Let’s Talk About Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count
The Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count represent a targeted solution for reloaders seeking a specific weight and profile in their .30 caliber pistol cartridges. These round nose bullets from Sierra Bullets are designed for smooth feeding and consistent performance. This offering is a budget-conscious option compared to some of Sierra’s more premium offerings.
For years, I’ve been a devotee of the .30 caliber pistol, specifically for target practice and varmint control on my property. My go-to load was a now-discontinued Hornady bullet of similar weight. I needed a replacement that offered similar characteristics at a reasonable price.
My initial experience was straightforward; these bullets came in a simple, no-nonsense box. The bullets themselves appeared uniform and well-made, with a consistent shape and finish. They looked ready for loading.
Compared to the more expensive jacketed hollow points I sometimes use, these are distinctly simpler in construction. However, I chose these Sierra Bullets due to their reputation for quality and consistent performance. I had hoped to get similar performance to my legacy Hornady rounds.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic; they looked good, and Sierra’s name carries weight. My hope was that they would prove to be a reliable and accurate replacement for my preferred load.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested these Sierra Bullets at my usual shooting range, which offers a variety of distances and target setups. I was using a custom-built .30 Carbine pistol with a 10-inch barrel. The weather was typical for spring in my area – slightly overcast and humid.
The bullets fed flawlessly in my magazines, a testament to their round nose profile. My initial loads were moderately charged, and the recoil was manageable. There were no apparent issues during the loading or firing process.
After the first use, my initial impression was positive; they seemed reliable and functioned as advertised. There were no immediate red flags or concerns.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and hundreds of rounds fired, the Sierra Bullets have continued to perform consistently. The bullets have proven to be reliable, exhibiting consistent velocities and point of impact. My initial loads have been tweaked for even better performance
There’s minimal wear and tear to speak of since these are projectiles, not hardware. I have not encountered any deformed or out-of-spec bullets within the box. They are also easy to handle, not requiring any special handling or cleaning procedures before loading.
These Sierra Bullets have proven to be a capable replacement for my old load, meeting my expectations for performance and reliability. They’re not match-grade, but for general target practice and varmint control, they perform very admirably.
Breaking Down the Features of Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count
Specifications
- Caliber: .30 Caliber (.308 inch diameter). This diameter is standard for .30 caliber pistol cartridges, ensuring compatibility with appropriate barrels.
- Weight: 85 grain. This bullet weight is relatively light for the .30 caliber, resulting in higher velocities and reduced recoil.
- Bullet Type: Round Nose (RN). The round nose profile aids in smooth feeding and reliable chambering, especially in semi-automatic pistols.
- Sectional Density: 0.128. This is a measure of a bullet’s penetration capability; a lower number indicates shallower penetration.
- Quantity: 100 bullets per box. This quantity is a standard packaging for reloading components.
- Country of Origin: USA. This indicates that the bullets are manufactured to Sierra Bullets’ quality control standards in the United States.
These specifications are important because they define the bullet’s intended use and performance characteristics. The 85-grain weight combined with the round nose profile make these bullets suitable for target shooting, plinking, and varmint control at shorter ranges. The .308 diameter is critical to ensure proper fit and function in .30 caliber firearms.
Performance & Functionality
These Sierra Bullets perform their job admirably, offering reliable feeding, acceptable accuracy, and consistent performance. For my use case, they have delivered acceptable results. This includes consistent groups at reasonable distances.
The strengths of these bullets are their reliability, ease of loading, and consistent performance at a budget-friendly price. The primary weakness is that they are not match-grade bullets and won’t deliver the ultimate accuracy desired by competitive shooters. They are designed for practical use.
These bullets meet my expectations for general-purpose .30 caliber pistol reloading, making them a suitable choice for my needs. They are not the best on the market, but they are a good value.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sierra Bullets feature a simple, unjacketed lead design with a round nose profile. The bullets are consistent in shape and weight, with a smooth finish that aids in loading. They look like simple rounds, and they work like simple rounds.
These bullets are easy to handle and load, requiring no special tools or techniques. There is little to no learning curve associated with using these bullets.
Durability & Maintenance
As projectiles, these bullets are not subject to wear and tear in the same way as firearms or other gear. Once loaded, they remain stable and do not degrade over time if stored properly. These rounds require very little maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
These bullets are primarily intended for use in handloaded ammunition. Users can customize their loads by selecting different powders, primers, and cartridge cases. While there are no specific accessories designed solely for these bullets, the performance of the ammunition can be optimized through careful component selection and load development.
There aren’t aftermarket accessories for individual bullets, but they are compatible with standard reloading equipment. This equipment might be from Lee Precision, RCBS, or similar manufacturers.
Pros and Cons of Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count
Pros
- Reliable feeding due to the round nose profile.
- Consistent performance in terms of velocity and accuracy for their intended use.
- Budget-friendly price point makes them a cost-effective choice for high-volume shooting.
- Easy to load and handle with standard reloading equipment.
- Suitable for target practice, plinking, and varmint control.
Cons
- Not match-grade bullets, so they may not deliver the ultimate accuracy desired by competitive shooters.
- The lower sectional density might limit their penetration capabilities on larger game.
Who Should Buy Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count?
These bullets are perfect for reloaders who are looking for a reliable and affordable projectile for target practice, plinking, and varmint control using their .30 caliber pistols. They are a good choice for those who want a consistent and easy-to-load bullet without the high cost of match-grade options. Those with custom-built firearms firing .30 caliber rounds will love these bullets.
Competitive shooters seeking the highest levels of accuracy should skip this product and opt for match-grade bullets with tighter tolerances and more consistent ballistic coefficients. Hunters needing deep penetration on larger game should also consider heavier, more robust bullet designs.
Essential accessories include a reliable reloading press, powder measure, and bullet seating die. These are standard items for any reloader.
Conclusion on Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count
In summary, the Sierra Bullets Sports Master 85 gr. .30 Cal RN Pistol Bullets, 100 Count provide a solid, reliable, and affordable option for reloaders seeking a general-purpose .30 caliber projectile. They offer consistent performance and ease of use at a reasonable price. Sierra Bullets has earned a solid reputation for quality, and these bullets uphold that reputation.
The price is justified for the performance and quantity offered, making them an excellent value for high-volume shooters or those on a budget. While they may not be the top choice for competitive shooting or hunting large game, they excel in their intended role as a reliable and cost-effective target bullet.
I would personally recommend these bullets to any reloader looking for a dependable and affordable .30 caliber option for general shooting activities. If you need bullets, these Sierra Bullets are a solid pick. Grab a box today and start loading!