Whelennut, you probably have more recent edition of the Sierra reloading manual. My latest one is the 4th edition. On page 75 under Hollow Point Boat Tail (HPBT) GameKing it reads: We also produce .224 diameter 55 grain, .243 diameter 85 grain and .257 diameter 90 grain HPBTs which, despite their GameKing nomenclature, are intended for varminting
Page 279 (250/3000 Savage section) The 87 grain spitzer and 90 grain HPBT bullets will serve well for varmints, but are only adequate for deer and antelope if shots are placed precisely.
Page 85, Sierra describes the 87gr Spitzer (SPT) and 90gr HPBT:
Although designed as varmint bullets, both have taken on expanded roles. Both bullets are extremely accurate at all velocity levels, making them suitable for the entire range of .25 caliber cartridges. Either will perform as a varmint bullet at high velocities, but may also be used as a medium game bullet from smaller capacity cartridges such as the 250-3000 Savage I called Sierra this morning to discuss this dual role as varmints/deer in the 250. I asked...at what specific velocity would the 90gr bullet be effective or reliable on whitetail? Answer: 250-3000 velocities. Ok - I chrony about 2900fps with 34.5grs H4895 Extreme in 20" barrel M99 Savage, which is point blank range. Does that create too much expansion? Reply: It would be better around 2200fps for a more controlled expansion. I quickly turned to Sierra's ballistic tables and they indicated the bullet would slow to 2220fps at 200 yards. Energy ft-lb is 984.
The technician went on to recommend the use only on medium size deer and pick your shots. We all know deer hunting does not come in all neat and tidy packages prescribed in laboratories.
The good thing about the bullet is the manufacture has not changed. I started reloading it in the 1970s and it has always gave me excellent accuracy in the 250-3000 and the .257 Roberts. I quite shooting varmints with it in the Roberts because Hornady 75gr V-Max is a tad more accurate. However, I will admit when the coyotes and wind are howling the 90gr performs a little better at longer distances.
The 250-3000 is definately a dual role cartridge, but the idea of shooting dual role bullets in it turns me off. The increased odds of loosing a wounded deer is not worth it.
