How do all of the Match bullets compare?

[Derek M.]

Exactly how many different match grade rifle bullets are out there? The more I read the less I know. I've known about several match or semi match grade bullets but some names I've not heard of.

Will you all fill me in on some others and where I can get them to try?

This is all with respect to hunting, not paper punching. How do the SMK's compare with Bergers? AMax? Clinch River? Lost river? Wet river? Whatever, hell I don't know all the names.

What are some other well known match style bullets out there you guys are using? Where do you get them?

 

[EddieHarren]

What caliber and weight range bullets are you looking for?

 

[Derek M.]

.277
.308
.284

medium to heavy per caliber.

 

[Bart B]

Virtually all match bullets made these days are hollow pointed. This is 'cause they can be formed more uniformly than full-metal jacket ones.

Sierra Bullets' track record with their match bullets is the best. And their quality tests at their 200 yard underground range have smaller groups than anybody elses. Their bullets are available in 22,24, 26, 27, 28, 30, and 33 caliber. Sierra's hunting bullets are typically more accurate than any other make, too.

Other commercial makes include Berger, Hornady, Lapua and a few others.

And all hollow point match bullet makers typically don't recommend they be used for hunting. Their hollow point tips are typically smaller than hunting type hollow points to make them have a higher ballistic coefficient which means they won't expand as well if at all. And their lead cores are typically much softer than cores used in hunting bullets.

Sierra bullets are generally available in all stores selling reloading supplies. Searching on line for a particular make yields good results, too.

 

[Derek M.]

Thanks.

I'm fairly well versed on the Sierras. Somewhat on the Bergers. Any other info on some others out there?

 

[lerch]

The beregers use a J4 jacket I believe, I have heard some people say this is not the best for hunting. I have also heard this about Sierra MK but I no longer believe it as long as they are shot at a decent speed.

Wildcat bullets are hunting type bullets built to match quality with extreemely high BC's. These have quickly become my favorite bullets. I am also still a big fan of the plastic tip bullets from Nosler and Hornady.

I am not very familiar with lapua and the others

good luck
steve

 

[dbhostler]

[email protected] very high quality match bullets and RG Robinett aka BIB bullets. These two guys build bullets made for the 1K BR game. I've only shot their 30 cal stuff, 200gr and 187gr, but from the measurements and the demand for their bullets I would imagine everything they make is top quality.
db

 

[Bart B]

Regarding your comment on bullet makers suggesting their hollow point match bullets be used on game:

[ QUOTE ]
I have also heard this about Sierra MK but I no longer believe it as long as they are shot at a decent speed.

[/ QUOTE ]
Don't you mean "impact at a decent speed?."

 

[Derek M.]

[ QUOTE ]
Wildcat bullets are hunting type bullets built to match quality with extreemely high BC's. These have quickly become my favorite bullets.

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, it is my understanding that the bulk of Wildcat bullets that are ULD, RBBT use a J-4 jacket too. And I have 500 of the .277 169.5 and 200 of the 150 grain on order. So is this going to be a problem?

 

[ss7mm]

Derek:

What does it say on the end of the box of your 277 cal 169.5 grain bullets? Does it say Open H.P. or H.P. C.J.?

The last batch I got from Richard in .277 cal - 169.5 grain ULD RBBT are labeled H.P. C.J. and he said these are the heavier jackets. The ones labeled Open H.P. are the J-4s according to my understanding.

If there's any question just send Richard an e-mail and he'll straighten things out.

As to the results with the J-4 jackets, I shot a deer and an elk with them in 7mm this year and both were bang flops.

 

[Derek M.]

You know, I'm not sure. When I get home, I'll check that. Thanks for telling me. I had several conversations with Richard on the phone and going by memory, I think they're the thicker jacket.

 

[lerch]

Yes I meant impast speed. When my buddy Bill Bailey hit his buck this year at 503yds with a 240gr SMK the exit wound was the size of a small canteloupe. I believe you need a decent amount of velocity to get the SMK to preform good on game.

Luckily the high BC translates to high retained energy. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think the problem with SMK's on game comes a lot from people shooting varmints with SMK's at long range and the bullet just zipping through. I am sure if Bill Bailey shot a coyote with that 240gr bullet at 700yds it will probably pop right through it.

Might have to try that so we know for sure!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

take it easy
steve

 

[lerch]

I bet yours are the Corbin Jacket Derek, at least i think that is what the CJ stands for. It is a lot tougher than the J-4

From the exploits of SS7MM, yes I am jealous as hell since I didnt kill a **** thing but time this season /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif, it seems like the J-4 works pretty dang good


take it easy
steve

 

[Derek M.]

They say CJ. So I'm in good shape.