Federal markets this 300-grain Sierra MatchKing load for competition, long-range and target shooting. The MatchKing is Sierra's match hollow point with a boat tail; in this weight it carries a G1 BC of .768, and the load starts it at 2,580 fps. The heavy bullet starts slower than lighter match loads, so it drops more, but it keeps its speed well.

Compared with Barnes' Precision Match 300-grain, the Federal is very close. The Barnes starts 20 fps faster, and zeroed at 100 yards both drop about 57 inches at 500. At that distance, a steady 10 mph wind blowing across the range pushes the Federal about 13 inches sideways and the Barnes about 14, and the two kick about the same in the same rifle. Compared with Underwood's Custom Competition 300-grain, the Federal starts 120 fps slower. The Underwood drops about 51 inches at 500 and drifts about 11 inches in the same wind, but it kicks about 5 percent harder.

Buy the Federal if you shoot competition or long-range targets with a 300-grain bullet and want a little less wind drift than Barnes' Precision Match 300-grain. The Barnes is a close substitute that flies almost the same path. Pick the Underwood if you want a flatter path and less drift and can accept more recoil. Pick Hornady's Match 285-grain ELD Match if you want wind drift close to the Underwood's with less recoil than the Federal.