The Sierra 165 gr. HPBT GameKing Match Bullet?

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pbcaster45

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Got invited on a hog hunt this weekend and had no .308 ammo ready:mad:! Usually I'd just put together my tuned hunting load with a Nosler 168 gr. Ballistic Tip but I'd accidently mixed up my last half pound of Reloader 15 with some Winchester WSF - instant yard fertilizer! Didn't have much time to work up another load in my Savage 10FLP but between the Ballistic Tip and the GameKing the GameKing was winning.

My tried and true hunting load with Reloader 15 (Seated for magazine function, 0.085 bullet jump to lands).

Bullet: Nosler 168 gr. Ballistic Tip
Powder: Alliant Reloader 15 46.0 grs
Primer: Federal 210
Case: Winchester
LOAL: 2.895 (2.263 Base to Ogive)
Average Velocity: 2663.36 fps
Extreme Spread: 4.69
Standard Deviation: 2.64

And two test loads to get started (no time to work up loads with Varget at longer lengths). These were based on loads worked up in my Remington 700.

Bullet: Sierra 165 gr. HPBT GameKing
Powder: Hodgdon Varget 43.0 grs.
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Federal
LOAL: 2.795 (2.318 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2605.90 fps
Extreme Spread: 43.74
Standard Deviation: 18.65

Bullet: Nosler 168 gr. Ballistic Tip
Powder: Hodgdon Varget 43.0 grs.
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Federal
LOAL: 2.828 (2.208 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2597.56 fps
Extreme Spread: 32.34
Standard Deviation: 12.00

Both bullets shot well but the Sierra was shooting cloverleafs, the Noslers about one inch (four shot group).

My final load with the Sierra 165 gr. shot great but it was too overcast to chronograph. I'm hoping to get at least another 40 fps.

Bullet: Sierra 165 gr. HPBT GameKing
Powder: Hodgdon Varget 43.8 grs.
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Federal
LOAL: 2.795 (2.318 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: ? fps

Gun is heavy but it's got a great scope for dim light. The hogs have been pretty nocturnal and that Nikon Scope has a 30mm tube and illuminated crosshairs.

Savage10FLPRifle.jpg


A four shot group at 100 yards with a dime size paster... Blew one - the crosshairs covered up the dot! That's my official excuse...

Sierra165grHPBT.jpg
 
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Sierra Bullets' 165 and 180 grain spitzer boattail hunting bullets were often used in 30 caliber rifle matches instead of their FMJBT Match King ones. They were cheaper and shot darned near as accurate in .30-06 cases. Some lots of them shot as accurate as the Match Kings.

Sierra learned that with good jacket material, their 30 caliber SBT jackets had better dimensional uniformity at the heel on spitzer hunting bullets than some lots of FMJBT match bullets with an open base. That's when they decided to try making a hollow point match bullet when the US Army International Shooting Team asked for a new bullet in the 165 to 170 grain range. Hence, the birth of their 168-gr. International Match bullet with a hollow point. 'Twas instantly used to win 300 metre free rifle matches and set records in the Olympics and other international matches.
 
Very nice looking group and nice looking rifle, even if the bolt is on the wrong side:D

Sierra has always been my go to bullet manufacture when accuracy is a primary concern, and they seem to always come though. Congrats on finding such a great load so quickly.
 
accurate

As noted that 165 hpbt has a rep for accuracy. And Savage builds a heck of a rifle. I've always wanted to work with the 165 hpbt in a .308 as a deer load, but as slugs have gotten so high priced, am shooting up what I have on hand in other styles and weights.

What scope is on your rifle?
 
Both of those bullets are fairly light construction and meant for deer size/build type game. Probably OK for hogs but would not be MY first choice. Any load producing under 2" groups should be accurate enough.
 
I have used that 165 GK HPBT exclusively in my '06 loads for years with absolute success.

I would not hesitate to use that bullet for pigs, I've killed hogs weighing nearly 300 lbs live weight that were instantly dropped by my 57.5 gr. of IMR 4350. I've had precisely one deer get up after dropping like a rock from a too far forward brisket hit.....my fault....that was almost immediately downed by a friend.

Groups with my old M/70 mimic your posting. My BAR prints but slightly larger.
 
Either bullet ought to be fine. The 165 game king is one of my favorites. Here lately I've been "busting hogs" with buckshot, so 1" at 100 should suffice for a hog.;)
 
Spoke recently with Sierra Tech regarding the 165's...

I was trying to up-gradde my Michigan deer load of 165spbt for use on elk.

The powder used was generating 2580 - 2600fps, it was recommended that I use the HPBT as they are of sturdier construction than the SPBT and give better penetration.

Well the elk passed om my invitations and now waiting for a bear tag and use them on a bear.

Also, using the HPBT for working up a 30/30 load in my 21" TC Contender barrel.
 
Bamaranger,

It's a Nikon Monarch X 2.5-10x44 with Illuminated Mil-Dot Reticle. I don't know if Nikon still makes it.

Shot two 60 lb. shoats at close range (50 yards), both heads shots. Good tender pork for the grill but I was hoping for something bigger. Didn't learn much about bullet performance - but no complaints. If I get a chance I'll try and chronograph my ammo this weekend.
 
Just a follow-up. I chronographed my hunting load around noon today and was surprised I didn't get any improvement in velocity. The ES & SD readings were better - I think I'm going to quit doing any chronograph work in the late afternoon (like last time).

Bullet: Sierra 165 gr. HPBT GameKing
Powder: Hodgdon Varget 43.8 grs.
Primer: CCI-BR2
Case: Federal
LOAL: 2.795 (2.318 Base to Ogive with Stoney Point)
Average Velocity: 2604.13 fps
Extreme Spread: 16.79
Standard Deviation: 8.07
 
You know... it was probably 20 degrees warmer than the last chronograph session - could that explain the lack of velocity increase? I mean, Varget is supposed to be very temperature stable.
 
maybe

Varget has a reputation of being less temp sensitive than other powders... but with right rifle and components.......who knows?

Shot a match onetime with loads of IMR4350 and experienced a big temp swing.
Point of impact soared.....scores dropped. I had to whack the bolt on my Savage open with heel of hand many times.


Switched to Varget on recommendation of a savvy pal
 
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