Bullet selection question

[mugsie]

I used a Savage 300 Winchester Magnum long action and built a 260 (6.5mm) out of it. It shoots great! I have been using 140g SMK HPBT bullets, but now I have an opportunity to pick up some Hornady 140g Spire Point bullets real cheap. I was wondering how they would shoot? Would I be wasting my money on these (going out to 300 yards max) or just pick them up and use them as "training" for the better stuff? What say the experts? I'm shooting only paper at this point.

Mods - If you think this post should be moved to a diferent section - please go ahead and do so.

Last item - I am registered an a lot of forums, as I'm sure most of you are too, but I have to say this is probably the best as far as knowledge and direction is concerned. Thanks all.

 

[fdkay]

Re: Bullet selection question

The Hornady bullets will most likely shoot well but are not match bullets. I have gotten superb accuracy from some hunting bullets like the nosler solid base in 6mm and the speer 130 grain spbt in 7mm.

When you shoot a group with them, you will be unsure if it is shooter error, equipment or bullet selection. I don't know that I would buy too many of them, just in case they don't shoot well in your rifle.

 

[bohem]

Re: Bullet selection question

I would pick them up and use them for cheap trigger time.

You don't need to load them hot or push hard with them and I'm betting you'll be surprised with how well a good rifle will shoot them anyway. Use them for drills and practice time, it's a price break on ammo...

 

[head2h2o]

Re: Bullet selection question

Buy a few and see how they shoot at 100 and 300. If they seem to group well and you feel like you can trust them out of your gun, then use them to train with. Otherwise, if they don't shoot well, don't just keep using them. It will only be a source of frustration for you. Perfect practice equals perfect execution. If your bullets don't fly exactly where you want them to, then that is not going to be perfect practice.

By the way, welcome to the Hide. There is a ton of information on here and you will be hard pressed to find a better group of knowledgable guys around. If you really want to get some great information, join the Online Training section. It is stacked full of valuable information.

 

[mugsie]

Re: Bullet selection question

for the record - they are about $15 per box of 100.

 

[Jon Lester]

Re: Bullet selection question

Buy 100 and see if they are worth the barrel life, only you can decide that. I have been suprised both good and bad by changing bullet selection. You will never know until you try.

 

[mugsie]

Re: Bullet selection question

Well you people saved me some money. My first impression was to purchase all he had since he was only charging $15 per box of 100. A great deal - or so I thought. After reading your replies, I bought only one box. Loaded up 16 or 'em, H4350, 4 @ 39, 40, 41 and 42 grains. Tried them today and they shot like crap! Glad I didn't buy any more - now I need to get rid of the balance some how - don't want to reload them cause I don't want to waste the powder.
Glad I listened. Thanks.