30 Cal Sierra Game King report

Robmill70 · Sep 3, 2026

I was shooting the SGK's 200gr at 2700 FPS in my 300 H&H and I wanted to report back on their performance. I don't know what other's experience has been, but I have mixed opinions about them. On one hand, they killed the game I was shooting at. On the other, the weight retention and core separation left much to be desired compared to other bullets.

One that retained the core was taken from my Gemsbok. It slammed through the shoulder and stopped under the skin on the far side with almost 50% weight loss.

2 pulled from an Impala and a Warhog had full separation and nothing but the jacket was recovered.

I don't think I will use them again, I'll stick with the Barnes TSX most likely.

Doug Hamilton · Sep 3, 2026

Robmill70 said:
I was shooting the SGK's 200gr at 2700 FPS in my 300 H&H and I wanted to report back on their performance. I don't know what other's experience has been, but I have mixed opinions about them. On one hand, they killed the game I was shooting at. On the other, the weight retention and core separation left much to be desired compared to other bullets.

One that retained the core was taken from my Gemsbok. It slammed through the shoulder and stopped under the skin on the far side with almost 50% weight loss.

2 pulled from an Impala and a Warhog had full separation and nothing but the jacket was recovered.

I don't think I will use them again, I'll stick with the Barnes TSX most likely.

That pretty much lines up with my experience using 150 grain SGKs out of my .30-06 on deer. I've been using Nosler AccuBonds for years now and have never recovered a bullet in mule deer, a blacktail, moose, black bear and several African PG. The larger animals were all taken with a .300 Win Mag using 180 grains in NA and 200's in Africa. They all.passed through leaving good exit wounds. No.blood trailing has been required.

deewayne2003 · Sep 4, 2026

My disdain for the SGK goes back 20+ years when I started loading my own ammo with 130gr SGK in .270Win.

I shot my first and second deer SGKs’ and I haven’t loaded another single Sierra ever since.

FYI - the second deer I shot at 150yds and it ran off and died because it fell in a creek and DROWNED……

yes the deer died so the
“it’s dead so the bullet worked Yuck Yuck!” Crowd can now chime in……..

dchum · Sep 4, 2026

Nice! Thanks for sharing.

Did you autopsy the lungs? How far did most of the game run before expiring?

I love Barnes. I’ve used Barnes on several animals in Africa, and it’s what I recommend and will continue to use.

But I’m not so biased that I won’t admit what I’ve seen in the field. In my experience, Barnes do tend to kill a little slower than some softer bullets. You’re trading some tissue destruction for that awesome weight retention and penetration.

I shot a kudu with a 150gr Hornady SP out of a .300 Win Mag! Not ideal, most will say, and I’d probably agree...

But that kudu literally backflipped, and its lungs and heart were blown to pieces.

I also shot a zebra with a 180gr Hornady SP out of a .30-06. Quartering toward me, shoulder shot, and it dropped on the spot.

So while I’ll still pick Barnes for Africa because of their consistency, penetration, and accuracy in my rifles, I’ll also acknowledge that sometimes I’m giving up some tissue damage compared to a softer bullet.

It’s all a balance. We’re simply spoiled with the bullet choices we have today. Lucky us!

And you should definitely post this in the Bullet Database thread! It’s probably my favorite thread on this website, but unfortunately it doesn’t get posted in nearly as much these days.

Do your part in keeping it alive! Lol
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/bullet-performance-database.37971/page-29

Firebird · Sep 4, 2026

Here is the problem with bullet reports. Some guy says the bullet sucks. Another guy says it’s the only bullet he will ever shoot. Ten more dudes will chime in with their favorite bullet selection even though it never was part of the discussion. Some guy will chime in about using the wrong caliber and another will tell you all the stuff he killed with a bow and arrow just because he needs a chance to show off. And none of them bother to read all the reports written before theirs. . .
There. That is my opinion :D Beers:

dchum · Sep 4, 2026

Firebird said:
Here is the problem with bullet reports. Some guy says the bullet sucks. Another guy says it’s the only bullet he will ever shoot. Ten more dudes will chime in with their favorite bullet selection even though it never was part of the discussion. Some guy will chime in about using the wrong caliber and another will tell you all the stuff he killed with a bow and arrow just because he needs a chance to show off. And none of them bother to read all the reports written before theirs. . .
There. That is my opinion

Problem?

Thats sounds like fun!

Hyde Hunter · Sep 4, 2026

easiest way to solve bullet issues is to shoot CEB Raptors enough said

Hyde Hunter · Sep 4, 2026

easiest way to solve bullet issues is to shoot CEB Raptors enough said

Rumrunner · Sep 4, 2026

The Sierra Game Kings are cheap and by most accounts accurate, so if you’re just wanting to shoot and put holes in paper they are probably ok. I wouldn’t hunt with them.

lawrence_court · Sep 4, 2026

Interesting. A few years ago, I took 26 head of game with the .30 sgk 165 in .308. Out to 500 yds on kudu and 600 yds on springbok. Performed perfectly and a very accurate round.

Based on that sample, I would have few concerns about terminal performance on soft skinned stuff.

I love the tsx, but I don't find it as accurate beyond 300 yds. The vor-tx produced much more accuracy and the same performance as the tsx on impact.

Just my experience.

deewayne2003 · Sep 4, 2026

dchum said:
Nice! Thanks for sharing.

Did you autopsy the lungs? How far did most of the game run before expiring?

I love Barnes. I’ve used Barnes on several animals in Africa, and it’s what I recommend and will continue to use.

But I’m not so biased that I won’t admit what I’ve seen in the field. In my experience, Barnes do tend to kill a little slower than some softer bullets. You’re trading some tissue destruction for that awesome weight retention and penetration.

I shot a kudu with a 150gr Hornady SP out of a .300 Win Mag! Not ideal, most will say, and I’d probably agree...

But that kudu literally backflipped, and its lungs and heart were blown to pieces.

I also shot a zebra with a 180gr Hornady SP out of a .30-06. Quartering toward me, shoulder shot, and it dropped on the spot.

So while I’ll still pick Barnes for Africa because of their consistency, penetration, and accuracy in my rifles, I’ll also acknowledge that sometimes I’m giving up some tissue damage compared to a softer bullet.

It’s all a balance. We’re simply spoiled with the bullet choices we have today. Lucky us!

And you should definitely post this in the Bullet Database thread! It’s probably my favorite thread on this website, but unfortunately it doesn’t get posted in nearly as much these days.

Do your part in keeping it alive! Lol
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/bullet-performance-database.37971/page-29

Agreed, I just finished load development for .300win with 200gr LRX-BT for my travel load, went with the LRX for the faster opening.

I also loaded 150rnds of .300win Hornady BTSP Interlocks as they are my deer culling, pig hunting and practice round( I also use the 140gr Interlock in .270win.

In my opinion the Interlock is a much better choice and I’ve never had one fail and even in the .270win recovered bullet with perfect performance at 325yds to near point blank; having said that, if I’m hunting big bucks with the .270 then I use Accubonds and the .300 180gr interlock will kill any deer on earth.

Tundra Tiger · Sep 4, 2026

Got a question, somewhat peripherally related. I hear and understand what folks are saying about Game Kings. Has anyone had a different experience with Game Changers? On a whim I loaded some for a Husqvarna 640 .30-06, and there are shooting really well. I think I read they have a thicker jacket than the GKs? Thanks in advance.

Bob Nelson 35Whelen · Sep 6, 2026

Robmill70 said:
I was shooting the SGK's 200gr at 2700 FPS in my 300 H&H and I wanted to report back on their performance. I don't know what other's experience has been, but I have mixed opinions about them. On one hand, they killed the game I was shooting at. On the other, the weight retention and core separation left much to be desired compared to other bullets.

One that retained the core was taken from my Gemsbok. It slammed through the shoulder and stopped under the skin on the far side with almost 50% weight loss.

2 pulled from an Impala and a Warhog had full separation and nothing but the jacket was recovered.

I don't think I will use them again, I'll stick with the Barnes TSX most likely.

View attachment 789907 View attachment 789908 View attachment 789909

@Robmill70
The game king boat tail kills game well bit as you have noticed they slip the core and loose a lot of weight especially at closer ranges. Despite these characteristics they usually do kill well and give empathetic kills.
The 225gn Sierra gkspbt in my Whelen is a grenade out at 100. Blows big holes in things but out at 200 seems to hold together better as velocities drop off. Still yet to recover one but judging by the damage at closer ranges they don't hold up well at higher speeds.
Just my observations.
Bob
The Pro hunter is a better bullet in my humble opinion and seems to stay together better but still shed weight.
For bigger game at the velocities you are getting I personally would look at the accubonds or Woodleigh PPSP in the same weight. These will still lose 25-30% of their weight but being bonded will hold together well

Robmill70 · Sep 6, 2026

Bob Nelson 35Whelen said:
@Robmill70
The game king boat tail kills game well bit as you have noticed they slip the core and loose a lot of weight especially at closer ranges. Despite these characteristics they usually do kill well and give empathetic kills.
The 225gn Sierra gkspbt in my Whelen is a grenade out at 100. Blows big holes in things but out at 200 seems to hold together better as velocities drop off. Still yet to recover one but judging by the damage at closer ranges they don't hold up well at higher speeds.
Just my observations.
Bob
The Pro hunter is a better bullet in my humble opinion and seems to stay together better but still shed weight.
For bigger game at the velocities you are getting I personally would look at the accubonds or Woodleigh PPSP in the same weight. These will still lose 25-30% of their weight but being bonded will hold together well

Yeah, all the shots were 130 yards or less. I didn't think I was running them that fast, 2700 fps isn't crazy speed imo, but for a non-bonded bullet I guess I should expect the separation.

Robmill70 · Sep 6, 2026

dchum said:
Nice! Thanks for sharing.

Did you autopsy the lungs? How far did most of the game run before expiring?

I love Barnes. I’ve used Barnes on several animals in Africa, and it’s what I recommend and will continue to use.

But I’m not so biased that I won’t admit what I’ve seen in the field. In my experience, Barnes do tend to kill a little slower than some softer bullets. You’re trading some tissue destruction for that awesome weight retention and penetration.

I shot a kudu with a 150gr Hornady SP out of a .300 Win Mag! Not ideal, most will say, and I’d probably agree...

But that kudu literally backflipped, and its lungs and heart were blown to pieces.

I also shot a zebra with a 180gr Hornady SP out of a .30-06. Quartering toward me, shoulder shot, and it dropped on the spot.

So while I’ll still pick Barnes for Africa because of their consistency, penetration, and accuracy in my rifles, I’ll also acknowledge that sometimes I’m giving up some tissue damage compared to a softer bullet.

It’s all a balance. We’re simply spoiled with the bullet choices we have today. Lucky us!

And you should definitely post this in the Bullet Database thread! It’s probably my favorite thread on this website, but unfortunately it doesn’t get posted in nearly as much these days.

Do your part in keeping it alive! Lol
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/bullet-performance-database.37971/page-29

Gemsbok and impala ran 30-40 yards, pig went 10 yards max. The damage it did was devastating, that's why I say I have mixed thoughts about it....... they killed.

SStomcat · Sep 6, 2026

For PG as long as it shoots well and kills instantly or within a short time/distance how does weight retention of the bullet matter? Your arenot going to reload the bullet again

meigsbucks · Sep 6, 2026

My experience with Sierra GameKings is mixed. Most was years ago, when the only “premium “ bullet readily available was the Nosler Partition.
The 250gr from a .338 Win mag came apart on a mule deer at ~60yds. For a bullet that was advertised as being tough and built like their 300gr .375, I was greatly disappointed and possibly fortunately, didn’t get a chance to try it on elk on that hunt.
Yet my go to bullet for years in the .270 was the 130gr. GK. I had a couple that came apart, but most performed well, with most making exit.
I’ve only taken two deer with the 165gr HPBT GK from a .308, but both made exit and turned the lungs to jelly.
I since have gone to Barnes, Swift, Nosler AB and Partition.

Firebird · Sep 6, 2026

I’ll give you a straight answer now: I killed my first whitetail with the plain vanilla Sierra pro hunter and a 7mm-08. Excellent performance. Later I killed my biggest whitetail with a 165 gr gameking from a .30-06. Bullet performance was again excellent but the core was loose, not shed but yes loose. Quartering toward shot, recovered bullet in a rear leg, lots of penetration on a corn fed ten point!
I used it for a dozen deer before switching to a bonded bullet. And I do like to gut my deer for autopsy/bullet performance purposes,
My opinion is that it is an outstanding bullet for deer sized game especially at distance. But when you move to elk sized game, a bonded bullet would seem a better choice. And I mean that in Africa as well as in the states. Caliber choice could change that tho.

I have had good success in my .375 with the Barnes tsx but with its flat base and hollow nose I consider it a limited distance bullet and would choose the ttsx whenever I can get them to shoot well for me.

Along with the tbbc all the above are favorites and have worked well for me in the past, no failures in a variety of calibers.

R eight · Sep 6, 2026

The only Sierra GK’s that I’ve used recently on game have been the 165 grain projectiles in the 308 Winchester. Very accurate bullet and they kill well on red and fallow deer, chamois, goats and pigs.

I’d hunt any deer or antelope with the 165 grain GK in the 308.

Bob Nelson 35Whelen · Sep 7, 2026

Rumrunner said:
The Sierra Game Kings are cheap and by most accounts accurate, so if you’re just wanting to shoot and put holes in paper they are probably ok. I wouldn’t hunt with them.

@Rum Runner
Sierra bullets have killed a lot of game both big and small before the advent of mono bullets.
Are they ideal probably not but what bullet is.
My understanding is any bullet used within its parameters works as designed.
Push it to fast or to slow and you have problems.
Bob

30 Cal Sierra Game King report

Robmill70

Doug Hamilton

deewayne2003

dchum

Firebird

dchum

Hyde Hunter

Hyde Hunter

Rumrunner

lawrence_court

deewayne2003

Tundra Tiger

Bob Nelson 35Whelen

Robmill70

Robmill70

SStomcat

meigsbucks

Firebird

R eight

Bob Nelson 35Whelen

Members online

Forum statistics

Proudly sponsored by

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

Share this page