Published: 2024 | Last updated: June 2026
Introduction
Sierra Bullets introduced the MatchKing in the 1950s from its Sedalia, Missouri facility, making it by a wide margin the longest-established bullet in this site’s now-complete four-way coverage of premium long-range match bullets, alongside the more recently engineered Berger Hybrid Target (2012), Hornady A-Tip Match, and Nosler Custom Competition. The MatchKing’s seven-decade production history is not a minor footnote – it represents an accumulated body of competitive results, published load data, and barrel-specific field experience that none of its more recently developed competitors can yet match, regardless of how their raw ballistic coefficients compare on paper.
Like every other bullet in this match category covered on this site, the MatchKing is a non-expanding, lead-core bullet engineered purely for accuracy and aerodynamic consistency, with no terminal performance design goal whatsoever. It should never be substituted for a genuine hunting bullet, a point this site has made consistently across its coverage of the Hybrid Target, A-Tip Match, and Custom Competition, and one that applies with equal force here despite the MatchKing’s long history of informal field use by some shooters for varmint and even occasional larger-game hunting applications outside its design intent.
The MatchKing’s conventional hollow-point boat-tail design, with a small meplat and no polymer or aluminum tip, places it in the same basic architectural family as the Custom Competition, as this site’s coverage of that bullet already noted. This is the most traditional design approach among the four bullets in this comparison set, predating the tipped designs that later competitors introduced specifically to address some of the conventional hollow-point profile’s known limitations, particularly meplat-to-meplat consistency and the resulting BC variation between individual bullets.
The caliber range covers .224-inch through .338-inch, and weight options span 52 to 300 grains per this source, broadly comparable in scope to the Custom Competition’s documented range, though notably narrower at the very heaviest end than the Hybrid Target’s stated 410-grain maximum.
This source’s BC range of 0.400 to 0.700 is worth noting as a positive consistency point: this figure matches what this site’s prior coverage of the BlitzKing, Varmin-A-Tor, and Hybrid Target articles has already cited for the MatchKing as a comparison reference, in contrast to the repeated cross-source discrepancies this series has had to flag for several other bullets’ competitor citations. This consistency across multiple independent original sources lends additional confidence to this specific BC range as a reliable reference figure for the MatchKing. For trajectory context on the cartridges most commonly paired with this bullet, see the 223 Remington ballistics guide, 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics guide, and 300 Winchester Magnum ballistics guide.
Disclaimer: Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity. Always consult current published load data from reputable sources (Sierra, Hodgdon, Hornady) before loading any cartridge. Start at the published minimum charge and work up carefully while watching for pressure signs. Never exceed maximum published loads. The information on this page is for educational reference only and does not replace a current reloading manual.
Technical Characteristics
Hollow-point boat-tail, small meplat: The defining MatchKing design, largely unchanged in its fundamental approach since the line’s introduction, though specific manufacturing tolerances and individual bullet designs have evolved considerably over seven decades of production. The small, open meplat at the nose is the source of the bullet’s BC, with the lack of a polymer or aluminum tip meaning meplat-to-meplat consistency depends entirely on manufacturing precision rather than a separately molded or machined tip component.
Thin, precision-drawn jacket: Sierra’s manufacturing process for the MatchKing jacket has historically been a key differentiator for the line’s accuracy reputation, intended to minimize wall thickness variation and resulting bullet imbalance, consistent with the manufacturing priorities shared across this entire match bullet comparison category.
Aerodynamic profile and transonic stability: The original article’s note about stability “at transonic speeds” is a relevant and genuine engineering consideration for any long-range match bullet, since velocity decay through the transonic zone (where a bullet decelerates through the speed of sound) has historically been a point where some match bullet designs experience accuracy degradation. The MatchKing’s decades of field use across a wide range of cartridges and distances provide an unusually deep, real-world data set on this specific characteristic compared to its more recently introduced competitors.
Reduced fouling claim: The 10-15% fouling reduction figure attributed to the “smooth jacket” should be read with the same calibration this series has applied to nearly identical claims for the Hybrid Target and Custom Competition – directionally plausible given genuinely smooth, well-finished jacket construction, but a manufacturer-reported approximation rather than an independently verified figure. It’s worth noting this specific claim and number appear nearly verbatim across the original source material for several different match bullets in this comparison set, which suggests it may reflect a generic industry-standard estimate for smooth-jacketed match bullets generally rather than a figure specifically measured for the MatchKing.
Less jump tolerance than the Hybrid Target: As with the Custom Competition, the original article’s own comparison section notes reduced jump tolerance relative to Berger’s hybrid ogive design. This is the same believable, specific engineering distinction discussed in this site’s Custom Competition coverage – a conventional hollow-point profile without the hybrid tangent-secant blend would reasonably be expected to show more seating-depth sensitivity than a design specifically engineered to reduce it.
Velocity range: The stated 2,500-3,500 fps optimal muzzle velocity range matches the figures documented across this entire four-bullet comparison category, consistent with standard centerfire match cartridge velocities.
Ballistics and Performance
G1 BCs from 0.400 to 0.700 per this source trail both the Berger Hybrid Target (0.524-0.841) and Hornady A-Tip Match (0.500-0.850) across most comparable weights, and the original article’s own characterization of this as “solid but less superior long-range performance” is an honest, appropriately calibrated description rather than an inflated claim – a noteworthy departure from how this series has had to correct overstated comparisons in other articles.
The 69-grain and 77-grain .224-inch variants at BC 0.336 and 0.372 respectively are mainstream PRS weights for 223 Remington, with BCs notably higher than the lightest Custom Competition offerings at comparable weights (BC 0.220-0.305 for the 52-69 grain range), suggesting the MatchKing’s longer production history and manufacturing refinement may produce a more aerodynamically efficient profile at the light end of the .224-inch weight range specifically, though this comparison should be treated as a general observation rather than a precisely controlled comparison given the different sources involved.
The 95-grain .224-inch at BC 0.495 and SD 0.271 is a notably heavy-for-caliber .224-inch offering, intended for extended-range PRS competition where the additional weight and sectional density provide better wind resistance than the lighter 69-77 grain variants, at the cost of requiring a faster barrel twist rate for proper stabilization.
The 107-grain .243-inch (6mm) at BC 0.547 and SD 0.259 covers 6mm Creedmoor for 600-800 yard competition, and at this specific weight, the MatchKing’s BC actually exceeds the Custom Competition’s comparable 107-grain offering (BC 0.525), a useful illustration of how the BC comparison between these two conventional hollow-point designs varies by weight rather than one consistently leading the other across the board.
The 140-grain and 142-grain 6.5mm variants at BC 0.535 and 0.611 respectively cover 6.5 Creedmoor for long-range F-Class and PRS competition, with the 142-grain figure being a genuinely well-established, widely used weight with an extensive accumulated competitive track record – the original article’s own field test reference (0.3-0.5 MOA at 600 yards from a 1:8 twist barrel) specifically uses this weight, reflecting its real-world prominence within the broader MatchKing lineup.
The 175-grain .284-inch (7mm) at BC 0.608 and SD 0.310 addresses 7mm Remington Magnum for extreme-distance competition.
The 168-grain and 175-grain .308-inch variants at BC 0.462 and 0.505 respectively are likely the most widely recognized and used MatchKing weights in the entire product line, covering 300 Winchester Magnum and similar cartridges for 1,000+ yard F-Class and PRS competition, with an exceptionally deep accumulated field and competitive track record reflecting their decades of use in some of the most widely shot match cartridges available.
The 300-grain .338-inch at BC 0.768 and SD 0.375, unlike the isolated outlier figures this series has flagged for the Hybrid Target’s 245-grain .308-inch and the Custom Competition’s 300-grain .338-inch entries, is harder to evaluate for internal consistency since this source’s table includes no other .338-inch weight to compare it against. Without a documented progression of lighter .338-inch MatchKing weights in this specific source to check it against, this figure cannot be flagged as inconsistent in the same way those other outliers were – but it also cannot be independently corroborated from within this article’s own data, and handloaders interested in this specific heavy-bore weight should verify it directly with Sierra’s current published catalog before relying on it for serious load development, simply as standard practice rather than because of any specific red flag in this case.
Accuracy of 0.3-0.5 MOA matches the figures documented for the Hybrid Target and Custom Competition, reflecting genuine competitive viability across all four bullets in this comparison category.
Expert Ballistics Table – Sierra MatchKing Variants
Data from Sierra specifications. BCs are G1. The 300-grain .338-inch figure has no comparable weight in this table to check consistency against – verify current figures at sierrabullets.com before load development.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | BC (G1) | Sectional Density | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .224 | 69 | 0.336 | 0.196 | Mid-range PRS in 223 Remington |
| .224 | 77 | 0.372 | 0.219 | Mid-range PRS in 223 Remington |
| .224 | 95 | 0.495 | 0.271 | Extended-range PRS in 223 Remington (fast twist required) |
| .243 | 107 | 0.547 | 0.259 | 600-800 yard competition in 6mm Creedmoor |
| .264 | 140 | 0.535 | 0.287 | Long-range F-Class in 6.5 Creedmoor |
| .264 | 142 | 0.611 | 0.291 | Long-range F-Class in 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC |
| .284 | 175 | 0.608 | 0.310 | Extreme-distance competition in 7mm Remington Magnum |
| .308 | 168 | 0.462 | 0.253 | 1,000+ yard targets in 300 Winchester Magnum |
| .308 | 175 | 0.505 | 0.264 | 1,000+ yard targets in 300 Winchester Magnum |
| .338 | 300 | 0.768 | 0.375 | Large-bore F-Class Open in 338 Lapua Magnum |
Comparison Bullets
The original article’s comparison set – Berger Hybrid Target and Hornady A-Tip Match – is reasonable, though the Nosler Custom Competition deserves direct treatment given how closely its conventional hollow-point boat-tail design mirrors the MatchKing’s own architecture, more so than either of the tipped competitors.
The Nosler Custom Competition is, per this site’s dedicated coverage of that bullet, the MatchKing’s closest design relative within this four-way comparison, with broadly overlapping BC ranges (0.220-0.800 for the Custom Competition versus 0.400-0.700 for the MatchKing) and the same fundamental hollow-point boat-tail approach without a polymer or aluminum tip. The MatchKing’s seven-decade production history and far deeper accumulated competitive track record remain its primary advantage over the comparatively newer Custom Competition, independent of the specific BC comparison at any given weight.
The Berger Hybrid Target holds a consistent BC advantage over the MatchKing across most comparable weights, attributable to its hybrid tangent-secant ogive design, and the original article’s claim that the MatchKing shows “less jump tolerance” than the Hybrid Target reflects the same credible engineering distinction discussed in this site’s Custom Competition coverage.
The Hornady A-Tip Match similarly holds a BC advantage owing to its aluminum tip construction, with the original article’s claim that the MatchKing “matches A-Tip in mid-range accuracy” mirroring the same directional claim made for the Custom Competition – plausible at moderate distances where the BC gap has less opportunity to translate into measurable group size differences, though the original article’s own acknowledgment that the MatchKing trails Berger “by 5-10% in wind drift at 800+ yards” indicates this advantage narrows considerably at extended range. Handloaders considering a tactical or law enforcement-oriented application rather than pure competition may also want to compare the Berger OTM Tactical and Nosler RDF alongside the four bullets in this primary comparison set.
Comparison Table – Premium Long-Range Match Bullets
| Bullet | Diameter Range | Weight Range | BC Range | Tip Design | Years in Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra MatchKing | .224-.338 | 52-300 gr | 0.400-0.700 | None (hollow point) | 70+ years |
| Nosler Custom Competition | .224-.338 | 52-300 gr | 0.220-0.800 | None (hollow point) | Not specified |
| Berger Hybrid Target | .224-.375 | 85-410 gr | 0.524-0.841 | None (hybrid ogive) | 10+ years |
| Hornady A-Tip Match | .224-.338 | 90-250 gr | 0.500-0.850 | Aluminum | Not specified |
The MatchKing’s production history is, by a wide margin, the standout characteristic in this comparison – a track record no competitor in this category currently matches, which translates directly into a depth of published load data and barrel-specific field experience that remains genuinely valuable independent of raw BC figures.
Applications and Practical Aspects
Mid-range PRS competition (.224-inch, 69-95 grains): This weight range covers 223 Remington and 22 Creedmoor for PRS competition stages of varying distance, with the 95-grain offering specifically suited to extended-range stages where additional sectional density matters more than the lighter weights provide. Hodgdon Varget and IMR 4064 are standard powder choices for 223 Remington at these weights.
600-800 yard competition (6mm, 107 grains): 6mm Creedmoor loaded with this weight is a mainstream PRS choice. Hodgdon H4350 and Alliant Reloder 16 are documented powder choices for this cartridge and weight class. The 6mm GT and 6mm Dasher are additional PRS-popular 6mm cartridges worth considering alongside 6mm Creedmoor for this weight class.
Long-range F-Class (6.5mm, 140-142 grains): 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC at these weights, particularly the well-established 142-grain offering, cover the most popular modern F-Class and PRS cartridge and weight combinations. Hodgdon H4350 and Alliant Reloder 23 are well documented for this application. The 6.5×47 Lapua is a further specialized 6.5mm cartridge specifically developed for competitive precision shooting worth considering alongside the more common Creedmoor-based options.
Extreme-distance competition (7mm, 175 grains): 7mm Remington Magnum at this weight addresses extended-range competitive shooting. Alliant Reloder 22 and Hodgdon H4831SC are documented powder choices. The 7mm PRC is an additional modern 7mm magnum option some F-Class Open competitors use for this weight class.
1,000+ yard targets (.308-inch, 168-175 grains): 300 Winchester Magnum at these weights addresses F-Class Open and similar extreme-long-range disciplines, with these two specific weights representing some of the most widely shot and well-documented match loadings in existence given the MatchKing’s long history at this caliber. Hodgdon H4831SC and Alliant Reloder 26 are common choices for 300 Winchester Magnum at these weights.
Large-bore F-Class Open (.338-inch, 300 grains): 338 Lapua Magnum at this weight addresses heavy-bore extreme-long-range applications, with the caveat discussed above regarding this article’s inability to independently cross-check this single .338-inch entry’s BC against other weights in the same caliber from this source. The 6.5-284 Norma and 284 Winchester are additional cartridges some F-Class competitors pair with high-BC bullet lineups, though not specifically documented in this source’s MatchKing table.
Not appropriate for hunting: Consistent with how this site treats every dedicated match bullet covered in this comparison series, this bears explicit statement. The MatchKing’s conventional lead-core, non-expanding design is engineered purely for accuracy and aerodynamic efficiency, with no terminal performance design goal. Despite the bullet’s long history and some informal field reports of varmint and occasional larger-game use outside its design intent, it should not be substituted for a genuine expanding hunting bullet.
Reloading
Sierra publishes MatchKing-specific load data with an unusually deep historical archive given the bullet’s seven-decade production history, and as a conventional lead-core match bullet, pressure characteristics are generally standard rather than elevated.
Primers: Standard small or large rifle primers depending on caliber and case. CCI BR-2 and CCI BR-4 benchrest primers, along with Federal GM205M and Federal GM210M match-grade primers, are commonly used in competitive precision rifle applications with this bullet.
Cases: Premium brass from Lapua, Norma, or Peterson is commonly used in competitive shooting applications where case-to-case consistency directly affects group size and extreme spread. Dedicated case prep equipment and a quality digital powder scale help maintain the consistency competitive accuracy at extended range demands, while a precision bench rest powder measure is a further worthwhile investment for handloaders preparing match ammunition in volume.
Seating depth: Start 0.010 to 0.050 inches off the lands. As with the Custom Competition, the MatchKing’s conventional hollow-point profile lacks the Hybrid Target’s reduced jump-tolerance engineering, so systematic seating depth testing in small increments matters more here than for that specific competitor.
Crimp: Generally not used for bolt-action precision rifle applications.
Barrel twist: Matching twist rate to the specific bullet weight is essential, particularly for the heavier 95-grain .224-inch and 300-grain .338-inch offerings, which require faster twist rates than the lighter weights in their respective calibers to stabilize properly.
Velocity verification: Chronograph data is standard practice in competitive precision shooting, and the MatchKing’s exceptionally deep accumulated load data archive across decades of competitive use provides an unusually rich reference for handloaders developing a new load, beyond what any of its more recently introduced competitors can offer.
Powder Selection by Application:
| Application | Caliber | Bullet Weight | Recommended Powders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range PRS | 223 Rem | 69-95 gr | Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4064, Hodgdon CFE 223, Hodgdon H335 |
| 600-800 yard PRS | 6mm Creedmoor | 107 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 16, Alliant Reloder 23 |
| Long-range F-Class | 6.5 Creedmoor | 140-142 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 23, Alliant Reloder 26, IMR 4350 |
| Extreme-distance | 7mm Rem Mag | 175 gr | Alliant Reloder 22, Hodgdon H4831SC, IMR 7828 SSC |
| 1,000+ yard | 300 Win Mag | 168-175 gr | Hodgdon H4831SC, Alliant Reloder 26, Hodgdon Retumbo |
| F-Class Open | 338 Lapua Magnum | 300 gr | Hodgdon H1000, Alliant Reloder 22, IMR 7828, Hodgdon Retumbo |
Reloading Parameters Summary:
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Neck tension | 0.002-0.004 inch interference |
| Seating depth | 0.010-0.050 inch off lands; less jump tolerance than hybrid-ogive competitors |
| Crimp | Generally not used for bolt-action precision applications |
| Minimum stable velocity | 2,500 fps for reliable flight |
| Twist rate | Match precisely to bullet weight, especially heavier offerings |
| Extreme spread target | Under 10 fps for competitive accuracy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the MatchKing’s seven-decade production history actually matter for a handloader today, beyond just being a notable fact?
A: This translates into very practical benefits. An exceptionally deep archive of published Sierra load data exists across virtually every common rifle cartridge and barrel twist combination, accumulated competitive results in essentially every precision discipline, and a vast body of informal field experience and forum discussion documenting specific load combinations that work well in specific rifles. For a handloader developing a new load, this depth of accumulated reference data is a genuine practical advantage independent of how the MatchKing’s raw BC compares to its more recently introduced competitors – there is simply more known, tested information available for this bullet than for any of its three main rivals in this comparison.
Q: Is the MatchKing’s lower BC compared to the Hybrid Target and A-Tip Match a real practical disadvantage?
A: At extended range, particularly 800 yards and beyond, yes – the original article’s own acknowledgment that the MatchKing trails the Hybrid Target by 5-10% in wind drift at that distance reflects a real, measurable difference that matters for competitive scoring in extreme-long-range disciplines. At more moderate distances, the practical gap narrows considerably, and the original article’s claim that the MatchKing “matches A-Tip in mid-range accuracy” is a believable characterization given how much less consequential a BC difference becomes before wind drift and retained velocity differences have had sufficient distance to compound.
Q: The 300-grain .338-inch MatchKing is listed at BC 0.768. Is this figure trustworthy, given this series has flagged similar heavy-weight outliers for other bullets?
A: This figure cannot be evaluated for internal consistency the same way the Berger Hybrid Target’s 245-grain .308-inch or the Nosler Custom Competition’s 300-grain .338-inch figures were, since this source’s table includes no other .338-inch weight to check it against for a progression pattern. This is a meaningfully different situation from those prior cases, where the outlier figure could be directly compared against an established progression within the same table and found to deviate from it. Without that comparison point available here, this article cannot flag the figure as specifically inconsistent, though as with any single data point, independent verification with Sierra’s current published catalog remains good practice before relying on it for serious load development.
Q: Can the MatchKing really be used for hunting, given how long some shooters have informally used it that way?
A: No, despite the long history of some shooters using the MatchKing informally on varmints or even occasionally larger game outside its intended design. This remains a conventional lead-core, non-expanding match bullet engineered purely for accuracy and aerodynamic efficiency, not for controlled, reliable, predictable expansion on game tissue. Long informal use by some individual shooters does not constitute the bullet being designed, tested, or warranted for hunting, and using it for that purpose risks an unreliable, potentially non-lethal wound. Hunters should use a dedicated hunting bullet, several of which are covered extensively elsewhere on this site.
Q: How does the MatchKing compare specifically to the Nosler Custom Competition, given how similar their basic designs are?
A: These two bullets are, per this site’s dedicated coverage of both, the closest architectural match within this entire four-bullet comparison – both conventional hollow-point boat-tail designs without a polymer or aluminum tip. Their BC ranges substantially overlap, and at specific weights neither consistently leads the other; the 107-grain 6mm MatchKing, for instance, edges out the comparable Custom Competition weight, while other weights may favor the reverse. The MatchKing’s primary, decisive advantage is its vastly deeper production history and accumulated competitive track record. The Custom Competition’s primary advantage is its generally lower price point. For handloaders without strong existing brand investment in either, the choice often comes down to specific weight availability and component sourcing in a handloader’s particular caliber.
Q: Is the MatchKing a good choice for a shooter just starting in competitive precision shooting?
A: Yes, and arguably this is exactly the audience the MatchKing’s long history serves best. The depth of available load data, the abundance of forum and community knowledge about specific rifle and cartridge combinations, and the bullet’s well-established, predictable behavior across a very wide range of conditions all reduce the uncertainty a new competitive shooter faces during initial load development, compared to working with a more recently introduced design with a thinner accumulated knowledge base. The original article’s stated affordability ($0.30-$0.50 per bullet) further supports this as a sensible entry point alongside the similarly priced Custom Competition.
Conclusion
The Sierra MatchKing is the longest-established, most widely documented bullet among the four premium long-range match bullets covered in this site’s comparison series. Its BCs trail the more recently engineered Hybrid Target and A-Tip Match at most weights, an honest characterization the original article itself states rather than overstates, but its seven-decade production history provides a depth of accumulated load data and competitive track record that none of its competitors can yet match.
Choose the MatchKing if: you want the deepest available archive of published load data and accumulated competitive field experience; you’re new to precision rifle competition and want the most thoroughly documented option to reduce load development uncertainty; or you primarily compete at moderate distances where the BC gap to premium tipped competitors matters less. Handloaders also working with 270 Winchester loads using Alliant Reloder 19 for other rifles in their battery may find similar powder characteristics useful for reference when developing match loads in other calibers covered in this article.
Choose something else if: extended-range BC and reduced wind drift at 800+ yards are your priority – the Berger Hybrid Target or Hornady A-Tip Match hold a meaningful advantage there. If reduced seating-depth sensitivity matters for your specific rifle and chamber dimensions, the Hybrid Target’s hybrid ogive is purpose-built to address that concern. If you want a similarly conventional design at a comparable price point but want to compare options, the Nosler Custom Competition is the closest direct architectural alternative. If you want a more recently developed tipped variant within Sierra’s own lineup, the Sierra Tipped MatchKing addresses some of the conventional hollow-point design’s BC limitations while retaining Sierra’s manufacturing pedigree. If you need a bullet for hunting rather than competition, none of the match bullets in this comparison are appropriate, regardless of informal field history – choose a genuine expanding hunting bullet such as the Barnes TTSX or Federal Trophy Copper instead.
Disclaimer: Reloading involves inherent risks. Always use current load data from Sierra or other published manuals. Start below maximum charges and increase gradually. This bullet is designed exclusively for target and competition use, not hunting, despite a long history of some informal field use outside that design intent – it will not perform reliably or ethically on game. Confirm barrel twist rate compatibility before purchasing components for a specific weight. Wear eye protection at all times. The author and myreloading.com are not responsible for injuries or property damage from reloading or shooting handloaded ammunition.
Have you loaded and shot the Sierra MatchKing? Leave a comment with your load details: weight, cartridge, powder, charge, and your results in competition or load development. Given this bullet’s exceptionally long history, even well-established loads and observations remain valuable to share with other competitive shooters working with this bullet for the first time.
Editorial note: Originally published 2024, revised June 2026. The update added the Nosler Custom Competition to the comparison discussion as the MatchKing’s closest architectural relative, which the original article did not address despite both being conventional hollow-point boat-tail designs. Noted that this source’s stated BC range (0.400-0.700) is consistent with figures already cited for the MatchKing across this site’s prior coverage of other bullets, a positive consistency finding worth flagging given the repeated cross-source discrepancies this series has had to address for other comparison bullets elsewhere. Distinguished the 300-grain .338-inch entry’s verification status from similar previously-flagged outliers, since this source’s table provides no comparable .338-inch weight to check it against for an internal consistency pattern. Emphasized the bullet’s seven-decade production history as a genuine practical advantage independent of raw BC comparisons. Reinforced that this bullet is not appropriate for hunting despite informal field use history. Added FAQ covering six common questions. Applied full internal linking throughout.
