Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet Review

Let’s Dive into Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet

The Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet is designed for hunters and reloaders looking for a reliable and accurate projectile for their .308 Winchester rifles. Speer has built a reputation for quality, and this bullet is intended to deliver consistent performance on medium-sized game.

After years of chasing whitetail in thick brush, I needed a .308 bullet that offered both accuracy and reliable expansion at moderate ranges. The soft point flat nose design intrigued me, promising quicker energy transfer and a larger wound cavity than traditional boat tail bullets.

Upon receiving the package, the first thing I noticed was the uniform shape and consistent weight of the bullets. They appeared well-made, with a clean copper jacket and a clearly defined soft lead tip. These bullets felt solid and professional.

Compared to the Sierra GameKing and Nosler Ballistic Tip, the Speer Hot-Cor stood out with its simplified design and focus on core-jacket bonding. I opted for the Hot-Cor because I prioritized penetration and controlled expansion over long-range accuracy for my specific hunting needs.

My initial excitement was high; I envisioned these bullets performing exceptionally well in the tight hunting scenarios I frequently encounter. I anticipated excellent terminal performance without excessive meat damage.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, focusing on accuracy at 100 and 200 yards. I loaded these bullets into my .308 Winchester bolt-action rifle, using a consistent powder charge and primer combination.

Performance was consistent, even on a slightly windy day. The bullets grouped reasonably well, achieving approximately 1.5 MOA at 100 yards – more than adequate for my intended hunting purpose.

The bullets were easy to load and seat, and there were no noticeable issues during the reloading process. I was happy with the overall performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of testing and load development, I finally took the Speer Hot-Cor bullets into the field during deer season. I harvested two whitetail deer with these bullets at ranges of approximately 80 and 120 yards.

The bullets performed as expected, delivering quick and humane kills. Both deer went down within a few yards of where they were shot, demonstrating excellent terminal performance.

The bullet jackets remained largely intact after passing through the deer, indicating good core-jacket bonding. The meat damage was also minimal, which is always a plus.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet

Specifications

The Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet boasts the following specifications:

• Bullet Type: Soft Point Flat Nose (SPFN). This design promotes rapid expansion upon impact, maximizing energy transfer.
• Bullet Weight: 130 grain. This weight offers a good balance of velocity and penetration in the .308 Winchester cartridge.
• Projectile Caliber: .30 Caliber. Standard for .308 Winchester and compatible cartridges.
• Sectional Density: 0.196. A relatively low sectional density suggests the bullet is designed for faster expansion rather than deep penetration on larger game.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet. Standard packaging for reloading components.
• Bullet Tip Material: Lead. The exposed lead tip initiates expansion upon impact.
• Fabric/Material: Copper. The copper jacket provides structural integrity and controlled expansion.

These specifications are crucial because they define the bullet’s intended use and performance characteristics. The Speer Hot-Cor’s design prioritizes rapid expansion and energy transfer for quick, ethical kills on medium-sized game.

Performance & Functionality

The Speer Hot-Cor bullets performed admirably in my testing. Their accuracy was acceptable for hunting purposes, and their terminal performance was excellent.

The bullets consistently expanded upon impact, creating a significant wound cavity and delivering a quick, humane kill. This bullet really shined in the thick brush where my typical shot distance is under 200 yards.

One minor drawback is that the lower sectional density might limit its effectiveness on larger or tougher game at longer ranges. For close to medium range deer hunting, these are an excellent option.

Design & Ergonomics

The Speer Hot-Cor bullet features a traditional soft point flat nose design. The bullet’s construction is simple and robust.

The exposed lead tip is designed to initiate expansion upon impact. The copper jacket is swaged around a molten lead core.

The bullets are easy to handle and load, and their consistent dimensions ensure reliable feeding in most rifles. The Speer Hot-Cor bullets appear to be well made and provide excellent performance.

Durability & Maintenance

These bullets are designed for single-use and do not require any maintenance. Their durability is primarily a factor during the reloading process and upon impact with the target.

The bonded core construction helps to prevent jacket separation and ensure adequate penetration. They are designed to function effectively upon impact.

Proper storage is essential to prevent oxidation of the lead tip, which can potentially affect performance over extended periods. Overall, the bullets are designed for reliable and consistent performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

As reloading components, the Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet do not come with accessories. Customization is primarily limited to selecting the appropriate powder charge, primer, and cartridge case for your rifle.

These bullets are compatible with a wide range of .308 Winchester reloading data. They are also compatible with various reloading presses and dies.

Selecting the correct components and following established reloading practices is essential for achieving optimal performance and safety. You can adjust the bullet seating depth, powder charge, and crimp to optimize accuracy.

Pros and Cons of Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet

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Who Should Buy Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet?

The Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet is perfect for hunters who primarily hunt medium-sized game like deer and hogs at moderate ranges. They’re well-suited for those who prioritize rapid expansion and quick kills over long-range accuracy.

This bullet is also a good choice for reloaders seeking an affordable and reliable component for their .308 Winchester cartridges. If you are looking for a well priced and effective hunting bullet, these would be a good choice.

Those who require deep penetration on larger game or those who frequently shoot at longer ranges should consider other bullet options. Match shooters and long-range enthusiasts will likely find more suitable bullets designed for optimal ballistic coefficient and accuracy at extended distances.

Conclusion on Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet

The Speer Hot-Cor .308 130 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Flat Nose Rifle Bullet is a solid performer for its intended purpose. It offers excellent terminal performance on medium-sized game at moderate ranges, along with consistent accuracy and reliable core-jacket bonding.

At $38.99 for 100 bullets, the price is justified for the quality and performance offered. This is a great value proposition for hunters and reloaders alike.

I would personally recommend the Speer Hot-Cor bullets to anyone seeking a reliable and effective hunting bullet for their .308 Winchester rifle. Give them a try and experience the difference!