Is Sierra stuck in the sands of time?

[Luv2Hunt]

I believe the recently posted Federal test video answered every question I have had about a Sierra bullet. They blow up, plain and simple. A Nosler Ballistic Tip (Hunting) is going to hold up better and penetrate deeper than any Sierra. Even in the video you could tell the Engineers were surprised and tried to say the Nosler wasn't consistent, but it performed the same every time, and so did the Sierra - it blew up.

Yes, the Sierra will kill game, I'm not doubting that, and countless hunters succeed with them every year. Its about an ethical choice for me. NBTs are more accurate and more reliable. I owe it to the game I'm hunting to do my part, and NBTs/PTs/ABs allow me to that without question.

I've seen the same promo video. In the video he is not trying to say results are inconsistent with bt's, he IS saying that. He is trying to avoid making a commitment that it will be a dependable performer through thick hide and bone ("uh, it can be, bullets will vary...). Same thing Nosler says-bt's are not for tough, heavy game due to inconsistent performance.
As far as blowing up, that is the second statement usually used in regards to ballistic tips (after accurate, :wink: ). Even Nosler including the late John himself would tell you they have had to beef up jacket construction over the years because of tendency to blow up and not penetrate.

That video has very interesting timing. The bonded speer bullets are very hard to find because production is being used up by sister company Federal in the new bonded line of Fed ammunition. It's a promo video, otherwise known as an info-mercial (notice the Nitrex scope used- another sister product). Without trash talking other products, they have been moving towards their own in-house "premium" line for better margins and nudging customers down the "you need a premium bullet" road.
It's the same as WallyWorld now carrying "Deer Thugs" ammunition (Fusion-different package) rather than plain Fusion. Coincidentally, they are a sponsor of the Deer Thugs program. Hum, imagine that. Building brand loyalty.

All that said, I still am a Nosler fan for most things. Give me a Partition and I can be happy. Thanks for the forum.

 

[bullet]

Now in all that we have said, let me also agree with you that Sierra should make a bonded bullet, I think they would do it right and it would be a good one. I waited to say this, but I actually in the past talked not only to Rich but the ceo of Sierra and asked why they didn't. They told me that it was an accuacy problem in getting bonded bullets to shoot accurately on a consistent bases. In that fact they are right, because bonded bullet do not shoot shoot on a consistent lot after lot as do premium cup core bullets do or they would be used in matches. In saying this, I still would like to see them make a bonded bullet.

 

[OU812]

Now in all that we have said, let me also agree with you that Sierra should make a bonded bullet, I think they would do it right and it would be a good one. I waited to say this, but I actually in the past talked not only to Rich but the ceo of Sierra and asked why they didn't. They told me that it was an accuacy problem in getting bonded bullets to shoot accurately on a consistent bases. In that fact they are right, because bonded bullet do not shoot shoot on a consistent lot after lot as do premium cup core bullets do or they would be used in matches. In saying this, I still would like to see them make a bonded bullet.

If they made a good bonded bullet I would bet it would be a dandy no doubt about it. It seems to me that Sierra is hung up with their match bullets accuracy and nothing less will do accuracy wise. According to what they said to you a bonded bullet is not as accurate on a consistent bases. I disagree completely. For hunting purposes the AccuBond is very accurate and holds up even better. For match shooting, which the AccuBond was not built for or it's intended purpose it would fall short accuracy wise.

A hunting bullet needs to be accurate but does not need match bullet accuracy. If Sierra could wrap their minds around that they could build a great hunting bonded bullet that would still be more than accurate for it's intended purpose.

 

[bullet]

Now in all that we have said, let me also agree with you that Sierra should make a bonded bullet, I think they would do it right and it would be a good one. I waited to say this, but I actually in the past talked not only to Rich but the ceo of Sierra and asked why they didn't. They told me that it was an accuacy problem in getting bonded bullets to shoot accurately on a consistent bases. In that fact they are right, because bonded bullet do not shoot shoot on a consistent lot after lot as do premium cup core bullets do or they would be used in matches. In saying this, I still would like to see them make a bonded bullet.

If they made a good bonded bullet I would bet it would be a dandy no doubt about it. It seems to me that Sierra is hung up with their match bullets accuracy and nothing less will do accuracy wise. According to what they said to you a bonded bullet is not as accurate on a consistent bases. I disagree completely. For hunting purposes the AccuBond is very accurate and holds up even better. For match shooting, which the AccuBond was not built for or it's intended purpose it would fall short accuracy wise.

A hunting bullet needs to be accurate but does not need match bullet accuracy. If Sierra could wrap their minds around that they could build a great hunting bonded bullet that would still be more than accurate for it's intended purpose.

Yes, I agree they could and they are stuck on accuracy that is equal to match bullets or close. I guess they think it will impact their reputation for being a company that makes accurate bullets. It might be that they do not have confidence in them producing an accurate bonded bullet. I think in the end it will end up hurting them more than if they took the chance to make one.

 

[OU812]

You maybe right but I can not help but think they could make, if they wanted to, a bonded bullet that would equal their prohunter or gameking bullets accuracy which seems good enough for them.

Guess it really does not matter either way. I have no say so in what they build and if they don't want to try a bonded bullet oh well. I'll just keep using Nosler bullets.

 

[bullet]

Well, I have 200 Speer 160gr SPBT Hot Core and 587 Hornady 139gr Interbonds for my 7mm08 for two specific loads. I am getting 300 Nosler 180gr BT for my 30-06 loads to match my Accu-track so for next season there won't be any Sierras dropping game for me.

 

[Guest]

...next season there won't be any Sierras dropping game for me.

I can assure you, this is always the case for me.

:twisted: Couldn't resist! :twisted:

 

[bullet]

...next season there won't be any Sierras dropping game for me.

I can assure you, this is always the case for me.

:twisted: Couldn't resist! :twisted:

Now that is funny my friend :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[OU812]

Sounds like you have more than enough bullets to be dropping some game. Can't wait to see the pictures but I guess I'll have to.

 

[bullet]

Sounds like you have more than enough bullets to be dropping some game. Can't wait to see the pictures but I guess I'll have to.

Hey, here is one picture to hold you until then :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[meatmachineman]

I'm not opinionated one way or the other on Sierra. I do have more Sierra bullets than I know what to do with. I grew up in SoCA and lived not too far from Santa Fe Springs. My old man used to go over and buy seconds. Back then I guess they used to sell them in plain brown paper sacks. I just recently finally got rid of all those paper bags and got the bullets situated in better containers.

 

[big rifle man]

Hopefully, to finish this thread, I've been using Sierra bullets for a long time, 50 years roughly. The 165 grain 30 caliber in my 06 and the the 180 pro hunter more recently for Elk. I haven't lost an animal yet, probably because I pick my shots. Have I seen some jacket/core separations, yes. Have I lost an animal because of it, No. We can disagree all day long about whats better but it's really about what works for you. I think Noslers are great and have used them many times, actually the 140 grain 7MM Partition out of my 7MM-08 is great for deer. All of the companies make excellent products and again, it's what works for you.

 

[Wincheringen]

Its about an ethical choice for me. NBTs are more accurate and more reliable. I owe it to the game I'm hunting to do my part, and NBTs/PTs/ABs allow me to that without question.

ETHICAL??? NBTs more accurate????? You can't kill any quicker than with a Sierra or NBT so your above comment is incorrect about being ethical. I have had more run for a ways using the AccuBond or Partition than ever with the Sierra Game King HPBT or BT. I reject out right your above statement on Ethics having seen over 200 deer drop in their tracks during a two year combined culling with Sierra game kings by game wardens and myself, is very ethical, they died where we shot them.

I reject your rejection.

 

[bullet]

Its about an ethical choice for me. NBTs are more accurate and more reliable. I owe it to the game I'm hunting to do my part, and NBTs/PTs/ABs allow me to that without question.

ETHICAL??? NBTs more accurate????? You can't kill any quicker than with a Sierra or NBT so your above comment is incorrect about being ethical. I have had more run for a ways using the AccuBond or Partition than ever with the Sierra Game King HPBT or BT. I reject out right your above statement on Ethics having seen over 200 deer drop in their tracks during a two year combined culling with Sierra game kings by game wardens and myself, is very ethical, they died where we shot them.

I reject your rejection.

Figured you would :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[SJB358]

Wow, can't believe I am seeing so much about Sierra's. Everyone knows Barnes are better bullets anyhow, faster, bettererer game taking ability and God knows, even a Weatherby can shoot a Barnes into 1/4 MOA! :twisted:

 

[bullet]

Wow, can't believe I am seeing so much about Sierra's. Everyone knows Barnes are better bullets anyhow, faster, bettererer game taking ability and God knows, even a Weatherby shoot a Barnes into 1/4 MOA! :twisted:

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[Guest]

Wow, can't believe I am seeing so much about Sierra's. Everyone knows Barnes are better bullets anyhow, faster, bettererer game taking ability and God knows, even a Weatherby can shoot a Barnes into 1/4 MOA! :twisted:

You had me right up until that last phrase, Scotty. You ought to know better - didn't you own a 'bee for a while? You must just have trouble with your shooting or something if you couldn't get any decent groups out of that one...

 

[SJB358]

Wow, can't believe I am seeing so much about Sierra's. Everyone knows Barnes are better bullets anyhow, faster, bettererer game taking ability and God knows, even a Weatherby can shoot a Barnes into 1/4 MOA! :twisted:

You had me right up until that last phrase, Scotty. You ought to know better - didn't you own a 'bee for a while? You must just have trouble with your shooting or something if you couldn't get any decent groups out of that one...

Yeah, I had two of them, one in a 7mm Rem Mag and one in a 300... I guess I should have tried the Barnes! :grin:

Just kidding, they were actually good rifles, I just never warmed up to them really.. They were solid rifles though.

 

[Guest]

Yeah, I understand. Looked at a 7mmRemMag Model 70, but didn't pull the trigger, pardon the pun. This, despite having brass, bullets, dies, and powder on the bench and a scope on the shelf just looking for a 7mmRemMag to call home. Might save a little more and pick up a Mark V ULW in 7mmRemMag if I can talk them down, though...

 

[SJB358]

Yeah, I understand. Looked at a 7mmRemMag Model 70, but didn't pull the trigger, pardon the pun. This, despite having brass, bullets, dies, and powder on the bench and a scope on the shelf just looking for a 7mmRemMag to call home. Might save a little more and pick up a Mark V ULW in 7mmRemMag if I can talk them down, though...

That ULW is all you Dub. Might as well stick with what you really like. No use in hunting with a rifle you just don't like that much.