Sierra GameChanger, anybody using?

Hi all, I've got a very picky kimber in 308 and all it likes off the shelf is the sako loaded ammunition with the sierra gamechanger projectiles. I've read these are quite a tough projectile with thick copper walls and a lead alloy core, not recommended to be used at a distance with impact velocities below 1900fps. Last weekend I shot a red hind at a distance boarding that 1900fps lower limit and results showed it still did a heap of damage. The shot was behind the shoulder, didn't hit any major bones other than ribs. Now I know there's a million different variables but I am curious to hear other people's experiences with these projectiles at that lower end of impact speed. I'd love to be able to push them to distances a touch further and know they'll still open up and work at 1800fps. Cheers

I've used the 130gn TGK Sierra in my 6.5CM but only out to around 250 metres so well above your velocity thresh hold. I had no issues with expansion and performance on Fallow. At the velocity you are wanting them to perform I would suggest there are better options. You need a simple cup and core projectile with a thin jacket like the Hornady ELDM or the Sierra TMK. I assume you are using factory ammo so not sure what is available that fits this description.

Yeah I used to run the eldm in other rifles and loved them. I've had someone try to load some eldm up for me for this rifle but we couldn't get it shooting as accurate as these factory sako rounds.

I’ve used the 140 grain tgk in a short barrel 270wsm and really like them both up close and up to 450 meters which is around the lower limit you are speaking of. It is a pretty tough bullet and does hold together well, I assume because I’ve never recovered one. As far as damage goes there always seems plenty either with lung shots or through the shoulder and I haven’t lost an animal yet. I’d rate it as a very capable bullet and won’t be looking to change myself. It’s all about placement, no bullet will make up for a poorly placed shot.

shoot ten more and see what happens. accuracy is there so crack on and report back with the results.

I use them in my 260 and load the 165gn ones for a mates 308, they kill very well, I don’t think they are to hard, he was clobbering goats out to 400yd recently no problem

Nice to load in.25/06 and appear to kill well.definitely easy to got accurate.

I used the sako factory 165g in my 7 rm before i started reloading for it and found them excellent on red deer. They were pathetically slow in my 22inch barrel (2730 fps) , think i shot a few at 400 yds and bullet performed well at that reduced velocity and distance.

Im about to try the 140gn TGK in my 19" 6.5 PRC so this is an interesting thread. I will update with any results I have on animals.

I use 140 grain Tipped GK in my 6.5x55 Balser, shoots one hole at 100M, using the same powder charge i get same velocity as the 143 ELDX and same point of impact. ELDx 1 hole as well. So i can't see the difference between them 2 bullets in my Blaser.

Thanks for that useful information Lee.

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Originally Posted by 30late

I used the sako factory 165g in my 7 rm before i started reloading for it and found them excellent on red deer. They were pathetically slow in my 22inch barrel (2730 fps) , think i shot a few at 400 yds and bullet performed well at that reduced velocity and distance.

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The 165 gn grouped very well in my 7saum but slower out of a 20” bbl than a 162 or 180 eldm.

Quite a big projectile same size as the 180 I reckon cause they have a higher percentage of copper to lead

I shot them at 2600 in my 18” .308 and shot many reds and fallow 250-300 yards found them excellent, if it shoots those it’s more than likely it’ll shoot the sako sp that’s available in 50packs mine shot them to the same poi so I’d load the bullet to the situation sup 200 sp over 200 in windy conditions I’d put the flash harry in I rate it highly and iv read all the crap about them being to hard but I don’t by it from my findings

From the bit of reading I’ve done I believe the tgk has a rather thick jacket plus a lead antimony(harder) core that makes the bullet a bit more difficult to “compress” as it is forced down the barrel. A bit more pressure for a bit less velocity.

I used 6mm 90g, 7mm 150g & 165g. About to try out the 6.5mm range once rifle is built.
I have found them to like about 20 thou off the lands for accuracy.

Found them very accurate and kill well. Unfortunately some of them can be difficult to get hold of at times.