I think I'll stick with the SST's at almost 1/2 the cost...Probably a better all around bullet anyway....

My conclusion? In THIS particular rifle, the faster I pushed the SSTs, the more accurate they were. The BTs didn't care how fast they were going, group size was fairly consistent. The BTs were usually 20-30 fps faster than the SSTs for the same load, no big deal there, I just upped the SST load .3 grains higher than the BT load, and got the same velocity.

So, accuracy wise, the SSTs won out over the BTs, although both were certainly acceptable. The SSTs grouped about 20% smaller than the BTs (.72" avg vs. .91" avg at 100 yards) at max velocity (3,300 fps).

A box of 100, 139 gr SSTs in my neck of the woods runs $18. A box of 50 140 gr BTs runs $14. I also think the SSTs are a bit more sturdily constructed than the BTs.

I'm using the SSTs for my main hunting load, at least in my 7mm. I have yet to run a similar test with 180s in my .300 Win Mag.

140 gr. SST 16.92 per 100

140 gr. BT 11.12 per 50

OK so not quite half,but still a substantial difference...

quote:

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Originally posted by dr280:
I have been having a hell of a time getting a good group (under .75, 5 shots, over 3000 fps) with the SST's.

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So, now good groups start at 0.75"??? Is this a hunting load or a BR load? If it's a hunting load and you're not happy with 3/4", what are you hunting...newborn kittens at 1,000 yards?

I think you're getting good hunting groups with both bullets. Now, you need to decide which one is better for the game you take and the shots you make. Personally, I've moved over to the Hornady side of the house, for now. I think the SST is probably a tougher bullet, AND I don't feel like I just got sucker-punched at the cash register the way I do when buying Nosler bullets.

Good luck,
RSY

57 grains with 139 SST's -no crimp-
average 5 shot group .96 at 3020 fps

57 grains with 139 SST with crimp
ave. 5 shot group .82 at 3055 fps

56 grains with Nosler 140 no crimp
5 shot group .98 at 2900 fps

56 grains Nosler with crimp
5 shots .95 at 2945 fps

57 grains Nosler- ONE SHOT 2998
Case extraction was difficult- not excessively hard- but hard enough to make me not shoot another.

SO- my rifle likes the SST, both for groups and speed. I plan to do a custom accurizer job (like a Hicks) and use that to tune to the SST load.
To answer RSY- just a hunting rifle, but like most everyone here- we all have our goals. I don't think 5 shots at .75 is out of the question... it may be... but not yet.
I don't plan to hunt newborn kittens at a 1000 yards anytime soon. If I do- it will definetly be with a Matchking- cause there ain't no better killer at long ranges than a Matchking- oh, and by the way.... my bullets shoot better than the rest,, or something like that anyway.

I have been experimenting with the 139 gr. SST in my 7mm Rem Mag lately. I too have noticed that the groups tighten up considerably as velocity increases..

At an average velocity of 3205 fps, I was shooting average 0.55 inch, 5 shot groups. Works for me..!!

Joel Slate
Slate & Associates, LLC
www.slatesafaris.com

7mm Rem Mag Page www.slatesafaris.com/7mm.htm