Hornady SST or Interbond?
- Thread starter essquires
- Start date
- Location
- Dah Soo,ON
After having a 225 grain .338 cal IB STALL and explode on a Calf Moose shoulder joint last week, I wouldn't trust the SOB's in anything I shoot.
A few years ago I was loading for a bolt action 30-30 and wanted to try the 165 gr SST. Due to the relatively low velocity - about 2000 fps - I sent Hornady an email asking if in their opinion if the bullet would expand reliably. They answered that yes it should but that I should consider using the Interbond as they had noted that even though both bullets had the same velocity window - 2000fps to 3300 fps - that had observed the bonded bullet tended to upset easier than the SST.
I had the same bullet blow up on me last year on a 180lb deer. End weight was around 50gr if I remember right and jacket and lead went it other directions. I sent pictures of the bullets and deer to them and they said there was nothing wrong with them. I suggested they market them as a varmint bullet after they refused to offer any kind of credit.
Go with a partition or barns bullet they won't let you down.
- Location
- Dah Soo,ON
I'll drink to that. Going back to 185 TTSX's like I was running in it before. The rifle is a .338 Federal by the way.
I was shocked that a bonded core bullet exploded so violently on a wimpy Calf Moose bone. Thank god I shot him in the neck or else I'd have had a wounded animal out there in the bush, that would have weighed heavy on my mind.
The SST bullet is the best stopper at any speed, in the last 5 years all the bullets i used for me or my friend and family ( i reload minimun 1000 a year for me and else )... Everybody who hunt with my bullets and have kill an animal tell me how fast it went down, did not walk far... Those are prize bullet, i would not change except if i'd go grizzly or polar bear hunting, now i would use a dangerous game bullet construction... JP.
Thanks to all for the info. I've sent an email to Hornady asking the recommended impact velocities of both the SST and the Interbond, and a comparison of their expansion, penetration, and ballistics at different velocities. Am also interested if the crimp on the SST has an effect on ballistics. You would think that as they are in the business of selling bullets, they would post this type of basic info. Oh well. Will post their reply when avail.
Interbond are best at low speed, Hornady 8th Ed p.363
Interbond are great at low speed!
This information is taken from Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading 8th Edition Manual page 363 for 6.8 SPC commenting of 0.277 130 IB performance at low velocities (6.8 SPC only reaches 2300fps with this bullet):
"To bond the lead core to the copper jacket, heat is required. Heat used in the bonding process also anneals or softens the bullet some. Bonded bullets are some of the toughest bullets on the market, but what many fail to realize is that bonded bullets also open better at lower impact velocities. The lower impact velocities with the 6.8mm SPC are all well within the 130 grain IB bullets working range."
One important note, many 6.8 SPC hunters use Barnes TSX or Nosler Accubond and drive them at the highest possible muzzle velocity.
I looking at the 130gr InterBond because of its high BC but experience has shown that TSXs are a better solution.
Alex
Interbond are great at low speed!
This information is taken from Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading 8th Edition Manual page 363 for 6.8 SPC commenting of 0.277 130 IB performance at low velocities (6.8 SPC only reaches 2300fps with this bullet):
"To bond the lead core to the copper jacket, heat is required. Heat used in the bonding process also anneals or softens the bullet some. Bonded bullets are some of the toughest bullets on the market, but what many fail to realize is that bonded bullets also open better at lower impact velocities. The lower impact velocities with the 6.8mm SPC are all well within the 130 grain IB bullets working range."
One important note, many 6.8 SPC hunters use Barnes TSX or Nosler Accubond and drive them at the highest possible muzzle velocity.
I looking at the 130gr InterBond because of its high BC but experience has shown that TSXs are a better solution.
Alex
- Location
- Dah Soo,ON
I shot a black bear at 50 yards with a .338 Federal 200 grain Interlock this september...through and through golf ball exit hole....
strange
Solid copper for me from now on...
EDIT*** Terribly sorry, I thought for some odd reason you said a 165 Interbond...man my reading sucks...
Here's a quote from the following link. The article is quite interesting. "The accuracy of the Interbond bullet at long range is very good and equal to most match bullets that I have tested. This bullet has a very good form factor and combined with high velocity, these medium weight for caliber bullets can can get to the target with minimal required elevation. Expansion is guaranteed at anything over 1600 fps." Link here: http://www.austargets.com/Interbond.htm
All right. Here's what Hornady said, "Stability at 500yds will be the same as both bullets have the same ogive and b.c.
The SST will expand about 1500-1600fps impact and the Inerbond requires 1900-2000fps impact."
Fair enough on the expansion, but the second part doesn't make sense. Just because BC and ogive are the same, doesn't necessarily mean that other factors don't influence stability. Comments?
The SST will expand about 1500-1600fps impact and the Inerbond requires 1900-2000fps impact."
Fair enough on the expansion, but the second part doesn't make sense. Just because BC and ogive are the same, doesn't necessarily mean that other factors don't influence stability. Comments?
