Not every batch of bullets are a good batch. The most pathetic performance i have personally had was a hot-core out of a .30-06. Not some over the top high speed magnum, and I have avoided them since. Think early ballistic tip type performance.
Most will have a similar experience in one way or another, often a completely opposing one to someone else.
B I N G O.
I have avoided this thread since the OP. I began today on P 1 just to see what hunters have experienced.
I was NOT going to post my results. Nate, you hit the nail on the head on those 2 points.
I have only used S HCs in 2 cartridges. 270 W some years back and I was not satisfied.
I used them in EDIT (Wally World)
FED Blue Box 300 WM, 180 gr. I have the boxes which say, "Speer Hot Cor".
NOW Wait.... my closest shot using those bullets was 180 yds. A couple +/-200 yds. then 1 at 386 yds. SO it wasn't because of HI vel. They clocked 3000 fps but at 200---400 yds they've slowed down.
I MUST be cursed with them OR got ahold of 2 bad Lots, which is possible.
I did get SMALL exit holes from 'parts' of the bullets but NOT a whole bullet.
I only have pix of 2 bucks showing the exit side and 'LITTLE' exit damage.
I'll chalk it up to BAD lots and leave it at that....but not buying any more.
2008, 180 yds
2009, 386 yds --Look Close on R side, tight behind shoulder......very little evidence. Took 2nd shot to finish while he was laying on ground.
Jerry