 per box or in boxes of 500 bullets (stock #9290) for $111.80 per box. You may contact Sierra Bullets by e-mail at sierra@sierrabullets.com, call the toll free Sierra number at 800-223-8799, or visit our web page at www.sierrabullets.com!!

goodgrouper · #2 03-09-2005, 06:56 PM

Ian,
Any word on bc?

abinok · #3 03-09-2005, 07:52 PM

.504 @ 2200 fps and above
.511 between 2200 and 1900 fps
.500 between 1900 and 1750 fps
.467 between 1750 and 1575 fps
.400 @ 1575 fps and below

Varmint Hunter · #4 03-10-2005, 05:03 PM

Does this bullet have a max velocity rating when fired from such a tight twist?

Might make an interesting bullet in the 22-6mm or 22-284 if it can withstand the twist AND velocity.

Frankly, I would much rather have seen a 75gr-80gr BlitzKing. Who in the heck has a 6.5 twist anyway. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

VH

dogfox · #5 03-11-2005, 02:06 AM

Frankly, I would much rather have seen a 75gr-80gr BlitzKing. Who in the heck has a 6.5 twist anyway.
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Even a 70 gr Blitzking would be more useful and I agree who as a 6.5 twist any way.

brianwinzor · #6 03-11-2005, 05:37 AM

Ian, Thanks for posting the details of the 90 grain Matchking.

I am delighted that Sierra has introduced this bullet, as it underpins a project that I have commenced, but can understand the sentiments of others who would have preferred something different.

Now with the 90 grain grain JLK ULD, and 90 grain Sierra MatchKing, together with Richard Graves 85 grain ULD, and possibly 90 and 100 grain FBHP's, wildcatters and target shooter's have enough bullet variety to build a rifle with a 6.5 or 7 twist.

I am planning to build another 224 Clark, but this time on a Rem 700 long action. I estimate that I should get 3500 - 3550 fps with the 90 grain bullets, based on the 3730 fps I achieved with the Sierra 80 grain HPBT in my last 224 Clark.

The rpms with the 90 grain are interesting with 2700 fps (estimated 223 velocity) producing 299,076 rpm in a 6.5 twist, and 324,000 rpm in a 6.0 twist.

3,200 fps is producing 329,142rpm in a 7 twist, and 354,461 rpm in a 6.5 twist, and 3,500 fps in a 7 twist is producing 360,000 rpm, and 387,692 rpm in a 6.5 twist.

I don't know how long the 90 grain Sierra is, but you would tend to believe that a 7 twist producing 360,000 rpm should produce adequate stability. Also, I have spoken to several who successfully used the 90 grain JLK with a 7 twist. The Sierra 69 and 80 grain HPBT Matchking's have proven that their jackets are tough, and after looking at the above figures the 90 grain will have to be as well.

However, I remember Dave Corbin's (bullet die manufacturer) comments to me that he had made numerous die sets for the 85 - 90 grain bullet weights, and he recommended using 257 calibre jackets drawn down to .224 in a jacket reducing die. His experience was that these bullets were tough enough to withstand the combination of high velocities and fast twists, and worked quite well. As always time will tell. Brian.

jb1000br · #7 03-11-2005, 10:09 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Frankly, I would much rather have seen a 75gr-80gr BlitzKing. Who in the heck has a 6.5 twist anyway.
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Even a 70 gr Blitzking would be more useful and I agree who as a 6.5 twist any way.

[/ QUOTE ]

Stay tuned -- will probably end up with one near 65gns.

the intended 69gn BK is causing problems.

JB