Sierra
Sierra Ammo: In Depth
Sierra Bullets, widely recognized for its precision and reliability, has been a leader in the ammunition industry since 1947. Based in Sedalia, Missouri , Sierra has built its reputation on the exceptional quality and accuracy of its bullets, which are a top choice among shooters and hunters worldwide.
Sierra specializes in creating bullets for rifles and handguns , with a focus on tailored designs for specific shooting needs. These include bullets for target shooting, hunting, and self-defense. Each bullet is crafted with precision engineering to ensure superior performance. One of Sierra’s most famous products is the MatchKing bullet, renowned for its accuracy in competitive shooting, and has been the bullet of choice for numerous Olympic and world championship medalists.
Notably, Sierra demonstrates a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. Their recent advancements in bullet technology include the Tipped MatchKing bullets, which enhance aerodynamics and ballistic efficiency, leading to even greater accuracy at long ranges.
The brand's dedication to quality extends beyond their products. Sierra's commitment to customer education is evident through their detailed reloading manuals and helpful customer service, aiming to improve the shooting experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
Sierra’s long-standing tradition, deep expertise in bullet manufacturing, and steadfast dedication to precision make it a trusted name in the world of ammunition. Whether for competitive shooting, hunting, or tactical purposes, Sierra bullets are designed to meet the highest standards of performance.
Sierra Ammo History
Sierra Bullets traces its roots back to the late 1940s when it was founded by a trio of aircraft machinists: Frank Snow, Jim Spivey, and Loren Harbor. Initially, they rented space from Clint Harris in Whittier, California , where they made precision rivets for aircrafts alongside other small metal products. However, the post-war era saw a significant shortage of high-quality rifle bullets, prompting the team, led by Frank Snow—a competitive shooter and sheriff's deputy—to shift their focus to manufacturing match rifle bullets. This pivot marked the beginning of Sierra's journey in bullet production.
Their first notable product was the 53 grain MatchKing bullet, which quickly gained popularity and remains a staple in their lineup. As business expanded, Sierra outgrew its initial workspace and moved to larger facilities, first in Rivera and then in Whittier, California, where they officially changed their name to Sierra Bullets.
By 1963, the company had relocated to a new plant in Santa Fe Springs, California, equipped with a 200-yard underground testing range. In 1968, the company was acquired by the Leisure Group, which brought in Robert Hayden from Remington Arms to lead Sierra. Under Hayden's leadership, which spanned over four decades, Sierra ventured into handgun bullet production in the early 1970s, collaborating with innovators like Lee Jurras to create high-velocity bullets for emerging markets.
Facing increased regulatory pressures and taxes in California, Sierra Bullets was prompted to relocate in the late 1980s. The decision, led by Hayden, was to move to a more favorable business environment in Sedalia, Missouri . There, Sierra built a new manufacturing facility atop a 300-meter underground range. This location became Sierra's headquarters, where they continued to expand their product line and operations.
Today, Sierra Bullets operates out of Missouri, producing a diverse range of over 175 different bullets. The company is renowned for its precision and reliability, serving law enforcement, competitive shooters, and hunters. Sierra's commitment to quality and innovation was further underscored in 2020 with the acquisition of the Barnes ammunition business from the bankrupt Remington Outdoor Company, highlighting Sierra's ongoing growth and influence in the ammunition industry.
Where is Sierra Ammo Made?
Sierra Bullets, renowned for their precision-engineered ammunition and bullet components, manufactures its products in Sedalia, Missouri , USA. Established in 1947 in California , Sierra relocated its operations to Missouri in 1990. The Sedalia facility is not just the heart of their manufacturing efforts but also where they conduct extensive research and development to enhance their product lines.
The Sedalia plant is responsible for producing a wide range of Sierra bullets, which are used both for sporting and competitive shooting globally. This includes popular lines such as the MatchKing, which is highly regarded among competitive shooters for its accuracy, and the GameKing, favored by hunters for its ballistic performance and reliability.
The factory in Sedalia is a significant local employer, with a large workforce dedicated to maintaining the high standards Sierra is known for. While specific figures on annual production volumes and the exact number of employees are not publicly disclosed, the impact of Sierra’s operations on the local economy and the shooting sports industry is substantial.
Sierra’s commitment to quality and precision in bullet manufacturing has made it a respected name among shooting enthusiasts worldwide, and all of its products are proudly "Made in the USA" in their Missouri facility.
Sierra Bullets Product Lines Overview
MatchKing
MatchKing bullets are renowned for their accuracy in competitive shooting, available in various calibers including .308 and 6.5mm Creedmoor .
- Use Case: Primarily used by competitive shooters in disciplines where precision is critical, such as benchrest and target competitions.
- Unique Features: Features a hollow point boat tail design that reduces drag and enhances stability during flight, leading to significantly improved accuracy at long distances.
GameKing
GameKing bullets offer reliability for hunting, with options like the .30-06 and .270 Winchester .
- Use Case: Ideal for hunters targeting medium to large game, providing excellent performance across a variety of hunting environments, from forests to open plains.
- Unique Features: Engineered with a soft point tip that ensures controlled expansion and a boat tail design that enhances flight stability, resulting in deep penetration and effective energy transfer for a quick, humane kill.
Varminter
Varminter bullets are perfect for small game and varmint control, available in calibers such as .223 Remington and .22-250 .
- Use Case: Designed for shooters dealing with pests and small game, offering high precision to handle typically skittish and small targets such as prairie dogs and rabbits.
- Unique Features: Utilizes a hollow point design that maximizes tissue disruption and energy release on impact, ensuring quick and efficient varmint control.
BlitzKing
BlitzKing bullets, available in calibers like .204 Ruger and .243 Winchester , are designed for precision and explosive impact.
- Use Case: Perfect for hunters and shooters needing quick, explosive results for fast-moving and small targets, enhancing varmint hunting experiences.
- Unique Features: Incorporates a green tip for enhanced rapid expansion coupled with a boat tail design to improve ballistic efficiency, ensuring shots are swift and lethal.
Pro-Hunter
Pro-Hunter bullets, offered in popular hunting calibers such as .308 Winchester and .30-30 Winchester, are versatile for various hunting situations.
- Use Case: Suited for hunters engaging with a wide range of game sizes, making it a versatile choice for many hunting trips.
- Unique Features: Features a soft point design that adapts to various game densities, providing reliable expansion and consistent penetration, enhancing overall game retrieval success.
Tipped MatchKing (TMK)
The Tipped MatchKing bullets, including calibers like 6.5mm Creedmoor and .338 Lapua, enhance long-range shooting capabilities.
- Use Case: Excellent for competitive shooters and hunters who engage targets at longer distances, where maintaining bullet trajectory and speed is crucial.
- Unique Features: The addition of a polymer tip to the classic MatchKing design improves the ballistic coefficient for greater accuracy and flatter trajectories over extended ranges.