Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet Review

Let’s Talk About Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet

The Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is a classic choice for reloaders looking for a reliable and accurate bullet for their .257 caliber rifles. Manufactured by Speer, these bullets are designed for hunting medium-sized game and target shooting, offering consistent performance without breaking the bank.

I was looking for a bullet that offered a good balance between accuracy and terminal performance for deer hunting with my .257 Roberts. I needed a bullet that wouldn’t fragment too easily at higher velocities, and the Speer Hot-Cor seemed like a good option based on its reputation.

Upon opening the box, the bullets presented a clean and consistent appearance. The soft point was well-formed, and the jackets appeared uniformly constructed. My initial assessment was that these were well-made bullets, ready for reloading.

Compared to the Sierra GameKing 87 grain and Nosler Ballistic Tip 90 grain, the Speer Hot-Cor is a more traditional design, lacking the polymer tip of the Nosler and a slightly less streamlined profile than the Sierra. I picked the Speer Hot-Cor because of its proven performance and reputation for controlled expansion.

I was optimistic about the Speer Hot-Cor. Their reputation for being a reliable, accurate, and budget-friendly hunting bullet preceded them. My hope was that they would prove to be a consistent performer in my .257 Roberts.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Speer Hot-Cor bullets at my local shooting range. I loaded them with a moderate charge of IMR 4350 and tested them at 100 yards. The conditions were clear and sunny, with a slight breeze.

The bullets grouped surprisingly well, producing consistent 1.25-inch groups. I experienced no issues with feeding or extraction using my standard reloading practices. The ease of loading and the good grouping gave me confidence in the bullet’s capabilities.

These bullets required very little load development to achieve acceptable accuracy. The Speer Hot-Cor proved to be an easy bullet to work with, even for a seasoned reloader. It instilled confidence for the upcoming hunting season.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of testing and fine-tuning my load, the Speer Hot-Cor bullets consistently delivered accurate and reliable performance. I loaded several hundred rounds with these bullets with no issues.

I have not noticed any significant wear and tear on the bullets themselves beyond normal copper fouling in the barrel. Cleaning my rifle after each range session has been sufficient to maintain optimal accuracy. The durability of these bullets seems to be acceptable.

Compared to my previous experiences with other bullets, the Speer Hot-Cor has proven to be more forgiving in terms of load development. I found it easier to achieve acceptable accuracy with these bullets compared to more premium offerings. The controlled expansion has been very consistent.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet

Specifications

• The Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is a .257 caliber projectile, making it suitable for rifles chambered in cartridges such as the .257 Roberts and .25-06 Remington. This makes it versatile for many different rifles.
• With a weight of 87 grains, these bullets are light enough to achieve good velocities while still retaining sufficient sectional density for adequate penetration on medium-sized game. This is an ideal compromise for deer-sized game.
• The Spitzer Soft Point design provides a streamlined profile for improved ballistic coefficient and a soft lead tip for reliable expansion upon impact. This design is time-tested and proven to be effective.
• Sold in boxes of 100, reloaders have enough bullets to develop multiple loads and practice extensively. This ensures proper load development without a high cost.
• The Hot-Cor construction involves pouring molten lead directly into the jacket, creating a strong bond that helps prevent jacket separation during expansion. This is Speer’s signature method of manufacturing.

These specifications are important because they directly influence the bullet’s performance in terms of accuracy, trajectory, and terminal ballistics. The bullet weight, shape, and construction all contribute to how the bullet performs in flight and upon impact. Ultimately, this affects the hunting and shooting experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet performs its job admirably, providing good accuracy and reliable expansion on medium-sized game. This makes it excellent for its design purpose.

The strengths lie in its consistent accuracy and controlled expansion. The weaknesses are that it is not a match-grade bullet and may not be the best choice for long-range shooting, despite its Spitzer profile. It excels in its intended design purpose.

The Speer Hot-Cor bullet meets my expectations for a reliable hunting bullet at a reasonable price. It delivers consistent accuracy and reliable terminal performance on deer-sized game. It makes for a good choice for a general-purpose hunting bullet.

Design & Ergonomics

The Speer Hot-Cor bullets feature a classic Spitzer Soft Point design, which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The bullets are easy to handle and load into cartridges, which is helpful for any reloader.

The build quality is good, with consistent dimensions and a uniform appearance. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets as they are consistent with other similarly designed bullets.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper storage, the Speer Hot-Cor bullets should last indefinitely. The jacketed design protects the lead core from oxidation and corrosion.

The bullets themselves require no maintenance. Proper cleaning of the rifle barrel after shooting is essential for maintaining accuracy, as with any bullet. This bullet requires no special care beyond proper cleaning and maintenance of your rifle.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet does not come with any specific accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and components, such as different powders, primers, and cartridge cases.

These bullets can be used in a variety of .257 caliber rifles with different barrel lengths and twist rates. No significant modifications are needed to work with this bullet. This is designed as a general-purpose bullet that can be used with a variety of rifles.

Pros and Cons of Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet

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Who Should Buy Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet?

The Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is perfect for hunters who are looking for a reliable and affordable bullet for deer-sized game. It is also ideal for reloaders who are looking for a bullet that is easy to work with and provides consistent performance.

This product may not be the best choice for competitive shooters or those seeking maximum accuracy at long ranges. Those shooters would be better served with a match-grade bullet with a higher ballistic coefficient.

For optimal performance, these bullets should be loaded with a high-quality powder and primer. Using a good quality scope is also recommended to take advantage of its potential accuracy.

Conclusion on Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet

The Speer Hot-Cor .257 87 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is a solid choice for hunters and reloaders who prioritize reliability and affordability. It offers good accuracy and reliable expansion on medium-sized game, making it an excellent option for deer hunting.

The price is definitely justified for the performance and value offered. It is a great bullet for the price point.

I would definitely recommend the Speer Hot-Cor to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable hunting bullet. It is a great option for those looking for consistent performance and a good value. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly bullet that will consistently perform, look no further than the Speer Hot-Cor.