Hornady SST

C

cbh560

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
36   0   0
Location
Martensville, SK
I just want to see if anyone has any experience using a 95gr Hornady SST in a .243win on deer or deer-size animals. My fiance is very petite and can't shoot anything larger off hand in terms of rifle weight or recoil. I was thinking of loading up some of the SST's, but need to know how effective they will be on deer. Would you trust one to make a clean kill out to 300 yards?
 
SSTs are pretty frangible, especially at .243 speeds. I bought a bunch of 100 grain cup and core for my wifes .243, when they run out I'm either going to ise the 90 grain accubond or 85 grain tsx.
 
I shoot 150gn SSTs in 30-06 for range work and some black bears. They explode and destroy bear shoulders etc. A bit of a mess and poor penetration could be an issue. I've had better luck with GMXs staying together and expanding well.
 
Buy a box of Swift Scirocco II bullets [.243 diameter, 90 grains]
These bonded offerings are deadly on deer sized game.
Options include the 80 TTSX, 90 Accubond or the 85 Nosler Partition.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
For deer sized game I don't see the need for premium bullets. I wouldn't worry at all about using SST's on deer. If you have the time you could always test the bullet by shooting into wet news print at different distances. The test isn't neccessary as I'm sure the SST's will expand. Usually it is the concern about enough bullet strength when it comes to selecting a bullet. Again for deer I don't think it should be a concern, unless you try an unfavorable shot like shoot one length wise.
 
If you are trying to stay cheap maybe the interlock would suit your needs. Not sure off hand what they offer in that weight class for 243 but they are awesome in 257 on deer sized game. Sst bullets will work if you wait for a broadside or quartering away shot. If put in the chest if you drop the deer. A high shoulder shot or raking thru a back leg or even a briskit shot may not end well. I've tried them and found mixed results in water and pine boards. Water mushrooms them out (117gr .257) pine boards a lot of jacket pieces. Teach her to use a shooting stick or bipod. Much better results when your heart gets pounding
 
I know two guys shooting that bullet. One out of a .243 Win. and one a 6mm Rem. Many one shot kills on deer. Some exit some don't, the deer always die either way. I don't recommend it but I have seen two bull elk take a prompt dirt nap after a single 95 SST.

If you're buying factory ammo I think the Win. Super X 100 gr. power point is a tough load to beat for shooting deer. If your loading your own pick a hornady interlock or sierra gameking/pro-hunter...they'll all work well on deer. I have no experience with the 95 Nosler BT but it seems to be a well liked 6mm deer bullet as well.
 
Ive been loading 100gr interlocks for her so far. They shoot ok out of her savage, but they certainly aren't the greatest. (I think i expect to much out of our hunting rifles as I'm not happy unless I'm getting MOA or under). I think they are more than capable of taking a deer but was just curious if the SST would too frangible. I may just stick with the interlocks.

Brybenn- we've definitely been working on shooting positions. I don't personally use shooting sticks so I wouldn't be much of a teacher for that. I am however a big fan of using the natural surroundings for improvised rests and good shooting position practice
 
SST are explosive but they are more than adequate for deer-sized game. They are very inherently accurate bullet. If they shoot for you...shoot 'em and enjoy the venison.
 
cbh560 said:
Ive been loading 100gr interlocks for her so far. They shoot ok out of her savage, but they certainly aren't the greatest. (I think i expect to much out of our hunting rifles as I'm not happy unless I'm getting MOA or under). I think they are more than capable of taking a deer but was just curious if the SST would too frangible. I may just stick with the interlocks.

Brybenn- we've definitely been working on shooting positions. I don't personally use shooting sticks so I wouldn't be much of a teacher for that. I am however a big fan of using the natural surroundings for improvised rests and good shooting position practice
Click to expand...

The SST would be a step down from the interlock IMHO, especially in such a small caliber. Unless, of course, she's going to be shooting at extreme ranges.

The regular interlock is a lot tougher bullet.
 
150gr sst at 2950fps blows a hole the size of your fist easily in the boiler room of a deer. I tried a shoulder shot and it just exploded and lost the animal. If shot in the boiler room they work great.
 
cbh560 said:
Ive been loading 100gr interlocks for her so far. They shoot ok out of her savage, but they certainly aren't the greatest. (I think i expect to much out of our hunting rifles as I'm not happy unless I'm getting MOA or under). I think they are more than capable of taking a deer but was just curious if the SST would too frangible. I may just stick with the interlocks.

Brybenn- we've definitely been working on shooting positions. I don't personally use shooting sticks so I wouldn't be much of a teacher for that. I am however a big fan of using the natural surroundings for improvised rests and good shooting position practice
Click to expand...


I don't use a shooting stick but I do use a Harris bipod. 13"-24" or something like that. Ok for prone great for sitting and when folded doesn't change impact when I lean it on a tree or rock. It also gives it some forward weight for off hand shooting
 
My experience with the SST is too many fragments. Ya they drop deer but I find the silvertip a better bullet. Having said that, the GMX is awesome for Elk. They have no idea what hit them after they hit the ground and stay down.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom