Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off Review

Let’s Talk About Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off

For years, I’ve trusted Sellier & Bellot for consistent performance, and their 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off promised accuracy at a reasonable price. This ammunition, designed specifically for sport shooting, boasts a Hollow Point Boat-Tail (BTHP) bullet, known for its consistent accuracy. With the current 11% discount, it felt like the right time to give it a try, especially for some upcoming precision shooting competitions.

My main motivation for choosing this ammunition was simple: I needed a reliable and accurate round for target shooting without breaking the bank. Premium match-grade ammunition can cost a fortune, and if Sellier & Bellot’s offering could deliver near-match performance at a more accessible price point, it would be a game-changer for my training regimen. I hoped to find a balance between cost-effectiveness and precision.

The ammunition arrived well-packaged, with each round looking clean and consistently manufactured. Inspecting the rounds, I noticed the clean brass casing and the precisely formed hollow point. The overall weight and dimensions seemed consistent, which is crucial for reliable feeding and consistent ballistics.

Compared to my usual Federal Gold Medal Match, the Sellier & Bellot rounds were noticeably less expensive. However, they lacked the polished, almost artisanal appearance of the premium ammunition. I also considered Hornady Match, but the price point of Sellier & Bellot was a significant factor, and I was willing to sacrifice some potential performance for affordability.

My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic. The ammunition looked well-made, and the specifications were promising. The real test, however, would be at the range, where its accuracy and consistency could be truly evaluated.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition at my local shooting range, using my custom-built AR-10 rifle with a precision scope. The range offered both 100-yard and 200-yard targets, allowing me to assess the ammunition’s accuracy at different distances. I also tested the ammunition in varied weather conditions to get a better perspective on reliability.

The ammunition performed reasonably well in dry conditions, with consistent cycling and manageable recoil. However, in slightly damp conditions, I noticed a few failures to extract, indicating potential sensitivity to moisture. I did my best to try and keep the ammo as dry as possible while not in use.

The initial ease of use was acceptable, with no major issues in loading or firing. After the first few rounds, I needed to slightly adjust my scope to compensate for the different ballistics compared to my usual match ammunition. Overall, they were fairly easy to use for me, and I believe they would be easy for most other shooters too.

After the first few magazines, I experienced a couple of rounds that seemed to have inconsistent powder loads, resulting in noticeably weaker recoil and slightly lower point of impact. This inconsistency was a concern, as it affected my confidence in the overall reliability of the ammunition. It’s still perfectly safe, but inconsistent performance is not acceptable.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, I found the Sellier & Bellot ammunition held up reasonably well, but with some notable limitations. The brass casings showed minimal signs of deformation, suggesting decent case quality. I didn’t notice any problems with this.

Despite the decent case quality, I observed a gradual increase in fouling in my rifle’s action, requiring more frequent cleaning. Compared to premium ammunition, the Sellier & Bellot rounds seemed to burn slightly dirtier, leaving more residue behind. I always clean my rifles after use, regardless of the situation.

Maintenance was straightforward, with standard cleaning solvents effectively removing the fouling. However, the increased cleaning frequency was a minor inconvenience compared to using higher-quality ammunition. This isn’t a major deal, but it’s worth mentioning.

In comparison to my previous experiences with Federal Gold Medal Match, the Sellier & Bellot ammunition underperformed in terms of overall accuracy and consistency. While the Sellier & Bellot rounds were acceptable for practice, they lacked the pinpoint precision required for serious competition. The difference was clear between the two rounds.

Breaking Down the Features of Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sellier & Bellot. Sellier & Bellot has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable ammunition at a reasonable price, making them a popular choice for many shooters.
• Caliber: .308 Winchester. The .308 Winchester is a versatile and widely used caliber, suitable for both hunting and target shooting.
• Number of Rounds: 20. The standard box contains 20 rounds, a common quantity for target ammunition.
• Bullet Type: Boat Tail Hollow Point (BTHP). BTHP bullets are designed for enhanced accuracy and reduced drag, making them suitable for long-range shooting.
• Bullet Weight: 168 grain. The 168-grain bullet weight is a popular choice for .308 Winchester, offering a good balance of ballistic performance and manageable recoil.
• Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass cases are reloadable and provide excellent sealing properties, ensuring reliable ignition and extraction.
• Muzzle Velocity: 2628 ft/s. This muzzle velocity is standard for 168-grain .308 Winchester ammunition, providing adequate energy and trajectory for various shooting applications.
• Muzzle Energy: 2576 ft-lbs. The muzzle energy indicates the power of the round, sufficient for effective energy transfer to the target, making it suitable for hunting and target applications.
• Application: Hunting, Competition, Match. This ammunition is marketed for a range of applications, highlighting its versatility.
• Package Type: Box. The ammunition comes in a standard cardboard box, providing basic protection during storage and transportation.
• Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are reliable and consistent, ensuring proper ignition of the powder charge.
• Sectional Density: 0.253. This specification relates to the bullet’s penetration ability.
• G1 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.458. A higher G1 BC indicates better aerodynamic efficiency and reduced drag, resulting in a flatter trajectory and improved long-range performance.
• G7 Ballistic Coefficient: 0.231. The G7 BC is an alternative measure of ballistic efficiency, often considered more accurate for boat-tail bullets at longer ranges.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the ammunition’s performance in terms of accuracy, reliability, and suitability for different shooting activities. Understanding these specs helps users make informed decisions based on their specific needs and applications.

Performance & Functionality

The Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition performs adequately for general target practice but falls short of delivering match-grade precision. Its accuracy is acceptable at shorter ranges (100 yards), but groups tend to open up significantly beyond that distance. This could be difficult for some shooters.

The primary strength of this ammunition is its affordability, making it a cost-effective option for high-volume shooting. Its weakness, however, lies in its consistency, with occasional variations in powder loads affecting accuracy. These rounds are perfectly safe, but accuracy isn’t always the best.

While the Sellier & Bellot ammunition meets basic expectations for recreational shooting, it does not exceed them. Serious competitive shooters would likely find its performance lacking compared to more premium ammunition options.

Design & Ergonomics

The Sellier & Bellot ammunition features a standard design with a brass case and BTHP bullet. The build quality is generally good, with consistent dimensions and clean manufacturing. There aren’t any major problems with the design.

The ammunition’s weight and recoil are typical for .308 Winchester rounds, making it comfortable to shoot for extended periods. There is no real learning curve associated with its use, as it functions like any other centerfire rifle ammunition.

Durability & Maintenance

The Sellier & Bellot ammunition is designed for single use, but the brass cases are reloadable, extending their lifespan for those who reload their own ammunition. I would definitely recommend to reload them as the brass is perfectly fine.

As mentioned earlier, the ammunition tends to burn slightly dirtier than premium options, requiring more frequent cleaning of the firearm. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance and prevent malfunctions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ammunition itself doesn’t offer any customization options, as it’s a pre-packaged product. However, its performance can be optimized by pairing it with a suitable rifle, scope, and shooting technique. It’s best to use a good quality rifle with these.

The Sellier & Bellot ammunition is compatible with any .308 Winchester rifle designed to handle standard ammunition. There are no specific accessory requirements, but using high-quality magazines and a well-maintained firearm will enhance its reliability.

Pros and Cons of Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off?

The Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition is perfect for recreational shooters, hunters on a budget, and those engaging in high-volume training. It’s also suitable for reloaders looking for quality brass cases. Overall, this round has a large variety of use cases.

This ammunition is not ideal for competitive shooters seeking match-grade accuracy or for situations where absolute reliability is paramount. If you plan on shooting in competitions, you should consider other ammunition options.

A must-have accessory is a reliable cleaning kit to address the increased fouling associated with this ammunition. It’s worth investing in a high-quality cleaning kit to ensure a long lasting rifle.

Conclusion on Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off

The Sellier & Bellot 308 Winchester 168 Grain Hollow Point Boat Tail Rifle Ammunition SB308G 11% Off offers a compelling value proposition for shooters seeking affordable and versatile ammunition. While it may not deliver match-grade precision, its reliability and reloadable brass cases make it a solid choice for practice and recreational shooting. For these reasons, this ammo is a solid choice for practice.

The price is justified, especially with the current 11% discount, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters. It’s also good to note that this ammo can often be found on sale.

I would recommend it to those who prioritize cost-effectiveness over pinpoint accuracy, and who don’t mind cleaning their firearms a little more frequently. Give it a try and see if it fits your needs and shooting style.