First Impressions of Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet promises a blend of reliable performance and affordability, a combination that always piques my interest as both a hunter and a reloader. Speer‘s reputation for producing consistently accurate bullets across various calibers precedes them, and the Hot-Cor line is known for its controlled expansion and deep penetration, crucial for ethical and effective hunting. For someone like me, who spends a significant amount of time in the field, a bullet that performs reliably is paramount.
My quest for a dependable .303 British projectile, suitable for both target practice and medium game hunting, led me to these bullets. My old Lee-Enfield, a veteran of two world wars, demands a bullet that’s accurate and provides consistent terminal performance. I was looking for a cost-effective option that didn’t sacrifice quality, as some of the premium hunting bullets can be prohibitively expensive when loading in bulk.
The bullets arrived in a simple, no-frills box containing 100 projectiles. My initial impression was positive: they were uniformly shaped, with clean soft points and consistent jacket thickness. Compared to some bulk bullets I’ve used in the past, the Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet looked much more refined.
I considered several other options, including Hornady InterLock and Sierra GameKing bullets, but Speer‘s Hot-Cor line offered a compelling combination of price and performance. The InterLock bullets were slightly more expensive, and while Sierra GameKing bullets are known for their accuracy, some hunters have reported inconsistent expansion at lower velocities. For my intended use, the Hot-Cor seemed to strike the right balance.
Overall, my first impression was one of cautious optimism. The bullets looked well-made, and I was eager to put them to the test and see if they lived up to Speer‘s reputation.
Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, a 100-yard outdoor facility nestled in the foothills. I loaded up a batch of cartridges using a moderate charge of IMR 4064, a powder known for its consistency in the .303 British cartridge. The weather was typical for early spring, cool and breezy, with occasional gusts of wind.
The first few shots were encouraging; the recoil was manageable, and the report was consistent. I was able to quickly zero my rifle and begin focusing on group size. The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet proved to be surprisingly accurate, consistently producing groups around 1.5 inches at 100 yards.
There were no malfunctions or feeding issues during the initial testing session. The bullets seated easily and consistently during the reloading process, and I experienced no noticeable pressure signs. After only a few rounds, I felt confident in the bullet’s performance and eager to move on to more demanding testing scenarios.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the next several months, I continued to use the Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet in a variety of conditions. I took them on several hunting trips, targeting whitetail deer and wild hogs in thick brush and open fields. The bullets performed admirably, delivering consistent expansion and deep penetration on both types of game.
The bullets proved to be durable, withstanding the rigors of repeated loading and firing. I noticed no significant signs of wear and tear, even after hundreds of rounds. Cleaning and maintaining my rifle after shooting these bullets was straightforward, with minimal copper fouling in the barrel.
Compared to some of the other bullets I’ve used in the past, such as surplus FMJ ammunition, the Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet offered a significant improvement in both accuracy and terminal performance. These bullets consistently outperformed my expectations, proving to be a reliable and effective choice for both target shooting and hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet
Specifications
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is designed for use in rifles chambered in calibers that utilize a .311-inch diameter bullet, such as the .303 British, 7.7mm Japanese, and some variants of the 7.62x54R. The 150-grain weight is a popular choice for medium game, providing a good balance of velocity and energy. The spitzer soft point design enhances the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, resulting in a flatter trajectory and improved accuracy at longer ranges.
These specifications are crucial for reliable and ethical hunting. The .311 diameter ensures proper engagement with the rifling, maximizing accuracy. The 150-grain weight delivers sufficient energy for clean kills on medium-sized game. The spitzer soft point promotes rapid expansion upon impact, transferring energy efficiently and minimizing the risk of over-penetration or ricochet.
Performance & Functionality
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet excels in both accuracy and terminal performance. At the range, I consistently achieved sub-2 MOA groups with my Lee-Enfield rifle, indicating excellent consistency and precision. In the field, these bullets delivered reliable expansion and deep penetration, resulting in quick and humane kills on deer and hogs.
A notable strength of the Hot-Cor design is its controlled expansion. The molten lead core, poured directly into the jacket, ensures consistent bonding and prevents core-jacket separation upon impact. This leads to deeper penetration and more reliable energy transfer, even at lower velocities or when encountering bone. While some premium bullets may offer slightly better ballistic coefficients or expansion characteristics, the Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet features a classic spitzer soft point design that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The bullet’s profile is streamlined, minimizing drag and maximizing velocity. The soft point is cleanly formed, ensuring reliable expansion.
The bullets are easy to handle and load, thanks to their consistent dimensions and uniform shape. The build quality is excellent, with no noticeable imperfections or inconsistencies. The overall design is well-suited for both experienced reloaders and those new to the hobby.
Durability & Maintenance
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is built to last, with a robust copper jacket and a tightly bonded lead core. These bullets can withstand the stresses of repeated loading and firing without deformation or damage. Proper storage in a cool, dry place will ensure their long-term performance and reliability.
Cleaning the rifle after shooting these bullets is relatively simple, with minimal copper fouling in the barrel. Regular maintenance, including thorough cleaning and lubrication, will help to preserve the rifle’s accuracy and extend its lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is compatible with a wide range of reloading components, including various powders, primers, and cartridge cases. Reloaders can experiment with different combinations to fine-tune their loads and achieve optimal accuracy and performance. While no specific accessories are included with the bullets themselves, a quality reloading press, dies, and other reloading tools are essential for creating consistent and accurate ammunition.
The .303 British cartridge is also compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories, such as scope mounts, slings, and improved triggers. These accessories can further enhance the rifle’s accuracy, usability, and overall performance.
Pros and Cons of Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet
Pros
- Excellent accuracy: Consistently produces sub-2 MOA groups in my Lee-Enfield rifle.
- Reliable expansion and deep penetration: Delivers consistent terminal performance on medium game.
- Affordable price: Offers a great balance of performance and value.
- Consistent core-jacket bonding: Prevents core separation and ensures deeper penetration.
- Easy to reload: Consistent dimensions and uniform shape make reloading straightforward.
Cons
- May not offer the same ballistic coefficient as premium bullets.
- Soft point can be slightly deformed during loading if not handled carefully.
Who Should Buy Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet?
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is perfect for hunters who need a reliable and accurate bullet for medium game such as deer, hogs, and antelope. Reloaders looking for a cost-effective option that doesn’t sacrifice performance will also appreciate these bullets. Anyone who owns a rifle chambered in .303 British, 7.7mm Japanese, or 7.62x54R and wants a versatile bullet for both target shooting and hunting will find these bullets to be an excellent choice.
Those seeking the absolute highest ballistic coefficient or maximum expansion for specialized hunting applications might prefer premium bullets. Reloaders who are extremely sensitive to minor variations in bullet weight or shape may also opt for more expensive match-grade bullets.
A quality reloading press, dies, and other reloading tools are essential for using these bullets effectively. A chronograph can also be helpful for fine-tuning loads and optimizing performance.
Conclusion on Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet
The Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet is a solid performer that lives up to Speer‘s reputation for quality and reliability. These bullets offer an excellent balance of accuracy, terminal performance, and affordability, making them a great choice for hunters and reloaders alike. The value proposition is undeniable; you get a reliable hunting bullet without breaking the bank.
I would definitely recommend these bullets to anyone looking for a versatile and dependable .311-inch bullet for medium game hunting or target shooting. If you’re searching for a bullet that delivers consistent performance and won’t let you down in the field, give the Speer Hot-Cor .311 150 Grain Spitzer Soft Point Rifle Bullet a try. You won’t be disappointed.