Bullets

In rifle cartridges, these bullets are highly recommended when good expansion and deep penetration in medium and heavy game are required at short to medium ranges. These bullets give pinpoint accuracy because of their short lengths for their weights. This short length for a given weight allows a rifle barrel to stabilize a considerably heavier roundnose bullet than would be possible with a Spitzer-pointed bullet of the same weight, which would be considerably longer. If the shots are fast and at short ranges or the game is big and dangerous, these are the bullets to choose. The 220 grain #2180 is the real heavyweight and is suitable for the largest North American game and many African species. In handguns, these bullets should be considered nonexpanding in game at normal handgun velocities. They may prove useful in situations where a heavy bullet is needed but twist rate is marginally slow, such as Handgun Silhouettes where momentum is more important than expansion. The shorter length for a given weight of each of these bullets, compared to longer Spitzer-shaped bullets of the same weights, may provide superior stability and accuracy in some handguns. The #2180 was introduced in 1961.

In rifles, this bullet was designed for the venerable 30-30 Winchester cartridge, and features a jacket tailored specifically to 30-30 velocities. The cannelure on each bullet is precisely located to provide the proper over-all-length (OAL) for fast, trouble-free feeding. The bullet weight performs admirably on deer-sized game and is suited to larger deer and black bear at shorter ranges. PowerJacket construction assures reliable expansion with good penetration. Though designed for the 30-30 cartridge, the use of these bullets is not restricted to that cartridge. In fact, these bullets are very effective in any 30 caliber cartridge if a muzzle velocity level of 2500 to 2600 fps is not exceeded. In handguns, these bullets are suitable for some cartridges because they were designed for the velocities of the venerable 30-30 Winchester cartridge. Specifically, these bullets are suitable for any handgun cartridge that will produce 2200 to 2500 fps at the muzzle. They are suitable for all game, from varmints to large game, such as elk, if the bullet weight is matched to game weight. These are short-range bullets due to their nose design and will be suitable only when maximum ranges do not exceed 125 to 150 yards. Sierra's unique Power Jacket design assures uniform bullet upset and expansion at this velocity level with traditional Sierra accuracy. The #2000 was introduced in 1959.