Author Topic: Speer Hot-Cor (Read 420 times)

firstshot · « **on:** August 22, 2005, 08:00:08 AM »

I just loaded up some 145 Grn Speer SP (Hot-Cor) for my 7mm-08 and was surprised at the accuracy. With a max load of 48.0Grn of IMR 4350 I was getting a muzzle velocity of 2,830 FPS and 1/2" groups.

Anyone here have field experience with the Hot-Cor's in any caliber? I would primarilly be hunting whitetails with these. Shots would be from up close up to 250 Yds. How do they perform on game? How do they compare to Sierra or Hornady standard bullets?

Thanks

firstshot
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Make your first shot count.

Lone Star · « **Reply #1 on:** August 22, 2005, 08:30:03 AM »

IME the Speer HotCore bullets are superior to the "standard" Sierra bullets for most hunting - in .277, .308 and .358 calibers at least. They do not lose or slip their cores, and they penetrate more deeply than the Hornady and Sierra "standard" bullets at under 100 yards. The HotCores produce a slightly smaller mushroom, but this is not a negative IME.

If all your shots were over 250 yards then the Speer BT bullets might work better, they are designed for the lower impact velocities of long-range shots. Thus they expand quicker to a larger mushroom, but Speer does not recommend them for short range shots. Since some of your shots will be "up close", I'd recommend the HotCores over the other three types mentioned.

Questor · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2005, 04:21:59 PM »

I've used the 120 grain 6.5mm Hot Cor bullets. Excellent for deer sized game, accurate. Speer bullets don't get a lot of press like the premium bullets do, but they should get credit for working very well for what they're designed to do.

stew · « **Reply #3 on:** August 24, 2005, 04:26:51 AM »

firstshot,

I get the same accuracy out of my Rem. Mdl. 7 with 20" BBl. using the same exact load (I use Remington Primers). The 145 gr. Speer spitzer is my go to bullet for whitetail. It kills like lightening.

I should mention that the Hornady interlock (139 gr.) is a little more accurate off the sand bags when shooting 5 shot groups in my gun with (Federal 210 Match Primers).

A friend of mine uses Hodgdon 4350 because it meters smoother in the powder measure but in my gun the IMR 4350 shoots better.

firstshot · « **Reply #4 on:** August 26, 2005, 03:15:27 PM »

Thanks to all for your replies!!!! I really appreciate the input!! I'm going to see how the Speer 145 Hot-Cor's group at 200 Yds and if they do well, I'll more than likely be using them this season.

firstshot
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Make your first shot count!