First Impressions of Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition SB308XA 23% Off
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition SB308XA 23% Off promises a modern, lead-free solution for .308 Winchester shooters. Sellier & Bellot, a name synonymous with quality ammunition, has entered the lead-free market with this offering, and the “TAC-EX-Blue” moniker hints at tactical applications and enhanced expansion. This immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve always been a proponent of responsible shooting, seeking ammunition that minimizes environmental impact without sacrificing performance. My usual .308 load is a 168-grain match bullet for target work, but I wanted a lead-free option that could double for hunting and personal defense. This seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
Upon receiving the ammunition, the packaging was clean and professional, with each round nestled securely in a plastic tray. The bright blue polymer tip on each bullet was visually striking. This contrasts sharply with the traditional copper jacket and signifies a lead-free projectile. Comparing it to my usual Federal Gold Medal Match and some Hornady ELD-X rounds, the Sellier & Bellot Blue stood out due to its unique construction and color coding. The price point, especially with the 23% discount, made it an attractive option compared to other premium lead-free offerings.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. While I appreciate the move towards lead-free ammunition, performance is paramount. The promises of a flat trajectory, maximum retained energy, and enhanced expansion needed to be validated at the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition SB308XA 23% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 at my local outdoor range, using a Ruger Precision Rifle with a 20-inch barrel. The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, offering reasonably good shooting conditions. I set up targets at 100 and 200 yards to evaluate accuracy and bullet drop.
The first few rounds cycled smoothly, and the recoil felt similar to other 165-grain .308 loads I’ve used. However, the point of impact was noticeably different compared to my usual match ammunition. I needed to make significant adjustments to my scope to get on target. After zeroing, the accuracy was acceptable but not outstanding, producing groups around 1.25 MOA at 100 yards. There were no malfunctions or failures to feed, which is always a good start.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing, spanning about 200 rounds, the Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 proved to be reliable and consistent. There were no issues with cycling or extraction, even when the rifle was slightly dirty. The ammunition exhibited good temperature stability, with minimal changes in point of impact between warm and cool days.
Durability-wise, the brass cases held up well, showing no signs of excessive pressure. Cleaning was standard, with no unusual fouling or residue. Compared to my experiences with other lead-free ammunition, the Sellier & Bellot Blue performed admirably. It wasn’t quite as accurate as my match loads, but its reliable performance and lead-free construction made it a viable alternative for hunting and practice.
Breaking Down the Features of Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition SB308XA 23% Off
Specifications
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition boasts several key specifications:
- Caliber: .308 Winchester. This makes it compatible with a wide range of rifles chambered in this popular cartridge.
- Bullet Weight: 165 grain. This weight offers a good balance of velocity, energy, and trajectory for various applications.
- Bullet Type: TAC-EX-Blue. This is Sellier & Bellot’s proprietary lead-free bullet design featuring a blue polymer tip for enhanced expansion.
- Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable and known for their consistent performance.
- Muzzle Velocity: 2720 ft/s. This velocity provides a reasonably flat trajectory for mid-range shooting.
- Muzzle Energy: 2710 ft-lbs. This energy level delivers sufficient stopping power for hunting and personal defense.
- Ballistic Coefficient (G1): 0.398. A decent BC contributes to less bullet drop and wind drift at longer ranges.
- Ballistic Coefficient (G7): 0.2. This value can be useful for more precise long-range calculations.
- Lead Free: Yes. This is a significant feature for environmentally conscious shooters.
These specifications combine to create a versatile lead-free .308 load. The 165-grain weight is a good compromise between lighter, faster bullets and heavier, more stable ones. The TAC-EX-Blue bullet design is crucial for ensuring reliable expansion in the absence of lead.
Performance & Functionality
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 performs its job adequately, but with some caveats. Accuracy, while acceptable, wasn’t on par with premium match ammunition. However, it was consistent enough for hunting and defensive purposes. The expansion of the TAC-EX-Blue bullet appears to be effective based on ballistic gel testing I’ve reviewed online (I did not personally test in gel).
One of its strengths is its reliable cycling and extraction in various rifles. Its lead-free construction is another major advantage for those concerned about environmental impact. The primary weakness is its slightly lower accuracy compared to traditional lead-core bullets.
Overall, the ammunition meets expectations for a lead-free hunting and general-purpose load. While it doesn’t excel in any single area, it offers a solid balance of performance and environmental responsibility.
Design & Ergonomics
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 features a standard rifle cartridge design with a brass case and a copper-jacketed bullet. The blue polymer tip is the only visually distinctive element. The build quality appears to be high, with consistent dimensions and no visible defects.
The weight is typical for a .308 cartridge, and it handles comfortably in the hand. There’s no real learning curve associated with using this ammunition, as it functions like any other .308 load.
Durability & Maintenance
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 is designed to last for an extended period if stored properly. Brass cases are known for their longevity, and the bullet itself is relatively robust. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only standard cleaning of the rifle after use.
The brass is reloadable, adding value for those who handload their ammunition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 doesn’t require any specific accessories or customization options. It’s designed to function with any .308 Winchester rifle that’s in good working order. However, choosing the right scope and mounts is crucial for maximizing accuracy potential.
The ammunition is compatible with a wide range of .308 magazines and accessories from various brands.
Pros and Cons of Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition SB308XA 23% Off
Pros
- Lead-Free Construction: Environmentally responsible choice for shooting.
- Reliable Cycling: Functions smoothly in various .308 rifles.
- Adequate Accuracy: Sufficient for hunting and general-purpose use.
- Good Muzzle Velocity and Energy: Delivers effective stopping power.
- Reloadable Brass Cases: Adds value for handloaders.
Cons
- Slightly Lower Accuracy: Not on par with premium match ammunition.
- Price: Can be more expensive than some lead-core alternatives, even with the discount.
Who Should Buy Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition SB308XA 23% Off?
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 is perfect for hunters in areas with lead restrictions, or for those who simply prefer lead-free ammunition for ethical reasons. It’s also suitable for recreational shooters who want a reliable and versatile .308 load for practice and target shooting. The ammunition is also useful for personal defense purposes where lead-free ammunition is desired.
Those who prioritize ultimate accuracy for competitive shooting should probably skip this product in favor of match-grade ammunition. Those on a very tight budget may find cheaper lead-core alternatives.
A must-have accessory is a good quality scope that is properly sighted in for the specific ballistic characteristics of this ammunition.
Conclusion on Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition SB308XA 23% Off
The Sellier & Bellot Blue .308 Winchester 165 Grain TAC-EX-Blue Brass Cased Rifle Ammunition is a solid and reliable lead-free option for .308 shooters. While it may not be the most accurate ammunition on the market, it offers a good balance of performance, environmental responsibility, and affordability, especially with the current discount.
The price is justified for those who value lead-free construction and reliable cycling. I would personally recommend it as a viable alternative to traditional lead-core ammunition for hunting, practice, and personal defense. Give it a try and experience the benefits of shooting lead-free without sacrificing performance!