Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet Review

Let’s Dive into Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet promises to extend your effective range and deliver consistent terminal performance. Marketed as a blend of bonded construction and a high ballistic coefficient, it aims to be the go-to choice for serious hunters and precision shooters alike. This review will explore whether these bullets live up to the hype through rigorous testing and firsthand experience.

I needed a bullet that could deliver reliable expansion at both close and extended ranges for whitetail hunting in varied terrain. My older .308 load, while accurate, sometimes lacked the necessary expansion on longer shots. I was hoping the Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet would solve this issue.

My first impression upon unboxing was positive; the bullets looked meticulously crafted with a clean, consistent polymer tip. The weight uniformity was immediately apparent, suggesting careful manufacturing and tight tolerances. The boat tail design looked well-formed and promised improved aerodynamics.

Compared to the Hornady ELD-X and Nosler AccuBond, the Speer Impact Bullet stood out with its unique Slipstream polymer tip and molecularly bonded jacket. I chose the Speer offering for its promise of reliable expansion at lower velocities, which is crucial for the longer shots I sometimes encounter. The price point was competitive, making it an attractive option.

My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for a do-it-all bullet that could handle both close-quarters encounters and long-range engagements. I was eager to see if the Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet could deliver on its promises of accuracy and consistent terminal performance.


Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet at my local shooting range, loading them into my Remington 700 .308 rifle. The range offered distances out to 300 yards, providing an excellent opportunity to assess accuracy and consistency. I wanted to verify the performance I was seeing in my handloads was in line with Speer’s design.

Conditions were ideal: a clear, calm day with temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. I chronographed the loads, noting a consistent velocity of around 2600 fps, slightly higher than the published data, which was a welcome surprise. The lack of wind made accuracy testing simpler and more direct.

The bullets loaded smoothly and seated consistently, indicating uniform dimensions. I found the Speer Impact bullets easy to work with during the reloading process. The consistency of the loads made my early testing more confident.

After my first few shots, I was amazed at the results, the 5-shot groups at 100 yards were consistently under 1 MOA, confirming the bullet’s excellent accuracy. I did not expect the Speer Impact to perform so well. I noted no immediate issues, and the initial results were very encouraging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, including multiple range sessions and a deer hunting season, the Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet has proven to be remarkably reliable. I’ve put over 200 rounds downrange with consistent accuracy and no failures. The bullet maintains its trajectory and integrity over the distances I have used it.

There are no signs of significant wear and tear on the bullets themselves, though the brass casings, of course, show normal signs of use. I have not had a single misfire or any issues related to bullet construction or integrity. They have been dependable and repeatable.

Cleaning the rifle after using these bullets is no different than with any other copper-jacketed projectile. Standard cleaning solvents and procedures are sufficient to remove fouling. The maintenance has been standard and easy.

In comparison to my previous go-to bullet, the Speer Impact offers superior expansion at longer ranges and comparable accuracy at shorter distances. I am confident that I have found a better performing projectile for all my uses. I have been nothing but impressed with the Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet.

Breaking Down the Features of Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet

Specifications

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet boasts a .308 caliber, making it compatible with a wide range of popular rifles. Its 172-grain weight strikes a balance between manageable recoil and sufficient downrange energy. This is a useful medium between lighter varmint rounds and heavier, longer-range options.

Its spitzer boat tail (SBT) design contributes to a higher ballistic coefficient and flatter trajectory. The SBT design helps to reduce drag, enabling the bullet to maintain velocity and resist wind drift. The sectional density of 0.259 indicates the bullet’s ability to penetrate deeply.

The bullet’s molecularly fused jacket ensures maximum weight retention upon impact, leading to deeper penetration. The molecular bonding is a significant advantage, preventing jacket separation and ensuring consistent energy transfer. The Slipstream polymer tip enhances aerodynamics and initiates expansion at lower velocities.

The hollow core further aids in expansion, allowing the bullet to open up reliably even at extended ranges. The hollow core is a thoughtful design element that contributes to the bullet’s versatility. A box contains 50 bullets, providing ample supply for reloading and practice.

These specifications matter because they directly influence the bullet’s accuracy, range, and terminal performance. The combination of high BC, bonded construction, and expansion-promoting features makes the Speer Impact a versatile and effective choice for hunting and target shooting. The overall design gives the user confidence in the field.

Performance & Functionality

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and terminal ballistics. It consistently delivers sub-MOA accuracy in my rifle, making it suitable for both hunting and precision shooting. The consistent terminal performance is just as important.

Its bonded construction ensures reliable penetration and weight retention, even on tough game. The bullet’s ability to expand at lower velocities makes it effective at longer ranges, expanding the hunter’s opportunities. The terminal performance is noticeably better than my previous projectile.

The bullet meets and often exceeds expectations, delivering consistent accuracy and reliable terminal performance across a range of distances. It’s a versatile bullet that performs well in diverse hunting scenarios. Overall, the Speer Impact is an amazing bullet.

Design & Ergonomics

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet features a streamlined spitzer boat tail design, which contributes to its high ballistic coefficient. Its molecularly bonded jacket ensures that the bullet holds together even upon impact with bone or dense tissue. The streamlined design minimizes drag and maximizes downrange energy.

The polymer tip is designed to initiate expansion at lower velocities, ensuring reliable terminal performance at longer ranges. The consistent weight and dimensions of each bullet contribute to its overall accuracy. The streamlined, advanced design makes it ergonomic for handloaders.

There is virtually no learning curve associated with using these bullets, as they load and perform similarly to other high-quality projectiles. Reloading the Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet is a breeze. The consistency in bullet dimensions ensures consistent seating depths and reliable performance.

Durability & Maintenance

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet is built to last, thanks to its molecularly fused jacket and high-quality construction. This bullet is designed to withstand the stresses of firing and impact, ensuring reliable performance. The construction will maintain its integrity for a long period of time.

The bullet itself requires no maintenance, as it is a single-use component. Standard gun cleaning practices are sufficient to maintain the rifle’s performance after using these bullets. The cleaning process is standard.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet itself doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, its performance can be enhanced with a quality scope and carefully selected reloading components. The selection of reloading components is important for optimal results.

The bullet is compatible with a wide range of reloading dies and equipment. It also works well with various .308 caliber rifles, providing versatility for shooters with different platforms. The compatibility of the bullet is excellent.

Pros and Cons of Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet

Pros

  • Exceptional Accuracy: Consistently delivers sub-MOA groups, making it suitable for both hunting and precision shooting.
  • Reliable Expansion: The Slipstream polymer tip and hollow core ensure consistent expansion at a wide range of velocities.
  • Deep Penetration: The molecularly fused jacket maximizes weight retention, leading to deep and reliable penetration.
  • High Ballistic Coefficient: The spitzer boat tail design provides a flat trajectory and minimizes wind drift.
  • Versatile Performance: Performs well on a variety of game and at various distances, making it a versatile choice for hunters.

Cons

  • Some reloaders may find the boat tail design slightly more challenging to seat perfectly straight, requiring careful attention to detail.
  • While competitively priced, it may be slightly more expensive than some bulk, non-bonded bullets.


Who Should Buy Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet?

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet is perfect for hunters who require a versatile and accurate bullet for medium to large game. It’s also an excellent choice for precision shooters who demand consistent performance and reliable expansion. This bullet is ideal for those who value a combination of accuracy, penetration, and expansion.

Hunters who primarily take shots at very close ranges (under 50 yards) might find other, less expensive bullets to be adequate. Shooters who prioritize high-volume target practice over terminal performance may also prefer cheaper options. But for long ranges this bullet delivers on its promises.

A high-quality scope with precise windage and elevation adjustments is a must-have for maximizing the accuracy potential of these bullets. A reliable chronograph is also recommended for developing accurate load data. Fine tuning your system will benefit greatly.

Conclusion on Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet

The Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet is an outstanding projectile that delivers exceptional accuracy and consistent terminal performance. Its molecularly bonded construction, Slipstream polymer tip, and spitzer boat tail design combine to create a versatile and effective bullet for a wide range of hunting and shooting applications. This bullet will provide the performance you are seeking.

The price is justified by the bullet’s exceptional performance and reliability. It’s a worthwhile investment for hunters and shooters who demand the best. You definitely get what you pay for with this bullet.

I would highly recommend the Speer Impact Bullet .308 172 Grain Rifle Bullet to anyone seeking a high-performance, accurate, and reliable bullet for their .308 rifle. If you are in need of a bullet that does it all, this is the one for you. Don’t hesitate; give the Speer Impact Bullet a try and experience the difference for yourself.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top