BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

[Centennial]

Does anyone have any field experiance with the 180g Hornaday SST? Velocity is just over 2200fps. I will be hunting Black bears with a 30-40. Thanks all.

[Don Fischer]

I have never used the 30-40 or the SST bullet's. But I have used Hornady's for a long long time, I like them!

The 30-40 works at low velocity and I don't see where the SST would offer you any advantage at all. At 2200fps, I'd be using the 180gr RN. Your not going to be getting that much range reguardless of the bullet and everybody I'v talked to over the years seem to think that at those slower velocities the RN bullet's open better and drive deeper. But if you want the SST, I'm sure it's gonna hold together and penetrate well enough. That said as a loyal Hornady user for many years.

Come to think of it, my first 7x57 was especially fond of 154 gr RN bullet's and if spitzer bullet's could have done a better job, you couldn't prove it to me. That was my only experience with RN bullet's. Matter of fact, that rifle wouldn't shoot 154 gr spire points worth a darn!

[Centennial]

Thanks Don. I would rather shoot a RN but these SSTs shoot an honest 1.5 inch group at 100 yards. The best I have been able to do with the Speer RN is 2.5 inches. The other option I have is a 32 Special with 170g FN; shoots as well as the 30-40 but at 2100fps. I'm probably splitting hairs here and should just take the one I want to hunt with. Thanks again.

[Don Fischer]

I used to like Speers a great deal but when they sold out to Omark, they went down hill. Have you tried the Hornady RN?