Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet Review

Let’s Dive into Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet

The Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is a classic choice for .243 caliber rifles, offering a blend of reliable performance and affordability. As a seasoned outdoorsman with over a decade of experience in tactical and hunting gear, I’ve always appreciated dependable components, and the Speer Hot-Cor line has consistently delivered. This particular bullet, with its 90-grain weight and spitzer soft point design, is targeted towards those seeking a versatile option suitable for both varmint and medium-sized game hunting.

I needed a reliable bullet for my .243 Winchester that could be used for both deer hunting and predator control. Specifically, I was looking for a bullet that would provide adequate penetration on deer-sized game but also offer good expansion for quicker kills on coyotes and foxes. The Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet seemed to fit the bill.

Upon receiving the bullets, I was immediately impressed by their consistent appearance. The soft point was well-formed, and the copper jacket looked uniform. They felt solid and well-made.

Compared to other .243 bullets I’ve used in the past, such as the Nosler Ballistic Tip and the Hornady InterLock, the Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet stood out for its simplicity and classic design. While the Nosler Ballistic Tip is known for its rapid expansion and the Hornady InterLock boasts a mechanical interlock for controlled expansion, the Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet aims for a balance between the two with its Hot-Cor construction and soft point. The price point was also a factor; the Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet offered a more budget-friendly option.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The reputation of Speer, combined with the classic design of the bullet, gave me confidence. However, I knew that performance in the field would be the true test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet at my local shooting range and on a weekend deer hunt in the Pennsylvania mountains. The range testing allowed me to dial in my rifle and assess accuracy. The hunt provided the real-world scenario for assessing terminal performance. Conditions varied from sunny and calm to drizzly and windy.

In dry conditions, the bullets performed consistently, achieving good accuracy at 100 yards. In the wet conditions, I did notice a slight decrease in velocity (as expected), but the accuracy remained acceptable. The ease of use was straightforward; these bullets loaded easily and consistently.

My first deer hunt with these bullets presented a surprise. I harvested a mature doe at approximately 150 yards. The bullet performed as expected, creating an ethical and quick kill.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet has proven to be a reliable and consistent performer. I’ve fired hundreds of rounds through my rifle with no issues related to the bullets themselves. The only sign of wear and tear is normal fouling in the barrel, which is easily addressed with regular cleaning.

Durability is excellent; the bullets have held up well to handling and loading. Maintenance is simple. I clean my rifle after each range session and hunting trip, and the bullets have not presented any unusual cleaning challenges.

Compared to my previous experiences with the Hornady InterLock, the Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet has provided similar levels of penetration on deer-sized game, but may expand a bit more rapidly. I see the Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet as a great choice for most North American game animals while the Hornady Interlock might be better suited for larger tougher game.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet

Specifications

• Caliber: .243 Caliber. This makes them compatible with any rifle chambered in .243 Winchester or similar .243-based cartridges.
• Bullet Weight: 90 grain. This weight is a good compromise for both varmint and medium-sized game.
• Bullet Type: Spitzer Soft Point (SSP). The spitzer shape provides a flatter trajectory, while the soft point ensures reliable expansion.
• Sectional Density: 0.218. This is a decent sectional density for a 90-grain .243 bullet, indicating adequate penetration potential.
• Bullet Quantity: 100 Bullet. This is a standard quantity for reloading components.
• Fabric/Material: Brass. The brass jacket provides the necessary strength and rigidity for reliable feeding and accuracy.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the bullet’s performance. The bullet weight affects the trajectory and recoil. The spitzer soft point ensures expansion for humane kills. The sectional density influences penetration depth, and the brass jacket ensures consistent performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet performs its job admirably. It offers a good balance of accuracy, penetration, and expansion. At 100 yards, I was able to consistently achieve groupings of around 1 inch with my rifle.

The bullet’s strengths lie in its consistent performance and affordability. The only real weakness is that it might not be the ideal choice for larger or tougher game, where a heavier bullet with a more controlled expansion design might be preferable.

The bullet meets my expectations. It’s a reliable and accurate option for deer and predator hunting.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid. The Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet feels well-made and consistent.

The bullet design is user-friendly. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets.

Durability & Maintenance

The bullet itself is durable, as it is designed to withstand the stresses of firing. Rifles must be properly cleaned and maintained, but these bullets do not require special maintenance beyond standard practices.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come with the bullets themselves, as they are reloading components. However, these bullets can be paired with various reloading components such as primers, powders, and cases to customize your loads. They are compatible with standard reloading equipment.

Pros and Cons of Speer Hot-Cor .243 90 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet