Let’s Talk About Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off
The Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off is a hunting cartridge designed for light to medium game. Sellier & Bellot, a well-known ammunition manufacturer with a long history, aims to deliver reliable performance and effective terminal ballistics with this offering. The “Cut-Through Edge” design is intended to enhance penetration and create a clean wound channel, resulting in quicker, more humane kills and easier tracking due to the pronounced blood trails. It’s a common caliber in Europe, and this ammunition is a readily available and relatively affordable option for hunters using 7×64 rifles.
My foray into the 7×64 caliber came about when I inherited a beautiful Mauser rifle from my grandfather. While the rifle was in excellent condition, finding readily available and effective ammunition in the US proved to be a challenge. I specifically needed a round that offered reliable expansion and penetration on whitetail deer, the primary game in my area.
Upon receiving the Sellier & Bellot ammunition, my first impression was that of a well-packaged, cleanly manufactured product. The brass cases were polished, the bullets were consistently seated, and the overall appearance suggested good quality control. The bullet’s Soft Point Cut-Through Edge design was noticeably different from traditional soft points, with a pronounced cutting edge intended to initiate rapid expansion.
Compared to other hunting rounds like the Nosler Partition or Hornady InterLock, the Sellier & Bellot offering felt like a more budget-conscious choice. While those premium rounds promise exceptional performance, their higher price point can be a deterrent for high-volume shooting or practice. Ultimately, I chose the Sellier & Bellot ammunition because it offered a balance of affordability and a design that seemed promising for my hunting needs.
My initial excitement was tempered with a degree of cautious optimism. The ammunition looked well-made, but real-world performance is the ultimate test. The 11% Off sale price made it an attractive value, but I needed to see how it performed on the range and, more importantly, in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, primarily to zero my rifle and assess the ammunition’s accuracy. I tested the Sellier & Bellot rounds from a bench rest at 100 yards.
The performance was respectable, with groupings averaging around 1.5 to 2 inches. The ammunition performed reliably in cold weather with no misfires or failures to extract. This was adequate for my intended hunting purposes, though not match-grade precision.
The recoil was manageable and comparable to other 170-180 grain rounds in similar calibers.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including numerous range sessions and a full hunting season, the Sellier & Bellot ammunition has proven to be reliable. I’ve fired over 100 rounds with no malfunctions of any kind.
There was no sign of excessive wear on my rifle. Cleaning was standard, with no unusual fouling or residue left behind. Compared to some cheaper surplus ammunition I’ve used in the past, the Sellier & Bellot rounds burned cleanly and consistently.
This ammunition has outperformed my initial expectations. While not a premium, match-grade option, its reliability and adequate accuracy make it a solid choice for hunting medium game.
Breaking Down the Features of Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off
Specifications
The Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off has the following specifications:
- Caliber: 7x64mm Brenneke. This European caliber is known for its flat trajectory and suitability for medium to large game.
- Bullet Weight: 173 grain. A good weight for the 7×64 caliber, offering a balance of velocity and penetration.
- Bullet Type: Soft Point Cut-Through Edge (SPCE). This design is intended to promote rapid expansion and create a wide wound channel while maintaining sufficient penetration.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable, adding to the value for reloaders.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2526 ft/s. This velocity provides a relatively flat trajectory for shots out to 200-300 yards.
- Muzzle Energy: 2451 ft-lbs. Provides adequate energy for ethical kills on medium-sized game like deer and hogs.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are reliable and standard for modern rifle cartridges.
- Sectional Density: 0.306. This indicates good penetration potential for the bullet weight and caliber.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.376. A decent ballistic coefficient contributing to a reasonable trajectory and wind resistance.
- G7 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.189. Another measure of ballistic efficiency, useful for more advanced trajectory calculations.
- Number of Rounds: 20. Standard box quantity for rifle ammunition.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in the field. The 173-grain bullet, combined with the 2526 ft/s muzzle velocity, delivers enough energy and penetration for ethical hunting. The Soft Point Cut-Through Edge design is specifically intended to improve terminal ballistics, resulting in quicker kills and easier tracking.
Performance & Functionality
The Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off performs its intended job adequately. Its accuracy is sufficient for hunting at reasonable distances, and its terminal ballistics are effective on medium game.
Its strengths lie in its affordability and reliability. The weaknesses would be that it is not match-grade accurate, and some may find the recoil a bit stout.
This ammunition meets expectations for a mid-range hunting round. While it doesn’t offer the premium performance of more expensive options, it provides reliable results at a reasonable price.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition is designed for standard rifle magazines and chambers, with no issues loading or cycling. The brass cases are well-formed, and the bullets are consistently seated.
The weight is typical for a 7×64 cartridge, and it is easy to handle and load. There is virtually no learning curve, it is simple and ready to use.
Durability & Maintenance
As factory-loaded ammunition, durability isn’t a primary concern. The brass cases are reloadable, which extends the overall lifespan of the components.
Cleaning and maintenance are standard for brass-cased ammunition. No special care is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
Since this is ammunition, there are no accessories included. However, the brass cases are reloadable, allowing handloaders to customize their loads with different bullets and powders.
This ammunition is compatible with any rifle chambered in 7×64 Brenneke.
Pros and Cons of Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off
Pros
- Reliable ignition and consistent performance.
- Adequate accuracy for hunting medium game.
- Effective terminal ballistics with good expansion and penetration.
- Reloadable brass cases.
- Affordable price point, especially with the 11% off discount.
Cons
- Not match-grade accurate for precision shooting.
- Recoil may be noticeable for some shooters.
Who Should Buy Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off?
This ammunition is perfect for hunters using 7×64 rifles seeking an affordable and reliable option for medium game like deer and hogs. It’s also suitable for reloaders who want to use the brass cases for custom loads.
This product may not be ideal for competitive shooters requiring match-grade accuracy or individuals who are highly sensitive to recoil.
A boresighter or a quality scope are must-have accessories to pair with this ammunition.
Conclusion on Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off
The Sellier & Bellot 7×64 173 Grain Soft Point Cut-Through Edge Rifle Ammunition SB764B 11% Off is a solid and reliable choice for hunters seeking a cost-effective option in this somewhat niche caliber. Its accuracy is acceptable, its terminal ballistics are effective, and its reliability is commendable.
The price is justified, especially with the 11% off discount, making it an excellent value for hunters on a budget.
I would recommend this ammunition to anyone with a 7×64 rifle looking for a reliable hunting round. Give it a try and experience the reliable performance of Sellier & Bellot!