When we list the top names in hunting bullets, Sierra has long been right up there. Thus, when they started producing loaded hunting ammunition, our ears perked up and rifle magazines were filled. Now that we’ve put rounds downrange – and critters down – with Sierra ammunition, the verdict is in. Hunters of both big and small game need to get familiar with the brand. Here are six things shooters ought to know about Sierra.
1. GameChanger Ammo
Though the company was – and still is – based in bullet innovation, their loaded ammunition is on point. GameChanger was an instant hit among hunters seeking loaded ammunition for big game from the company they’ve long trusted for quality projectiles.
Sierra uses its 70-plus years of bullet design in its Tipped GameKing (TGK) boattail bullets. The lead core is jacketed with copper and tipped with polymer to deliver penetration and controlled expansion at any range on big game. Depending upon caliber selection, the TGK bullets will handle everything from whitetails to bull elk. Sierra offers some of the best-in-class pricing for premium ammunition, with an MSRP ranging from $19.99 to $48.99 per box of 20 rounds.
Calibers available in 2020 include .223 Remington – 64 grain, .243 Winchester – 90 grain, 300 AAC Blackout – 125 grain, 6mm Creedmoor – 100 grain, 6.5 Creedmoor – 130 grain, .270 Winchester – 140 grain, .308 Winchester – 165 grain, .30-06 Springfield – 165 grain, 7mm Remington Magnum – 150 grain, and .300 Winchester Magnum – 180 grain.
2. Prairie Enemy Ammo
While GameChanger may be getting more press, Sierra’s other line of loaded ammunition is posting long-range results. Prairie Enemy was designed to do just what its name suggests, become the enemy of varmints and predators in wide-open terrain.
The match-grade ammunition is tipped with Sierra’s famous BlitzKing bullets for devastating terminal performance from smaller calibers. BlitzKing projectiles, seated in nickel-plated casings, offer high ballistic coefficients (BC) and zippy velocities. Prices are equally appealing, with an MSRP ranging from $22.99 to $29.99 per 20 rounds of these premium hunting bullets.
Calibers available in 2020 include .22-250 Remington – 50 grain, .223 Remington – 55 grain and 69 grain, .204 Ruger – 36 grain, .224 Valkyrie – 69 grain, .243 Winchester – 70 grain, and 6.5 Creedmoor – 105 grain.
3. All-American Ammo Factory + Outlet
Now more than ever, sportsmen and women are conscious of buying American-made products. Sierra keeps things in-house, with their current headquarters in Sedalia, Missouri. In 1990, Sierra left California for its new home and has since built a 300-meter underground test range which is, according to their website, the longest privately-owned “underground bullet test facility in the world.” Not only are the factory and offices there as well, but Sierra has a much-underutilized outlet storefront. The Sierra Factory Outlet offers bullet seconds at appealing discount prices for reloaders and a line of Sierra accessories.
4. Sierra Buys Barnes Bullets
The elephant in many shooting industries’ rooms these days is what happened to all the companies associated with Remington’s bankruptcy debacle. One of the sweetest outcomes is Sierra’s acquisition of Barnes Bullets via the parent company Clarus.
Per a company press release, “Clarus Corporation (NASDAQ: CLAR), subsidiary Sierra Bullets LLC … was selected to acquire certain assets relating to the Barnes Bullets brand of specialty hunting bullets in a chapter 11 bankruptcy auction conducted by Remington Outdoor Company Inc.”
The release goes on to state that Sierra has acquired Barnes for $30.5 million, a bargain price given Barnes’ yearly earnings. “Closing the Barnes acquisition completes our M&A strategy of building a leading, specialty premium bullet and ammunition platform,” said Clarus President John Walbrecht.
5. Direct Tech Help Line for Reloaders & Shooters
While many companies offer exceptional customer service, few offer a dedicated toll-free phone line and email addresses specifically for getting in touch with their in-house experts. The ballistic technicians at Sierra, named on the website, are surprisingly willing to take time to provide detailed answers to questions on hunting, shooting, bullets, and reloading. Don’t want to call? The website FAQ covers more reloading questions than many printed manuals. That degree of personal service and attention to detail cannot be overlooked in today’s busy market.
6. Always Innovating
Though Sierra is relatively new to the loaded ammunition market, they are constantly developing and launching new products. They are also constantly adding calibers to the existing product families. When asked if hunters might see more expansion shortly, word from the company was strong.
According to Mayon Sargeant, vice president of sales and marketing for both Sierra and Barnes, “Our innovation team is aggressively exploring additional options while we do our best to fulfill current demand.” With that attitude, coupled with the recent acquisition of Barnes Bullets, Sierra is poised to do great things in the hunting ammunition market.