Match bullets for hunting?

[Shufisher]

Many shooters claim that match grade bullets should not be used for hunting. The reasons, however seem to be on polar opposites. Match bullets "don't expand" or "they shatter on impact"? Not expanding is an obvious problem, particularly for game animals, shattering can be equally as problematic depending on the game. If they do fail to expand or shatter are you bouncing projectiles off of the prairie while plinking dogs?
I should preface the above questions; I am very interested in the Fowler 115 gr. 25 cal. for a 257 Ackley project that is nearly complete and I am looking for a decisive reason to not use them in hunting situations. Also I have already invested in both Sierra and Nosler of various design, none of which are MKs.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[sewwhat89]

Personally, I equate MK performance rather loosely to Nosler BT. IF you keep impact velocities less than 3000 fps, you should be alright. Things are not always that perfect, but thats my opinion.

Stephen

 

[1doug]

You might try searching for this subject. I know it has been touched many times in the past.

 

[Shufisher]

I tried to wade through a search before I posted.

 

[4ked Horn]

Put "smk for hunting" in the search screen (include the quotes) and set the date range for newer tha 4 years. This should get you started.

 

[Shufisher]

Since there were over 200 hits under various subject titles, I thought someone would be willing to share their thought under this very specific subject title.

A fella visiting New York asked a local, "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" The man replied, "Practice, practice, practice."

 

[1doug]

try this link http://longrangehunting.com/ubbthreads/s...rt=all&vc=1

 

[4ked Horn]

Here is one. And another. Just for starters.

 

[Mysticplayer]

There is no such thing as a bad bullet. There is only bad applications of that bullet.

Unfortunately, many talk of bullets succeeding and failing with no reference to impact velocity, game presentation, size of game, conditions, etc. Just this is bad or good.

Bullet performance is a balance between construction, impact velocity and what you ask of it. Within their design parameters, ALL bullets do the same thing!!!!!

Match bullets work very well WHEN impact velocity has slowed down below 2400fps (some even slower). Some, like the heavy MK, can tolerate impact velocities close to 2700fps just like reg softpoint bullets.

You need to know how fast that bullet is arriving over the distances you hunt. Then what type of shots are you willing to pass up. Combine the two and you will be able to make an intelligent decision on what bullet will work for you.

If not familiar with the different bullets, just explain the type of hunting you plan, cartridge, range, presentation, bullet placement, etc. We can easily diagnose a solution.

Jerry

 

[Shufisher]

Jerry,

Thanks for the response. I'm assuming that match bullets don't hold together very well at higher velocities?
The bullet I am interested in is a Fowler 115 gr. flat base, hollow point with a nine caliber ogive (I have no idea what that means.) and the small (.045") point, J-4 1.125" length jacket. It will be used in a .257 AI with a heavy 26" barrel and think muzzle velocity will be around 2900-3000 fps.
I'll be hunting small Texas hill country deer and assorted varmints at ranges between 200 – 400 yards. Hope to stretch that out with a little more practice and knowledge. This is my first custom designed for longer ranges.

d-a and 4rked horn thanks for the SMK threads.

Jim

 

[mikael]

im thinking to use 168gr berger VLD bullets in 7mm ultra on deer have anny body use this[ QUOTE ]
Jerry,

Thanks for the response. I'm assuming that match bullets don't hold together very well at higher velocities?
The bullet I am interested in is a Fowler 115 gr. flat base, hollow point with a nine caliber ogive (I have no idea what that means.) and the small (.045") point, J-4 1.125" length jacket. It will be used in a .257 AI with a heavy 26" barrel and think muzzle velocity will be around 2900-3000 fps.
I'll be hunting small Texas hill country deer and assorted varmints at ranges between 200 – 400 yards. Hope to stretch that out with a little more practice and knowledge. This is my first custom designed for longer ranges.

d-a and 4rked horn thanks for the SMK threads.

Jim

[/ QUOTE ]

 

[mikael]

im thinking to use 168gr berger VLD bullets in 7mm ultra on deer have anny body use this

 

[daveosok]

Wife uses the 168's and I use the 180's on deer in both of our 7mm STW's. Never lost one yet, great wound channels and explosive shots.
I use the 168 30 cal in my 300 wsm no deer lost as of yet.
I also use the SMK in the wifes rifle

 

[sewwhat89]

I was not sure on how hot you could load the 257AI with that bullet. IF you are shooting out past 100-150 yards, I am sure you will have superb results with double-lung shots. I personally would not take shoulder shots unless the range was greater to ensure that the bullet can withstand the impact velocity.

Most of the deer you will be shooting out there are smaller than my East TX deer, and I bet your results will be quite dramatic and very effective.

If you do choose this combo, get back to us on how it performed. If you buy a large quantity of the bullets, I would like to buy a small quantity to test in my 25-06.

Stephen