Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Best bullets for STW speed?

I just bought a Winchester Classic Stainless NIB for $525. I thought that that was a pretty good deal, and I was looking for a new deer caliber. I was looking at reloading for it and was wonding how you thought that the 120 gr X would do. I was also considering the 139 gr SST. Also what powder would you suggest. I have been shooting IMR 4831 in my 270, but I haven't checked the books for the STW yet. Just wanted to hear what some of you would suggest. Thanks, Ryan

Ryan,
<br> For big game using 120s, your only choice are the Barnes X or GS Customs. I believe your factory barrel twist is 9.5 which may not shoot these light bullets accurately at high velocities. In your rifle I would try the 140 Barnes XLCs, then the Nosler 140 Part. I had really good results with RL22 & RL 25 in the 140gr and heavier bullets. I don't think the Hornady SST bullets would hold up too well at the closer ranges on big game animals. MtnHtr

Although they're plain vanilla by todays standards, Nosler Partitions will probably be your best choice. I've had them hang in for everything from 20-400 yds from a couple different 7mm Mags. If 140's don't do the MOA thing, the 150's usually will. I load them for myself and two of my non-handloader buddies. We all hunt all over NA with them, elk, mulies, whitetails, antelope. They work like magic.
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<br>If there's a downside to Noslers, or any bullet with a mostly copper, or pure copper jacket, they foul a rough bore badly, and are miserable to clean.