1.63<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>NOTES: Accuracy is the best 100-yard, five-shot groups fired from a Caldwell rest. Velocity and Sd are the average of six rounds measured 5 feet from the guns\u2019 muzzles. Temperature 75 feet, Altitude 700 feet. *BC\u2019s given in G1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","post_title":"Sierra\u2019s New Subsonic GameKing: The Key to Silent .308 Winchester","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"sierras-subsonic-gameking","to_ping":"","pinged":"\nhttps:\/\/dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/article\/aero-solus-short-action-pistol\/","post_modified":"2024-10-07 10:18:29","post_modified_gmt":"2024-10-07 14:18:29","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/?p=389099","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"jnews_block_23"};
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If you\u2019re like me, then this time of year is all about getting your gear straightened out. Your load is built, and your firearm\u2019s zeroed; you ought to take a second to examine the most critical safety gear. If you notice anything even remotely questionable about the straps that hang your stand, pitch them and replace them with a set you can stake your life on. Muddy offers these in inexpensive three-packs that are built to withstand several seasons worth of whatever Mother Nature can throw at them. Picking up a pack is less expensive than even just the copay at the emergency room, and if nothing else, fresh straps ensure a trouble-free setup. (gomuddy.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re like me, then this time of year is all about getting your gear straightened out. Your load is built, and your firearm\u2019s zeroed; you ought to take a second to examine the most critical safety gear. If you notice anything even remotely questionable about the straps that hang your stand, pitch them and replace them with a set you can stake your life on. Muddy offers these in inexpensive three-packs that are built to withstand several seasons worth of whatever Mother Nature can throw at them. Picking up a pack is less expensive than even just the copay at the emergency room, and if nothing else, fresh straps ensure a trouble-free setup. (gomuddy.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re like me, then this time of year is all about getting your gear straightened out. Your load is built, and your firearm\u2019s zeroed; you ought to take a second to examine the most critical safety gear. If you notice anything even remotely questionable about the straps that hang your stand, pitch them and replace them with a set you can stake your life on. Muddy offers these in inexpensive three-packs that are built to withstand several seasons worth of whatever Mother Nature can throw at them. Picking up a pack is less expensive than even just the copay at the emergency room, and if nothing else, fresh straps ensure a trouble-free setup. (gomuddy.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those who are looking for the utmost repeatability ought to consider upgrading to the Auto-Disk powder measure. Interchangeable disks with pre-set cavities mean never having to spend time dialing in a drum ever again. Lee is destined to offer the best values in the industry, which is why this press comes with everything you need to get started as soon as you unpack, including a die set that has already been installed and adjusted. The Breech Lock system makes it a snap to change cartridges when the time comes, and best of all, the settings are retained, making it just as easy to switch back. Give this press a look if you want to maximize your output while still retaining the cost-saving benefits of handloading. (leeprecision.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you have a good recipe spec\u2019ed out, there\u2019s nothing like being able to crank out a season\u2019s worth of ammo in an hour. Lee\u2019s new Six Pack Pro 6000 is designed for an effortless loading experience featuring an auto-indexing shell plate as well as an automatic case feeder. The loading deck is large enough to handle .30-06 Springfield, so it was easily able to handle the shorter .308 Winchester cartridges featured in this story. Additionally, the Auto-Drum powder measure utilizes an elastomer wiper, which smoothly metered the coarser benchmark powder used in the loads above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those who are looking for the utmost repeatability ought to consider upgrading to the Auto-Disk powder measure. Interchangeable disks with pre-set cavities mean never having to spend time dialing in a drum ever again. Lee is destined to offer the best values in the industry, which is why this press comes with everything you need to get started as soon as you unpack, including a die set that has already been installed and adjusted. The Breech Lock system makes it a snap to change cartridges when the time comes, and best of all, the settings are retained, making it just as easy to switch back. Give this press a look if you want to maximize your output while still retaining the cost-saving benefits of handloading. (leeprecision.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you have a good recipe spec\u2019ed out, there\u2019s nothing like being able to crank out a season\u2019s worth of ammo in an hour. Lee\u2019s new Six Pack Pro 6000 is designed for an effortless loading experience featuring an auto-indexing shell plate as well as an automatic case feeder. The loading deck is large enough to handle .30-06 Springfield, so it was easily able to handle the shorter .308 Winchester cartridges featured in this story. Additionally, the Auto-Drum powder measure utilizes an elastomer wiper, which smoothly metered the coarser benchmark powder used in the loads above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those who are looking for the utmost repeatability ought to consider upgrading to the Auto-Disk powder measure. Interchangeable disks with pre-set cavities mean never having to spend time dialing in a drum ever again. Lee is destined to offer the best values in the industry, which is why this press comes with everything you need to get started as soon as you unpack, including a die set that has already been installed and adjusted. The Breech Lock system makes it a snap to change cartridges when the time comes, and best of all, the settings are retained, making it just as easy to switch back. Give this press a look if you want to maximize your output while still retaining the cost-saving benefits of handloading. (leeprecision.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lee Six Pack Pro 6000 Progressive Press<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Once you have a good recipe spec\u2019ed out, there\u2019s nothing like being able to crank out a season\u2019s worth of ammo in an hour. Lee\u2019s new Six Pack Pro 6000 is designed for an effortless loading experience featuring an auto-indexing shell plate as well as an automatic case feeder. The loading deck is large enough to handle .30-06 Springfield, so it was easily able to handle the shorter .308 Winchester cartridges featured in this story. Additionally, the Auto-Drum powder measure utilizes an elastomer wiper, which smoothly metered the coarser benchmark powder used in the loads above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those who are looking for the utmost repeatability ought to consider upgrading to the Auto-Disk powder measure. Interchangeable disks with pre-set cavities mean never having to spend time dialing in a drum ever again. Lee is destined to offer the best values in the industry, which is why this press comes with everything you need to get started as soon as you unpack, including a die set that has already been installed and adjusted. The Breech Lock system makes it a snap to change cartridges when the time comes, and best of all, the settings are retained, making it just as easy to switch back. Give this press a look if you want to maximize your output while still retaining the cost-saving benefits of handloading. (leeprecision.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
After screwing on the can, all that was left to prepare this pistol was a scope. Leupold\u2019s new 2-10x Mark 5 made a perfect fit, as it, too, is compact and offers a magnification range that is consistent with its intended environment. After cinching it down in a pair of the company\u2019s rings, I began determining the optimal overall cartridge length for this gun. I arrived at 2.805\u201d by using the Hornady OAL gauge and subtracting .010\u201d to allow for a touch of \u201cjump\u201d to the lands. I was pleased that this meant I wouldn\u2019t be seating to the cannelure, which also meant crimping was pretty much out of the question. In my experience, \u201ccrimp\u201d and \u201caccuracy\u201d have been mutually exclusive terms, and I am prepared to die on that hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Load Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Realistically, I don\u2019t plan on using this round on anything outside of 100 yards, and even that is going to be a stretch. In the case of whitetail deer, a vital shot leaves me something like nine inches of error, or roughly 9 MOA of slop when drafting a load. Even a neck shot, which requires about 5 inches of precision, leaves me plenty of room to play. So, I figure a load that yields even 2 MOA groups is bound to get the job done. With those parameters, I readied my bench and got to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After screwing on the can, all that was left to prepare this pistol was a scope. Leupold\u2019s new 2-10x Mark 5 made a perfect fit, as it, too, is compact and offers a magnification range that is consistent with its intended environment. After cinching it down in a pair of the company\u2019s rings, I began determining the optimal overall cartridge length for this gun. I arrived at 2.805\u201d by using the Hornady OAL gauge and subtracting .010\u201d to allow for a touch of \u201cjump\u201d to the lands. I was pleased that this meant I wouldn\u2019t be seating to the cannelure, which also meant crimping was pretty much out of the question. In my experience, \u201ccrimp\u201d and \u201caccuracy\u201d have been mutually exclusive terms, and I am prepared to die on that hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Load Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Realistically, I don\u2019t plan on using this round on anything outside of 100 yards, and even that is going to be a stretch. In the case of whitetail deer, a vital shot leaves me something like nine inches of error, or roughly 9 MOA of slop when drafting a load. Even a neck shot, which requires about 5 inches of precision, leaves me plenty of room to play. So, I figure a load that yields even 2 MOA groups is bound to get the job done. With those parameters, I readied my bench and got to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After screwing on the can, all that was left to prepare this pistol was a scope. Leupold\u2019s new 2-10x Mark 5 made a perfect fit, as it, too, is compact and offers a magnification range that is consistent with its intended environment. After cinching it down in a pair of the company\u2019s rings, I began determining the optimal overall cartridge length for this gun. I arrived at 2.805\u201d by using the Hornady OAL gauge and subtracting .010\u201d to allow for a touch of \u201cjump\u201d to the lands. I was pleased that this meant I wouldn\u2019t be seating to the cannelure, which also meant crimping was pretty much out of the question. In my experience, \u201ccrimp\u201d and \u201caccuracy\u201d have been mutually exclusive terms, and I am prepared to die on that hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Load Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Realistically, I don\u2019t plan on using this round on anything outside of 100 yards, and even that is going to be a stretch. In the case of whitetail deer, a vital shot leaves me something like nine inches of error, or roughly 9 MOA of slop when drafting a load. Even a neck shot, which requires about 5 inches of precision, leaves me plenty of room to play. So, I figure a load that yields even 2 MOA groups is bound to get the job done. With those parameters, I readied my bench and got to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After screwing on the can, all that was left to prepare this pistol was a scope. Leupold\u2019s new 2-10x Mark 5 made a perfect fit, as it, too, is compact and offers a magnification range that is consistent with its intended environment. After cinching it down in a pair of the company\u2019s rings, I began determining the optimal overall cartridge length for this gun. I arrived at 2.805\u201d by using the Hornady OAL gauge and subtracting .010\u201d to allow for a touch of \u201cjump\u201d to the lands. I was pleased that this meant I wouldn\u2019t be seating to the cannelure, which also meant crimping was pretty much out of the question. In my experience, \u201ccrimp\u201d and \u201caccuracy\u201d have been mutually exclusive terms, and I am prepared to die on that hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Load Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we set out to load specialty ammunition, we need to understand and accept that we have to make concessions in certain areas to capitalize on others. In this case, we are in quite a tight box, as we have a narrow velocity range that we need to stay in and only a few powders that are capable of safely doing so. Additionally, expanding jacket geometry is dramatically different than that which comprises the most ballistically sound bullets on the market; GameKings are not MatchKings. Therefore, the short straw in this instance is accuracy, which really isn\u2019t a problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
100-Yard Deer Machine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Realistically, I don\u2019t plan on using this round on anything outside of 100 yards, and even that is going to be a stretch. In the case of whitetail deer, a vital shot leaves me something like nine inches of error, or roughly 9 MOA of slop when drafting a load. Even a neck shot, which requires about 5 inches of precision, leaves me plenty of room to play. So, I figure a load that yields even 2 MOA groups is bound to get the job done. With those parameters, I readied my bench and got to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After screwing on the can, all that was left to prepare this pistol was a scope. Leupold\u2019s new 2-10x Mark 5 made a perfect fit, as it, too, is compact and offers a magnification range that is consistent with its intended environment. After cinching it down in a pair of the company\u2019s rings, I began determining the optimal overall cartridge length for this gun. I arrived at 2.805\u201d by using the Hornady OAL gauge and subtracting .010\u201d to allow for a touch of \u201cjump\u201d to the lands. I was pleased that this meant I wouldn\u2019t be seating to the cannelure, which also meant crimping was pretty much out of the question. In my experience, \u201ccrimp\u201d and \u201caccuracy\u201d have been mutually exclusive terms, and I am prepared to die on that hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Load Data<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Starting with the minimum charge of Accurate No. 2, I struck gold right out of the gate. Retesting the load, I was able to group them down as tight as 1.63\u201d with a velocity of 1057 feet per second. Increasing this charge by .3 gr. broke the sound barrier and didn\u2019t do a whole lot for my groups, so that made this leg rather easy. Working with the Benchmark was a little tougher, as the subsonic load data listed didn\u2019t get me anywhere near fast enough in my short 12\u201d barrel. As I gradually increased it, I found serviceable velocities around the 19-grain mark, albeit groups were a fair bit larger than those when using Accurate No.2. Groups did get tighter as I increased my charge, but that came with the distinctive crack of a sonic boom, so its day was done at 19.4 grains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking down at two separate loads that were both capable of harvesting game as small as squirrel, I felt pretty good about the results. The promise shown from the increase in Benchmark leaves me in a strange way, both curious and certain that this bullet will perform well when loaded to traditional velocities. That series of load development may very well be on the table come spring next year. In the meantime, I have trail cameras to place and a treestand to hang as I prepare myself for a deer harvest that only myself and a trophy buck will know about.\u00a0(sierrabullets.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Muddy](\"https:\/\/dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_4075-1024x575.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Lee](\"https:\/\/dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6611-1024x575.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Hodgdon](\"https:\/\/dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6616-1024x575.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Accurate](\"https:\/\/dev.athlonoutdoors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6617-1024x575.webp\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n