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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 337
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 337 |
The Original 129 SP is a great bullet, shorter ogive often gives MV similar to 120s. The 129sp shoots pretty darn well for me. It's a tough bullet too. Never heard anyone complain about it not holding together
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512 |
From those pics, I'd guess that bullet blows like an AMAX, though likely not engineered to do so. That SST might make a dandy bullet for the long range hunters, things settle down after say 200-300 yds.
My furthest deer was taken w/6BR 105 amax. Right at 400 yds, double lunged, just seconds earlier I dusted another w/a spine shot, THAT bullet blew in 1-2" as I predicted a disintegration on contact, I steered it into the spine as I was dead on at 200 yds and that first deer was right about that distance. Worked great, 2nd deer had a golf ball sized exit. Doubt it would have gone thru at close range, though death would have been imminent.
I'd use those SSTS but not on rear end shots, or raking shots at close range. I'd just avoid bone if at all possible.
Ironically from what I hear about various 6.5 bullets only the 120 Ballistic Tip has had some reports of being 'soft' vs. other bullets from 120-160 to my knowledge. Be interesting if Hornady 'beefs it up' somehow as I'd not want one coming apart given a choice. Would make an outstanding large varmint bullet i.e. coyote's when hide damage is not an issue.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,145
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,145 |
I'd say the SST is real soft so would suggest staying out of the heavy bones. Both the standard interlock and NBT held together much better then the SST in my testing. However I always thought if you found a good load with them that shot lights out you should be able to easily subsitute a 129gr. Interbond for your hunting loads and use the SST for practice as they have the exact same BC. +1 about the SST being soft. In my experience, it's shrapnel. Make no mistake: It'll make bug holes on your target, and it will kill deer. However, it makes one hell of a mess, and don't even think about making the high shoulder shot your percentage shot with the SST (IMHO). In the 2700-2800 fps range, you might like it. In all fairness, most of my experience with it has been in the Hornady Light Magnum (.280 Rem), and those are cooking along at 3,000+ fps. A buddy of mine loads the 150 grain in his .300 Win Mag (against my pleading), and his results have been less than inspiring.
Chris
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 49
Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 49 |
I'm just starting to work up a load for my 260. Yesterday at the range produced some promising resutls. My tight group was using 130 gr. Swift Scirocco's, Nosler brass, Federal 210M primers, 45.0 grains H4831sc. I also tried RL-19 at the suggestion of Swift bullet company. I didn't get the groups I'm wanting. I'm going to try H4350 and Varget next.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 20,379 |
Don't overlook Ramshot Hunter.
I replace valve cover gaskets every 50K, if they don't need them sooner...
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,465
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,465 |
The 120gr. BT has always been outstanding in my testing, always perfect expansion and good weight retention with no sign of core slipage.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037 |
Yep, I've been very surprised by the 120BT it's done very well in my media boxes at 100yds..
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2AIAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement ID and MT.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512 |
I had heard early 130 .277 BTs were soft, later beefed up, wonder if the 120/6.5mm BT went thru an 'upgrade' also? Much depends on launch speed/range = impact speed w/any bullet so that could be the variable among many reports, as well as what it runs into.
I'd give the BTs a try myself if I did not my 130 ABs. IIRC they once were a fav in the 6.5 JDJ (225 Win case) by handgun hunters. It's been a very successful deer bullet by many, while a few said it did not hold up so well. Not sure why.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,037 |
Those 130 AB's are scary accurate in my 260.. Not positive but I think the 120Bt's in both .264 and .284 both have been beefed up. I'd not hesitate to use one on deer. If I wanted to.
Your Every Liberal vote promotes Socialism and is an attack on the Second Amendment. You will suffer the consequences.
GOA,Idaho2AIAlliance,AmericanFirearmsAssociation,IdahoTrappersAssociation,FoundationForWildlifeManagement ID and MT.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 337
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 337 |
IIRC they once were a fav in the 6.5 JDJ (225 Win case) by handgun hunters. Yup. BT's are really popular with handgunners in a number of different calibers. They're accurate and expansion is dependable at the lower velocities. The 125gr BT is THE bullet for a 14" 30-30/30-30 AI.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 480
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 480 |
Thanks Guys.
I have been trying to locate that thread that had a lot of the bullets tested in similar mediums. For the life of me I can not find the dang thing.
Any help would be appreciated.
Perhaps the 120NBT's will remain the bullet of choice.
Thanks
LowBC
Experience is something you get, just after you needed it.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,697
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,697 |
“There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.” ― Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 480
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 480 |
Thanks AZAR,
That was the one I was after.
LowBC
Experience is something you get, just after you needed it.
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