First Impressions of Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet promises extended range and rapid expansion for medium game, a tantalizing prospect for any serious hunter. From Speer, a name synonymous with quality ammunition components, this bullet piqued my interest as a potential upgrade for my .270 Winchester.
My usual hunting grounds in the Allegheny Mountains present a mix of dense forests and open fields. This means shot distances can vary dramatically, making a versatile bullet crucial. I needed a bullet capable of delivering consistent accuracy at longer ranges while still providing reliable terminal performance on whitetail deer.
Upon receiving the box of 100 bullets, my initial impression was positive. The bullets were uniform in appearance, with clean, well-formed jackets and consistent soft points. They felt substantial in hand, indicative of quality construction.
I’ve used Sierra GameKing and Hornady InterLock bullets extensively in the past. While both are excellent, the boat-tail design of the Speer offering suggested a potential edge in ballistic coefficient and long-range accuracy. I chose the Speer bullet hoping to flatten my trajectory and reduce wind drift at distances beyond 250 yards.
I was genuinely excited to load these and see how they performed. Their design hinted at a step up in performance, and I was eager to see if my initial optimism was justified.
Real-World Testing: Putting Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullets was at my local shooting range, a 100-300 yard outdoor facility. The weather was typical for late spring in Pennsylvania: partly cloudy with a mild breeze. I wanted to establish a baseline for accuracy and velocity.
The bullets loaded smoothly into my .270 Winchester cases and chambered without issue. I noticed consistent velocities across my chronograph readings, with minimal deviation. Recoil was manageable, and the bullets seemed to stabilize quickly.
After the first few shots at 100 yards, I was impressed. The groups were tight, well under an inch, indicating excellent accuracy potential. There were no signs of pressure issues, and extraction was smooth, confirming a safe and consistent load.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of load development and range testing, I’ve put several hundred rounds loaded with the Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullets through my rifle. The bullets continue to perform consistently, delivering accurate and reliable results. I’ve also taken them on multiple hunting trips.
The bullets have proven to be durable, with no signs of jacket separation or excessive fouling. Cleaning my rifle after range sessions has been straightforward, with minimal copper buildup. They maintained their accuracy even after sitting in my hunting pack for extended periods.
In comparison to my previous go-to, the Hornady InterLock, the Speer bullet seems to offer a slightly flatter trajectory at longer ranges. This has translated to more confident shot placement in the field, especially on those longer, ethically questionable shots.
Breaking Down the Features of Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet
Specifications
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet is designed for .277 caliber rifles. It has a bullet weight of 150 grains, which is a common and versatile weight for the .270 Winchester cartridge.
The jacketed soft point boat-tail (JSPBT) design combines a soft lead core for rapid expansion with a boat-tail base for improved ballistic coefficient.
The boat-tail design reduces drag and increases downrange velocity. This contributes to a flatter trajectory and decreased wind drift. The bullets are sold in boxes of 100, providing a good quantity for load development and hunting preparations.
These specifications directly impact the bullet’s performance in several ways. The 150-grain weight offers a good balance between velocity and energy transfer. The boat-tail design enhances long-range accuracy. The soft point ensures reliable expansion on impact, leading to quick, ethical kills on medium game.
Performance & Functionality
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It delivers consistent accuracy, reliable expansion, and a flat trajectory.
The bullet’s accuracy is a major strength, allowing for precise shot placement even at extended ranges. Expansion is rapid and consistent, creating large wound channels and ensuring quick kills.
One potential area for improvement would be offering a bonded core option for even tougher game. The bullet meets and even exceeds my expectations for a general-purpose hunting bullet.
Design & Ergonomics
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet features a streamlined design. The streamlined design enhances its ballistic performance.
The bullet’s build quality is excellent, with a uniform jacket and a well-formed soft point. The weight consistency is also impressive. This contributes to consistent velocities and accuracy.
The bullets are easy to handle and load into cases. The slightly pointed tip assists in smooth feeding from magazines.
Durability & Maintenance
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet exhibits good durability. They show no signs of jacket separation during firing.
With proper storage, the bullets should last indefinitely. Normal cleaning procedures for copper-jacketed bullets apply. This helps to maintain optimal accuracy and performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet does not come with any specific accessories. They are primarily designed to be hand-loaded into cartridges.
However, these bullets are highly compatible with a wide range of reloading components. This enables a great deal of customization. This includes different powders, primers, and cases. The bullet’s .277 diameter also makes it suitable for use in rifles with aftermarket barrels and custom chambers.
Pros and Cons of Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet
Pros
- Excellent Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups in my rifle.
- Rapid Expansion: The soft point design ensures quick and humane kills on medium game.
- Flatter Trajectory: The boat-tail design enhances long-range performance.
- Consistent Performance: Minimal velocity deviations and reliable expansion.
- Reasonable Price: Offers a good balance between quality and cost.
Cons
- Not Bonded: May not be ideal for exceptionally tough game animals requiring deep penetration.
- Soft Point Vulnerability: The exposed lead tip can be slightly deformed during handling, though this has not significantly impacted accuracy in my experience.
Who Should Buy Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet?
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet is perfect for hunters seeking a versatile bullet for medium game such as whitetail deer, antelope, and wild hogs. Reloaders who appreciate consistent performance and the ability to fine-tune their loads will also find these bullets appealing. Anyone wanting a flatter shooting round than standard flat base bullets will also benefit.
Those pursuing larger or tougher game, such as elk or bear, may want to consider a bonded core bullet for increased penetration. Shooters primarily focused on close-range hunting may not fully appreciate the benefits of the boat-tail design.
A quality reloading press, powder scale, and chronograph are must-have accessories for anyone planning to load these bullets. Careful load development is essential to achieve optimal accuracy and performance.
Conclusion on Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet
The Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet is a well-designed and high-performing bullet that delivers on its promises. The bullets offer excellent accuracy, reliable expansion, and a flatter trajectory, making them a great choice for medium game hunting.
At $42.99 per 100, the price is justified given the quality and performance. These bullets represent a solid value for reloaders looking to enhance their .270 Winchester or other .277 caliber rifle’s capabilities.
I would absolutely recommend the Speer .277 150 Grain Jacketed Soft Point Boat-Tail Rifle Bullet to any hunter seeking a reliable and accurate bullet for medium game. Load some up, head to the range, and experience the difference for yourself!