Published: 2024 | Last updated: June 2026
Introduction
Lehigh Defense introduced the Match Solid in 2012 as a lead-free entry into the precision match bullet category, a segment historically dominated by jacketed lead-core designs like the Sierra MatchKing, Berger Hybrid Target, and Hornady ELD-M. Where those bullets use a lead core inside a copper jacket, the Match Solid is machined entirely from a solid copper bar on CNC Swiss lathes – no core, no jacket, no possibility of core-jacket separation because there is no core to separate from anything.
The lineup covers .264-inch through .311-inch with four documented variants: 110-grain and 121-grain .264-inch, 168-grain .308-inch, and 174-grain .311-inch. The .311-inch variant is notable – this is a slightly larger bore diameter than the standard .308-inch, corresponding to 7.62x39mm and other Eastern Bloc-pattern cartridges that use .311-.312-inch bore diameters rather than the .308-inch standard of Western .30-caliber cartridges. This makes the Match Solid one of the few precision match bullets specifically dimensioned for 7.62x39mm precision shooting.
Unlike most of the Lehigh designs covered elsewhere on this site, the Match Solid is explicitly non-expanding – it is a pure precision target bullet, not a hunting or defensive design. This is an important distinction from the Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos and Controlled Fracturing, both of which are explicitly fragmenting hunting and tactical designs. The Match Solid’s entire purpose is consistent, predictable, lead-free flight to the target – it should never be used for hunting where expansion is required.
The original article’s comparison to the Berger Hybrid Target and Sierra MatchKing is appropriate, unlike the comparison errors found in some other Lehigh Defense articles in this series – these are genuinely the correct competitive set for a precision match bullet.
Disclaimer: Reloading is an inherently dangerous activity. Always consult current published load data from Lehigh Defense at lehighdefense.com before loading any cartridge. Solid copper bullets generate higher chamber pressures than lead-core bullets of the same weight. Never use lead-core load data for the Match Solid. Start at the published minimum charge and work up carefully. 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
Monolithic solid copper construction: The Match Solid is machined from a single bar of solid copper, eliminating the core-jacket interface entirely. This has two practical implications for precision shooters. First, there is no possibility of core-jacket concentricity variation – a manufacturing tolerance issue that affects jacketed bullets where the core must be precisely centered within the jacket during the swaging process. Second, density is uniform throughout the bullet, eliminating any weight distribution variation from core density inconsistencies that can occur in cast or swaged lead cores.
CNC Swiss lathe machining: Rather than the stamping and swaging processes used for jacketed bullets, the Match Solid is turned on CNC Swiss lathes – a manufacturing approach that produces extremely tight dimensional tolerances by removing material from a solid bar rather than forming material around a core. This process is more expensive per bullet than swaging but produces bullets with very consistent bearing surface dimensions, ogive geometry, and weight from bullet to bullet. The “no inclusions” claim in the original article refers to the absence of voids or impurities that can occasionally occur in cast or pressed lead cores – a solid machined bar has more uniform material consistency.
Boat-tail design: Standard boat-tail geometry reduces base drag and contributes to the BCs in the 0.400-0.550 range. This is competitive with jacketed match bullets at comparable weights.
Non-expanding by design: The Match Solid does not have a hollow-point cavity, polymer tip, or any expansion-initiating feature. It is a pure solid that maintains its shape and weight through flight and impact. This is appropriate and correct for match shooting where the bullet’s job ends at the target – there is no terminal performance requirement on paper or steel targets.
Reduced fouling claim: The original article states “15-20% fouling reduction compared to lead-core bullets, extending barrel life.” This figure should be treated with some skepticism as an industry-standard marketing claim rather than independently verified data. Solid copper bullets do generally produce different fouling characteristics than jacketed lead-core bullets – less lead fouling obviously, since there is no lead, but copper fouling can be comparable or in some cases more pronounced depending on bullet fit and velocity. The claim that this translates to “extended barrel life” conflates fouling (which affects cleaning frequency) with barrel erosion (which is primarily driven by powder charge, velocity, and chamber pressure, not bullet jacket material). Barrel throat erosion from a Match Solid load is not meaningfully different from a jacketed bullet load at the same velocity and powder charge.
Ballistics and Performance
G1 BCs from 0.400 to 0.550 are competitive figures for a solid copper match bullet, placing the Match Solid in similar territory to premium jacketed match designs at comparable weights.
The 174-grain .311-inch at BC 0.550 and SD 0.258 is the lineup’s aerodynamic peak and its most distinctive offering, given the unusual bore diameter. For 7.62x39mm precision shooters – a niche but growing segment as 7.62x39mm-chambered precision rifles have become more available – this is one of very few premium match bullets dimensioned specifically for that bore diameter rather than adapted from .308-inch designs. BC 0.550 at 174 grains is strong performance for the application.
The 168-grain .308-inch at BC 0.520 and SD 0.253 covers 308 Winchester competition. BC 0.520 is competitive with the Sierra MatchKing 168-grain at BC 0.453 – the Match Solid actually exceeds the standard MatchKing 168-grain in this comparison, though it trails the heavier 175-grain MatchKing variants.
The 121-grain .264-inch at BC 0.465 and SD 0.247 and 110-grain .264-inch at BC 0.430 and SD 0.225 cover 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 260 Remington competition. These BCs are competitive with jacketed 6.5mm match bullets at comparable weights – the Hornady ELD-M 120-grain at BC 0.486 is somewhat higher, while the Sierra MatchKing 123-grain at BC 0.510 and the Lapua Scenar and Nosler RDF at comparable weights also edge out the Match Solid 121-grain slightly.
Accuracy of 0.3-0.5 MOA is competitive with the best jacketed match bullets, supported by the CNC machining’s dimensional consistency advantages.
Expert Ballistics Table – Lehigh Defense Match Solid Variants
Data from Lehigh Defense specifications. BCs are G1. Verify current figures at lehighdefense.com. This is a non-expanding match bullet – not appropriate for hunting.
| Diameter (inches) | Weight (grains) | BC (G1) | Sectional Density | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .264 | 110 | 0.430 | 0.225 | 6.5 Creedmoor mid-range competition |
| .264 | 121 | 0.465 | 0.247 | 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC PRS/NRL |
| .308 | 168 | 0.520 | 0.253 | 308 Winchester F-Class and long-range |
| .311 | 174 | 0.550 | 0.258 | 7.62x39mm precision and similar Eastern bloc diameters |
Comparison Bullets
The Match Solid’s correct comparison set is precision match bullets – the original article got this right, unlike comparisons in some other Lehigh Defense articles.
The Sierra MatchKing is the established reference standard for match accuracy with seven decades of competition results. BCs (0.300-0.600 depending on weight) are broadly comparable to the Match Solid at overlapping weights, with the MatchKing’s secant ogive providing slightly higher BC at some weights and the Match Solid’s machined consistency providing a theoretical manufacturing tolerance advantage. The MatchKing has vastly more accumulated competition data and third-party load development across more cartridges and weights.
The Berger Hybrid Target uses a compound hybrid ogive (tangent near the bearing surface, secant near the tip) that provides excellent seating-depth tolerance alongside high BC (0.400-0.700 depending on weight). At comparable weights, the Hybrid Target often achieves slightly higher BC than the Match Solid. The Hybrid Target is jacketed, not lead-free.
The Hornady ELD-M uses the Heat Shield polymer tip to prevent aerodynamic heating-induced BC drift at extended range and sustained high velocity. At comparable weights, the ELD-M generally achieves higher BC than the Match Solid – the 120-grain .264-inch ELD-M at BC 0.486 versus the Match Solid 121-grain at BC 0.465.
The Lapua Scenar-L applies extremely tight manufacturing tolerances (±0.3-grain weight variation, <0.0002-inch concentricity) to jacketed match bullet production. The Match Solid’s CNC machining process achieves comparable dimensional consistency through a different manufacturing method. For shooters who want to compare this manufacturing philosophy against other precision-focused designs, the Berger VLD Hunting and Nosler RDF both apply similar precision standards to jacketed construction loaded with powders like IMR 4350, as does the Lapua Scenar-L mentioned above with its own extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
For competitive shooters who handload across multiple precision calibers, the 6mm Creedmoor and 308 Winchester ballistics guide provide useful reference points alongside the Match Solid’s own specifications.
The key differentiator for the Match Solid against all of these jacketed alternatives is lead-free compliance. For competitive shooters in California or other lead-restricted jurisdictions, or for shooters at ranges that restrict lead ammunition for environmental reasons, the Match Solid is one of relatively few premium match bullets that meets those requirements without compromising significantly on BC or accuracy. Other match bullets in the broader market include the Nosler Custom Competition, Hornady A-Tip Match, and Winchester Match (which is itself a rebranded Sierra MatchKing), though none of these alternatives are lead-free. For Lehigh’s lead-free defensive options beyond the Match Solid’s competition focus, see the Lehigh Defense Xtreme Defense for pistol applications.
Comparison Table – Premium Match Bullets
| Bullet | Diameter Range | Weight Range | BC Range | Lead-Free | Manufacturing Method | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lehigh Match Solid | .264-.311 | 110-174 gr | 0.400-0.550 | Yes | CNC machined solid | Premium |
| Sierra MatchKing | .224-.338 | 52-300 gr | 0.300-0.600 | No | Swaged jacket/core | Mid |
| Berger Hybrid Target | .224-.338 | 105-215 gr | 0.400-0.700 | No | Swaged jacket/core | Mid-high |
| Hornady ELD-M | .224-.338 | 52-285 gr | 0.398-0.822 | No | Swaged jacket/core | Mid |
| Lapua Scenar-L | .224-.308 | 69-220 gr | 0.341-0.661 | No | Swaged jacket/core | Premium |
Applications
Mid-range competition (.264-inch, 110-121 grains): Both 6.5mm weights cover 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC precision rifle competition formats including PRS, NRL, and F-Class. The 110-grain is lighter and suited to faster twist barrels or lower recoil preference; the 121-grain provides better BC for longer-range stages. Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 16, Alliant Reloder 23, and Vihtavuori N150 are standard for 6.5 Creedmoor; Alliant Reloder 23 and Hodgdon H4831SC for 6.5 PRC.
Long-range F-Class and PRS (.308-inch, 168 grains): The 168-grain covers 308 Winchester F-Class and long-range competition. Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4895, and Alliant Reloder 15 are standard for 308 Winchester with 168-grain bullets.
7.62x39mm precision (.311-inch, 174 grains): This is the Match Solid’s most distinctive application. 7.62x39mm precision shooting has grown as a niche within the broader precision rifle community, often using bolt-action or precision semi-automatic platforms chambered specifically for the cartridge. For context on this cartridge’s ballistic position relative to alternatives, the 7.62x39mm vs 300 Blackout comparison covers the tradeoffs handloaders weigh between these similar-role cartridges. Standard .308-inch match bullets are undersized for the typical .311-.312-inch bore diameter of 7.62x39mm-pattern rifles, making properly-sized .311-inch match bullets like the Match Solid valuable for handloaders pursuing precision in this cartridge. Powder selection for 7.62x39mm at 174 grains requires cartridge-specific data given the case’s limited capacity – consult Lehigh’s published data directly for this application as conventional .308-inch load data does not transfer. Hodgdon H335 and similar mid-burn-rate powders appear in published 7.62x39mm data generally, though verify against Lehigh’s Match Solid-specific recommendations. For AK-pattern semi-automatic platforms, CCI No. 41 or equivalent mil-spec-hardness primers address the harder firing pin impact common to some AK-pattern bolt designs.
Reloading
The Match Solid requires Lehigh Defense-specific load data due to solid copper construction generating higher pressure than jacketed lead-core bullets at equivalent charge weights.
Primers: Standard large rifle primers for 6.5 Creedmoor and 308 Winchester applications. Federal GM210M and CCI BR-2 are reference choices for match-grade ignition consistency. CCI 200 and Federal 210 are standard alternatives. For 6.5 PRC, magnum primers CCI 250 or Federal 215 are appropriate. For 7.62x39mm, which typically uses small rifle primers in Western brass or Berdan-primed surplus cases, verify your specific brass’s primer pocket size before loading – CCI 400, CCI BR-4, or Federal GM205M match small rifle primer are appropriate for small rifle primer pocket brass.
Cases: Lapua brass is the reference standard for 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and 308 Winchester competition loads. Remington 9-1/2 is a standard alternative large rifle primer for these applications. For 7.62x39mm, Boxer-primed brass (as opposed to Berdan-primed surplus military brass) is required for conventional reloading – verify your brass source carefully, as much surplus 7.62x39mm ammunition uses non-reloadable Berdan primers.
Seating depth: Start 0.020 to 0.050 inches off the lands and test systematically. As a non-tipped, machined design, the Match Solid’s seating depth sensitivity should be evaluated empirically in your specific barrel rather than assumed from jacketed bullet behavior.
No crimp for most applications: Bolt-action competition rifles do not require crimping. For semi-automatic platforms, particularly 7.62x39mm in AK-pattern or precision semi-auto rifles, a light roll crimp at the cannelure (if present) may be appropriate for feeding reliability.
Powder Selection by Application:
| Application | Caliber | Bullet Weight | Recommended Powders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-range PRS | 6.5 Creedmoor | 110-121 gr | Hodgdon H4350, Alliant Reloder 16, Alliant Reloder 23 |
| Long-range PRS | 6.5 PRC | 121 gr | Alliant Reloder 23, Hodgdon H4831SC, Hodgdon Retumbo |
| F-Class / long-range | 308 Win | 168 gr | Hodgdon Varget, IMR 4895, Alliant Reloder 26 |
| Precision | 7.62x39mm | 174 gr | Lehigh data required – cartridge-specific capacity constraints |
Reloading Parameters Summary:
| Parameter | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Neck tension | 0.002-0.004 inch interference |
| Seating depth | 0.020-0.050 inch off lands; test systematically |
| Crimp | None for bolt-action; light roll crimp for semi-auto if cannelure present |
| Load data source | Lehigh Defense at lehighdefense.com (primary) |
| Starting charge | Lehigh minimum; never use lead-core data directly |
| ES target | Under 10 fps for competitive precision |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Match Solid appropriate for hunting since it’s a Lehigh Defense product?
A: No. Despite sharing a manufacturer with the Controlled Chaos and Controlled Fracturing, the Match Solid is a fundamentally different product designed for a different purpose. It has no expansion mechanism whatsoever – no hollow-point cavity, no fracture points, no fragmentation design. It is a solid, non-deforming projectile intended for precision target shooting where the bullet’s terminal behavior on paper or steel targets is irrelevant. For hunting with a lead-free Lehigh bullet, use the Controlled Chaos or Controlled Fracturing depending on your velocity range and application.
Q: What does “15-20% fouling reduction” actually mean, and does it really extend barrel life?
A: The fouling reduction claim compares copper-fouling behavior of a solid copper bullet to the combined copper-and-lead fouling of a jacketed lead-core bullet, since there is no lead deposit with a solid bullet. This is a real but modest practical benefit – cleaning intervals may be somewhat extended. The “extending barrel life” claim is less well-supported. Barrel throat erosion is driven primarily by the heat and pressure of burning powder at the throat, not by bullet jacket material. A Match Solid load at the same velocity and powder charge as a jacketed bullet load produces comparable throat erosion. The fouling reduction affects cleaning frequency, not the underlying erosion rate that ultimately determines barrel life.
Q: Why does the lineup include an unusual .311-inch diameter?
A: The .311-inch diameter corresponds to the bore diameter standard used by many Eastern Bloc and former Warsaw Pact cartridges, most notably 7.62x39mm, as well as some 7.62x54R rifles. These cartridges use a bore diameter of approximately .311-.312 inches, slightly larger than the .308-inch standard for Western .30-caliber cartridges like 308 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield. Using a standard .308-inch bullet in a .311-inch bore can produce inconsistent accuracy due to inadequate bore engagement. The Match Solid’s .311-inch variant is specifically dimensioned for precision shooters using 7.62x39mm or similar cartridges, which is a genuinely useful niche given how few premium match bullets are offered at that specific diameter.
Q: How does the CNC machining process differ from how jacketed match bullets are made?
A: Conventional jacketed match bullets like the Sierra MatchKing are made by drawing a copper cup into a jacket shape, inserting a lead core, and swaging the assembly into final form under high pressure. This process requires precise control of core weight, core centering within the jacket, and consistent swaging pressure to achieve tight tolerances. The Match Solid’s CNC machining starts with a solid copper bar and removes material via lathe cutting to achieve the final bullet shape directly. This eliminates core-related variability entirely, since there is no separate core component, but requires more machining time per bullet, which is reflected in the higher price.
Q: Can I use 7.62x39mm surplus military brass for the .311-inch Match Solid?
A: Only if it is Boxer-primed. Much surplus 7.62x39mm military ammunition, particularly from former Warsaw Pact countries and surplus stocks used in AK-47 and SKS rifles, uses Berdan primers, which are not compatible with conventional reloading equipment designed for Boxer-primed cases. Modern commercial 7.62x39mm brass from manufacturers like Hornady, Sellier & Bellot, or Prvi Partizan is typically Boxer-primed and reloadable. Verify your specific brass source before purchasing components, as mixing Berdan and Boxer brass in a batch can create confusion during the reloading process.
Q: Does the Match Solid require a faster twist rate than jacketed bullets of the same weight?
A: Twist rate requirements are determined by bullet length, not by whether the bullet is solid or jacketed – a longer bullet of the same weight and diameter requires faster twist to stabilize regardless of construction. Solid copper bullets are typically longer than jacketed lead-core bullets of the same weight because copper is less dense than lead, so a given weight occupies more length in copper than in lead. This means the Match Solid likely requires a faster twist rate than a jacketed bullet of the same nominal weight and diameter. Verify Lehigh’s recommended twist rate for each specific Match Solid weight rather than assuming standard twist rates for jacketed bullets of the same weight will stabilize it.
Conclusion
The Lehigh Defense Match Solid is a legitimate premium lead-free match bullet, correctly positioned against the established jacketed match bullet competition. The CNC-machined solid copper construction provides genuine manufacturing consistency advantages and eliminates core-jacket concentricity as a variable entirely. The .311-inch 174-grain variant fills a genuine niche for 7.62x39mm precision shooters that few other premium match bullets address.
The honest competitive position is that jacketed match bullets from Sierra, Berger, Hornady, and Lapua generally achieve comparable or slightly higher BCs at equivalent weights, with vastly more accumulated competition data and load development across more cartridges. The Match Solid’s case is lead-free compliance combined with competitive accuracy – a combination that matters specifically to shooters in lead-restricted competition venues or jurisdictions.
Choose the Match Solid if: you compete in lead-restricted venues or jurisdictions including California; you shoot 7.62x39mm precision and want a properly-dimensioned .311-inch match bullet; or you want CNC-machined dimensional consistency in a non-bonded, non-expanding match bullet.
Choose something else if: lead-free is not a requirement – the Sierra MatchKing, Berger Hybrid Target, or Hornady ELD-M offer comparable or better BCs with substantially more competition data and published load development. If you need a hunting bullet, the Match Solid is explicitly not appropriate – use Lehigh Defense Controlled Chaos, Controlled Fracturing, or the Lehigh Defense Tipped Controlled Chaos for lead-free hunting needs, or a conventional jacketed hunting bullet like the Nosler AccuBond if lead-free compliance is not required.
Disclaimer: Reloading involves inherent risks. The Match Solid is a solid copper bullet that generates higher chamber pressures than lead-core bullets – never use lead-core load data as a starting point. Use Lehigh Defense-specific data from lehighdefense.com. The Match Solid is not a hunting bullet – it does not expand and should never be used for hunting where expansion is required. Start below minimum charges and increase gradually. 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 competed with the Lehigh Defense Match Solid? Leave a comment with your load details: weight, cartridge, powder, charge, primer, and your competitive results. If you shoot 7.62x39mm precision specifically, your experience with the .311-inch variant would be especially valuable given how few resources exist for that specific application.
Editorial note: Originally published 2024, revised June 2026. The update added context for the unusual .311-inch diameter variant and its specific application to 7.62x39mm precision shooting. Added detailed explanation of CNC Swiss lathe machining and how it differs from conventional jacketed bullet manufacturing. Applied appropriate skepticism to the “extending barrel life” claim, distinguishing fouling reduction (real but modest) from barrel throat erosion (driven by powder/velocity, not bullet material). Added explicit clarification that despite sharing a manufacturer with Lehigh’s hunting designs, the Match Solid is non-expanding and not appropriate for hunting. Added twist rate guidance specific to solid copper bullet length characteristics. Added FAQ covering six common questions. Applied full internal linking throughout.
