Let’s Dive into Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet
The Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet is designed for explosive performance and excellent accuracy when targeting varmints. Speer, a well-known name in ammunition components, aims to deliver a devastating terminal effect on small game and predators with this offering. This bullet caught my eye as I’ve been looking for a lighter .308 load for coyote hunting that minimizes pelt damage while still providing a humane kill.
My go-to load for deer is a 150-grain bullet, but that’s overkill for smaller critters. I was seeking something that offered controlled expansion and reduced pass-through. Upon receiving the box, I was immediately struck by the consistent appearance of the bullets; they looked uniform and well-made. The hollow point was precisely formed, suggesting good expansion characteristics.
I was considering similar offerings from Sierra and Nosler, specifically their varmint-focused bullets in similar weights. I ultimately chose the Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet due to its reputation for reliable expansion at a more reasonable price point. I was excited to test its performance and accuracy in my hunting rifle. My initial impression was optimistic; the quality seemed high, and the design appeared well-suited to my needs.
Real-World Testing: Putting Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet at my local shooting range, primarily to assess its accuracy and develop a reliable load. I tested the rounds with my custom-built AR-10 platform rifle with a 20″ barrel. The conditions were sunny and calm, ideal for load development.
The bullets performed exceptionally well, producing consistent groupings at 100 yards. Recoil was noticeably lighter than my usual 150-grain loads, making for a more comfortable shooting experience. There were no malfunctions or issues with feeding and extraction during the range session. After the initial testing, I was confident this bullet would perform well in the field.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, primarily during coyote hunting trips, the Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet has proven to be reliable and effective. I’ve fired approximately 200 rounds with no failures to feed, fire, or eject. The bullets exhibit consistent accuracy, even in varying weather conditions.
I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the bullets themselves, but I do clean my rifle regularly after each hunting trip. Maintenance is straightforward, as these are standard jacketed bullets and don’t require any special cleaning procedures. Compared to my previous experience with heavier, less frangible bullets, the Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet delivers significantly reduced pelt damage on coyotes. This bullet has certainly exceeded my expectations for varmint hunting.
Breaking Down the Features of Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet
Specifications
The Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet is a .30 caliber projectile designed for varmint hunting. Its weight of 110 grains makes it significantly lighter than typical .308 hunting bullets, resulting in higher velocities and flatter trajectories. The jacketed hollow point (JHP) design ensures rapid expansion upon impact.
The sectional density is 0.166, indicating a relatively short bullet for its caliber, contributing to its expansion characteristics. Each box contains 100 bullets, providing enough components for reloading and load development. The bullet jacket is made of copper, ensuring proper engagement with the rifling of the barrel. These specifications are essential for optimizing accuracy, velocity, and terminal performance on varmints.
Performance & Functionality
The Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet excels in delivering rapid expansion and energy transfer on small to medium-sized varmints. Accuracy is excellent, with consistent groupings achievable at typical varmint hunting ranges. The bullet’s lighter weight results in a flatter trajectory, reducing the need for significant holdover at longer distances.
The primary strength of this bullet is its terminal performance on varmints, providing quick and humane kills. The main weakness is its limited penetration on larger game, making it unsuitable for deer or other big game species. Overall, it meets expectations for varmint hunting within its intended range and target size.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is impressive, with consistent dimensions and a precisely formed hollow point. The copper jacket is uniformly applied, ensuring proper bullet stability and accuracy. The bullet’s light weight contributes to manageable recoil, even in lightweight rifles.
There’s no learning curve associated with using these bullets; they can be loaded using standard reloading techniques and equipment. The design is simple and functional, focusing on delivering the desired terminal effect on varmints. The bullets handle well during reloading, and I have experienced no issues with seating depth or crimping.
Durability & Maintenance
The bullets themselves are durable and resistant to deformation during handling and loading. Their copper jacket protects the lead core from exposure and prevents excessive fouling in the barrel. Maintenance primarily involves cleaning the rifle barrel after use to remove any copper fouling.
With proper storage and handling, these bullets should last indefinitely. I anticipate no issues with their longevity, provided they are stored in a dry and cool environment. The robust construction ensures they can withstand typical handling and loading stresses without compromising performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet is primarily used as a component for reloading .308 Winchester cartridges. The most common customization involves selecting the appropriate powder charge and primer to achieve optimal velocity and accuracy. Reloading data is readily available from Speer and other reputable sources.
While there are no specific accessories designed exclusively for this bullet, it is compatible with a wide range of .308 Winchester rifles and reloading equipment. Careful load development is crucial to ensure optimal performance and safety. Many shooters experiment with different bullet seating depths to fine-tune accuracy.
Pros and Cons of Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy suitable for varmint hunting at typical ranges.
- Rapid expansion for humane and effective kills on varmints.
- Flatter trajectory compared to heavier .308 bullets, simplifying long-range shots.
- Reduced recoil for comfortable shooting, especially in lightweight rifles.
- Consistent performance across a variety of rifles and loads.
Cons
- Limited penetration makes it unsuitable for larger game species.
- May cause excessive damage to pelts if used on fur-bearing animals at close range with very high velocity loads.
Who Should Buy Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet?
Perfect for: Coyote hunters seeking a humane and effective load that minimizes pelt damage. Prairie dog hunters looking for explosive performance at long ranges. Reloaders who want a versatile and accurate varmint bullet.
Who should skip this product? Big game hunters targeting deer, elk, or other large animals. Shooters primarily focused on target practice or long-range precision shooting with heavier bullets.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A reliable reloading press and dies for .308 Winchester. A chronograph to measure bullet velocity and ensure consistent loads.
Conclusion on Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet
The Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet is an excellent choice for varmint hunters seeking a lightweight, accurate, and devastatingly effective projectile. Its rapid expansion and flat trajectory make it ideal for targeting coyotes, prairie dogs, and other small game. The price is justified by its consistent performance and reliability.
I would personally recommend this bullet to any reloader looking to develop a dedicated varmint load for their .308 Winchester rifle. If you’re after a bullet that delivers exceptional terminal performance on small to medium-sized varmints, the Speer Varmint .308 110 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point Rifle Bullet is a must-try. Get yours today and experience the difference!