204 Ruger with SBK tips melting?

[Shooter ----/]

Hi all,

I know that this was recently brought to light by Hornady but I cannot find any literature about testing 32gr SBK in the 204 Ruger and polymer tip melting. I wonder as this bullet is driven to higher speeds than most.

Having used it for some time now, I hadn’t noticed anything really out of the ordinary. I did however notice that sometimes my longer shots were misses that I couldn’t really chaulk up to wind or shooter error. I assumed it had to do with neck tension and rounds sitting reloaded for long periods of time. (I use SS pins to clean brass). Sitting here in the outrageously cold weather and watching some filmed video from this late summer, got me to pondering if melting tips maybe the cause.

Anyone come across any writings about melting tips on the SBK in any hotrod varmint cartridges?

 

[Got Juice?]

Tagged for interest. Although I have not had my VMax 40gn tips melt. Do you have links for this happening?

 

[ShawnC6]

Like melting from heating up while in flight from air resistance?

Highly doubt that...

 

[Purple shoulder]

I think the thing Hornady came up with only occurred at 500+ yards.

 

[Shooter ----/]

After watching this video, it got me thinking about the melting tips.

 

[dead meat]

I haven't seen anything on Sierra's web site about tip melting. I use the 32gr Sierra bullet in my 204 and the misses are usually my fault.

 

[Shooter ----/]

I haven't seen anything on Sierra's web site about tip melting. I use the 32gr Sierra bullet in my 204 and the misses are usually my fault.

That’s what I figured as well about mine. I know that sometimes if I put a loaded round back into the bullet seater with the stem turned down just a hair, sometimes you will hear an audible pop as the bullet / brass adhesion is broken. This is what I believe is causing my occasional stray. I did recently wonder though if it was a possibility when the bullets are driven hard.

 

[Purple shoulder]

Kinda old news and might very well be pure hype but here it is.

 

[Got Juice?]

Found a couple releases from Hornady stating that the tip distortion is only ocurring with bullets at or above .500 bc. Looks like my 204Rugers are safe.