First Impressions of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS promise controlled expansion and deep penetration, making them an intriguing choice for serious hunters. These bullets are designed to hold together on impact, ensuring maximum energy transfer and ethical kills. I was particularly drawn to the reputation of Swift bullets for their consistent performance on game.
My quest for the perfect bullet stemmed from a frustrating elk hunt last season. I experienced inconsistent performance with my existing ammunition, resulting in a wounded animal that required a difficult follow-up. I needed a bullet that could deliver reliable performance on tough game at varying distances.
Upon receiving the Swift A-Frame bullets, I was immediately struck by their classic semi-Spitzer profile. The exposed lead tip appeared soft enough for reliable expansion, while the jacket seemed robust enough to withstand high-velocity impacts. The bullets felt substantial and well-made, instilling confidence in their potential performance.
Compared to other 6.5mm bullets I’ve used, like the Hornady ELD-X and Nosler Partition, the A-Frame visually conveys a greater emphasis on penetration. While the ELD-X prioritizes long-range accuracy and rapid expansion, and the Partition offers a dual-core design for weight retention, the A-Frame seems purpose-built for controlled expansion and deep penetration. I chose these over the others because I was willing to trade some long-range ballistic coefficient for terminal performance up close.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The design and reputation of the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS suggested a high-performing hunting bullet, but real-world performance would ultimately determine its worth. Only the range and the hunt would reveal if they could live up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Swift A-Frame bullets was at my local shooting range, preparing for the upcoming deer season. I mounted a new scope on my 6.5 Creedmoor rifle and wanted to zero it with the ammunition I planned to use on the hunt. The range offered distances out to 300 yards, allowing me to test the bullet’s accuracy at typical hunting ranges.
The Swift A-Frame bullets performed exceptionally well in relatively dry conditions. I experienced consistent groupings at 100, 200, and 300 yards after determining my specific load. The bullets exhibited no noticeable issues with feeding or extraction in my rifle.
The only minor issue I encountered was a slightly sticky bolt lift when using a near-maximum powder charge, suggesting that I was approaching the pressure limits for my rifle with this particular load. I reduced the powder charge slightly to alleviate this issue and maintained excellent accuracy. This suggests that the bullets will perform best if you use the suggested parameters from Swift Bullet Company.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including extensive range sessions and a successful deer hunt, the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS have proven to be remarkably reliable. They consistently deliver tight groupings and predictable terminal performance. There is little to no variance in performance.
The bullets have shown no signs of wear and tear, even after being stored in my ammunition pouch for extended periods. The copper jacket remains intact and the lead tip shows no signs of deformation. The build quality makes them very durable.
Maintaining the ammunition is simple; I just ensure they are stored in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. I’ve found them to be significantly more consistent than some of the cheaper factory ammunition I’ve used in the past. Overall, the Swift A-Frame bullets have exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and consistency, making them a staple in my hunting ammunition selection.
Breaking Down the Features of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS
Specifications
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS are designed for 6.5mm (.264 caliber) rifles, a popular choice for both target shooting and hunting. These bullets are known for their controlled expansion and deep penetration capabilities. The specific weight of the bullet will vary depending on the specific offering from Swift.
The bullets feature a Spitzer-type bullet profile, contributing to a higher ballistic coefficient compared to round-nose bullets, but not as high as a boat-tail. The copper jacket ensures controlled expansion and minimizes fragmentation, contributing to deeper penetration and more ethical kills. The “AFSS” designation refers to the A-Frame Soft Spitzer design.
These specifications are critical for hunters because they directly impact the bullet’s flight characteristics and terminal performance. The Spitzer profile contributes to flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift. The bonded core and thick copper jacket are essential for ensuring the bullet holds together upon impact, maximizing energy transfer and preventing over-expansion, which is vital for taking down large game animals.
Performance & Functionality
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS excel in delivering consistent accuracy and reliable terminal performance. I’ve achieved sub-MOA groupings with these bullets in my custom rifle, attesting to their inherent accuracy. They perform as intended for taking ethical shots.
The major strength of these bullets lies in their ability to penetrate deeply and expand reliably, even on tough game like elk and bear. The robust construction ensures that the bullet holds together, even after striking bone, minimizing the risk of fragmentation and maximizing the chances of a quick, clean kill. While the ballistic coefficient is not the highest in its class, the terminal performance more than compensates for this minor shortcoming.
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS exceed my expectations for a hunting bullet, delivering a combination of accuracy, penetration, and expansion that inspires confidence in the field. The consistency is a great feature.
Design & Ergonomics
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS feature a classic Spitzer design with a soft lead tip, optimized for controlled expansion. The bullets are constructed with a heavy copper jacket bonded to a lead core. The weight is substantial, reflecting the quality of the materials used.
The bullets are user-friendly in the sense that they load easily into magazines and feed reliably in most rifles chambered for 6.5mm cartridges. There is no learning curve associated with using these bullets, assuming one has basic reloading knowledge. It is recommended that you follow standard reloading procedures.
Durability & Maintenance
Given their robust construction with a thick copper jacket and bonded lead core, the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS are expected to last for many years if stored properly. They show no signs of degradation over time, unlike some cheaper bullets that can corrode or deform. You can have peace of mind when storing these.
Maintaining these bullets is straightforward. Simply store them in a dry, cool place to prevent corrosion. The high-quality construction means that they are unlikely to require any special handling or maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS do not come with any accessories, as they are simply bullets intended for reloading. However, reloaders can customize their loads by selecting different powders, primers, and cartridge cases to optimize performance in their specific rifles.
The bullets are compatible with a wide range of 6.5mm rifles and can be used with various reloading dies and equipment from different brands. This flexibility allows shooters to tailor their ammunition to their specific needs and preferences.
Pros and Cons of Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS
Pros
- Exceptional terminal performance with controlled expansion and deep penetration.
- Consistent accuracy making them suitable for precision shooting and hunting.
- Robust construction ensuring reliable performance on tough game.
- High-quality materials guaranteeing durability and longevity.
- Versatile suitable for a variety of 6.5mm rifles and hunting applications.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to some other hunting bullets.
- Ballistic coefficient is not the highest requiring more precise range estimation at longer distances.
Who Should Buy Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS?
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS are perfect for serious hunters who prioritize reliable terminal performance and ethical kills on medium to large game. These bullets are ideally suited for hunting elk, deer, bear, and other similarly sized animals. They will perform well under these circumstances.
Hunters who prioritize long-range accuracy above all else may want to consider other bullet options with higher ballistic coefficients. The bullets are a great option when you need reliability and deep penetration.
A quality reloading setup, including a reliable reloading press, accurate powder scale, and appropriate reloading dies, is a must-have accessory for maximizing the performance of these bullets. It is a solid foundation to build on.
Conclusion on Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS
The Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS are an excellent choice for hunters seeking reliable terminal performance and ethical kills. Their controlled expansion, deep penetration, and consistent accuracy make them a worthwhile investment for serious hunters. I highly recommend them.
While the price point is higher than some other hunting bullets, the performance and reliability justify the cost. These bullets are a great value and would be a great addition to any hunter’s arsenal.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Swift Bullet Company A-Frame Rifle Bullets 6.5mm .264 AFSS to any hunter seeking a premium bullet that delivers consistent results in the field. Invest in your success and choose Swift.