First Impressions of Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off
The Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off promises a new generation of lead-free performance. Made by Sellier & Bellot, a company with a long-standing reputation in ammunition manufacturing, this offering aims to deliver a flat trajectory and maximum retained energy in a lighter-weight .308 package. The eXergy Blue’s lead-free construction and emphasis on terminal performance immediately piqued my interest.
I was looking for a .308 round that offered responsible hunting options without sacrificing performance. Many jurisdictions are moving towards lead-free ammunition mandates, and I wanted to get ahead of the curve. I wanted something accurate, with reliable expansion, and suitable for medium-sized game at moderate ranges.
The ammunition comes in a standard cardboard box, holding 20 rounds securely. Visually, the blue polymer tip immediately stands out, hinting at the controlled expansion the bullet is designed to provide. The brass casings looked clean and well-finished, which speaks to Sellier & Bellot’s quality control.
Compared to standard 150-grain .308 hunting rounds, these feel significantly lighter. I’ve used heavier Federal and Hornady loads in the past, which offered more felt recoil, but these Sellier & Bellot rounds seem to promise a different shooting experience. I was drawn to their lead-free design and the potential for increased velocity thanks to the lighter projectile.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The claims of flat trajectory and high energy retention are bold, but I was eager to see how the Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off performed in the field. The 23% discount made the decision even easier, giving me a chance to try a premium, lead-free option without breaking the bank.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off at a local shooting range. The range offers 100-yard and 200-yard targets, which were perfect for evaluating accuracy and trajectory. The weather was clear and mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.
The rounds chambered smoothly in my Ruger American Rifle .308. Recoil was noticeably lighter compared to heavier grain .308 ammunition I’ve used before. The reduced recoil made it easier to stay on target for follow-up shots.
The initial grouping at 100 yards was promising, producing a roughly 1.5-inch group of 5 shots. However, I noticed a slight vertical stringing, potentially indicating a sensitivity to my rifle’s barrel harmonics. I didn’t experience any malfunctions or failures to feed, extract, or eject.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions and about 100 rounds fired, the Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off proved to be consistent and reliable. There were no signs of excessive wear and tear on my rifle’s action or barrel. I haven’t taken it hunting yet, but plan to use it for deer this fall.
The brass casings remained in excellent condition after firing, suitable for reloading. I did find that the point of impact shifted slightly at 200 yards compared to my standard 150-grain loads, requiring minor scope adjustments. Cleaning the rifle after using this ammunition was straightforward, with no excessive fouling.
Overall, this ammunition has exceeded my expectations for a lighter-grain .308 load. It provides consistent accuracy and reliability in my rifle, and the lead-free bullet offers peace of mind. I am confident that the Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off will perform well in hunting scenarios.
Breaking Down the Features of Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off
Specifications
- Caliber: .308 Winchester – A common and versatile caliber suitable for a wide range of game and target shooting.
- Bullet Weight: 110 grain – Significantly lighter than typical .308 loads, resulting in higher velocity and reduced recoil.
- Bullet Type: TAC-EX-Blue – A lead-free, solid copper bullet with a blue polymer tip designed for rapid expansion and high weight retention.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2766 ft/s – A high muzzle velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and increased energy at longer ranges.
- Muzzle Energy: 1868 ft-lbs – Sufficient energy for ethical harvesting of medium-sized game at reasonable distances.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass – Brass casings are reloadable and offer reliable performance.
- Primer Style: Centerfire – Centerfire primers provide consistent ignition and are the standard for rifle ammunition.
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.288 – Indicates the bullet’s ability to overcome air resistance; a higher BC generally means better long-range performance.
- G7 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.145 – Another measure of ballistic efficiency, often considered more accurate for boat-tail bullets.
- Sectional Density: 0.166 – Relatively low sectional density due to the lighter bullet weight, but compensated by the bullet’s design for expansion and penetration.
- Lead Free: Yes – Complies with regulations restricting or prohibiting lead ammunition.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the ammunition’s performance characteristics. The lighter bullet weight translates to higher velocity and flatter trajectory, but it also affects the amount of energy delivered downrange. The lead-free construction ensures environmental responsibility without sacrificing accuracy or terminal performance.
Performance & Functionality
The Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off excels in several key areas. Its lighter bullet weight results in a flatter trajectory, making it easier to hit targets at varying distances. The blue polymer tip ensures rapid and reliable expansion upon impact, delivering effective terminal performance.
However, the lighter bullet weight also means that it may not be ideal for larger game or longer ranges. The reduced recoil is a definite advantage for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or who need to make quick follow-up shots. Ultimately, it largely meets expectations for a .308 round intended for medium-sized game and target practice.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off features a well-designed bullet. The solid copper construction provides excellent weight retention, ensuring deep penetration and consistent expansion. The blue polymer tip aids in initiating expansion even at lower velocities.
The ammunition is easy to handle and load into magazines. The overall build quality is excellent, with clean brass casings and consistent bullet seating. There is no learning curve involved; it functions just like any other .308 Winchester ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off is made with high-quality components, so it should last a very long time if stored properly. Brass casings are durable and reloadable, extending the ammunition’s useful life. This ammunition doesn’t require any special maintenance beyond standard firearm cleaning procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is ammunition, so there are no direct accessories. However, the performance can be optimized with different optics. A scope with ballistic drop compensation (BDC) or a custom turret can help shooters account for the bullet’s trajectory at longer ranges.
The ammunition is compatible with any rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. The primary customization would be choosing the appropriate rifle and optic setup to maximize the ammunition’s performance.
Pros and Cons of Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off
Pros
- Lead-free construction: Environmentally responsible and compliant with regulations restricting lead ammunition.
- Flatter trajectory: Higher velocity results in a flatter trajectory, improving accuracy at varying distances.
- Reduced recoil: Lighter bullet weight reduces felt recoil, making it easier to shoot accurately and comfortably.
- Reliable expansion: The blue polymer tip ensures rapid and consistent expansion for effective terminal performance.
- High-quality components: Made with clean brass casings and consistent bullet seating.
Cons
- Less energy at longer ranges: The lighter bullet weight may limit its effectiveness on larger game at extended distances.
- Vertical Stringing: May be sensitive to certain rifle barrels, causing some vertical stringing of shots.
Who Should Buy Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off?
This ammunition is perfect for hunters seeking a lead-free option for medium-sized game such as deer and hogs. It is also well-suited for target shooters who appreciate reduced recoil and a flatter trajectory. Anyone concerned about the environmental impact of lead ammunition will also find this a great choice.
This ammunition may not be the best choice for hunters targeting large game like elk or moose, especially at longer ranges. Shooters looking for maximum energy transfer at extreme distances might prefer heavier bullet weights. Individuals with rifles that are consistently grouping better with heavier loads should probably stick with those.
A must-have accessory is a quality optic with ballistic drop compensation (BDC) or a custom turret to help with accurate shots at longer ranges. A good rangefinder is also beneficial for determining the precise distance to the target.
Conclusion on Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off
Overall, the Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off is a solid choice for shooters looking for a lead-free, accurate, and manageable .308 round. Its flatter trajectory and reduced recoil make it a pleasure to shoot, and its reliable expansion ensures ethical and effective hunting performance.
The price is justified by the quality of the components and the environmentally responsible lead-free design. I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone seeking a versatile and modern .308 option. The 23% discount makes it an even more attractive proposition.
Give the Sellier & Bellot .308 Winchester 110 Grain eXergy Blue Rifle Ammunition SB308XB 23% Off a try and experience the future of lead-free ammunition. You might be surprised at how well it performs.