First Impressions of Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet
The world of precision shooting demands unwavering consistency, and the choice of projectile is paramount. Enter the Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet, a name that promises accuracy and reliability for the discerning marksman. With a reputation built on performance, Speer aims to deliver a bullet engineered for extreme range and minimal wind drift, appealing to competitive shooters and long-range enthusiasts alike.
For years, I’ve been chasing that perfect sub-MOA group at 600 yards, battling inconsistencies and wind effects that seemed impossible to overcome. My go-to .308 load wasn’t cutting it anymore. It was time to find something better, so I started researching match-grade bullets, and the Speer Target Match kept popping up in online forums and expert reviews.
The box arrived, and I immediately appreciated the organized packaging: 100 gleaming bullets, neatly arranged. The open tip was uniform across the batch, hinting at the precision Speer boasts. They felt solid, and the weight felt consistent, further reinforcing the quality I expected.
I had been using Sierra MatchKing 168 grain bullets and Hornady A-Max projectiles, with varying degrees of success. The Sierra’s were good, but sometimes inconsistent. The Hornady’s were better, but availability was always an issue. I chose the Speer Target Match bullets because of their reputation for consistency and availability, hoping to bridge the gap between accuracy and practicality.
Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned before by promises of “match-grade” accuracy that didn’t materialize on the range. But something about the reputation of Speer and the tangible quality of these bullets gave me a good feeling. I was eager to load them up and see what they could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet was at my local outdoor range. I wanted a controlled environment, so I set up at the 300-yard line on a relatively calm day. I meticulously loaded 20 rounds, paying close attention to powder charge and seating depth for optimum performance.
The performance was impressive right out of the gate. The groups tightened considerably compared to my previous loads. Even with a slight crosswind, the bullets seemed to hold their line, providing consistent accuracy that boosted my confidence in these bullets.
Using this projectile was pretty straightforward. I followed my standard reloading procedures, and they seated beautifully. No issues with neck tension or bullet runout.
The one surprise was how little load development was needed. Usually, I spend hours tweaking powder charges and seating depths to find the sweet spot. But with the Speer Target Match, I quickly found a load that performed exceptionally well, saving me time and components.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet, I’m thoroughly impressed with their performance and reliability. I’ve put hundreds of rounds downrange in various conditions, from sweltering summer heat to crisp autumn days.
The bullets have held up incredibly well, showing no signs of degradation in accuracy or consistency. I haven’t experienced any malfunctions or inconsistencies related to the bullets themselves.
Maintenance is non-existent; they’re bullets! But I have noticed that my rifle bore stays cleaner longer when using these projectiles compared to some of the cheaper, bulk bullets I’ve tried in the past.
These bullets have far exceeded my expectations. They deliver consistent sub-MOA accuracy, are easy to load, and perform well in various conditions. Compared to my previous experiences with other match-grade bullets, the Speer Target Match is a clear winner in terms of overall performance and value.
Breaking Down the Features of Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet
Specifications
The Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet is designed specifically for precision shooting in the .308 caliber. Its 168-grain weight is a sweet spot for the .308, balancing ballistic coefficient with manageable recoil. The projectile features an Open Tip Match (OTM) design, which is essentially a hollow point optimized for accuracy rather than expansion.
The Speer Target Match is a .308 Caliber projectile, intended for use in rifles chambered for this popular round. The 168-grain weight is a standard for match shooting and offers a good balance between velocity and ballistic coefficient for long-range accuracy. The Open Tip Match (OTM) design provides a consistent and aerodynamic bullet profile, crucial for achieving tight groups at extended distances. These specifications contribute to the bullet’s ability to minimize wind drift and maintain accuracy at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and consistency. I have consistently achieved sub-MOA groups at 300 yards, and the bullets exhibit minimal wind drift compared to other projectiles I’ve used. The consistent bullet weight and uniform OTM design contribute to its excellent performance.
The main strengths of these bullets are their accuracy, consistency, and ease of loading. The one area for potential improvement would be offering more weight options to cater to different barrel twist rates and shooting distances. Overall, the Speer Target Match bullets meet and exceed my expectations for a match-grade projectile.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet is excellent. The bullets are uniformly shaped and weighted, indicating tight manufacturing tolerances. The streamlined profile contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.
The bullets are incredibly easy to load and seat properly. No significant learning curve is needed for reloaders familiar with .308 projectiles.
Durability & Maintenance
As a projectile, durability isn’t really a factor in the traditional sense. However, the consistent jacket thickness and high-quality materials should ensure consistent performance and minimize the risk of bullet fragmentation during flight.
Maintenance is minimal. Keeping the bullets clean and free from contaminants is all that’s required to ensure consistent performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet is compatible with any standard .308 reloading equipment. There are no specific accessories that come with the bullets themselves.
These bullets can be used with various .308 rifles and are compatible with a wide range of reloading components, such as different powders, primers, and cases. Shooters can tailor their loads to their specific rifle and shooting conditions to optimize performance.
Pros and Cons of Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet
Pros
- Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups in my rifle.
- Consistent Performance: Minimal lot-to-lot variation ensures reliable results.
- Easy to Load: Streamlined design and consistent dimensions make reloading a breeze.
- Low Wind Drift: Holds its line well in windy conditions, improving long-range accuracy.
- Reasonable Price: Offers excellent performance at a competitive price point compared to other match-grade bullets.
Cons
- Not suitable for hunting applications.
- Limited weight options may not be ideal for all barrel twist rates.
Who Should Buy Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet?
The Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet is perfect for competitive shooters, long-range enthusiasts, and reloaders seeking consistent accuracy in their .308 rifles. It’s also a good choice for anyone who prioritizes precision and minimal wind drift.
This product is not ideal for hunters, as the OTM design is not intended for expansion or creating a humane kill. Shooters with rifles that have very slow or very fast twist rates might find that other bullet weights perform better in their specific firearms.
A quality reloading setup, including a precise powder scale, accurate seating die, and consistent brass preparation, is essential to maximize the potential of these bullets. A good quality scope is also very important.
Conclusion on Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet
The Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet is an outstanding choice for precision shooters who demand consistent accuracy and reliable performance. These bullets deliver exceptional results on the range, making them a top contender in the match-grade category.
The price is justified given the performance and consistency they offer, putting them within reach of serious shooters without breaking the bank. I have no hesitation in recommending the Speer Target Match bullets to anyone looking to improve their long-range accuracy with a .308 rifle.
Ready to take your shooting to the next level? Give the Speer Target Match ..308 168 Grain Open Tip Match Rifle Bullet a try and experience the difference precision engineering can make.