Match Ammunition VS. Matching Ammunition

Preface

Do you need match ammunition? What is match ammunition? And is that more important than matching ammunition? These are all good questions and today we intend on getting some answers to them. To help you avoid overspending on ammunition as well as getting the results you want out of the ammunition you buy, we’ll dive into what makes for the best ammunition.

8.6blk, powder, gun powder, bullets, components, — Different components create different results

Match Ammunition

Before we get too deep, let make sure we understand what we are talking about. Match ammunition is typically ammunition loaded for precision competitors. It varies some from one manufacturer to another, but essentially it is ammunition made with a high level of consistency. High quality components are often used as well to increase consistency and performance. Things like uniformity and steady ignition patterns are sought after in match ammunition.

Browning, x-bolt, x-bolt 2, x-bolt speed, 308 win, — Accuracy is simply consistent performance that allows you to anticipate impact loacation

Uniformity and consistency are what makes accurate ammunition, particularly from one lot number to another. Consistency means the next shot is very likely to do what the last shot did, allowing you to anticipate where it will go.

High quality components and the equipment and the manufacturing practices that make consistency possible are often more expensive. This usually translates to match ammunition costing a bit more than other ammunition types.

6.5 grendel, starline, brass, handloading, redding, — some components cost more than others, but that doesn’t always translate to better performance in YOUR firearm

Matching Ammunition?

When I say matching ammunition you might wonder what I’m talking about, let me explain. Every rifle is a little different than the next one, even two consecutive rifles off a production line. Due to the tiny intricacies of each firearm and the way it was manufactured, one rifle might have a taste for one ammunition selection over another. Your rifle might like 150 grain bullets and mine might like 165 grain bullets.

rokstad, vector optics, tripod, carbon fiber, nikon, fieldscope, remington 700, .260 remington, us optics, — testing different ammunition sources until you find the best performing option might actually *save* you money

Modern manufacturing has greatly reduced inconsistencies from one firearm to the next, but you can still often see this anomaly between firearms. And the higher the price tag for certain firearms often means they are less susceptible to this phenomenon. What that means is; just because your favorite ammunition shot great in one rifle, doesn’t always mean it will shoot good in another.

I have found it key to try many different ammo options with some firearms in order to find one that shoots best. And that might not always be the match selection. I’ve also seen plenty of people buy some super expensive hunting ammo thinking it gives them an advantage. When in fact their rifle doesn’t shoot it well, and they end up having accuracy issues. They might of been better off shooting some cheap Remington Core-Lokt had they checked. And an accurate shot is more important than a specialized one, read more about that topic here.

deer hunting, mule deer, kids, children, browning, x bolt 2, 308 win, vector optics 2-12x44, banish backcountry suppressor, — whether you are hunting or sport shooting, the cheaper option might be just as good or better. Our youngest hunter in the family took this, his first buck shooting handloaded **Sierra Match King X** bullets from a **Browning X-Bolt 2**.

Matching ammunition refers to matching the best shooting ammo to your rifle. That might be some quality match grade ammo, or it might be some inexpensive Hornady Whitetail. And once you’ve found what shoots most accurately, you can match those choices to the shooting activity you choose.

The Right Application

Once upon a time, I had a nice little Savage model 10 in 308 Winchester. I used the rifle for many things including hunting varmints in the mountains and deserts of the west. The rifle shot amazing when loaded with 168 Sierra Match Kings, or Federal Gold Medal Match ammunition. Usually half MOA or better was normal for this rifle. But feeding it expensive ammo like that got old quick. As it turns out the rifle also shot Hornady 150 grain Interlock bullets just as well. And after some testing, I found the much cheaper option to be more applicable for shooting ground hogs.

savage, 10fp, 308 win, magpie, — That old Savage and I made some great shots, like this one from 1000 yards

You can exercise the same diligence in your own shooting, regardless of what rifle or cartridge it shoots. You might find a cheap alternative to the expensive one you are used to. And whether you are shooting coyotes or Dall Sheep, we all like spending less money. And spending less allows you to shoot more which should improve your skills and make you a better shooter.

Tuning

Handloaders know about tuning ammunition to best fit the rifle its made for. If you don’t handload, you can still tune your rifle using things such as muzzle devices to alter performance. The whole idea is match your rifle with the best performing ammunition supply, whether that be match ammo or not.

375 winchester, winchester 1894, RCBS, handloading, dies, — tuning your own ammo is the best way to match your rifle

Long-range shooting often demands the higher quality bullets used in match ammunition. So if you intend on pushing distance limits you might have fewer choices. But if you are simply talking about accuracy inside the typical three to four hundred yards that most people shoot at, your options are much more plentiful.

make sure you pick a good load for the distances you plan on shooting. This 300PRC loaded with Barnes LRX is good for quite a long distance

The Verdict

In the relentless search for the best performance for our hard earned money, don’t forget to check the easy options. Don’t assume that the best ammunition for your rifle is the most expensive stuff. I often mention my guilty pleasure of producing expensive results with cheap equipment, a practice I learned doing exactly this process. You too might find you can get fantastic performance from inexpensive components.