Bullets

In rifles, this bullet is fully capable of producing 1/4 minute of angle accuracy at velocities that would destroy most other bullets. The bullet has the Spitzer point shape and a flat base. This bullet style is the choice of many accomplished varmint hunters. It features precisely drawn jackets to assure pinpoint accuracy and reliable expansion, even at maximum ranges. This bullet is slightly "hard" at 222 or 223 Remington velocities, but are especially well suited for velocities from 22-250 and 220 Swift cartridges. For handguns, while capable of producing traditional Sierra accuracy, this bullet must be considered too "hard" at handgun velocities for anything other than target applications. If your handgun will produce velocities greater than 3000 fps at the muzzle, the 45 grain and 50 grain bullets could be used for hunting varmints out to moderate ranges, but will not have explosive expansion.

For rifles, this bullet is formed with a thin-walled jacket and soft core in the traditional roundnose shape for cartridges such as the 22 Hornet, 22 K-Hornet, or 218 Bee at muzzle velocities in the 2600 to 2900 fps range. The thin jacket and rounded nose of these bullets provide outstanding accuracy and effective expansion on small varmints at these modest velocities. This bullet is ideal for barrels with 1x16" twist rates and muzzle velocities that require a "short" bullet for proper stability. It is also effective in rifles firing medium-capacity cartridges, such as the 222 Remington and 223 Remington, for target and varmint shooting at muzzle velocities up to 3500 fps. For handguns, this bullet with a thin jacket and lots of exposed lead are ideal for all centerfire cartridges in 22 caliber. It will range in expansion from being a varmint bullet at Hornet handgun velocities to an explosive "Blitz" style Varminter at 223 Remington velocities. The bullets with a round nose shape are capable of outstanding accuracy, especially at short to moderate ranges.

Originally designed as a varmint bullet for smaller capacity 25 caliber cartridges, this 87 grain Spitzer bullet #1610 has taken on an expanded role. It turned out to be extremely accurate at all velocity levels, making it suitable for loading in the entire range of 25 caliber cartridges. This bullet gives outstanding performance as a varmint bullet at high velocities, but may also be used as a medium game bullet from smaller-capacity cartridges such as the 250-3000 Savage or 257 Roberts.

In rifles, the semi-point design allows this style of bullet to expand faster than a spitzer style due to a generous amount of exposed lead at the tip and the slightly larger opening in the jacket. Capable of outstanding accuracy, this bullet can be an excellent choice for varmints and small game in many early 22 centerfire rifles, which have slower twist rates than those commonly used today. The Semi-Point shape reduces bullet length for a given weight, making the bullet easier to stabilize. The penalty is that a Semi-Pointed bullet has a lower ballistic coefficient than a Spitzer-pointed bullet of the same weight. This bullet can also be used in modern rifles with faster twist rates. In handguns, because of the velocity constraints caused by short barrels, the primary usefulness of a semi-point bullet design is in cases where the twist rate may not be adequate to produce the best accuracy with a spitzer bullet. The relative shortness of the semi-point design can improve bullet stabilization and accuracy. This bullet will not give explosive expansion at longer ranges, but due to the wide jacket opening and generous exposed lead tip can be useful at shorter ranges for fur bearers whose pelts are to be preserved.

It has been said that a prairie dog shooter learns more about his rifle, cartridge and scope in one day than a deer hunter can learn in a lifetime. The 100 grain Hollow Point #1895 bullet allows off-season practice on varmints with any 7mm hunting rifle. This light, thin-jacketed bullet is exceptionally accurate, and the large hollow point makes it devastatingly effective on all varmints. Effective in cartridges ranging from the diminutive 7mm BR to the potent 7mm magnums, the lightweight of this bullet allows high velocity with low recoil for maximum enjoyment. It is accurate enough for use in Hunter Benchrest competition, and it is suitable for all standard 7mm barrel twist rates. In handguns, the 100 grain #1895 Hollow Point bullet is a light bullet for the varmint and small game hunter, and should be used for any application that requires certain expansion. This is the lightest 7mm caliber bullet currently available, and the high velocity coupled with Sierra's large hollow point makes it unbeatable for fast, reliable expansion and pinpoint accuracy. Although best restricted to coyote and smaller-sized game, it could be used for small deer with proper shot placement. It is too light weight for serious use for full-size silhouettes but excellent for other target applications. The #1895 was introduced in 1988.