First Impressions of Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets
The world of .308 projectiles is vast, offering everything from affordable plinking rounds to finely-tuned match-grade bullets. However, the Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets aim to bridge the gap between match accuracy and terminal performance on game. These bullets promise exceptional ballistic coefficients, lead-free construction, and reliable expansion, all in a single package. For a seasoned handloader like myself, always seeking an edge whether on the range or in the field, these claims demanded a closer look.
My quest for the perfect .308 hunting load has been ongoing, often forcing me to choose between ballistic perfection and ethical terminal performance. Many match bullets offer stunning accuracy, but are simply not designed for humane kills on medium to large game. These Cutting Edge Bullets presented a potential solution: a bullet designed from the ground up to be both accurate and effective.
The bullets arrived in a simple, functional box of 50. Initial impressions were positive; the machining was clean and precise, and the hollow point cavity was consistently formed. The SealTite band, a distinctive feature of Cutting Edge Bullets, was clearly visible. The sleek, boat-tail design gave an immediate sense of high ballistic coefficient potential.
Compared to Sierra MatchKing or Hornady ELD-Match bullets, these Cutting Edge Bullets look decidedly different. They are longer and sleeker, and the solid copper construction is immediately apparent compared to the lead-core jackets of traditional match bullets. My usual hunting load utilizes Nosler AccuBond bullets for their controlled expansion. The Cutting Edge Bullets offer the potential for even deeper penetration due to their solid copper construction, but I was initially skeptical about their expansion consistency.
I was intrigued, but also cautiously optimistic. The promise of a lead-free, high-BC hunting bullet with match-grade potential is a bold one. My first thought was, “Can these really deliver on all fronts?”
Real-World Testing: Putting Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local rifle range, a 100-yard facility with a solid bench rest and a variety of paper targets. The loads were carefully prepared using Hodgdon Varget powder and Federal primers in Lapua brass. I wanted to see how these bullets performed with a known accurate powder.
The Cutting Edge Bullets proved relatively easy to load, though the single-feed design meant I couldn’t load them directly into my rifle’s magazine. This wasn’t a major issue for range testing, but it’s something to consider for hunting situations demanding rapid follow-up shots. Performance was impressive from the start. Group sizes hovered around 0.75 MOA with the initial load workup. I was initially surprised at this level of accuracy, given that solid copper bullets can often be finicky to load.
No immediate issues arose, although I did notice a slight increase in copper fouling compared to my standard lead-core bullets. This wasn’t unexpected given the all-copper construction, and the SealTite band seemed to mitigate it to some degree.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range session, I spent several weeks experimenting with different powder charges and seating depths to optimize accuracy. The best load consistently produced sub-MOA groups, often clustering shots within a half-inch at 100 yards. This level of precision instilled confidence in the bullet’s inherent accuracy potential.
After several hundred rounds, I observed no significant wear or tear on the bullets themselves. The SealTite band maintained its integrity, and the hollow point cavities remained uniform. Cleaning the rifle barrel required slightly more attention due to the copper fouling, but regular brushing with a copper solvent easily addressed this.
In comparison to my previous hunting load using Nosler AccuBond bullets, the Cutting Edge Bullets offered a flatter trajectory at longer ranges due to their higher ballistic coefficient. I also found them to be less sensitive to crosswinds. However, the real test would be their performance on game. I intended to use them on an upcoming whitetail deer hunt.
Breaking Down the Features of **Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets**
Specifications
The Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets are designed for precision and terminal performance. Key specifications include:
- Caliber: .308 Winchester
- Bullet Weight: 190 grains
- Projectile Caliber: .308 Caliber
- Diameter: 0.308 in
- G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.624
- Core Material: Copper
- Jacket Material: Copper/Lead Free
- Bullet Quantity: 50 Bullets
- Bullet Type: Copper Expansion Projectile
- Single Feed Design: Specifically designed for single-loading into the chamber.
- SealTite Band: Patented band slightly larger than caliber diameter to reduce gas blow-by and copper fouling.
These specifications translate to a bullet optimized for long-range accuracy and effective terminal ballistics. The high ballistic coefficient ensures a flatter trajectory and reduced wind drift. The lead-free construction makes it environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations in some hunting areas. The SealTite band minimizes copper fouling and enhances accuracy by providing a more consistent seal in the bore. The single feed design requires specific rifles that allow for the bullet to be loaded directly into the chamber.
Performance & Functionality
The Cutting Edge Bullets excel in both accuracy and terminal performance, provided they are properly loaded and matched to the rifle. At the range, I consistently achieved sub-MOA accuracy with carefully developed loads. Terminal performance on whitetail deer was equally impressive. The bullets expanded reliably, creating a large wound cavity and delivering rapid incapacitation.
- Strengths: Exceptional accuracy, high ballistic coefficient, reliable expansion, lead-free construction, reduced copper fouling (thanks to the SealTite band).
- Weaknesses: Single-feed design limits magazine use in some rifles, requires careful load development to achieve optimal accuracy, and can be more expensive than traditional lead-core bullets.
The Cutting Edge Bullets exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy and terminal performance. I was particularly impressed with their consistent expansion at various impact velocities.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cutting Edge Bullets feature a sleek, aerodynamic design that contributes to their high ballistic coefficient. The solid copper construction results in a slightly longer bullet compared to traditional lead-core bullets of the same weight. This can affect seating depth and requires careful attention during load development.
The bullets are easy to handle and load, although the single-feed design necessitates manual loading into the chamber. There is a slight learning curve associated with developing accurate loads, but the effort is well worth it.
Durability & Maintenance
The solid copper construction ensures excellent durability. The bullets themselves are unlikely to deform or fragment during handling or firing. Regular cleaning of the rifle barrel is necessary to remove copper fouling, but this is a standard practice for any shooter using copper bullets.
These bullets are designed to last through multiple firings, provided they are properly stored and handled. They are not designed to be reloaded.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cutting Edge Bullets do not come with any specific accessories. They are designed to be loaded into standard .308 Winchester cartridges using readily available components. The primary customization option is selecting the appropriate powder, primer, and seating depth to optimize accuracy in a given rifle.
The bullets are compatible with a wide range of .308 Winchester rifles and can be used with various scopes and sighting systems. Due to the single feed design, modifications may need to be performed on the rifle or magazine in order to ensure proper loading and function of the rifle.
Pros and Cons of **Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets**
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy potential, rivaling match-grade bullets.
- High ballistic coefficient for flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift.
- Reliable expansion on game, ensuring humane kills.
- Lead-free construction for environmental friendliness and regulatory compliance.
- The SealTite band reduces copper fouling and enhances accuracy.
Cons
- Single-feed design limits magazine use in some rifles.
- Requires careful load development to achieve optimal accuracy.
- More expensive than traditional lead-core bullets.
Who Should Buy **Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets**?
These Cutting Edge Bullets are perfect for:
- Experienced handloaders seeking to push the boundaries of accuracy and terminal performance in their .308 Winchester rifles.
- Hunters who prioritize ethical kills and demand reliable expansion at various ranges.
- Shooters who are required to use lead-free ammunition due to environmental regulations.
Who should skip this product?
- Casual shooters who prioritize low cost over ultimate accuracy and terminal performance.
- Beginner reloaders who are not yet comfortable with careful load development.
- Hunters using semi-automatic rifles needing magazine compatibility.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- High-quality reloading equipment (press, dies, powder measure).
- A chronograph to measure bullet velocity and ensure consistent performance.
- A single feed rifle that can receive the bullet directly into the chamber.
Conclusion on **Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets**
The Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets represent a significant step forward in bullet technology. They successfully combine match-grade accuracy with reliable terminal performance in a lead-free package. While the single-feed design and the need for careful load development may deter some shooters, the benefits are undeniable for those seeking the ultimate in .308 Winchester performance.
The price is undoubtedly higher than traditional lead-core bullets, but the performance justifies the cost for serious hunters and precision shooters. I personally recommend these bullets to anyone seeking a high-performance, lead-free option for their .308 Winchester rifle.
Take your .308 reloading to the next level. Try the Cutting Edge Bullets Single Feed Match Tactical Hunting .308 Caliber 190 Grain Solid Copper Hollow Point Rifle Bullets and experience the difference!