Speer Grand Slam bullets

[Potashminer]

Does anyone know if it is possible to identify "older" ones with the dual cores, from the "newer" ones made by HotCor technology??

I have a number of them - some are in sealed boxes - some sealed boxes clearly show the "HotCor" flame symbol, some newer boxes bought from retailer in past year do not. My Speer #14 Reloading Manual (published 2007) refers to "originals" made with dual core, but "current" ones made with HotCor process. (p.23)

So, short of sawing them apart, is there a way to identify which they are, from exterior of bullet, or sealed package??

 

[CranePete]

Maybe drop a note to Speer asking if there was a lot number cut-off ?

 

[Potashminer]

Not so worried about ID in a sealed box - but Internet sources provide opened boxes of varying counts, and always wondered if they are actually all the same - I do weigh loose ones, and a quick visual - so crimping grooves look correct (look the same), and little "GS" stamped in the bottom of bullet, but no real idea of any other external visually identifiable characteristic?? Have found .277" bullets in sealed .284" boxes, so long ago started to verify what I am handling. The above mentioned write up in Speer manual #14 says their .243 and .257 Grand Slam never did have the dual core, so my question not really applicable to those smaller diameters. I am gathering a stash of .308" 180 grain.

 

[Ruger007]

No the 243 100gr never did have the dual core. But having shot both of the old dual core and single core 180gr 308. I can say that the newer version is quite a bit more accurate. The dual cores had a harder lead in the end. Which sometimes wasn't centered and concentric. Being a bit heavier lead caused accuracy issues.

They have a slightly thicker jacket than the regular hot cores. With a protected point. Which i found nice as sometimes you drop one and get dinged up.

I see the original intent was to make a budget style partition. Which was accomplished with the original to some aspect.
But since the change they are really no different than the spitzer hot cores. Not to be confused at all with the speer boat tails which are a standard cup and core style.

But as for being able to tell apart. Speer would be the one to talk to. Prehaps a lot number.

My favorite was the old 225gr 338 grand slam.

 

[Potashminer]

I have used Speer HotCor 165 in a 308 Win (2,800 fps) since late 70's/early 80's after a Sierra 165 came completely apart hitting white tail bone. Sierras were very accurate, but I wanted something to hunt with. Since the change over, I, and now my son, have taken many dozens whitetail and mule deers, and two elk with that 308 Win Model 70 and Speer 165 Hot Cor - no complaints at all! Was hoping the heavier Grand Slam jacket would give similar performance with 180 grain at 308 Norma and 300 Win Mag velocities.

Hard for a one or two deer a year, then one elk out of three draw years hunter to develop valid bullet performance comparisons - too many "examples of one". When my son "inherited" my 308 Win, I bought a Ruger #1 in 7x57 - loaded up 150 Partitions to similar speed and so far, have had no reason to change that either.