Opinions on Sierra 165 Gr. HPBT?

[spfld]

Hi folks, I am kind of a newbie here but have been signed up and watching the forum for quite a while.
I have used the Sierra 165 gr. HPBT bullet for many years and have found it to be a real good performer in my Springfield O3-A3 and also my .308 Win. based on a 98 Mauser action. I have found only a few other bullets aside from the expensive match types that really equal it. It's performance on deer has been solid with no losses aside from a couple I hit wrong and needed a second shot. Just wondering if I am simply lucky that my rifles happen to do well with this Sierra bullet.

 

[wolf gray]

Springfield,
I can't tell you how many deer, hogs and turkeys I have taken with my .308's(Winchester Model 70, Springfield M1-A and Beretta BM-59). That's all I have loaded for the past 40 years in a .308 load( Sierras 165 gr. BTHP). I have shot some Speers in the same configuration but think the Sierra is the go to bullets for my .308's.

Best,
Dan Batko

"Where are we going and why am I in this basket?"

 

[brian roberts]

I have used it in................

.300s; '06s; and a couple .308s, but actually, and you didn't say what your ranges were, I believe its a bit of overkill on something as light as whitetails. Also, looking back, I switched to the 165 Sierra spitzer boattail instead, for better aerodynamics.

Now, for shorter ranges, out to 200yds or so, in open country, I'd look at 125-130 Sierras/Hornadys as a better killer, if you're willing to wait for the target in the optimal position, and willing, too, to pass if that isn't presented. Shot placement must be exact to avoid extensive meat damage.

If I were doing a lot of Western hunting, though, where shots on whitetails, mulies, elk or possibly a bear may be in the offing, from 80 to 250 yds, then I'd go back to the 165 SBT, and I may even go to a tougher, heavier-built, bullet. If one did go to a tougher bullet, the Sierras would make a good practice load.

Driven hard enough, you'd be surprised at the penetration of either of the Sierra 165s, I've seen the HPs penetrate about 7/8 inch steel out to about 200yds. I was as surprised and impressed as any of the others who watched, open-mouthed.

 

[spfld]

Actually, the range varies depending on the location for my deer hunting. For woods/still hunting I use my .308 with 20" barrel and do not load max charges. I keep velocity around 2,600 fps. As most hunters prefer, I go for heart/lung shots and cant say I experience large meat damage tho I have shoulder-shot a few and it's more destructive when hitting bone. I have a natural gas pipeline nearby and that's when the Springfield comes out. 60.1 of IMR 4831 puts the Sierra HP across my chronograph screens at 2,920 fps. It's been a few seasons past, but I killed a 155 lb 6 point (eastern) at 380 yds, that being my longest kill on a deer. Shot landed a little bit far back but still did a number on the lungs and he ran possibly 50 yards with blood pouring out both sides. The same load on a careless coyote at about 130 yards put a hole in him the size of a softball or slightly larger. I have seen what Nosler Ballistic tips can do to meat, and I believe the Sierra 165's are a tougher bullet. As to overkill, many 06's go hunting with 180 gr slugs around my area and those old boys who use them could not be convinced that anything else is worth consideration. I suppose I am like them in that I only use the conventional style bullets. Never could justify the extra expense of the "Boutique" bullets for the kind of hunting I do. I have a 300 win. mag with a 28" Mcgowan (original Mcgowan) barrel and have yet to try the 165gr. hp in it. That gun is very accurate with Sierra 180 gr. spitzer bt's.