Bullets

Right now I have been shooting Hornady's SST's for my 300 and 30-06. So far I really like the SST's, but since I'm going to be reloading what does everyone like for a bullet choice? What would be better than the SST and in what way?


Thanks.

If you're just getting into reloading duplicating a factory load is a good starting point. If the SSTs have been working for you and you're not put off by the price then then the only real reason to change would be for the fun of experimentation.

What else you want to try is going to depend on your intended use. You could develop specific loads for long range target, varmiting, thin skinned game, big game, etc . . .

Like they say, horses for courses. Agree w/Black Snowman--The bullet you want depends on what you intend doing with it. All the bullet manufacturers publish free handouts describing their wares and telling the intended uses of each. They've all got websites with this kind of info, too. You take manufacturers' stuff w/a grain of salt--after all, it is a form of advertising--but given that, they do know what each of their bullets is supposed to be good for.

Also there are informative pieces from time to time in many of the gun mags, like Guns 'n' Ammo, Rifle, Handloading, etc, etc. When the new breed of plastic-tipped bullets came out, everybody who was anybody published a piece comparing them to each other, and to all other known kinds of bullets. I started a file of this sort of info, years ago, and the file comes in handy now and again.

Anyhow, what it comes down to basically is, you have to do your homework on this, like most questions in reloading. And the more references you have at your fingertips, the better.

I haven't actually shot any SST's, and I don't immediately intend to.

Lately, I've gotten some less than satisfactory performance from Hornady bullets, so I've sworn them off for the time being. (never say "never" you know!).

The SST's were Hornady's "late" answer to the tremendous popularity of the Nosler Balistic Tips. So, the Noslers are an alternative to the Hornady's (a better choice in my opionion). Specifically, the Hornady's cost a little less than the Noslers, so, you may actually be getting what you pay for with the Noslers (accuracy and terminal performace wise)

For a MUCH less expensive bullet that will meet all but the most critical performance needs, the Remington Cor-lokts are very attractively priced. I get good/acceptable accuracy from them (again you get what you pay for!), but terminal performance has never been lacking.

I usually get 1-2moa accuracy from the Remingtons from sub moa capable rifles. Good hunting accuracy, just not "bragging" accuracy.

For excellent terminal performance and superlative accuracy, go with the Sierra's.

Their latest ad in Rifleman closely mirrors my experience with them. (superior accuracy, near equal terminal performance to so-called "ultra-premium" bullets).

With the "standard" calibers,(.308, .30/06, .270) the traditional bullets (Speer, Sierra, Nosler Partition) are excellent. The "premium" bullets- Bonded, ect.) are only neccessary with the various "Magnums".

I'm "cool" towards the Hornady's because I've gotten inadequate expansion from their .338's, and .284's lately because they seem to have "toughened" up their bullets to take the velocities of the newer hyper magnums. I also got a bad batch of .257"s back in early '90's. My out-of state Mule deer hunt to Montana was salvaged only because I'd taken along a large supply of 85gr Nosler B.T.'s to use to shoot prararie dogs. BTW, the Nosler 85gr .257 B.T's perform wonderfully on mule deer at ~350yds!!!

I also have a "batch" of Hornady 115gr .355" XTP's that are "sloppy" shooting, demonstrating poor accuracy.

They lately seem to be producing and delivering a large quantity of bullets to various smaller "custom" loaders and cutting their prices to hold market share (ie: Blackhills, PMC, ect.). It may be affecting their quality control.

I like Sierra Gamekings in my 6.5x55. They're accurate, inexpensive, and performed very well on the deer I shot this season.

I've tried Hornady Interlocks and Speer HotCore. I wasn't over impressed with them. As much as I shoot, premium bullets are too expensive also. Besides, I can't argue with the Gameking's performance this season. :)

Chris

Ok thanks. I guess the original question should have been what bullets do you use and why do you like them.

Thanks.

These responses are verrrry interesting! I too have had less than sterling results (= poor accuracy) with Hornady 6mm bullets. Switched to Nosler Partitions and the accuracy improved markedly. Also have had less accuracy with Speer Grand Slams in .30 cal than with Sierra Gamekings of equivalent weight.

165 gr. Sierra Gameking BTSP's are my "go to" bullet for .30-'06. Deer reasonably hit with these go down like poleaxed steers.

Nosler Ballistic Tips in 6mm and .30 cal have also produced xlnt accuracy for me.

I shoot a lot of Hornady's, I feel they are the best value, You get a box of 100 for a semi-premium for less than a box of 50 for the permium.
I've worked up accurate loads in 223,30-06& 338-06 with SST or interbonds.
All with the same powder I might add( Varget) I havent shot any animals with the Hornady's but I'm sure they will do what is expected.

Cajun

In my 308 target loads I like Speer moly coated 168 gr HPBT because they're nearly as accurate as the Sierra Match Kings (SMK) but less expensive and the moly makes the barrel easier to clean.

270 Winchester
Hornady 130gr sp. cheep and accurate. Bought over 1000 at a gunstore closing. $2 a box. Keep shooting them till there gone.
150gr Partition rejects. Cheep, accurate and not any different from the regular priced Partitions.
140gr Interlock boat-tails. Most accurate bullet I load for 270.

Never had good luck with Nosler BT's. I am using the supply I have for plinking and have no plans to get more.

300 Savage
165gr Interlocks. Work well , reasonably priced and accurate in Grandads old rifle.

308. 165gr Interlock boat-tails. Wicked accurate in my Ishy 2A

Will be using Sierra 180gr in 303 British. Never used Sierra bullets but have heard good things about them.

I like the Hornady bullets because they are reasonably priced, accurate out of all my guns and are available locally at prices comparable to the mail-order places. The Sierra's are also available locally. Don't like to mail-order unless it's a last resort.

ZM